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Official Journal of the Air Line Pilots Association, International

Air Line PilOt

November 2015

StoppingLaser Attacks Page 21

FedEx, Sun Country Pilots Approve Tentative Agreements Page 12

ALSO IN THIS ISSUE:» ALPA Testifies

Before Congress on UAS page 32

» What to Know About Hypertension page 30

» Endeavor Air Pilot Moonlights in the NFL page 34

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November 2015 Air Line Pilot » 3

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NOVEMBER2015CONTENTSVOLUME 84, NUMBER 9

COMMENTARY5 OUR UNIONDemocracy Is the Core of Discovery

6 WEIGHING INPreparing for ALPA’s Tomorrow

FEATURES21 STOPPING LASER ATTACKS ON AIRCRAFT: NO SHOT IN THE DARK

24 ALPA PILOTS TAKE PART IN FIRST-EVER GLOBAL GIRLS IN AVIATION DAY

27 EIGHTH GRADER TAKES ON OPEN SKIES

DEPARTMENTS7 PREFLIGHT

29 ALPA@WORKRoundtable Gives Pilots Chance to Share Negotiating Experience, Knowledge

30 HEALTH WATCHChoosing the Right Blood Pressure Meds

32 FROM THE HILLALPA Tells Congress UAS Need Greater Oversight

34 OUR STORIESEndeavor Air Pilot Makes His Mark in the NFL

36 THE LANDINGBusiest Airports in the United States and Canada

38 WE ARE ALPAALPA Resources and Contact Numbers

ABOUT THE COVERA Sun Country B-737NG on final approach to St. Maarten. Photo courtesy of F/O Jim Corbo (Sun Country).

Download a QR reader to your smartphone, scan the code, and read the magazine.

Air Line Pilot (ISSN 0002-242X) is pub lished monthly except for combined January/Feb-ruary and June/July issues by the Air Line Pilots Association, Inter national, affiliated with AFL-CIO, CLC. Editorial Offices: 535 Herndon Parkway, PO Box 1169, Herndon, VA 20172-1169. Telephone: 703-481-4460. Fax: 703-464-2114. Copyright © 2015—Air Line Pilots Association, Inter national, all rights reserved. Publica tion in any form without permission is prohibited. Air Line Pi-lot and the ALPA logo Reg. U.S. Pat. and T.M. Office. Federal I.D. 36-0710830. Periodicals postage paid at Herndon, VA 20172, and additional offices.

Postmaster: Send address changes to Air Line Pilot, PO Box 1169, Herndon, VA 20172-1169.Canadian Publications Mail Agreement #40620579

Canada Post: Return undeliverables to P.O. Box 2601, 6915 Dixie Rd, Mississauga, ON L4T 0A9.

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Air Line Pilot Feature Article » TITLE HERE

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Beyond the PageLook for these icons throughout the magazine to get access to even more information, including additional content, videos, and audio clips—or to get feedback on a question.

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Disclaimer: The descriptions of the Air Line Pilots Association PAC are not a solicitation to contribute to the PAC. Only ALPA members, ALPA executives, senior administrative and professional staff personnel, and their immediate family members living in the same household are eligible to contribute to ALPA-PAC. ALPA-PAC maintains and enforces a policy of refusing to accept contributions from any other source. ALPA members may learn more about ALPA-PAC and about contributing to ALPA-PAC by entering the members-only portion of www.alpa.org.

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November 2015 Air Line Pilot » 5

OurUnion

Democracy Is the Core of Discovery

O n Nov. 24, 1805, after crossing the North American continent to reach the Pacific Ocean, Lewis and Clark’s Corps

of Discovery was in search of a site for winter encampment. Three locations held both prom-ise and peril. The over-winter site was crucial––for every individual in the corps, the resources that might or might not be available there could mean life or death.

To make the decision, Lewis and Clark took a remarkable action—they called on every individual in the corps’ diverse membership to vote, regardless of race or gender. For what was a military expedition, holding a vote was ex-ceptional. Given the times, ensuring that every member had a voice was extraordinary.

The vote marked a reflection of the new country’s commitment to democracy, but it was also a tribute to the deep respect that the Corps of Discovery members held for one another. Crossing an uncharted continent and enduring enormous physical hardship necessitated—and inspired—an exceptional team.

At ALPA, democratic principles and ex-ceptional teamwork mark our every action. Through it, we are able to discover new infor-mation, forge new strategies, and achieve even more to advance our industry and our mem-bers’ interests.

This month, democracy is front and center in both the United States and Canada. In the United States, the FAA’s current reauthoriza-tion has been extended until March 31, 2016––ALPA pilots and staff are pressing hard for lawmakers to pass a robust safety bill by that deadline. The off-year national election just took place, and the 2016 presidential election is on the horizon.

In October, Canadian citizens voted in a new government. ALPA looks forward to introduc-ing the Liberal Party to ALPA’s pilot-partisan agenda, including action on flight- and duty-time regulations, the Temporary Foreign Worker Program, and reporting requirements

for unions.In this edition, ALPA highlights our elected

representatives’ responsibility to listen to their constituents as part of the democratic equation. We report on Nick Morgan, the 13-year-old son of F/O Suzie Morgan (United), who came to Washington, D.C., to talk with his congressman about the U.S. Open Skies policy. He spoke with Rep. Dana Rohrabacher (R-Calif.) about the cur-rent problems with the U.S. Open Skies agree-ments with the United Arab Emirates and Qatar and the need for the U.S. government to enforce the agreement by opening consultations. Please turn to page 27 to read more and, if you haven’t already, join the fight to save airline jobs by visiting ALPA’s website.

We have also seen democracy in action as the hallmark of our union’s representation and governance. Earlier this year, 95 percent of Vir-gin America pilots participated in the vote with 75 percent voting for ALPA representation—one of the highest counts in ALPA history.

Since January, our members have ratified five tentative agreements. ALPA’s leaders at these pilot groups are to be congratulated for their dedication and drive at the bargaining table and for capitalizing on their union’s resources and expertise through road shows, economic analysis, and communications.

ALPA pilots have also voted down several tentative agreements this year. It’s our union leaders’ job to listen carefully to the reasons for dissent and use it to discover new ways to help our pilot group leaders achieve their members’ goals. As with the Corps of Discovery, unity going in, unity throughout, and unity in the end will lead to the productive discussion of the pros and cons that is essential to moving forward.

While the Lewis and Clark expedition was not without controversy then or now, the vote to winter on the south side of the Columbia River proved pivotal. It resulted in the safe re-turn of the team of explorers and the reporting of new discoveries.

For ALPA, democracy lies at the core of discovery.

Capt. Tim Canoll, ALPA President

6 » Air Line Pilot November 2015

“Today, our union is in its best financial shape in more than a decade.”

Preparing for ALPA’s TomorrowBy Capt. Randy Helling, ALPA Vice President– Finance/Treasurer

I ’m pleased to report that ALPA continues to successfully manage its operating margins. In reviewing the union’s year-to-date financial

performance, its projected dues income for 2016, and its recently reduced exposure to risk from liti-gation, it’s clear to me that we’ve put our financial house in order. ALPA continues to pursue a fully packed agenda of contract negotiations and en-forcement, aviation safety and security advocacy, and a host of other related endeavors, all while keeping its finances in the black.

I recently told ALPA’s Executive Board that if this sounds like a broken record from my other recent communications, allow me to point out that I would much rather restate this message than have to repeat phrases like “reengineering the union,” “tightening our belts,” and “shrinking our financial footprint.” It wasn’t that long ago that I was compelled to echo these sentiments, over and over again, during ALPA’s more trying times. Today, our union is in its best financial shape in more than a decade.

Having said this, I feel obligated to point out that the Association’s financial turnabout didn’t simply happen. ALPA’s pilot groups committed themselves to live within their budgets and focus on core priorities. Master and local executive council officers demonstrated financial disci-pline while still authorizing the resources neces-sary to provide our members with the products and services they have come to expect and de-serve. This prudence, matched with an element of foresight, enabled our organization to succeed during both bear and bull market economies.

Looking forward, ALPA’s Executive Coun-cil has approved a 2016 budget based on an estimated $143.2 million in revenue. This figure constitutes a 5.75 percent increase over the total allotted for 2015, and ALPA pilot decision-makers sensibly decided that this surplus should be used to reinvest in the long-term health and welfare of the Association. This reinvestment includes three principal components.

First, ALPA is recapitalizing its Major Con-tingency Fund (MCF), bankrolling $1.6 million in 2016. This year, the MCF Review Committee

examined and made recommendations on the operations and size of the fund to ensure its viability for near-term needs and for future generations of airline pilots.

Secondly, ALPA is allocating $1.1 million to its wholly owned captive insurance company, Kitty Hawk. Established in 1991, Kitty Hawk provides insurance and reinsurance coverage for the Association related to fiduciary obligations for ALPA benefit plans as well as professional services, employment practices, and duty-of-fair-representation matters.

Kitty Hawk is an essential element of ALPA’s risk-management program, acting as a safety net to protect Association resources from litigation exposure.

Finally, ALPA’s leaders recognize the need to upgrade the union’s supporting infrastructure. Through Project AMBER, ALPA is modernizing its 20-year-old piecemeal software and data-storage network. Updates have not always been practical because of periods of financial challenge.

Project AMBER is being implemented in stages, and we look forward to “going live” with the core elements of the new system during the summer of 2016. The first phase of this infrastructural renovation will address ALPA’s Finance and Membership Departments systems, along with an upgrade to the Infor expense-reimbursement program.

In due course, AMBER will enable the various components of ALPA’s infrastructure to interact more effectively while providing the network with a greater level of security. Most important-ly, our members and pilot volunteers will have access to more of the information they need.

For nearly 85 years, ALPA leaders have demonstrated that they are both pragmatic and forward thinking, acknowledging that periodic downturns in the airline industry are inevitable. The union’s long-term strategic plan takes into consideration these cycles, helping to insulate the union from these fluctuations so that ALPA members can better focus on organizational priorities. With this kind of sound financial plan-ning, the Air Line Pilots Association, Internation-al is better prepared to face future obstacles and uphold its legacy as the largest and most influen-tial airline pilots organization in the world.

WeighingIn

November 2015 Air Line Pilot » 7

> DOMESTIC NEWS � Per the Los Angeles Times,

U.S. and Cuban officials have been discussing po-tentially resum-ing regular airline flights between the two countries. Ameri-can, JetBlue, and Spirit would likely be among the first airlines to sched-ule flights when restrictions are lifted.

� According to The Hill, the FAA missed the September 30 deadline that Congress set for the agency to approve

regulations for the use of un-manned aircraft systems

(UAS) in U.S. air-space. An FAA

spokesperson acknowl-

edged, “Our main, overriding

goal is safety,” adding that final rules for UAS should

be in place “late next spring.”

� On October 6, the FAA announced a proposed $1.9 million civil penalty against unmanned aircraft system (UAS) operator SkyPan International, Inc. The agency

alleges that between March 21, 2012, and Dec. 15, 2014, SkyPan conducted 65 unau-thorized UAS operations in some of the most congested U.S. airspace and heavily populated cities, violating airspace regulations and operating rules. SkyPan has 30 days after receiving the FAA’s enforcement letter to respond to the agency.

� The U.S. Department of Transportation’s Bureau of Transportation Statistics reported in late September that U.S. scheduled pas-senger airlines reported an after-tax net profit of $5.5 billion in the second quarter of 2015, up from $3.1 billion in the first quarter of 2015 and up from $3.6 billion in

the second quarter of 2014.

� The Los Angeles Times reported that Delta Air Lines is offering its corporate business travelers credits for flights if its two largest competitors, United Airlines and American Airlines, post better on-time performance rates and fewer cancellations for a calendar year.

> INTERNATIONAL NEWS

� USA Today reported that an International Civil Avia-tion Organization committee has recommended delaying until 2018 a requirement that airlines track planes flying over large bodies of water every 15 minutes. The Ph

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Please remember to adhere to FARs or CARs and company policy, including regulations regarding

using personal wireless devices in the cockpit, when taking photos.

WANTED:

Your Photos for Our Annual Photography IssuePlease send us your photos of airplanes, airports, pilots, and anything else you see during your flight. Submit your high-quality prints from a developer or high-resolution digital images from your DSL, etc., to Communications@alpa.org by November 9 for possible use in our December issue.

Tell us who you are, who you fly for, the names of the pilots in your photos, and what we’re looking at.

Increase your odds of getting the coveted cover shot: Turn your camera sideways and take a vertical shot.

2715_ALPphotoSubmissionAd_halfpg.indd 1 10/16/2015 10:43:55 AM

Airline Industry News

8 » Air Line Pilot November 2015

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» Front Lines

committee said the require-ment would place “unrealistic operational burden,” on airlines.

� Reuters reported that Air France announced plans to cut 2,900 jobs by 2017, including 300 pilots, 900 flight attendants, and 1,700 ground staff. The airline also plans to cancel its B-787 orders. The airline says the cuts are a result of increasing competition from Persian Gulf carriers and budget airlines within Europe.

� CNN reported that the pilot of Air Canada Flight 85 from Tel Aviv, Israel, to Toronto, Canada, diverted the flight to Frankfurt, Germany, in mid-September to save the life of a passenger’s French bulldog, which was traveling in the cargo hold, after a heat-ing system malfunctioned. “As soon as the crew became aware of the temperature issue, the captain grew right-fully concerned for the dog’s comfort and well-being,” said an Air Canada spokesperson.

� Reuters reported that Airbus Group opened its first U.S. plant on September 14 in Mobile, Ala. The $600 million site will be a final as-sembly destination primarily for the A321, Airbus’s largest single-aisle jet.

� Global News Canada reported that Canadian North recently donated a retired B-737 to Edmonton Interna-tional Airport (EIA) to use for training. The EIA fire chief acknowledged that the air-port’s emergency responders are fortunate because very few Canadian airports have an actual airplane to use for training.

\ Canoll Talks Pilot Pay Shortage with Industry ExecutivesOn September 28, Capt. Tim Canoll, ALPA’s president,

highlighted the current pilot pay shortage as a major threat to the airline industry before a crowd of aviation executives at A4A’s annual Commercial Aviation Industry Summit. As a featured panel-ist along with Alaska Airlines CEO Brad Tilden, JetBlue Airways CEO Robin Hayes, and Southwest Airlines CEO Gary Kelly, Canoll discussed, among other topics, the long-range problem caused by low pilot wages and benefits at some regional carriers.

Canoll noted, “We have to look at training costs and find a career path that makes economic sense and encourages young people to invest the time and resources needed to become an airline pilot. This issue is looming on the horizon, and we need to address it now.”

\ ALPA Takes Part in CAPA’s World Aviation SummitOn October 8, Capt. Rick Dominguez (Delta), ALPA’s

EXECUTIVE BOARD CONVENES, WELCOMES VIRGIN AMERICA PILOTSALPA’s Executive Board assembled for its 117th regular meeting on October 21–22 to review projects and policies and discuss recommenda-tions for the Association’s future. As the meet-ing’s first order of business, the board heard national officers’ reports.

In his opening remarks, Capt. Tim Canoll, ALPA’s president, welcomed ALPA’s newest pi-lot group, saying, “Ninety-five percent of Virgin America pilots participated in the vote, with 75 percent voting for ALPA representation.” He noted that the election had “one of the highest counts in ALPA history.” Canoll also commend-ed the pilots for conducting an outstanding membership drive, currently at a 95 percent participation rate.

Capt. Joe DePete, ALPA’s first vice presi-dent, delivered the Association’s Air Safety Organization update, highlighting projects like ALPA’s participation in the Pilot Fitness Aviation Rulemaking Committee. Capt. Bill Couette, ALPA’s vice president–administration/secretary, reviewed several of the Association’s member service improvements, including the new elec-tronic membership card and recent updates to the Association’s website. Capt. Randy Helling,

ALPA’s vice president–finance/treasurer, out-lined how the union is recapitalizing its Major Contingency Fund and reinvesting in ALPA’s wholly owned insurance company, Kitty Hawk.

Former U.S. Trade representative Ambassa-dor Charlene Barshefsky spoke to the Executive Board about the status of Open Skies discus-sions with the United Arab Emirates and Qatar. Board members also received a briefing from Capt. Don Wykoff (Delta), ALPA’s Flight Time/Duty Time Committee chairman, about en-hancements to the Association’s FAR Part 117 app. During the meeting, United Airlines pilots received the 2015 J.J. O’Donnell Trophy for placing the most emphasis on increasing ALPA-PAC participation among member pilot groups.

Between plenary sessions, board members broke into four delegate committees to review member resolutions and continue the Associa-tion’s strategic planning process.

Front Lines

November 2015 Air Line Pilot » 9

executive administrator, participated on a panel titled “Productivity in the Airline In-dustry” at the Centre for Avia-tion (CAPA) World Aviation Summit in Helsinki, Finland. He was joined by manage-ment and labor representa-tives, including Martin Chalk, president of the International Federation of Air Line Pilots’ Associations.

The panel addressed a wide range of challenges that labor and management are facing as a result of the competition in the international market-place. In response to a ques-tion about whether current labor laws stand in the way of realizing productivity gains, Dominguez gave several examples of where U.S. pilot groups reached agreements that afforded productivity improvements. He noted that, under the Railway Labor Act (RLA), there are effectively three parties at the bargain-ing table—labor, manage-ment, and the public interest in the form of the National Mediation Board—and that the RLA provides a flexible framework that permits the parties to reach appropriate agreements in a variety of economic circumstances.

Dominguez also responded

to a question on why ALPA opposes Norwegian Air Inter-national’s (NAI) application for a foreign air carrier permit. He noted that NAI’s proposed business model is directly at odds with the U.S.–EU Air Transport agreement, which states that the opportunities for airlines under the agree-ment are not to be used to un-dermine labor standards. He pointed out that NAI’s stated reason for obtaining an air op-erator certificate from Ireland, rather than from Norway, was to take advantage of Ireland’s more flexible labor laws.

When asked about an in-dustry pilot shortage, Domin-guez replied that there is not a pilot shortage in the United States but rather a pilot pay shortage. He explained that the only airlines having trou-ble attracting pilots are those whose pilot-compensation levels are so low that they are not economically attractive.

Nearly 250 airline indus-try managers, labor leaders, economic analysts, and other professionals attended the CAPA conference. Capt. Rick Dominguez (Delta), ALPA’s executive administrator, center, participates in a discussion at the Centre for Aviation World Aviation Summit.

\ ALPA Lauds Recent FAA Actions on Lithium BatteriesALPA welcomes the FAA’s recent warning about lithium batteries and an announce-ment that it will support an interim ban on all cargo shipments of lithium batter-

ies on passenger airliners, but the Association is urging the FAA to strongly advocate its position at the International Civil Aviation Organization’s (ICAO) Dangerous Goods Panel, which was scheduled to meet as this issue went to press. ALPA asserts

Join ALPA’s Calls to Action\ Tweet to Push Back Against Subsidized Persian Gulf AirlinesAt the end of August, the public docket regarding Emir-ates, Etihad, and Qatar—subsidized airlines in the Per-sian Gulf—closed. ALPA is still awaiting a final decision from the U.S. government on the next steps.

It’s time to stop deliberating and begin talks between the U.S. government and Qatar and the United Arab Emir-ates to address the market distortion that these massive subsidies have created. Deliberations at high levels of the administration are happening now. It’s important that ALPA increases its visibility and makes clear that enforcing U.S Open Skies agreements is critical to the North American airline industry.

The most direct way to reach Washington, D.C., decision-makers is through Twitter. Tweet the White House, the Department of State, and the Department of Transportation to ask for immediate action. Go to www.twitter.com and make your tweet count.

\ Support the Middle Class Health Benefits Tax Repeal ActThanks to the dedication of ALPA pilots who’ve partici-pated in the Association’s Calls to Action, visited their senators at home, and met with members of Congress in Washington, D.C., a bipartisan group of senators has cosponsored legislation to repeal the excise tax on em-ployer-provided health-care benefits. The Middle Class Health Benefits Tax Repeal Act of 2015 (S. 2045)—intro-duced by Sens. Dean Heller (R-Nev.) and Martin Heinrich (D-N.M.)—is the companion bill to Rep. Joe Courtney’s (D-Conn.) House bill.

The Association fully supports these bills and is ask-ing ALPA members to let their elected officials know that pilots deserve affordable, untaxed health care. Please go to www.alpa.org/advocacy to make your voice heard.

CALL TO

ACTION

Capt. Tim Canoll, ALPA’s president, far right, takes part in a panel discus-sion at the A4A summit.

10 » Air Line Pilot November 2015

» Front Lines

that the United States must go further by fully regulating lithium battery shipment by air and implementing packag-ing restrictions and quantity limits on passenger and all-cargo aircraft.

Currently, lithium-ion batteries can be carried in all quantities as cargo on passenger and all-cargo flights. In its draft comment summary prepared for the ICAO Dangerous Goods Panel Twenty-Fifth Meeting, the U.S. government states, “At this time, we feel it is necessary to support an interim prohibi-tion on the carriage of lithium ion-batteries as cargo on passenger aircraft to ensure

that the risk is mitigated while we continue to aggres-sively pursue development and implementation of the performance-based standard for air transport.” The FAA’s position came in response to recommendations submitted by F/O Mark Rogers (United), ALPA’s former director of the Dangerous Goods Program and current International Federation of Air Line Pilots’ Associations Dangerous Goods Committee chairman and ICAO Dangerous Goods Panel member.

In a separate demonstra-tion of concern about lithium batteries carried on board aircraft, the FAA issued a

safety alert for operators in early October to, among other things, strongly urge airlines to inform passengers that spare lithium batteries are prohibited from checked baggage and to take other safety precautions for lithium batteries brought on board the aircraft.

For more information, go to www.alpa.org/blog.

\ ALPA Discusses Open Skies at ABA Forum on Air & Space LawCapt. Rick Dominguez (Delta), ALPA’s executive administra-tor, represented the Asso-ciation at the American Bar Association’s (ABA) Forum

on Air & Space Law annual meeting in late September, participating on a panel titled “Move to Open and Fair Skies,” along with representa-tives from Emirates and FedEx Express. Dominguez reiter-ated ALPA’s view that the financial evidence proves that Etihad Airways, Qatar Airways, and Emirates Airline have re-ceived from the United Arab Emirates (UAE) and Qatar gov-ernments billions of dollars in subsidies that undermine the “fair and equal opportunity to compete” clause in the U.S.–UAE and U.S.–Qatar Open Skies agreements. Dominguez acknowledged that the issue is a concern for

Ready for Upload From the telegraph to text messag-ing and carrier pigeons to Twitter, the way that humans communicate today is vastly different from centuries ago. The desire—turned need—for instant information in seven or eight seconds or less has become the norm, and technol-ogy has solidified a future of constantly changing forms of communication.

How is your union, the Air Line Pilots Association, Inter-national, adapting to the constant uploads to the newest technology? Airline pilots, as the operators of machines that rely on technology, are trained to adapt. Our profession welcomes any and all advancements that ensure we maintain the highest levels of safety in our aviation system. With every iteration of new technological tools in the cockpit, additional training is required. We should expect nothing less for new communication tools.

You’ll read in Capt. Canoll’s column (see page 5) that com-municating with our members is of utmost importance. We listen carefully and strategically engage while communicat-ing in every manner possible. In today’s world of traditional and new communications media, it’s essential that we use all of our communications tools to reach our vast membership. And to do so effectively and efficiently, we must develop a

plan that addresses how best to implement all of our com-munication vehicles. Today, that means training, monitoring, and responding in a thoughtful and strategic way.

We’re committed to evolving with the rest of the world as new technology emerges with every passing day—not because our smartphones and tablets require the latest software upload, but because it’s essential that ALPA remains closely connected to our members. And when you have members who range in age from their 20s to their 60s, diver-sifying will only improve our success.

We are a union that grows through experience, and a no-table course of action often comes as a result of tracking our best practices. ALPA staff continuously conducts after-action reports for every ALPA event. Whether it’s an ALPA confer-ence or meeting, a public relations messaging campaign, engaging our pilots on Calls to Action on Capitol or Parlia-ment Hills, or collective bargaining negotiations resulting in a tentative agreement, we build on our experiences and the feedback we receive from our pilots.

Communication is two way, and we want to hear from you. Soon, ALPA will poll its members on the best ways to commu-nicate with you. Our ability to adapt and your feedback will create a stronger, more effective union.

Lori Garver, General Manager Lori.Garver@alpa.org

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ALPA and many other airline labor unions because “jobs—good jobs—are in danger of being irretrievably lost.” He noted that “a deal is a deal, and these governments must abide by the agreements they signed.” ALPA and the Part-nership for Open & Fair Skies, a consortium that includes American, Delta, United, and several of their unions, have asked the United States to request consultations with these governments, as the agreements provide, to ad-dress the subsidies.

Dave Semanchik, an ALPA senior attorney, also partici-pated in the event as part of a four-person panel titled “Hot Issues in the Field of Labor Law.” He discussed how Open Skies agreements’ provisions, and aviation statutes, support consultations with the UAE and Qatar.

On the pilot pay shortage is-sue, Semanchik discussed the problem that some regional airlines are experiencing re-garding hiring pilots. He noted that there is an abundance of pilots who could be enticed to work at regional airlines for the right compensation and career opportunities. He also asserted that any attempt to address the problem must not diminish safety regulations.

The ABA’s Forum on Air & Space Law covered many aspects of domestic and inter-national air and space law, including aviation consumer issues, regulatory updates, Open Skies agreements, unmanned aircraft systems, and other cutting-edge legal issues. 

\ Ryder Addresses Pilot Supply at International ConferenceIn late September, Capt. Paul Ryder (ExpressJet), ALPA’s Fee-for-Departure Committee chairman and national resource coordina-tor, represented ALPA at the Royal Aeronautical Society’s Annual International Flight Crew Training Conference in London, England. Delivering a speech titled “Pilot Supply in the United States—Myths, Facts, and Solutions,” he explained current pilot supply and pay issues as compared with projected future pilot demand in the United States.

“Recent evidence shows that in order to continually meet the demand for pilots and qualified flight instruc-tors, airlines must provide a career that attracts young people to our industry as crewmembers,” Ryder said to the international audience. He elaborated on the cost of training vs. the salaries, ben-efits, and career-progression opportunities that many U.S. airlines currently are offering, noting, “Unfortunately, some airlines, and particularly re-gional airlines, have compen-sation, working conditions, and career-path uncertainty that disincentivize pilots from seeking employment or careers at those carriers.”

\ New Reps Attend Leadership TrainingMore than a dozen elected local council officers from nine ALPA pilot groups par-ticipated in late September in the Leadership Training

Conference at the Associa-tion’s Herndon, Va., offices. During the training, the newly elected ALPA leaders were armed with valuable tools and information to help them perform their duties and were informed about the vast ALPA resources available to help them effectively represent their pilots.

“ALPA’s representative democracy empowers you to make decisions on behalf of

your constituents,” said Capt. Tim Canoll, ALPA’s president, during his opening remarks to the group. “You’re consti-tutionally bound to represent them all equally,” he noted, adding that through this sys-tem of representation, each ALPA member has a voice in the direction and policies of the union. Capt. Bill Couette, ALPA’s vice president–administra-tion/secretary, who moderat-ed the conference along with Capt. Andy Nelson (Spirit), a member of ALPA’s Lead-ership Committee, spoke about the nuts and bolts of the Association’s structure, policies, and procedures and what it means to be an ALPA leader. He also encouraged the reps to take ownership of their new roles and fully utilize ALPA’s resources to maximize their effectiveness.

“When in doubt on how to proceed, call me or one of our professional staff,” said Couette. In addition, conference participants networked with the other ALPA national officers, spoke with repre-sentatives from all 10 ALPA departments, and toured the Association’s facilities. The next Leadership Training Conference is scheduled for February 2016.

Capt. Bill Couette, ALPA’s vice president–administration/secretary, engages ALPA’s newest leaders during the Leadership Training Conference.

See Something, Say Something: Pilot Reporting Made EasyALPA has added two new resource pages on www.alpa.org to help members report instances of laser events or unmanned aircraft systems (UAS) sightings. ALPA experience shows that pilot reports greatly assist safety regulators in understanding the severity of problems that pilots regularly encounter.

The “What to Do if You See a UAS In-Flight” section pro-vides information on how to report a near miss, including specific language to use with air traffic control to make sure the FAA receives the information. It also provides links to AIM 7-6-3 for guid-

Capt. Rick Dominguez (Delta), ALPA’s executive administrator, right, addresses Open Skies issues during the American Bar Association’s Forum on Air & Space Law.

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ance in filing a report and the “FAA Near Mid Air Collision System” website.

The “What to Do if You’re Lased” section is a members-only page that contains infor-mation to help you mitigate and report a laser attack. It includes steps to follow in the event of an incident and links to report an attack, a self-as-sessment form, and govern-ment forms and reports.

To ensure that the FAA has a clear picture of the hazards pilots face in the cockpit, report all incidents when they happen. For more informa-tion, see “Stopping Laser Attacks on Aircraft: No Shot in the Dark,” page 21.

\ Suhs Elected ALPA Executive Vice President

Capt. Chris Suhs (Air Wisconsin) has been elect-ed the Group B2 executive vice president (EVP). ALPA’s Election and Ballot Cer-tification Board certified the election to fill the position, as Capt. Jeff Pruett

(Air Wisconsin) resigned to fly for another airline.

Suhs, currently the Air Wisconsin Master Executive Council chairman, will com-plete the EVP term of office that ends on Dec. 31, 2016.

\ Fee-for-Departure Committee Concludes Interview Workshops for 2015In September, ALPA’s National Fee-for-Departure (FFD) Committee hosted its final

Application and Interview Workshop of the year in Charlotte, N.C. Throughout the spring and summer, hundreds of ALPA FFD pilots attended one-day seminars in locations across the country to learn valuable tips about applying to and interviewing at mainline carriers.

For those who didn’t get the chance to attend one of the workshops this year, the FFD Committee will host more events in 2016. If you’d like to learn more about what the committee can do for you, go to ffd.alpa.org.

\ FedEx Pilots Ratify Tentative AgreementOn October 20, FedEx Ex-press pilots approved a new contract with FedEx manage-ment. The new agreement provides across-the-board increases to hourly pay rates and new-hire compensation, a significant signing bonus, re-tirement plan enhancements, work-rule improvements, and other positive modifications.

“With the ballot to approve or reject the agreement open for nearly a month, our pilots did their due diligence to ana-lyze and evaluate this agree-ment. In the end, the majority felt we achieved an agree-ment that brings improve-ments and recognizes our contribution to the success of FedEx,” said Capt. Chuck Dyer, the pilots’ Master Executive Council (MEC) chairman.

“The drive to this agree-ment was led by our Nego-tiating Committee, chaired by Capt. Scott Larsen, and backed by ALPA’s profes-sional staff, subject-matter experts, and our elected

representatives. We worked closely with the National Mediation Board and FedEx management to achieve an agreement that was accept-able to all parties involved,” added Dyer.

The new agreement went into effect in November and will become amendable in 2021.

\ PSA Pilots Approve New AgreementOn October 20, PSA pilots voted 82 percent in favor of a tentative agreement regard-ing PSA pilot flow, training, and pay. The tentative agree-ment modifies the current special selection process into a flow through, increases the number of pilots flowing to American Airlines, adds protections and efficiency to initial operating experience, and eliminates the pay freeze for those choosing to remain at PSA.

Capt. Jason McConnell, who was elected the pilot group’s mid-term Master Executive Council chairman in June, dili-gently led the group toward the ratified agreement.

\ Sun Country Pilots Ratify Five-Year ContractOn October 28, Sun Country pilots overwhelmingly rati-fied a new five-year agree-ment. Of the 94 percent of eligible pilots who cast bal-lots, 87 percent voted in favor of the agreement. Pilots will see immediate pay raises of 20 to 30 percent in year one of the contract, and a total of 21.5 percent in across-the-board raises spread out over the remaining four years. The agreement also includes

higher company retirement contributions and improved work rules.

Sun Country pilots entered negotiations in 2010, when the airline was still in bank-ruptcy.

“During five years of nego-tiations and federal media-tion, we prevailed against all odds to protect our existing contract from concessions during bankruptcy. With strong support from ALPA and unbroken solidarity from our pilots, we have now achieved impressive pay raises that will finally lift us up to economic respectability with our peers at similar airlines,” said Capt. Brian Roseen, the pilot group’s Master Executive Council chairman.

“We are very pleased that we have come to a mutually beneficial agreement with our pilot union’s leadership. Our pilot group at Sun Coun-try Airlines is outstanding. While the arduous process of two parties coalescing to agreement surrounding labor contracts is emotion-ally charged and sometimes turbulent, we appreciate the professionalism that our pilots exhibited throughout,” said Marty Davis, chairman of Sun Country Airlines. “All of our employees continue to put customers first and serve them with the same dedication that has typified Sun Country for more than 30 years.”

Both the pilots and the company recognized the National Mediation Board’s assistance in reaching an agreement.

Look for an in-depth article in the December issue.

CAPT. CHRIS SUHS (AIR WISCONSIN), ALPA’S NEW EXECUTIVE VICE PRESIDENT.

November 2015 Air Line Pilot » 13

\ Trans States Pilots Approve Contract ExtensionOn September 23, Trans States pilots approved a contract ex-tension with management that includes gains in pay and work rules. Of the pilots who voted, 71 percent voted in favor of the extension.

“The majority of our pilots realize that this extension, which provides immediate gains in quality of life and pay, is significantly more beneficial than engaging this company in traditional con-tract negotiations,” said Capt. Zach Barnes, the pilots’ Master Executive Council (MEC) chairman. “We were able to

reach this deal a mere three weeks after our contract’s amendable date, a monumen-tal achievement for this pilot group that endured more than five years of negotiations for our previous contract.”

Barnes added, “Of par-ticular note, this three-year agreement provides the highest-paying first-year, first officer pay in the U.S. regional industry.” The contract exten-sion also includes annual cost-of-living pay increases for all pilots, an increase to the pilots’ per diem rate, a reduction to the percentage pilots pay for health insurance premiums, an increase to the company’s 401(k) contributions, a signing

bonus, and other improvements.

More than 500 pilots fly a fleet of regional jets for Trans States under the United Express and American Eagle liveries.

\ Jazz Aviation, Air Wisconsin MECs Hold Joint MeetingCapt. Jay Heppner (United), his pilot group’s Master Execu-tive Council (MEC) chairman, welcomed Capt. Claude Bura-glia (Jazz Aviation), Jazz MEC chairman; Capt. Terry McTeer (Jazz Aviation), Jazz MEC vice chairman; Capt. Chris Suhs (Air Wisconsin), his pilot group’s MEC chairman; and members

of the Jazz and Air Wisconsin MECs during a joint meeting held at the United MEC confer-ence center in Rosemont, Ill., on October 14.

The meeting was designed to build pilot unity among fee-for-departure airlines and improve communications be-tween Canadian and U.S. carri-ers. Both MECs are working to encourage pilot volunteerism.

\ United and Azul Pilots Sign Joint AgreementOn October 5, United Airlines pilots and Azul Airlines pilots, represented by Sindicato

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Left to right: Capt. Claude Buraglia (Jazz Aviation), Capt. Terry McTeer (Jazz Aviation), Capt. Jay Heppner (United), and Capt. Chris Suhs (Air Wisconsin) during the recent joint meeting of the Jazz and Air Wisconsin Master Executive Councils.

14 » Air Line Pilot November 2015

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Nacional dos Aeronautas (SNA), signed a cooperation and information-sharing agreement designed to pro-mote and enhance the career opportunities of both pilot groups. The agreement also enables the two groups to capitalize on the strategic and financial partnership formed by their respective airlines in July when United Airlines invested $100 million in Azul Airlines, gaining a 5 percent stake in the company.

“We are delighted to advance the relationship we have with the Azul pilots through this agreement,” said Capt. Jay Heppner, the United pilots’ Master Executive Council chairman. “The ad-ditional levels of coordination and information sharing out-lined under this agreement will be beneficial to all pilots at both airlines, as well as to our mutual goals for strength-ening the piloting profession in all parts of the world. Today marks the beginning of what we believe will be a produc-tive and rewarding relation-ship for years to come.

“We applaud the strategic partnerships between the pilots of United Airlines and Azul Airlines and between our two airlines. Solidifying our

route networks and joining forces can only promote ben-efits to all parties involved—our customers, our respective airlines, and our pilots.”

Brazil is the largest aviation market in South America, with more than 200 million people. United pilots operate five daily Brazil–U.S. flights. Azul is a highly successful up-and-coming carrier in Brazil that will soon boast a fleet of more than 220 airplanes serving more than 100 destinations.

\ Air Wisconsin Pilots Vote Down Tentative AgreementOn October 7, Air Wisconsin pilots voted to reject their tentative agreement reached in August. With 85 percent of the pilot group casting ballots, the agreement failed with 67 percent voting against ratification. The pilots had been in negotiations for more than five years and are working under a contract rati-fied in 2003.

Nearly 800 Air Wiscon-sin pilots fly under the US Airways Express banner, operating from bases at Washington; New York; Phila-delphia; and Norfolk, Va. The proposed agreement would have extended existing pay raises and allowed the union to open negotiations on a new contract in May 2017.

\ JetBlue MEC Con-venes, Receives Performance Briefing From ManagementIn early October, JetBlue’s Master Executive Council (MEC) met in Fort Lau-derdale, Fla., for its third quarterly meeting. In ad-

dition to the local council and committee officers, the pilot leaders were joined by staff from ALPA’s Representation and Com-munications Departments. Along with regular meeting and committee reports, the MEC also received a brief-ing on system performance from Jeff Martin, JetBlue’s executive vice president of operations. Meeting highlights included an up-date on the latest phase of negotiations, details on an advanced 2016 multimedia communications plan, and discussion about the Pilot-to-Pilot program.

\ Mesa Pilots Reject Tentative AgreementOn October 2, Mesa pilots voted down the tentative agreement they reached with management. With nearly 80 percent of the eligible pilots participat-ing in the ballot, 86 percent rejected the agreement.

“It’s clear that this agree-ment did not meet the goals and expectations of the vast majority of this pilot group,” said Capt. Brian Richardson, the Mesa pilot group’s Master Executive Council chairman. “No matter the results, we are extremely pleased with the number of pilots who came to road shows, asked ques-tions, and fully participated in every part of this process. We will now work to bring the pilots an agreement that fully recognizes our contributions to this airline.”

In related news, on October 7 Mesa Airlines announced that it would re-ceive 15 E175s from United

Airlines to operate express routes. The additional air-planes will also increase the number of pilots needed at the airline. Mesa announced it will hire 150 first officers and upgrade 75 captains to staff the new airplanes. “While we’re excited to welcome new pilots and congratulate new captains at Mesa Airlines, we’re also confident that this will result in productive negotiations with the company,” said Richardson. “Mesa pilots are proud to be part of a growing airline with long-term capac-ity agreements. However, we are a contributing factor to that growth and stability. We deserve—and require—a contract that rewards the part played by every Mesa pilot.”

\ Pilots Take Part in “Coffee Equals Action” EventsALPA’s fee-for-departure (FFD) pilots recently volun-teered their time at EWR, DCA, IAD, IAH, and ORD to host “Coffee Equals Action” events to educate fellow FFD members about the the Affordable Care Act’s harmful health-care excise tax, which will affect approximately 21,400 pilots (40 percent of ALPA’s membership) as soon as 2018. By 2022, the major-ity of ALPA members will be subject to this overreaching tax. Over the course of two days, FFD pilots’ participation in ALPA’s Call to Action to repeal the tax increased 92 percent. On October 15 and 16, FFD volunteers were in crew rooms across the country to discuss the pilot pay short-

Capt. Jay Heppner (right), the United pilots’ Master Executive Council (MEC) chairman, and Capt. Luiz Arantes, Azul Airlines pilot and Sindicato Nacional dos Aeronautas board representative, sign a cooperation and information- sharing agreement during the United MEC meeting.

November 2015 Air Line Pilot » 15

age and why ALPA members should contact their legisla-tors about the issue. These event are part of the FFD Committee’s work to improve all three key areas of ALPA’s strategic plan: career protection, career progres-sion, and pay and benefits. If you weren’t able to attend, you can still make your voice heard. Go to www.alpa.org/advocacy to contact your legislators.

\ P4P Ready to Help ALPA Members in NeedA state of emergency was recently declared in South Carolina due to the effects of Hurricane Joaquin and other

area storm systems that produced record rainfalls and widespread flooding. ALPA pilots living in this region who’ve been adverse-ly affected by the flooding are reminded that Pilots for Pilots (P4P) is here to help. P4P provides monetary relief for the immediate needs of ALPA members and their families who fall victim to widespread disasters. P4P is funded by contribu-tions from ALPA members and staff and is one of the many benefits of belong-ing to the Association. For details about requesting a grant, visit the P4P website at www.alpa.org/relieffund.

\ United Pilots Partici-pate in New York’s Labor Day ParadeCapt. Glenn Johnson, United Council 5 (NYC) chairman; Capt. Pieter Velzeboer, Master Executive Council (MEC) Strategic Planning and Strike Committee chairman; Capt. Scott Freeman, MEC Family Awareness chairman; and F/O John Mosely represented United pilots and ALPA during the New York City Central Labor Council’s annual Labor Day Parade on September 12. The United pilots joined other union members in a

march up New York City’s 5th Avenue to celebrate labor’s contributions to U.S. history and to celebrate labor as the backbone of the U.S. econo-my and way of life.

Solution to this month’s ALPA sudoku on page 38.

9 5 7 2 3 4 6 8 1

4 1 8 7 5 6 9 2 3

6 3 2 9 8 1 5 4 7

3 2 9 4 6 8 1 7 5

1 7 4 5 9 3 2 6 8

8 6 5 1 2 7 3 9 4

2 8 3 6 7 5 4 1 9

7 9 1 3 4 2 8 5 6

5 4 6 8 1 9 7 3 2

Left to right, United pilots Capt. Glenn Johnson, Capt. Pieter Velzeboer, Capt. Scott Freeman, and F/O John Mosely.

AIR LINE PILOTS ASSOCIATION, INT’L

Visit www.alpa.org/MyFirstFlight and tell us about it, and help inspire

the next generation of pilots to experience that same magic.

Do you rememberThe magic of your first flight as a child?

The anticipation of your first flying lesson?The sense of accomplishment of your

first flight as an airline pilot?

Share the Memory of

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16 » Air Line Pilot November 2015

» News Round Up

CanadaCANADA ELECTS NEW PRIME MINISTEROn October 19, Justin Trudeau and the Liberal Party of Canada won a decisive victory. “On behalf of the ALPA Canada Board, we congratulate Canada’s next prime minister and look forward to working with our new government in further-ing our mission as a forceful advocate of the airline pilot-ing profession,” said Capt. Dan Adamus (Jazz Aviation), Canada Board president.

Among ALPA’s top priori-ties for this new government is the repeal of several anti-labour laws, including C-377 and C-525, both of which would adversely affect labour unions, including ALPA.

In an April 2015 letter to the Canada Board, Trudeau committed to repealing both bills, saying, “I believe…these bills were designed as a direct attack on unions, meant to di-minish and weaken the labour movement in our country.”

“ALPA urges the Liberal Party to take swift action on

these bills and stand ready to work with the government and other labour unions across Canada to fulfill this commitment and protect Canadian workers’ rights,” commented Adamus.

Canadian ALPA mem-bers are also committed to improving a number of issues that affect the airline industry in Canada. The newly elected officials have a unique oppor-tunity to help create a better business environment and improve the overall state of the industry in Canada.

“By working with our elected representatives, we will continue our efforts to advance the safest, most secure, and thriving air trans-portation system possible and advocate our members’ interests on Parliament Hill,” said Adamus.

ALPA CANADA BOARD MEETSPilot leaders representing the nine ALPA Canadian pilot groups met at the Interna-tional Federation of Air Line Pilots’ Associations offices in Montréal, Quebec, September 29–30. The Canada Board, led

by Capt. Dan Adamus (Jazz Aviation), addressed a range of issues affecting Canadian ALPA members, including pending legislation, organiz-ing, and the status of updat-ing flight- and duty-time regulations.

During the meeting, the pilot leaders reviewed and approved the Canada Board budget for 2016. Key to en-abling the board to advance its strategic priorities is the staffing of Canadian ALPA committees to ensure the effective implementation of various initiatives. An ap-peal was made for new pilot volunteers to fill a number of vacant positions within the ALPA structure.

Board members received updates from the Board of Insurance Trustees and the Foreign Pilots Committee, and reviewed and accepted the report of the Canada Board Structural Review Committee. The Canada Board was also briefed on ALPA’s ongoing government affairs activities and safety and security initiatives in Canada.

New ALPA Reps

As of October 9, the Election Ballot and Certification Board certified elections results for the following local councils:

• Air Wisconsin 49 F/O Luis C. Saavedra, Secretary-Treasurer

• Delta 54 F/O Roger Good-win, Vice Chairman (F/O Rep)

• ExpressJet 176 Capt. Mat-thew Karkoff, Secretary-Treasurer

• Mesa 84 Capt. Christopher Gill, Secretary-Treasurer

• PSA 61 F/O Joseph Kolarik, Vice Chairman (F/O Rep)

• PSA 61 Capt. Matthew Schwartz, Secretary-Trea-surer

• PSA 70 Capt. Paul Meyer, Chairman (Capt. Rep)

• PSA 70 F/O Christopher Tang, Vice Chairman (F/O Rep)

Read a Good Book Lately?Have you read a book that you’d like to review for Air Line Pilot? To have a review published in the magazine, you must be a member in good stand-ing, and you cannot be the author of the book you’re reviewing. Reviews should be no longer than 350 words and should include the

number of pages, publisher, and where the book can be purchased. Reviews should be e-mailed to Magazine@alpa.org. If Air Line Pilot’s editorial review board approves the review, your review could appear in a future issue of the magazine.

Happy reading!

On InvestingTo read the latest issue of On Investing from Charles Schwab, go to www.schwab.com/ oninvesting. It’s an added benefit for mem-bers through ALPA’s partnership with Charles Schwab & Co., Inc. as the Association’s pre-ferred financial services provider.

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November 2015 Air Line Pilot » 17

ALPA Negotiations UpdateThe following is a summary of the status of ALPA contract negotiations by airline as of October 9:Air Transat—A notice to bargain was filed on Dec. 30, 2014. Negotiations continue.

Air Transport International—A Sec-tion 6 notice was received on Dec. 5, 2014. Negotiations are under way.

Air Wisconsin—A Section 6 notice was filed on Oct. 1, 2010. Air Wis-consin filed for mediation on June 17, 2013. Pilots and management reached a tentative agreement on August 4. The pilots rejected the tentative agreement on October 7.

Atlantic Southeast—A Section 6 notice was filed on May 20, 2010. A joint Atlantic Southeast/ExpressJet Section 6 notice was filed on March 28, 2011. The pilots rejected a tenta-tive agreement on Jan. 14, 2014. An application for joint mediation was filed on Feb. 12, 2014. Mediation is under way.

Bearskin—A notice to bargain was filed on Aug. 31, 2015. Negotiations continue November 17–19 and December 8–10.

CommutAir—A Section 6 notice was filed on Sept. 2, 2015. Negotiations are under way.

Delta—A Section 6 notice was filed on April 6. Pilots and management reached a tentative agreement on June 4. The pilots rejected the tenta-tive agreement on July 10.

ExpressJet—A Section 6 notice was filed on May 20, 2010. A joint Atlantic Southeast/ExpressJet Section 6 no-tice was filed on March 28, 2011. The pilots rejected a tentative agreement on Jan. 14, 2014. An application for joint mediation was filed on Feb. 12, 2014. Mediation is under way.

First Air—A notice to bargain was filed on Aug. 31, 2015. First confer-ences to be scheduled.

Hawaiian—A Section 6 notice was filed on Feb. 17, 2015. Negotiations continue.

JetBlue—A Section 6 notice was filed on March 2, 2015. Negotiations con-tinue November 10–12; December 8–10; Jan. 11–13, 2016; February 9–11; and March 15–17.

Mesa—A Section 6 notice was filed on Sept. 10, 2010. Pilots and manage-ment reached a tentative agreement on July 23. The pilots rejected the tentative agreement on October 2.

Spirit—A Section 6 notice was filed on April 28, 2015. Negotiations are under way.

Legislative UpdateFAA reauthorizationIn late September, ALPA members ramped up their visits to Capitol Hill to discuss the FAA reautho-rization, which was set to expire on September 30. Congress ultimately agreed to extend the current FAA authorization until March 31, 2016.

Best August ever for ALPA-PACALPA-PAC had its best

August ever, thanks to the support of nearly 8,300 ALPA members. This strong and continued support allows ALPA-PAC to be an effective voice in Washington, D.C., and beyond as the Asso-ciation works to educate decision-makers on issues that are important to its members.

Thanks to the 1,500+ ALPA members who be-gan supporting ALPA-PAC

this year, including the 1,200+ pilots making con-tributions who decided to support ALPA-PAC with a monthly contribution.

ALPA is closing the gap on its 2015 ALPA-PAC goals but needs more new contributors to reach its target of 24 percent ALPA-PAC participation ALPA-wide. The gener-ous support of ALPA’s members gives ALPA-PAC the resources required to push ALPA’s pilot-partisan priorities on Capitol Hill.

In Memoriam“To fly west, my friend, is a flight we all must take for a final check.”—Author unknown

2008Capt. Charles J. Gutierrez Delta February

2011Capt. Robert W. Naville ATA December

2013Capt. Louie F. Fittz Braniff January

Capt. Ray M. Kirkpatrick Braniff January

Capt. Edmund R. McKane Braniff January

Capt. James W. McKinney US Airways January

Capt. Jerry L. Dunn Braniff February

Capt. George R. Ludwig Braniff February

Capt. Eugene H. Shaw US Airways February

F/O John G. Cresto Braniff March

F/O Dillard L. De Hart, Jr. Emery March

Capt. Raymond P. Stilwell Braniff March

F/O Charles L. Weinert Braniff March

Capt. Elmer C. Orndorff Braniff April

Capt. Billy L. Enloe Braniff May

Capt. Walter A. Foley Braniff May

Capt. Richard A. Mendenall Braniff May

Capt. Wayne M. Richards Braniff May

Capt. Neil D. Gatlin Braniff June

Capt. Albert W. Head US Airways July

Capt. Daniel J. Malone US Airways July

Capt. William D. Nickell Braniff August

Capt. Charles H. Lewis, Jr. Braniff September

Capt. Vernon L. Phagan Braniff September

Capt. Frank W. Stone Braniff September

Capt. Hillard D. Hicks Braniff October

Capt. Kenneth M. Spangler Braniff October

Capt. Benjamin J. Stucki Braniff October

F/O Carl E. Standley Braniff November

Capt. Donald C. Billups US Airways December

2014Capt. Robert V. Liljegren United January

Capt. Milos J. Tichacek Transamerica September

Capt. Francis J. Kenny United October

Capt. John S. Ward, Jr. Braniff October

2015Capt. Donald R. Krull United January

F/O Norman F. Ames United February

Capt. William F. Krause United March

Capt. Michael T. Finnegan Continental April

Capt. Earl D. Jezek TWA April

Capt. James E. Graham TWA May

S/O Lyle E. Huntley TWA May

Capt. Charles R. Hoeft, Jr. Eastern June

Capt. Bernard J. Diedrich Braniff July

F/O Richard Finson United July

Capt. William W. Hefton Braniff July

Capt. Robert C. Howald TWA July

Capt. John A. Papadakis United July

Capt. Richard G. Angelino Continental August

Capt. Andre Emmenegger Delta August

Capt. Robert W. Heinrich United August

Capt. Francis P. Johnson Braniff August

Capt. Gerald W. Johnson United August

Capt. Bernard T. King United August

Capt. Robert E. Letson Champion Air August

F/O Paul B. Moser United August

Capt. Charles A. Spaniol United August

Capt. David E. Williams TWA August

Capt. Rex V. Youngquist Braniff August

Capt. L.B. Boyd United September

Capt. Robert C. Davis Emery September

Capt. John T. Eddins Air Virginia September

Capt. William G. Elliott Eastern September

Capt. Ephraim W. Hall Delta September

Capt. Reginald W. Havill Pan American September

Capt. Carlyle R. Hedden Eastern September

Capt. Gary E. Lakin Delta September

Capt. Douglas R. Lund United September

Capt. Richard D. McCann Eastern September

Compiled from information provided by ALPA’s Membership Administration Department

18 » Air Line Pilot November 2015

» News Round Up

Engineering & Air Safety UpdateALPA Conducts Accident Investigation TrainingALPA’s Accident Investigation Course was held in late September in ALPA’s Herndon, Va., offices. Thirteen pilot reps from seven ALPA pilot groups learned about U.S., Canadian, and In-ternational Civil Aviation Organization accident investigation procedures.

Members of ALPA’s Air Safety Orga-nization Accident Investigation Board and staff from ALPA’s Engineering & Air Safety, Legal, and Communications Departments led the training. NTSB, FAA, and Transportation Safety Board of Canada representatives partici-pated in the course, sharing their ac-cident investigation experience with students. This curriculum prepares pilots to serve as ALPA coordinators or investigative group members in an investigation for a member pilot group anywhere in the world.

ALPA Holds Advanced Acci-dent Investigation CourseIn early October, ALPA held its Ad-vanced Accident Investigation Course in Grand Forks, N.D. This course, the culmination of the ALPA Air Safety Organization’s accident investiga-tion training program, builds a mock accident investigation around a large turbojet airframe—a former FedEx Express B-727.

Ten ALPA pilots from seven pilot groups, three pilots from the In-ternational Federation of Air Line Pilots’ Associations, four students and employees from the University of North Dakota, and two employees from the Grand Forks Airport Author-ity logged long days investigating the “accident.” The 19 students, in three teams, rotated through a mix of field and classroom activities designed to closely match the work of the Systems,

Operations, Cockpit Voice Recorder, Structures, and Survival Factors Groups on a real NTSB field investigation.

“ALPA appreciates the ongoing partnership that we have had with the University of North Dakota for 13 years,” said F/O Jeff Mee (United), ALPA’s Accident Investigation Board chairman, “as well as our relationship with the Grand Forks Airport Author-ity. Using their B-727, the course truly provides our pilot volunteers with hands-on experience.”

Students “in the field” during ALPA’s Advanced Ac-cident Investigation Course in Grand Forks, N.D.

Education Committee UpdateALPA and Lewis

University Form AllianceALPA and Lewis University in Romeoville, Ill., recently formalized an alliance to enhance the educational foundation and profession-al development of students enrolled in the school’s flight program. Since 1932, Lewis University has been a leader in aviation education with personalized learning and facilities that include an onsite airport, flight simulators, and more than 25 aircraft. This new part-nership will help further prepare college aviators for the airline industry. ALPA’s Education Com-

mittee has built similar alli-ances with industry-leading aviation universities and continues to explore other opportunities to provide structured industry mentor-ship and leadership oppor-tunities to aspiring aviators. In addition to Lewis Univer-sity, ALPA has mentoring programs at Parks College, Purdue University, South-ern Illinois University, and Western Michigan Univer-sity. ALPA Aviation Colle-giate Education (ACE) Clubs, which are student-led professional development groups, are also in place at Embry-Riddle Aeronauti-cal University (Daytona Beach, Fla., and Prescott,

Ariz., campuses) and the University of North Dakota. In addition, ALPA continues to explore opportunities with other industry-leading aviation universities to provide structured industry mentorship and leadership opportunities to aspiring aviators. These university pro-grams have helped further ALPA’s strategic initiatives to promote the profes-sion and cultivate the next generation of airline pilots. Campus visits are currently being scheduled for the fall semester. Contact Educa-tion@alpa.org to learn more about any of the pro-grams or to get involved.

Wright Brothers’ Trivia WinnerCongratulations to Capt. John W. Whitehead (Delta) for being the first ALPA member to correctly answer the following question from October’s “The Landing”:

Q. In addition to Orville and Wilbur Wright, another American aeronautical pioneer born and raised in Ohio is forever historically connected to the Wright Flyer. Who is this American, and what is the connec-tion?

A. Neil Armstrong stepped onto the moon on July 20, 1969, carrying inside his spacesuit pocket a piece of muslin fabric from a wing of Orville and Wilbur’s 1903 Wright Flyer in trib-ute to the Wright Brothers.

Want more contests like this? Let us know at Magazine@alpa.org.

November 2015 Air Line Pilot » 19

» Market Stats

Full-Time Equivalent EmploymentU.S. airlines employed 2 percent more full-time equivalent (FTE) employees in July 2015 com-pared to a year ago. More than 15,000 additional full-time positions were added, the largest an-nual gain since 2011.

The largest increase in employees was seen at mainline and national airlines, with a 3.6 percent increase from July 2014 to July 2015. During that time, those airlines added more than 12,000 full-time equivalent positions. The biggest relative upturn was seen at Spirit, with a 15 percent increase. Sun Country’s full-time equivalent positions were up 12 percent, while JetBlue and Alaska were up 10 percent and 9 percent, respectively. United and Frontier were the only airlines in this group with a decline in full-time equivalent employees year over year.

For fee-for-departure airlines, full-time equiv-alent positions declined overall by 3.2 percent from a year ago. However, the change among the airlines in this group was mixed. Several airlines had large declines in the number of full-time equivalent employees, while some smaller airlines showed moderate increases.

In the cargo sector, full-time equivalent employment increased 2.7 percent from July 2014 to July 2015. Both FedEx Express and Air Transport International had a 3 percent increase, while UPS had no growth year over year.

MARKETWATCHAIRLINES PARENT COMPANY STOCK SYMBOL 9/30/14 9/30/15 % CHG. Virgin America Virgin America, Inc.1 NASDAQ: VA $0.00 $34.23 N/A

JetBlue JetBlue Airways Corporation NASDAQ: JBLU $10.62 $25.77 142.7%

Atlantic Southeast, Express Jet SkyWest, Inc.2 NASDAQ: SKYW $7.78 $16.68 114.4%

Hawaiian Hawaiian Holdings, Inc. NASDAQ: HA $13.45 $24.68 83.5%

Alaska Alaska Air Group, Inc. NYSE: ALK $43.54 $79.45 82.5%

Jazz Aviation Chorus Aviation TSX: CHR.B $4.32 $5.47 26.6%

Bearskin, Calm Air Exchange Income Corporation TSX: EIF $19.28 $24.30 26.0%

Delta, Endeavor Air Delta Air Lines NYSE: DAL $36.15 $44.87 24.1%

Air Transport International Air Transport Services Group, Inc. NASDAQ: ATSG $7.28 $8.55 17.4%

United United Continental Holdings, Inc. NYSE: UAL $46.79 $53.05 13.4%

Envoy Air, Piedmont, PSA American Airlines Group, Inc. NASDAQ: AAL $35.48 $38.83 9.4%

FedEx Express FedEx Corporation3 NYSE: FDX $161.45 $143.98 -10.8%

Air Transat Transat A.T., Inc. TSX: TRZ.B $8.97 $7.36 -17.9%

Spirit Spirit Airlines, Inc. NASDAQ: SAVE $69.14 $47.30 -31.6%

1 Virgin America, Inc. began trading on the NASDAQ on Nov. 14, 2014, at $30. There are no data available for Sept. 30, 2014. 2 SkyWest, Inc. announced a $0.04 dividend on Sept. 28, 2015.3 FedEx Corp. announced a $0.25 dividend on Sept. 8, 2015.

SOURCE: BTS, full-time equivalent employment

18,550

10,747

-7,395

4,367

15,074

2011 2012 2013 2014 2015

Air Carrier FTE Change – July

Full-Service Air Carriers % Change YOY in FTE

FFD Air Carriers % Change YOY in FTE Employment

15% 15%12%

10% 9%6% 6% 5% 4% 3%

-1% -26%

Air Wisconsin

Atlantic Southeast/

ExpressJet

Endeavor Air

Envoy Air

Republic

SkyWestGoJet

Horizon

Mesa

CompassPSA

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29% 26%

9% 8%2% 1% -12% -14% -16% -25%

JetBlueAlaska

American

Virgin Americ

a

SouthwestDelta

Hawaii

United

Spirit

Allegiant

Sun Country

Frontier

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“The FAA has done a good job managing the airspace.”

—commented Department of Transportation Secretary Anthony Foxx

regarding his opposition to taking air traffic control away from the FAA, say-

ing the current system is not broken

20 » Air Line Pilot November 2015

“As the public comment period is now officially closed, it is time for your agency to swiftly address these trade violations. We formally request a meeting with you to discuss the threats posed by the subsidized Gulf carriers to the U.S. airline industry and to U.S. workers’ jobs.”

—wrote Reps. Dan Lipinski (D-Ill.), Robert Dold (R-Ill.), Paul Cook (R-Calif.), Tom Emmer (R-Minn.), Steve Israel (D-N.Y.), and Frank Pallone (D-N.J.) to

Department of Transportation Secretary Anthony Foxx regarding the billions of dollars in subsidies that Emirates Airline, Etihad Airways, and Qatar Airways have

received from their governments in violation of U.S. Open Skies agreements

» On the Record

The quotes on this page are compiled from congressional testimony, speeches, news clips, and other public documents. ALPA does not necessarily endorse these views but rather is informing members of recent statements by significant industry stakeholders.

“Is it a level playing field? The facts say not.”

—remarked United Airlines Chief Executive Officer Oscar Munoz in a recent interview regarding the $42 billion in subsidies and benefits that the United Arab

Emirates and Qatar governments have provided Qatar Airways, Etihad Airways, and Emirates Airline over the past 10 years

“No one should fly an unmanned aircraft in a way that is careless or reckless and endanger other people. And if people are doing that, they’re doing that knowingly and willfully, we will take enforcement action.”

—said FAA Administrator Michael Huerta at the National Association

of State Aviation Officials Convention

November 2015 Air Line Pilot » 21

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Air Line Pilot Feature Article » LASER UPDATE

No Shot in the Dark

STOPPING LASER ATTACKS ON AIRCRAFT:

By ALPA Staff

“S tartling” and “disorienting” are words that airline pilots

frequently use to describe how it feels to be attacked with

a laser pointer while flying a plane. For pilots who fly into

some U.S. and Canadian airports, the experience of seeing a green light

slicing across the cockpit has become unnervingly common. In light of

the risk, ALPA is making certain that the industry’s response strategy is

no shot in the dark when it comes to safeguarding air transportation.

THE NUMBERS In mid-July, laserpointersafety.com reported that, according to the FAA, there were 2,750 reports of laser illumi-nations of aircraft in the United States from January 1 through July 3, 2015. The website estimates that “based on past years’ trends, this means that at the end of 2015, there could be between about 5,600 and 7,400 incidents. This would be a 62 percent increase over the 2014 total of 3,894 incidents.”

In Canada, there were 502 reported incidents in 2014, a 43 percent increase since 2012, according to Transport Canada.

“North America can and must reverse the forecasts for the future number of laser attacks on aircraft,” said Capt. Tim Canoll, ALPA’s president. “We will need to do more to fully engage in a solution that combines education, reporting, enforce-ment, and technology to protect North American air transportation.”

IMPACT ON PILOTSOn one evening in July, some 11 airliners were reportedly struck with lasers in the span of just 90 minutes while flying over New Jersey to Newark Liberty Inter-national Airport or LaGuardia Airport, according to The New York Times. The flights all landed safely, but one pilot was reportedly temporarily blinded.

The toll of a laser strike on pilots has the potential to become very serious. “We suffered flash blindness, after-imaging,

22 » Air Line Pilot November 2015

Air Line Pilot Feature Article » LASER UPDATE

and then retinal burning that continued on for a while,” Capt. Robert Hamilton (PSA), ALPA’s Security Council chairman, told CBS This Morning about the multiple laser attacks he has experienced in an

interview that aired on Sept. 14, 2015. “We have to complete checklists, configure the aircraft, change our speed, change our pitch attitude, prepare the aircraft for landing or taking off, and at that moment

to have our vision taken away from us, which is the most critical phase of flight, is a very serious safety risk.”

EDUCATIONIn 2014, ALPA began working in part-nership with the FAA and the FBI to promote the “Protecting Aircraft from Lasers” campaign to reach out to the general public about the dangers of shin-ing a laser at an aircraft. The campaign, which featured a “Don’t Let a Prank Lead to Prison” public service announcement, highlighted that the FAA Moderniza-tion and Reform Act of 2012 makes it a federal felony to knowingly point the beam of a laser at an aircraft. The crime carries a punishment of up to five years in prison and a $250,000 fine in the United States.

In June 2015, ALPA partnered with Transport Canada on its “Not a Bright Idea” anti-laser-strike campaign. Aim-ing a laser at an aircraft is also a federal offense in Canada. If an individual is convicted under the Aeronautics Act, he or she could face up to $100,000 in fines and five years in prison.

On an industry level, ALPA continues to build on the momentum sparked by the union’s 2011 Laser Illumination of Aircraft Symposium to maintain a strong industry focus on doing more to address the laser threat.

“Every sector of aviation stands at risk from the preventable safety threat laser strikes pose,” said Capt. Joe DePete, ALPA’s first vice president and national safety co-ordinator. “We know from experience that both passenger and all-cargo flights have suffered laser attacks during the most important phases of flight, so the industry must act jointly in pursuing a solution.”

In June, ALPA hosted a meeting with Transport Canada, the FAA, and the FBI to share strategies to reduce laser attacks and enhance methods for engaging the public and enlisting law enforcement support. Strategic collaboration between the United States and Canada and infor-mation sharing form the basis of ALPA’s work across industry.

Brightidea

Not a

Pointing a laser at an aircraft is illegal and a criminal offence. And it’s happening more and more.

Offenders will be charged and could face fines up to $100, 000, 5 years in prison – or both.

Lasers put the pilot, crew, passengers, and people on the ground at risk of injury or death.

If you see someone point a laser at an aircraft, report it to your local police.

#NotABrightIdeatc.gc.ca/NotABrightIdea

November 2015 Air Line Pilot » 23

ENFORCEMENTALPA continues to call for the full enforce-ment of federal penalties that intention-ally shining a light at an aircraft carry. In a July 16 story in The New York Times, FBI spokeswoman Mollie F. Halpern stated that since 2004, there have been 162 arrests for laser interference with aviation across the country. Of those, 132 were prosecuted, 97 of them under federal jurisdiction with 87 people convicted.

In one recent example, a Portland, Ore., man was sentenced to six months

in federal prison for two felony counts of aiming a laser pointer at airliners as they approached Portland International Air-port for night landings in October 2013. The Portland man told the FBI that over several months he had targeted up to 25 aircraft and that he did so for entertain-ment. According to the FBI, investigators reported more than 100 laser strikes from the vicinity of the defendant’s apartment in 2013.

“As hard as it is to believe, some individuals make a deliberate choice to repeatedly endanger the lives of air travelers as well as people on the ground by aiming lasers at aircraft,” continued DePete. “We owe it to the public safety to fully enforce the law and apply the prison time and fines that come with violating it.”

NEW TECHNOLOGYIn yet another approach to addressing the safety threat from laser strikes on aircraft, ALPA is pressing to broaden research and develop countermeasures to protect pilots’ eyes and maintain safety of flight.

During ALPA’s Air Safety Forum in July, presenters and exhibitors included

manufacturers of new eyewear technolo-gy designed to protect pilots’ eyes against lasers. While these products have not been approved for use, they offer a sam-pling of the potential countermeasures that could form an additional safeguard.

ALPA strongly supports the research of countermeasure technology in civilian air-space. As a member of the Aviation Safety Subcommittee of the FAA’s Research, En-gineering & Development Advisory Com-mittee (REDAC), ALPA took the opportu-nity this summer to highlight the fact that the government should consider technical solutions to safeguard U.S. aviation from laser attacks in addition to education and law enforcement measures.

For any anti-laser technology, air-line pilots’ perspectives are essential to understanding how a particular prod-uct or practice will work in the cockpit while flying. One example is that some navigational and instrument lights such as lead-in and lead-out runway lights and flight management system text displays can fall in the same part of the visible spectrum as green lasers. As a result, ef-forts to block green laser light could also affect pilots’ ability to see and interpret safety instrumentation.

Working through the REDAC sub-committee, ALPA has advocated for the FAA to research and develop technical countermeasures that reflect key char-acteristics for airline pilots. Any coun-termeasure must be effective against a high percentage of laser strikes, require no action by the flight crew that would disrupt or complicate normal flight operations, be capable of being used on any aircraft, and not impair pilots’ visual acuity or the ability to correctly interpret cockpit displays.

“By constantly exploring new ways to maximize public participation, encour-age incident reporting, enforce the law, and advance new technologies, our industry can do even more to safeguard air transportation in the United States and Canada against the needless threat posed by laser attacks on aircraft,” said Canoll.

Laser Reports CountFor the publicTake the time to educate your-self and others about the safety risk that laser attacks on aircraft pose to passengers in the air and people on the ground. Remem-ber, “If you see something, say something.” According to the FBI, thousands of laser attacks go unreported every year. If you have information about a lasing incident or see someone point-ing a laser at an aircraft, call local law enforcement authorities.

For pilotsThe more data the FAA has, the better it can identify areas in which laser strikes are occurring to increase both public aware-ness and law enforcement in those areas. The FAA urges pilots to report all instances, and ALPA has made reporting a laser en-counter very easy. ALPA’s “What to Do If You’re Lased” online pi-lot resource, accessible at www.alpa.org/resources, provides important response guidance for pilots to use during an attack and a brief form to complete to report the incident.

“We owe it to the public safety to fully enforce the law and apply the prison time and fines that come with violating it.”

CAPT. JOE DEPETE, ALPA FIRST VICE PRESIDENT

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By Kevin Cuddihy, Contributing Writer

I nspire and motivate. That what ALPA pilots did on September 26 while taking part in the first-ever global Girls in Avia-

tion Day, which was sponsored by Women in Aviation International (WAI). Designed to give girls an opportunity to connect with other girls and women in aviation, this was the first coordinated Girls in Avia-tion Day across the globe.

ALPA’s Education Committee informed

its volunteers of the events worldwide, inviting them to participate at their local event and distribute ALPA giveaways to the attendees. ALPA members shared their firsthand experience, telling girls all about their paths to the cockpit.

“I hope [the event] inspires more girls to join our ranks in the future,” said F/O Caidy Thompson (Alaska). Currently only 5.4 percent of ALPA members are female. It’s a statistic that F/O Tiffani Gibson (Ex-pressJet) knows all too well. “I didn’t expect

Air Line Pilot Feature Article » GIRLS IN AVIATION

in Aviation Day

F/O Cassie Schroer (Delta) readies for the day.

Around the country,

ALPA pilots helped inspire

the future generation of

pilots at their local Girls

in Aviation Day events.

Women in AviationTo learn more about Women in Aviation International and its outreach and events, visit www.wai.org.

ALPA Pilots Take Part in

First-Ever Global

November 2015 Air Line Pilot » 25

so many girls to show up for an event centered around aviation since women only make up five percent of pilots with ATPs [air transport pilot certificates],” she acknowledged. But when she found out that more than 100 girls would be attend-ing the event, “I was excited, overjoyed, and ready to get started about telling the girls to reach for their dreams.”

“Our hope was if we could just inspire one girl…. And I think we did!” said F/O Deanna Kimball (Delta).

Inspiring one girl at a time, in cities small and large around the country and around the world, that’s just what ALPA pilots and other volunteers did on Girls in Aviation Day.

CaliforniaIn Carlsbad, Calif., F/O Fallon Winslow (Alaska) helped organize the combined Los Angeles and San Diego event. Joined by pilots from Compass and her husband, Andy (also a first officer with Alaska), Winslow termed the day “an event the girls will remember for years to come.” She stated, “I have no doubt many of them will be working side by side with us professionals in the future.”

Winslow looked back in awe at her role models, “all the women I have worked with who are professional airline pilots, spouses, and mothers—they do it all!” She recognized her father as being the one who first encouraged her and spoke about her desire to provide that encouragement to the girls in attendance. “We’re exposing girls of all ages to some-thing they may not otherwise be directly exposed to—aviation,” she explained.

The event included an ATC tower tour led by two female air traffic controllers, a panel discussion with women in various capacities of the airline industry, hands-on activities, and airplane tours. “Getting these girls exposed to so many possibilities and reinforcing in them to believe in them-selves is very fulfilling,” noted Winslow.

GeorgiaIn Atlanta, Ga., a WAI event included volunteers from Endeavor Air and Ex-

pressJet, among others, and allowed girls to learn more about a variety of aviation professions—pilot, dispatcher, flight attendant, air traffic controller, safety professional, engineer, mechanic, and helicopter pilot/mechanic. It provided a reminder that, as F/O Jenifier Nam (En-deavor Air) put it, “Young women can do anything they set their heart and mind to.

I grew up with a passion to fly but never thought I could,” she said. “There was no influence or mentors for me growing up. So if I can inspire or share my knowledge about aviation to anyone, then it’s worth volunteering.”

F/O Kimberly Matthews (ExpressJet) also talked about providing inspiration. “I never questioned my ability to be a pilot,” she said, “because growing up my parents always made sure I knew I was capable of whatever I set my mind and heart to. Some of my friends weren’t told this and as a result questioned their own capabili-ties. I enjoy passing that confidence on to the younger generation.”

F/O Tiffani Gibson (ExpressJet) gives back in tribute to “all the mentors who have helped me become the airline pilot I am today,” including Girl Scout leaders and her mom. When she found out how many girls would be at the event, she “was excited, overjoyed, and ready to start telling the girls to reach for their dreams.” She admitted, “When you see the smiles and hear the questions from the girls and a lightbulb goes off, it’s the best feeling in the world to see that you’ve made an impact in their life.” Added F/O Elisabeth Powell (ExpressJet), “As a mom myself, hearing kids’ excite-

Girls in Aviation Day: AtlantaRight: F/O Jenifier Nam (Endeavor Air) with a young woman who has already started work on her private license.

Girls in Aviation Day: CaliforniaAbove: A young girl tries on a helmet.

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ment over events is one of the most enjoyable moments.”

MichiganFor F/O Rachel Lindvig (Envoy Air), the Girls in Aviation Day event in Ypsilanti, Mich., was an opportunity to plant a seed. “Being able to be involved with girls in the community and show them that aviation isn’t just for guys leaves an impression on them for when they start thinking about what they would like to do for a career,” she noted.

“The excitement and enthusiasm that the girls brought to the day made it that much more worthwhile. Each of the girls had a passion for some specific part of aviation that we were able to explore a little more that day,” Lindvig said.

The volunteers reaped benefits as well. “At the end of the day I was exhausted,” commented Lindvig, “but felt like a mil-lion bucks. We had such a blast with each girl who was there, and even among the adults who volunteered we had a great time with one another.”

The Ypsilanti event introduced the girls to a variety of aspects of aviation and culminated with a “Choose Your Path” ses-sion where the girls could get one-on-one time and ask questions of pilots and other volunteers.

MinnesotaIn Minneapolis, Minn., pilots from Alaska, Compass, Endeavor Air, Delta,

SkyWest, and Sun Country joined forces with other professionals to treat 800-plus attendees to a day they’ll likely never forget. F/O Cassie Schroer (Delta) reported that the event had a number of great activities—from flights to display aircraft to a panel of aviation greats. And the importance of the event can’t be understated. “I wouldn’t be where I am today without the help of others volunteering at events just like this, encouraging and inspiring youth,” Schroer explained. “Volunteering at events like this truly helps shape the present and future of this great field.”

“Getting a chance to meet people in this field and talk to them one-on-one and realize they all started from the same place” is an amazing opportunity for today’s youth, explained F/O Deanna Kimball (Delta). “This gives kids a pres-sure-free opportunity to get undivided attention and all the time in the world to ask questions.”

North CarolinaAt Raleigh–Durham Airport in North Carolina, F/O Valerie Barrett (United) organized an event for about 50 girls and their parents, with speakers and volun-

teers from the military, airlines, ATC, airport management, engineering, and more. She said of her fellow volunteers, “We all share the same vision, which is to encourage anyone in any part of aviation through education, fellowship, and com-munity outreach.”

As her local WAI chapter is less than a year old, she admitted that, “When we set out to host Girls in Aviation Day, we had no idea how much interest we would get.” However, more than 50 girls braved a rainy day to learn more about the industry. After hearing from the speak-ers, she reported, “The girls split up into groups to different activities, including learning the forces of flight and making their own paper airplanes, a hangar tour, map reading, and getting to check out different airplanes and fire trucks.”

Barrett was thrilled with the event overall, and her favorite quote of the day, she said, was when one little girl enthused, “This is the best day of my life so far!”

Air Line Pilot Feature Article » GIRLS IN AVIATION

Girls in Aviation Day: MinneapolisAbove: It’s a beautiful day to learn about aviation!Right: “Future pilots” at Girls in Aviation Day.

SlideshowTo view photographs from the various Girls in Aviation Day events, please scan the QR code.

By John Perkinson, Staff Writer

lected members of Congress have a responsibil-ity to answer to their constituents. So when Nick Morgan, the 13-year-old son of F/O Suzie

Morgan (United), came to Washington, D.C., to talk about problems with the nation’s Open Skies policy, his House representative listened.

Nick, a Life Scout (the second-highest rank in the Boy Scouts of America), was working on his Citizen-ship in the Nation merit badge last spring. Among

the requirements, he needed to visit a national land-mark and write a letter to a senator or representa-tive in Washington, D.C., about a national issue. The family was planning a vacation to Europe, so Mor-gan and her husband, Capt. John Morgan (Alaska), decided that they’d stop in the nation’s capital on their return trip. Nick could see the monuments and meet Rep. Dana Rohrabacher (R-Calif.), who serves the family’s congressional district. Nick and

Air Line Pilot Feature Article » OPEN SKIESPh

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November 2015 Air Line Pilot » 27

28 » Air Line Pilot November 2015

Join the Fight to Save Airline JobsEmirates Airline, Qatar Airways, and Etihad Airways have received more than $42 bil-lion in subsidies and other unfair benefits during the past 10 years. These airlines are expanding rapidly into markets currently served by U.S. airlines and their partners. If left unchecked, this government-sponsored competition will cost U.S. airline pilots thou-sands of jobs in the short term.

Ask the U.S. government to enforce U.S. Open Skies agreements with the United Arab Emirates and Qatar by opening consultations today. Visit www.alpa.org/advocacy to take action.

Air Line Pilot Feature Article » OPEN SKIES

his family agreed that meeting face-to- face with their elected official would have more of an impact than writing a letter.

But what issue should Nick address? F/O Morgan, a B-777 pilot based in Los Angeles, and Nick had talked about Open Skies and how it’s an important issue for her because the unbridled expansion of Emirates, Etihad Airways, and Qatar Airways threatens her airline. They discussed how these three Persian Gulf carriers receive large, market-distorting subsidies from their governments, leav-ing U.S. airlines at a significant competi-tive disadvantage. So Nick decided that was the topic he wanted to address.

Since his parents are pilots, Nick’s fortunate that he gets to travel frequently and has actually flown on Emirates to Dubai in the United Arab Emirates (UAE). Having made the trek, he’s personally seen the airline’s expansive facilities at Dubai International Airport.

Still, Nick would need some assistance to help him effectively talk about the is-sue. Morgan contacted her pilot group’s Legislative Affairs Committee and spoke with F/O Joe Morowitz (United), who proceeded to send Nick ALPA’s 55-page white paper on the subject. He also spent an hour with the eighth grader, thoroughly discussing the issue and sharing tips on making a persuasive presentation. Morowitz wanted to make sure that Nick would feel comfortable walking into the elected official’s confer-ence room.

“I was very enthusiastic when I received the call to help Nick with this assignment,” said Morowitz. “Nick was incredibly well prepared. It’s a skill that I also learned in Scouts and carry with me to this day.” For such a meeting, Morowitz stressed, “preparation is half the battle.”

On May 20, Nick and Morgan entered the Rayburn House Office Building where they met Rohrabacher and his senior policy advisor. Nick spent 20 minutes explaining the current problems

with the U.S. Open Skies agreements with the UAE and Qatar. The eighth grader talked about the request to U.S. Secretary of Transportation Anthony Foxx and Secretary of State John Kerry to open consultations, as permitted by the agreements with Qatar and the UAE, to fix this problem. Finally, Nick stressed that the situation, if left unchecked, could have a damaging effect on the entire U.S. economy.

Needless to say, the House representa-tive, a former Boy Scout himself, was impressed. Nick was able to provide an intelligent and thorough briefing on the topic while also answering the congress-man’s questions.

Nick got his first taste of Washington politics that day and, in time, earned his Citizenship in the Nation merit badge—one of more than 30 he has attained in his pursuit to become an Eagle Scout, the Boy Scouts’ highest rank. Unfortunately, Rohrabacher has yet to support the Open Skies campaign, but Nick is hoping he’ll eventually see the light.

As for the 13-year-old, will there be an airline cockpit in his future? “I’ve thought about it,” said Nick. Always the tactician, he added, “I’m definitely going to give it serious consideration.”

Nick got his first taste of Washington politics...and, in time, earned his Citizenship in the Nation merit badge—one of more than 30 he has attained in his pursuit to become an Eagle Scout, the Boy Scouts’ highest rank. Unfortunately, Rohrabacher has yet to support the Open Skies campaign, but Nick is hoping he’ll eventually see the light.

November 2015 Air Line Pilot » 29

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ALPA@workAdvancing the Profession…Pilots & Staff

Roundtable Gives Pilots Chance to Share Negotiating Experience, Knowledge

A irline pilots from across the United States and Canada

recently met to exchange in-formation about the current negotiating environment, discuss negotiations across the airline industry, and hear from professional and pilot subject-matter experts.

The latest Collective Bargaining Roundtable, hosted by ALPA on Sep-tember 29–30 at the United pilots’ Master Executive Council (MEC) conference center in Rosemont, Ill., featured presentations from ALPA experts in the areas of retirement, insurance, and scheduling. The event drew 35 union leaders and nego-tiators from seven ALPA pilot groups (Alaska, Delta, FedEx Express, Hawaiian, JetBlue, Spirit, and United), along with representatives from the Air Canada Pilots Association, the Allied Pilots Association, the Frontier Airlines Pilots Association, and the Independent Pilots Association.

“It’s imperative that pilots not only move beyond the belief that we all work in our separate little cocoon, but also recognize that we don’t subscribe to the notion that we go into any negotia-tion alone,” said Capt. Tim Canoll, ALPA’s president. “All pilots are affected by other groups’ negotiations. We aren’t negotiating against other pilots. We are negotiating against manage-

ments that are well financed and well prepared before they even reach the bargain-ing table.

“The roundtable gives us the opportunity to equip ourselves with knowledge and to learn from each other what works and what doesn’t. The wealth of union

and negotiating knowledge around the table is impres-sive, and the feedback I’ve received is that participants have walked away from the sessions better prepared to take on their respective company counterparts at the table.”

Capt. Jay Heppner, the United pilot group’s MEC chairman who was the United MEC Negotiating Committee chairman dur-ing the United/Continental merger, shares Canoll’s belief that pilots coming together from different airlines and pilot unions to discuss collective bargain-

ing issues benefits all pilots. “We cannot be naive to

believe that the companies we are negotiating with are not doing exactly what we are doing: getting together, talking, and coming up with a collective strategy,” said Heppner. “It’s important for all pilots to go into any negotiation knowing who’s sitting across the table from them and to develop a full comprehension of their objectives.”

F/O Neil Roghair, vice chairman of the Allied Pilots Association, which repre-sents American Airlines pi-lots, acknowledged the value of the Collective Bargaining Roundtables, noting they “are all about pilots helping each other and raising the bar for the profession.

“Industry consolidation has finally moved us away from ‘pattern bankrupt-cies’ and has put us back on a trend toward pattern bargaining,” said Roghair, who as chairman of the Allied Pilots Association’s Negotiating Committee led that union through conten-tious negotiations before and during American’s re-cent Chapter 11 bankruptcy restructuring. “We all know our companies are talking to each other, which makes it absolutely essential that pilot groups are talking and sharing information.”

—C. David Kelly, ALPA Senior Communications Specialist

Exchanging Information And IdeasRecognizing that each pilot group—regardless of which union represents it or which management it negotiates with—is always looking for new ways to tap into the experi-ence and knowledge of union leaders and negotiators from pilot groups throughout the industry, the Collective Bargain-ing Roundtable was formed to provide pilots a forum to exchange information and ideas regarding collective bargaining. In addition to the Collective Bargaining Roundtable held in September, ALPA has held two other roundtables this year.

Discussions at the roundtable are not made public, and partici-pants can freely discuss negoti-ating strategies and tactics.

“The concept of the bargain-ing roundtable is simple. Pilots gather and exchange knowl-edge and experience regarding contract negotiations,” said Betty Ginsburg, director of ALPA’s Representation De-partment (above). “These roundtables are great tools for raising the level of pilot group effectiveness.”

The next Collective Bargain-ing Roundtable is scheduled for February 2016.

“We aren’t negotiating against other pilots. We are negotiating against managements that are well financed and well prepared before they even reach the bargaining table.”

CAPT.TIM CANOLL, ALPA PRESIDENT

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Choosing the Right Blood Pressure MedsWhat You Need to Know to Meet FAA Regs By ALPA Staff

D id you know that the average ALPA member is a good can-didate for having high blood

pressure? It’s true. Approximately 65 percent of all ALPA pilots are currently age 45 or older. For men, the risk of high blood pressure, also known as hyperten-sion, begins to climb when they hit 45. For females, the chances of develop-ing the disease rises after the onset of menopause. Plus, the threat of high blood pressure increases with age.

The American Heart Association says

high blood pressure affects more than 76 million Americans, and Hypertension Canada reports that 7.5 million Cana-dians have the disease. To complicate matters, research conducted at Colum-bia University several years ago revealed that those who travel extensively are at higher risk. Many aviation medical examiners (AMEs) will tell you that high blood pressure is one of the top issues confronting pilots during routine FAA medical exams.

Over time, the walls of your blood ves-sels can stretch, creating weak spots that can scar or tear. Scarring can obstruct the

flow of the blood, catching cholesterol and other debris that results in clots. These blockages force the heart to pump harder, stressing the muscles and valves of the heart.

If left untreated, hypertension can seriously damage your arteries (red blood vessels transporting blood from your heart) and veins (blue blood vessels carrying blood to your heart), and lead to strokes, heart disease, kidney problems, eye conditions, and other health issues.

But there’s good news. For many, a regimen consisting of a healthier diet, regular exercise, and weight reduction can help. And fortunately for others, there’s a wide range of prescription drugs available. However, you must be care-ful to choose a hypertension medica-tion that’s right for you and meets FAA standards.

If after evaluating your condition, your AME or personal physician feels that medication would be an appropri-

Health Watch

November 2015 Air Line Pilot » 31

Common High Blood Pressure Medication Categories Allowed by the FAADIURETICSDiuretics, sometimes called “water pills,” help your body purge excess water and salt through the urine. Getting rid of these can help lower  your blood pressure, making it easier for your heart to work. These drugs are typically inexpensive, and side effects are rare. Diuretics are pre-scribed to treat a variety of condi-tions, but Thiazide diuretics are often used specifically to lower blood pressure.

BETA BLOCKERS Beta blockers, also known as beta-adrenergic blocking agents, block the effects of the hormone epinephrine, also known as adrenaline. Some beta blockers help your heart to beat at a slower rate, reducing blood pressure, while others address both your heart and blood vessels. Other beta block-ers prevent your kidneys from pro-ducing a hormone called angiotensin II, causing your blood vessels to relax and your blood to flow more easily.

ALPHA BLOCKERSThe ends of certain nerves, when stimulated, can release a chemical called noradrenaline. This chemical then stimulates alpha-adrenergic receptors, which exist on cells in the heart, certain smooth muscles, and blood vessels, and can constrict these areas. Alpha blockers impede transmission of these nerve impulses, allowing muscles and blood vessels

to relax, improving blood flow.  Alpha blockers are often used to treat high blood pressure associated with coro-nary artery disease or abnormal heart rhythms.

ACE INHIBITORSAngiotensin II is a chemical the body produces that can cause muscles sur-rounding blood vessels to constrict.  Angiotensin-converting enzyme (ACE) inhibitors inhibit the activity of this enzyme, which decreases the produc-tion of angiotensin II. ACE inhibitors are also prescribed for heart attacks and prevent  kidney  damage associ-ated with  hypertension and  diabetes.

Angiotensin-2 (AT-2) receptor blockers are a subset of ACE in-hibitors. However, rather than lower levels of angiotensin II, they work directly to block receptors, prevent-ing this chemical from affecting the heart and blood vessels.

CALCIUM CHANNEL BLOCKERSCalcium in your body can sometimes narrow your blood vessels, raising your blood pressure.  Calcium channel blockers, or calcium antagonists, keep calcium from entering the cells of the heart and blood vessel walls. Most of these medications have names that end in “ipine.” Some calcium channel blockers reduce your heart rate by slowing the nerve impulses that make your heart contract.

ate treatment, a variety of drug options are available. Selecting the best option depends on a number of factors, includ-ing findings during your exam, other existing medical conditions, and even your insurance coverage. Before you fly while using any particular prescription, your AME will want to make sure that your body tolerates the medicine well and doesn’t produce any significant side effects.

“Common High Blood Pressure Medi-cation Categories Allowed by the FAA” (see right) covers some of the categories of available hypertension medications. Because specific brands of drugs are con-

stantly being introduced, the FAA doesn’t attempt to publish a list of “approved” medications. You may resume flying on most of these medications prior to seeing your AME, but you must first document that your blood pressure is under control and that you aren’t suffering from any significant side effects. As long as you remain on hypertension medications, you will need to document this at your annual AME visit.

Keep in mind that when the FAA makes a determination about hyperten-sion, its first concern is whether the pilot’s particular circumstances could interfere with flight safety. A prescribed treatment—including the use of prescrip-tion drugs—is secondary as far as the agency is concerned.

For more information on hyperten-sion, its treatment, and a list of allowed medications, call Aviation Medicine Advisory Service, ALPA’s Aeromedical Office, at 303-341-4435, Monday to Friday, 8:30 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. mountain time, or visit www.AviationMedicine.com. Also read “Health Watch: Treating Airline Pilots Who Have Hypertension,” December 2013.

ALPA members can contact the Aero-medical Office at 303-341-4435, Mon-day to Friday, 8:30 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. mountain time, or at www.AviationMedicine.com.

32 » Air Line Pilot November 2015

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FromtheHill

“Given the safety risk highlighted by the FAA’s recent release of pilot reports, ALPA urges Congress to clear up confusion and authorize the FAA to regu-late the UAS operated for recre-ation and hobby.”

CAPT. TIM CANOLL, ALPA PRESIDENT

ALPA Tells Congress UAS Need Greater OversightBy John Perkinson, Staff Writer

“A irline pilots’ training and expertise helps ensure safety when we unexpectedly en-

counter a UAS [unmanned aircraft sys-tem], but the FAA numbers show more encounters are happening more fre-quently,” Capt. Tim Canoll, ALPA’s presi-dent, told members of the U.S. House of Representatives Aviation Subcommittee. Canoll, who testified on October 7 at a hearing titled “Ensuring Aviation Safety in the Era of Unmanned Aircraft Sys-tems,” stressed that the proliferation of these remotely piloted aircraft, coupled with the increasing number of near-miss events, demonstrates the accelerating level of risk.

Canoll offered several recent ex-amples including an event in which a

UAS passed within 60 to 70 feet of an all-cargo aircraft near San Jose, Calif. “The FAA is making progress, but we need more,” he said. “While work on a

final rule regarding small commercial UAS operations is encouraging, the agency must immediately address all UAS operations, including those flown by hobbyists.”

Canoll outlined a four-part action plan to help safely integrate UAS into the U.S. national airspace system.

He called for education, referencing the “Know Before You Fly” campaign, a public initiative and the topic of a recent Associa-tion blog. The campaign calls for individu-als flying UAS to be educated about FAA guidelines, such as maintaining line of sight, not flying within five miles of an airport, and flying under 400 feet.

Additionally, Canoll said UAS purchasers need to be registered so that law enforcement can identify the owner if a UAS were to encounter a problem.

UAS must be equipped with technolo-gies that help pilots and controllers easily identify them when they’re operating in airspace intended for airliners. UAS must also have technology that can’t be overrid-den that limits the altitude and geographic areas in which they can operate.

And UAS pilots must understand the penalties of exceeding operational limits and possible malfunctions.

“Given the safety risk highlighted by the FAA’s recent release of pilot re-ports, ALPA urges Congress to clear up confusion and authorize the the FAA to regulate the UAS operated for recreation and hobby,” said Canoll.

In August, the FAA issued a report about the growing prevalence of UAS in U.S. airspace. The agency noted, “Pilots of a variety of different types of air-craft—including many large, commer-cial air carriers—reported spotting 16 unmanned aircraft in June of 2014, and 36 the following month. This year, 138 pilots reported seeing drones at altitudes of up to 10,000 feet during the month of June, and another 137 in July.”

In his opening remarks, Rep. Frank LoBiondo (R-N.J.), the Aviation Subcom-mittee chairman, observed, “Safety is paramount in aviation, and the in-

Capt. Tim Canoll, ALPA’s president, testifies before the House Subcommittee on Aviation at a hearing titled “Ensuring Aviation Safety in the Era of Unmanned Aircraft Systems.”

November 2015 Air Line Pilot » 33

creased number of suspected sightings raises serious questions. Some of these reports involved airliners and occurred at low altitudes near the nation’s busiest airports.”

Just the day before the hearing, the FAA proposed to fine SkyPan Inter-national, Inc. with a $1.9 million civil penalty. The agency reported that the company had conducted 65 missions us-ing UAS over densely populated areas of New York and Chicago from March 2012 to December 2014. Forty-three of these missions were allegedly flown “over highly restricted New York airspace,” according to The Washington Post.

As part of his testimony, FAA Deputy Administrator Michael Whitaker told Aviation Subcommittee members that the agency had signed an agreement ear-lier in the week with CACI International, Inc. to evaluate the company’s UAS sensor-detection system, which, if effec-tive, could be employed at airports. The agreement is part of the FAA’s Pathfind-er program announced in May to safely expand unmanned aircraft operations in the United States. However, the FAA con-tinues to face intense pressure after fail-ing to meet a congressionally mandated deadline of Sept. 30, 2015, for integrating UAS into U.S. national airspace.

Airline pilots have reported sightings this year near airports ranging from Newark Liberty International to Seattle–Tacoma International. In addition, the news media has reported on numerous nonairline-related incidents, including a random UAS that landed on the White House lawn last January and a UAS that crashed in seating at the U.S Open in Sep-tember. UAS have also impeded efforts to fight the recent California wildfires.

Canoll told the Aviation Subcom-mittee, “ALPA recognizes that UAS can allow us to perform certain tasks more efficiently and safely than conventional aircraft. We also understand the value of advancing America’s competiveness in these technologies.” But Canoll asserted, “That said, ALPA’s overarching concern is one of safety.”

New UAS Task Force to Develop Recommendations by November 20

O n October 19, U.S. Department of Transportation (DOT) Secretary Anthony Foxx and FAA Admin-

istrator Michael Huerta announced the creation of a task force to develop recom-mendations for an unmanned aircraft system (UAS) registration process.

The task force—which ALPA will be a part of—will be composed of 25 to 30 diverse representatives from the UAS and manned aviation industries, the federal government, and other stakeholders. 

The group will develop recommenda-tions by November 20 and advise the DOT on which aircraft should be exempt from registration due to a low safety risk, including toys and certain other small UAS. The task force also will explore op-tions for a streamlined system that would make registration less burdensome for commercial UAS operators.

“ALPA fully supports Secretary Foxx’s decision to create a task force that will recommend procedures and policy for creating a national registration database for all UAS,” said Capt. Tim Canoll, ALPA’s president. “This simple and necessary tactic will not only allow authorities to immediately identify the owner, but it

will also drive home the serious nature of operating these UAS.

“The FAA’s task force is certainly a step in the right direction—but we also need timely decisions. There is an anticipated sale of one million UAS during this year’s holiday season. This news comes on the heels of hundreds of FAA reports from pilots on UAS encounters. With all of these safety concerns in mind, the Air Line Pilots Association is ready to engage in discussion with its counterparts and assist this task force in developing the procedures necessary to ensure we main-tain the highest levels of safety for our aviation system.”

Next UpAs this issue went to press, Capt. Tim Canoll, ALPA’s president, was scheduled to testify on October 28 before the U.S. Senate Appro-priations Subcommittee on Transportation, Housing and Urban Development, and Related Agencies regarding unmanned aircraft systems and the steps being taken to successfully integrate this new technology into the U.S. national airspace system.

Capt. Tim Canoll, ALPA’s president, left, addresses the news media regarding the creation of a task force to develop recommendations for an unmanned aircraft system registration process.

34 » Air Line Pilot November 2015

OurStorieswww.alpa.org/ourstories

By John Perkinson, Staff Writer

F /O Ryan Toma (Endeavor Air) has made a name for himself in profes-sional football—without having

played even one down as a professional player. Instead, the 32-year old CRJ900 pilot moonlights as a part-time groundskeeper for the National Football League (NFL).

NFL groundskeepers serve as both landscapers and artists for the league’s massive stadiums. Come game time, the league expects its playing fields to be in immaculate shape.

Most NFL groundskeepers are assigned to specific teams, but Toma belongs to a special crew that works unique events. This year he was assigned to tend the turf for two of the three season games at Wem-bley Stadium in London, England, as well as the Super Bowl, which will be played at Levi’s Stadium in San Francisco, Calif.

“For the London games, we work on Wembley as well as two or three prac-tice sites,” explains Toma. To prepare for the New York Jets/Miami Dolphins game, played on October 4, he and other members of the designated crew visited two area professional rugby clubs—the London Irish and the Saracens. “We painted their game fields, using them as practice sites.” The crew then lined the turf at Wembley.

Toma was flying to London in prepara-tion for the Detroit Lions/Kansas City

Chiefs game on November 1 as this issue went to press.

ALL IN THE FAMILYThe Kansas City native’s NFL gig has been a family affair. His father, George, is a leg-end, having served for many years as the NFL’s head groundskeeper for Super Bowl games. Toma’s father was enshrined in the league’s Hall of Fame in Canton, Ohio, in 2002. George was also a Major League Baseball groundskeeper for the Kansas City Royals and provided his knowledge and skills for the Olympic Games held in Los Angeles in 1984 and Atlanta in 1996.

Toma says that he and his brothers Chip and Rick worked at stadiums with their father from the time they were little kids, and because of their work they trav-eled extensively.

To introduce American football to other parts of the world, the NFL in the mid-1980s began scheduling preseason games, known as “American Bowls,” in Japan, Mexico, and various cities in Europe. Toma, his father, and his brothers helped prepare the sod for many of these games.

When asked if traveling the world at a young age led him to pursue a flying career, Toma acknowledges it may have been part of the reason. “But to be honest, it was mostly because of the movie Top Gun,” he says with a grin. The airplanes in the film grabbed his attention, and he says he’s been hooked on flying ever since.

FIELD OF DREAMSWhen asked about his most memorable NFL experience, Toma says that Super Bowl XXXII left an indelible mark. It was Jan. 25, 1998, and the Denver Broncos were playing the Green Bay Packers. He recalls, “[Denver quarterback] John Elway was on the one-yard line, and I was behind the end zone. It was the second quarter, and I remember the look of determination in his eyes.”

Elway proceeded to run the ball over the goal line for a touchdown. “It was one of those epic Super Bowl moments that I was right there for,” Toma acknowledges. The Broncos went on to win the game 31–24.

An ALPA member for the last eight years, Toma graduated from Kansas State and flew Aero Commanders for a local night-time cargo operation. He later worked for Mesaba Airlines, which became Pinnacle and then Endeavor Air.

Toma says working as a part-time groundskeeper for the NFL has been a lot of fun, but it’s been challenging to manage at times. The commitment eats up much, if not all, of his accrued vacation time. In addition, Delta Air Lines recently hired Toma, and he’s awaiting a class date. He realizes that being a new hire at Delta will give him less flexibility, but flying remains his priority.

If his flying career allows, Toma wants to continue working as an NFL groundskeeper. The league is like a family, he says, one he very much wants to remain a part of.

F/O Ryan Toma (Endeavor Air) tends to his turf.Endeavor Air Pilot

Makes His Mark in the NFL

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36 » Air Line Pilot November 2015

The United States and Canada have robust domestic airline

industries, and the yardstick that analysts frequently use

to determine air transport performance is airport passenger

counts. According to the Airports Council International (ACI),

1.6 billion passengers passed through North American

airports during 2014, an increase of 3.2 percent over the

previous year.

In fact, the world’s airports also reported increases, handling

more than 6.7 billion passengers in 2014—5.7 percent more

compared to the previous year’s numbers.

But enough about North American and global totals; the

question is—which airport took the coveted distinction of

busiest passenger airport in each of the two nations?

BY THE NUMBERS:

Busiest Airports In the United States & Canada

The Winners Are…

TOP U.S. AIRPORT: Hartsfield–Jackson Atlanta International Airport (ATL)

2014 Passenger Count: 96+ million

2014 Enplanements: 46+ million

In 2014, ATL retained its title as busiest airport; however, that achievement isn’t without controversy. Naysayers argue Chicago O’Hare International Airport (ORD) edged out ATL last year by total number of flight operations. ACI reported that ORD had more than 881,000 “total move-

ments,” surpassing ATL with its mere 868,000-plus flight operations. 

TOP CANADIAN AIRPORT: Toronto Pearson International Airport (YYZ)

2014 Passenger Count: 37+ million

2014 Enplanements: 19 million

YYZ was Canada’s busiest airport with almost 38 mil-lion passengers moving through its terminal in 2014. The airport’s website touts, “When you consider that Canada’s population is roughly 36 million, that’s more than our entire country.”

YYZ’s closest Canadian competitor is Vancouver Interna-tional Airport, which boarded more than 9 million passen-gers in 2014.

November 2015 Air Line Pilot » 37

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38 » Air Line Pilot November 2015

HAVE YOU MOVED?Please call Membership Administration at 1-888-359-2572, then press 3; e-mail your new address to Membership@alpa.org; or clip out this form—along with the mailing label on the back cover—and send it to

ALPA Membership AdministrationPO Box 1169, Herndon, VA 20172-1169

Name

Member #

Airline

New address

Apt. City

State Zip

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National OfficersFor complete biographical information on ALPA’s national

officers, visit www.alpa.org or scan the QR code.

Capt. Tim Canoll President

Capt. Joe DePete First Vice President

Capt. William Couette Vice President– Administration/ Secretary

Capt. Randy Helling Vice President–Finance/ Treasurer

ALPA Resources & Contact Numbers

Want to know more about ALPA’s EVPs? Scan the QR code.

Executive Vice PresidentsFor more information on which pilot groups executive vice presidents represent, visit www.alpa.org/evp.

Capt. Andrew Massey (Delta)

Capt. Larry Beck (United)

Capt. Rick Dominguez Executive Administrator

Capt. Russell Sklenka (FedEx Express)

Capt. Mike McMackin (JetBlue) CommutAir, Endeavor Air, Hawaiian, JetBlue, Piedmont, Spirit

Capt. Chris Suhs (Air Wisconsin) Air Transport International, Air Wisconsin, Atlantic South-east, ExpressJet, PSA, Trans States

Capt. Paul Stuart, Jr. (Alaska) Alaska, Com-pass, Envoy Air, Island Air, Mesa, Sun Country, Virgin America

Capt. Dan Adamus (Jazz) Air Transat, Bearskin, Calm Air, Canadian North, First Air, Jazz Aviation, Wasaya

9 5 7 2 3 4 6 8 1

4 1 8 7 5 6 9 2 3

6 3 2 9 8 1 5 4 7

3 2 9 4 6 8 1 7 5

1 7 4 5 9 3 2 6 8

8 6 5 1 2 7 3 9 4

2 8 3 6 7 5 4 1 9

7 9 1 3 4 2 8 5 6

5 4 6 8 1 9 7 3 2

ALPA Sudoku (© paulspages.co.uk)

Complete the sudoku puzzle so that each column, each row, and each of the nine 3×3 sub-grids that compose the grid con-tain all the digits from 1 to 9.

The solution to this month’s ALPA sudoku can be found on page 15.

Too easy, too difficult? Tell us what you think. E-mail Magazine@alpa.org.

November 2015 Air Line Pilot » 39

*Pilot group in custodianship

ALPA Information NumbersThe following ALPA resources may be reached by e-mail or by dialing, toll-free, 1-888-359-2572 (1-888-FLY-ALPA). Once connected, press the # key on your phone and dial the last four digits of the number listed below. However, the ALPA main number, ASPEN, the Membership and Insurance toll-free number, and Membership Administration numbers need to be dialed directly.

Accident Investigation (EAS@alpa.org) 703-689-4312

Accounting and Finance (Finance@alpa.org) 703-689-4144

Air Line Pilot (Magazine@alpa.org) 703-481-4460

ALPA Aeromedical Office 303-341-4435

ALPA Main Number 703-689-2270

ALPA Memorabilia (SMDR@alpa.org) 703-481-4458

ALPA-PAC 202-797-4033

ASPEN 703-689-4220

Balloting (Balloting@alpa.org) 703-689-4173

Cashiering (Cashiering@alpa.org) 703-689-4385

Communications (Communications@alpa.org) 703-481-4440

Computer Help Line (HelpDesk@alpa.org) 703-689-4357

Council Services (CSC@alpa.org) 703-689-4311

Discipline and Discharge (Rep@alpa.org) 703-689-4226

Economic and Financial Analysis (EFA@alpa.org) 703-689-4289

Election Dates LEC/MEC 703-689-4212

Engineering and Air Safety (EAS@alpa.org) 703-689-4200

FAA Enforcement or MedicalCertificate Action (Rep@alpa.org)

703-689-4226

Government Affairs (GovernmentAffairs@alpa.org) 202-797-4033

Human Resources (HumanResources@alpa.org) 703-689-4262

Information Technology and Services

(ITServices@alpa.org) 703-689-4237

Legal (Legal@alpa.org) 202-797-4096 703-689-4326

Membership Insurance (Insurance@alpa.org) 1-800-746-2572

Membership Administration (Membership@alpa.org) 1-888-359-2572 (1-888-FLY-ALPA), option 3

IT Operations and Services (ITOS@alpa.org) 703-689-4245

Organizing (OrganizingInfo@alpa.org) 703-689-4179

Publishing and Design Services (Publishing@alpa.org) 703-481-4441

Purchasing (Purchasing@alpa.org) 703-689-4319

Representation (Rep@alpa.org) 703-689-4375

Real Estate (RealEstateDept@alpa.org) 703-689-4105

Retirement and Insurance (RI@alpa.org) 703-689-4114

Strategic Member Development and Resources

(SMDR@alpa.org) 703-481-4467

System Board of Adjustment (Rep@alpa.org) 703-689-4226

Air Line PilOtEditor in Chief Sharon B. Vereb

Associate Managing & Production Editor Susan Fager

Staff Writer John Perkinson

Senior Advocacy Writer Linda Shotwell

Magazine/Graphic Designer Susan Boulter

ePublishing Editor Jesica Ferry

Web Coordinators Chris Weaver, Suzi Fenton

Supervisor, Creative Services Kelly M. Barrett

Supervisor, Content Strategy Molly Martin

Supervisor, Multimedia Productions Eric Davis

Contributing Writer Kevin Cuddihy

Director of Communications Cathy St. Denis

General Manager Lori Garver

Air Line Pilot is not responsible for un solicited manu scripts, photographs, or other materials. Unsolicited materials will be re turned only if sub-mitted with a self-addressed, stamped envelope. Opinions expressed by authors do not necessarily represent official ALPA position or policy.

Subscriptions: Subscription rate for pilot mem bers, $27.50, included in ALPA member ship dues; for stu-dents, $41; for U.S. nonmembers, $55; for foreign, $71.50. Residents of the state of Washington must add 8.8 percent sales tax. To subscribe go to www.alpa.org/subscriptions or call 703-481-4460.

Advertising: Any advertising appearing in Air Line Pilot cannot be construed as being an endorsement by the Air Line Pilots Association, International or its members. The publisher reserves the right to reject, discontinue, or edit any advertisement. For advertis-ing information, contact Advertising@alpa.org.

Address Changes: To report address changes, con-tact Membership@alpa.org or call 1-888-359-2572 (1-888-FLY-ALPA) and chose menu option 3, 3.

Air Line Pilot is printed in the United States and published for professional airline pilots in the United States and Canada who are members of the Air Line Pilots Association, International.

ALPA Headquarters: 1625 Massachusetts Ave., NW, Washington, DC 20036

Postmaster: Send address changes to Air Line Pilot, PO Box 1169, Herndon, VA 20172-1169.

Other Organizations ALPA Aeromedical Office 303-341-4435 ALPA Federal Credit Union 1-800-747-2349

ALPA Accident/Incident Hotline If you are involved in an accident, incident, or alleged violation of a federal aviation regulation, contact your local or central air safety chairman, regional safety chairman, or the worldwide ALPA accident/incident hotline at 202-797-4180 (collect calls are accepted) for an immediate response 24 hours per day. As a backup number, call 703-892-4180. To report a safety problem or airspace system defi ciency, call 1-800-424-2470 or e-mail EAS@alpa.org.

2015 EBCB Schedule The Association’s Election and Ballot Certification Board’s schedule for counting ballots is November 10 and December 10. Any ALPA member in good standing may be present as an observer during any meeting. Contact the Association’s Membership and Council Services Department for scheduling.

Membership AdministrationTo obtain membership account information or to update your records or your postal or e-mail address via the Internet, go to the My ALPA area of Crewroom.alpa.org; or dial the toll-free number 1-888-359-2572 (1-888-FLY-ALPA) and choose menu option 3,3. Listed below are the telephone numbers of MEC offices.

Air Transat–TSC MEC 1-888-337-2033

Air Transport International–ATI MEC

505-263-8838

Air Wisconsin–ARW MEC 1-800-ALPA-ARW

Alaska–ALA MEC 206-241-3138

Atlantic Southeast–ASA MEC 404-209-8566

Bearskin–BRS MEC 807-628-5683

Calm Air–CMA MEC 204-471-1000

Canadian North–CNP MEC 780-718-6012

*CanJet–CJA MEC 1-800-959-1751

CommutAir–CMT MEC 440-985-8579

Compass–CPZ MEC 952-853-2373

Delta–DAL MEC 404-763-4925

Endeavor Air–PCL MEC 855-PCL-ALPA

Envoy Air–ENY MEC 817-685-7474

ExpressJet–XJT MEC 281-987-3636

FedEx Express–FDX MEC 901-752-8749

First Air–FAB MEC 1-877-459-3272

Hawaiian–HAL MEC 808-836-2572

Island Air–AIS MEC 808-838-0188

Jazz Aviation–JAZ MEC 1-800-561-9576

JetBlue–JBU MEC 603-303-2195

*Kelowna Flightcraft–KFC MEC 905-630-4341

Mesa–MAG MEC 602-306-1116

*North American–NAA MEC 513-257-7662

Piedmont–PDT MEC 339-987-1277

PSA–PSA MEC 703-481-4444

Spirit–SPA MEC 1-855-SPA-ALPA

Sun Country–SCA MEC 952-853-2393

Trans States–TSA MEC 412-780-9036

United–UAL MEC 847-292-1700

Virgin America–VRD MEC 435-962-0951

Wasaya–WSG MEC 807-624-7270

IMAGE: ISTOCK.COM (© SQUAREDPIXELS )

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