Release #12.24
May 9, 2012
Pilots Applaud Congressional Efforts to
Maintain FFDO Funding
Federal Flight Deck Officer Program Highly Cost-Effective Component of
Aviation Security
WASHINGTON – Capt. Lee Moak, president of the Air Line Pilots Association, Int’l (ALPA), issued the following statement regarding the U.S. House Appropriations Committee’s Homeland Security Subcommittee’s action to reject a proposed budget cut and sustain funding at the current level in the fiscal year 2013 budget for the Federal Flight Deck Officer (FFDO) program. Currently, the FFDO program fiscal year 2012 funding is $25 million. President Obama has proposed to cut the program’s funding by $13 million in his fiscal year 2013 budget.
“We applaud the House Homeland Security Appropriations Subcommittee, and the leadership of Chairman Robert Aderholt, for their commitment to the Federal Flight Deck Officer program and to advancing aviation security by protecting the program’s funding in the 2013 budget.
“The FFDO program is a proven and cost-effective component of transportation security in this country and has often been praised by the Transportation Security Administration for the additional layer of protection it brings to air transportation. Through this essential security program, thousands of fully trained and deputized ALPA and other professional pilot volunteers are positioned to secure the nation’s airline flight decks and protect airline passengers, crews, and cargo.
“Nearly a decade ago, ALPA helped to lead the development and implementation of the FFDO program, and we are dedicated to ensuring its success to the benefit of all who depend on secure air transportation. We applaud the subcommittee’s leadership and commitment and will continue to press for robust funding of the FFDO program.”
Founded in 1931, ALPA is the world’s largest pilot union, representing more than 53,000 pilots at 37 airlines in the United States and Canada. Visit the ALPA website at www.alpa.org.
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CONTACT: ALPA Media, 703/481-4440 or media@alpa.org