Air Line Pilots Association’s Post

Experts from around the globe gathered in Washington, DC, earlier this week for our 68th Air Safety Forum. With the theme "Moving Forward Together," the four-day conference offered unmatched discussions on critical topics facing not just the piloting profession but the entire industry. Read the highlights: https://bit.ly/3TvOLB8 #ALPAASF #AviationSafety

Today, at our 68th Air Safety Forum, we honored the crews of Alaska Airlines Flight 1282 and FedEx Express Flight 1432 and recognized their heroic actions that saved the lives of hundreds of passengers. When faced major in-flight challenges, these crews led by example and exemplified determination and courage. The crew of Alaska Airlines Flight 1282 is being awarded the ALPA’s Superior Airmanship Award in recognition of the skill and professionalism demonstrated when their aircraft experienced rapid depressurization caused by the left mid exit door plug blowing out. The captain and First Officer Emily Wiprud relied on their extensive training and experience, responded promptly to the in-flight emergency, and safely returned the damaged aircraft with all passengers and crews alive. Captain Hugo Carvajal and First Officer Robert Bradeen Jr. were awarded the Superior Airmanship Award for their extraordinary execution of a go-around that avoided a collision with another aircraft taking off on the same runway. The crew of FedEx Express Flight 1432 maintained vigilance and responded immediately to an extremely dangerous startle event, relying on their extensive training and experience to avert disaster. “These events make crystal clear how critically important is that we maintain the two-pilot standard that we currently have here in the United States. It’s helped lead to the safest skies in the world,” said Capt. Jason Ambrosi, our president. “Remarkably, some corporate special interests are pushing to change that standard and lower the safety bar by allowing commercial flights to operate with only one pilot. This is a dangerous idea, and ALPA is committed to fighting it at every step of the way. We’ve learned the hard way that putting profit ahead of safety is never a good idea, and that’s why we must all join together to stop this bad idea from ever seeing the light of day.” #SafetyStartsWith2 #Aviation #Flight

The second and final day of our #ALPAASF public sessions has begun! Head to our Twitter (ALPAPilots) for another day of coverage or tune in to our live broadcast on alpa.org to see the informative panel discussions and keynote speakers.

Today, as the United States paid respects to those who perished on 9/11, we kicked off our annual Air Safety Forum and reiterated our commitment to ensuring the highest level of aviation safety through the presence of two highly trained pilots on every flight. Opening keynote Michael Whitaker, the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) Administrator, also expressed his unequivocal support for requiring two pilots on the flight deck, which is a critical endorsement as a foreign aircraft manufacturer works to remove the most important safety feature on any flight—the pilots—from the flight deck. “Airline pilots know better than anyone that things can—and do—go wrong on any flight, and at any time. We are trained and ready to address any issue in flight from an engine fire to an automation failure. It’s at least two pilots on the flight deck at all times that make the difference to ensure the safety of those onboard,” said Capt. Jason Ambrosi, our president. “There are a million ways having fewer pilots on the flight deck could go wrong, and each one of them could cause an airline tragedy the likes of which the United States has been spared for over a decade and a half.” Ambrosi went on to point out that line operational safety audit data shows that aircraft malfunction on 20 percent of flights, yet because airline pilots are on the flight deck—ready to save the day—there is a safe outcome 99.9994 percent of the time. During a discussion between Ambrosi and Administrator Whitaker, the FAA leader reaffirmed the regulator’s commitment to ensuring two pilots on the flight deck. “I couldn’t agree more—two well-trained, well-rested pilots in the flight deck is a key pillar of safety. It is the law of the land, and I intend for it to stay the law. We have been engaging more with the European Union Aviation Safety Agency and will be engaging on a quarterly basis so this issue will remain front and center,” said Whitaker. In addition to honoring outstanding contributions by pilots in aviation safety, security, pilot assistance, and jumpseating, ALPA’s forum also featured panels of subject-matter experts who led thoughtful and engaging discussions regarding long-standing and emerging issues in key areas related to safety. #SafetyStartsWith2 #Aviation #NeverForget911