Release #11.25
August 18, 2011

Capt. Bob Hesselbein Receives ALPA’s Aviation Security Award
Madison, Wisc., Pilot Recognized for Excellence

WASHINGTON—The Air Line Pilots Association, Int’l (ALPA), will recognize Capt. Bob Hesselbein, a Delta Air Lines pilot, with its 2010 Aviation Security Award for his exemplary efforts to advance aviation security. The award, which is the Association’s highest aviation security honor, will be presented today during ALPA’s 57th Air Safety Forum in Washington, D.C.

“In the years since the 9/11 terrorist attacks, the U.S. airline industry has made significant progress in enhancing aviation security with the dedicated goal of protecting passengers, crews, and cargo,” said Capt. Lee Moak, ALPA’s president. “Capt. Hesselbein has played a key role in galvanizing congressional, industry, and regulatory support for a wide range of important aviation security initiatives.”

In 1986, Capt. Hesselbein joined ALPA as a pilot for Northwest Airlines. He became chairman of the Northwest Airlines pilot group’s Security Committee and created a team charged with prioritizing security issues and emphasizing strong liaison with airline security partners and law enforcement. Recognizing that communication is a vital part of security awareness, Capt. Hesselbein established user-friendly reporting systems and produced a range of informational publications.

In 2005, Capt. Hesselbein was selected to lead ALPA’s newly restructured National Security Committee. During his tenure, the Association’s annual security training seminar in Washington, D.C., grew to become a leading international aviation security event.

Among his achievements, Capt. Hesselbein researched and designed a comprehensive crewmember checklist that allows pilots and cabin crewmembers to identify and address a host of potential chemical and biological weapon threats.

As ALPA’s National Security Committee chairman, Capt. Hesselbein also began an initiative called Threatened Airspace Management (TAM), which is aimed at modifying the air traffic control procedures used during any type of security-related event involving airborne aircraft. He held meetings with numerous government and industry personnel on this topic and raised awareness among stakeholders about the need to prepare for the unexpected.

During four years as chairman, Capt. Hesselbein strengthened ties to governmental agencies responsible for air transportation security. His attention to communications was an important catalyst for aviation security improvements. He successfully championed the use of a range of communications vehicles—from ALPA member publications to outreach to the news media—to advocate for awareness and security enhancements.
“Over his long career, Capt. Hesselbein has served as a powerful advocate for effective and efficient aviation security initiatives that help safeguard the global airline industry,” concluded Capt. Moak. “His leadership stands out, and I am pleased to present Capt. Hesselbein with ALPA’s 2010 Aviation Security Award.”

Founded in 1931, ALPA is the world’s largest pilots union, representing more than 53,000 pilots at 39 airlines in the United States and Canada.

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CONTACT: ALPA Media, 703/481-4440, or media@alpa.org