January-February Air Line Pilot

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January-FebruaryAir 2017 Line PilOt Official Journal of the Air Line Pilots Association, International

ALSO IN THIS ISSUE: » 20-Year Anniversary of the CALPA–ALPA Merger page 50

» Pilot Commentary page 6

» The Landing page 61

PILOT GROUP PROFILES: 2017 Pilots of ALPA ALPA priority: Representing 54,000 pilots at 31 U.S. and Canadian Airlines Page 18

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151005_Schwab_ADP95258-00.indd 1 12/29/16 4:33 PM JANUARY-FEBRUARY2017CONTENTS VOLUME 86, NUMBER 1

High altitudes. January-February 2017 COMMENTARY Air Transat Air 5 OUR UNION Air Transport International Line Air Wisconsin PilOt Official Journal of the Air Line Pilots A Position of Responsibility Association, International Higher financial Alaska ALSO IN THIS ISSUE: Atlantic Southeast » 20-Year Anniversary of the CALPA–ALPA Merger page 50 6 PILOT COMMENTARY » Pilot Commentary page 6 Bearskin » The Landing page 61 goals. 20 Years of Advancing Calm Air Canadian Aviation Canadian North CommutAir PILOT GROUP PROFILES: Compass 2017 Pilots Lower trade fees. FEATURES Delta of ALPA Endeavor Air ALPA priority: Representing 54,000 pilots at 31 U.S. and Canadian Airlines 18 PILOTS OF ALPA 2017 Envoy Air Page 18

ExpressJet PRINTED IN THE U.S.A. @wearealpa 50 CALPA–ALPA FedEx Express MERGER + 20: GROWING First Air STRONGER IN CANADA Frontier ABOUT THE COVER Hawaiian Cover photo illustration by 52 PREPARING YOUR Island Air Susan Boulter 2016 TAXES Jazz Aviation JetBlue Air Line Pilot (ISSN 0002-242X) is published 55 FUME EVENTS: Kelowna Flightcraft monthly except for combined January/Feb- Mesa ruary and June/July issues by the Air Line ALPA DEVELOPING Pilots Association, International, affiliated Piedmont with AFL-CIO, CLC. Editorial Offices: 535 INDEPENDENT STUDY PSA Herndon Parkway, Herndon, VA 20170. Telephone: 703-481-4460. Fax: 703-464- Spirit 2114. Copyright © 2017—Air Line Pilots As- As an ALPA member, you aim high. You chart a path to your destination. You take charge Sun Country sociation, International, all rights reserved. Publication in any form without permission of your journey. Now, thanks to ALPA’s exclusive agreement with Charles Schwab, you can Trans States is prohibited. Air Line Pilot and the ALPA United logo Reg. U.S. Pat. and T.M. Office. Federal get a special discount on online equity trades while navigating toward your financial future. Virgin America I.D. 36-0710830. Periodicals postage paid at Herndon, VA 20170 and additional offices. With your ALPA membership and a Schwab account, you can: Wasaya 18 Postmaster: Send address changes to Air Line Pilot, 535 Herndon Parkway, Herndon, VA 20170. ■ Canadian Publications Mail Agreement Take advantage of even lower fees for Schwab online equity trading— DEPARTMENTS #40620579 just $4.95 per trade (previously $6.95). Canada Post: Return undeliverables to P.O. 7 PREFLIGHT Box 2601, 6915 Dixie Rd, Mississauga, ON L4T 0A9. ■ Access Schwab’s state-of-the-art investing technologies and trading tools. 57 ALPA@WORK ALPA’s EVPs—What They Do ■ Choose from a wide range of low-cost investment products to fit your needs. 7 58 HEALTH WATCH ■ Enjoy award-winning services and support. 52 ALPA Actively Supports NTSB 61 THE LANDING Health Priorities F/O Karen Lacy Shatters Glass 59 OUR STORIES Ceiling To learn more about how Schwab can help you save money on Fair Winds and Following Seas trade commissions and stay on track to meet your financial goals, 62 WE ARE ALPA 60 RECENTLY RETIRED ALPA Resources and Contact visit schwab.com/alpa or call 1-877-648-4719. Numbers See Who’s on the List

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4026_PAC_JanFebALP_Ad.indd 1 1/23/2017 2:58:38 PM 4 » Air Line Pilot January-February 2017 OurUnion

A Position of Responsibility

he book Profiles in Courage captures John ALPA pilots who are in contract talks are F. Kennedy’s maxim that every citizen in a equally in a position of responsibility—as are T democracy holds “office” in the sense that other ALPA members in supporting them in their they are in a position of responsibility. The 1956 fight. For example, more than 430 supporters book maintains that the kind of government we of Hawaiian Airlines pilots and their pursuit of get depends upon how we fulfill those responsi- a fair contract participated in ALPA’s collective bilities. The same holds true for our union—and one-time tweet of solidarity. Hawaiian Airlines the success we achieve in pilot representation. management appears to be listening, and it’s A profile—whether in words or image—is de- ALPA’s responsibility to alert passengers to a pos- signed to capture its subject’s significant features. sible legal strike. You’ll read in this issue’s pilot group profiles the Similarly, Mesa Airlines pilots recently extent to which a sense of responsibility is the received $2 million from ALPA to back projects significant feature of our union—responsibil- that support their effort to secure a contract ity to our pilot group, to our union brothers and that includes industry-average compensation. sisters, to our passengers and cargo shippers, to In another show of ALPA pilots’ responsibility to our airlines and industry, and to the future of the each other, more than 200 members from Spirit profession. Airlines as well as pilots from United Airlines, With the new U.S. administration, we remain JetBlue Airways, Frontier Airlines, and American optimistic that President Trump and his cabinet Airlines walked on the informational picket will continue the strong support stated during lines. the campaign regarding enforcing U.S. trade As has been true for decades, ALPA pilots also agreements and protecting U.S. jobs. ALPA will remain committed to promoting responsibility continue to call on new U.S. government leaders and professionalism in the cockpit. In response to apply these principles to the airline industry. to a public message to Canadian airlines on In an egregious example of the U.S. govern- the subject by Canada’s Minister of Transport ment’s failure to give its own international Marc Garneau, ALPA affirmed its long-standing agreements meaning, the Obama administration support for the outstanding pilot assistance and late last year approved a permit to allow Norwe- flight crew monitoring programs that safeguard gian Air International (NAI) to fly to and from air transportation. the United States under a business model that Our union stands by its shared responsibility runs counter to U.S. Open Skies agreements and to build a strong airline piloting profession for threatens U.S. jobs. On January 12, ALPA, along the future. Capt. Paul Ryder (ExpressJet), ALPA’s with other labor groups, filed a joint petition for national resource coordinator, is representing review of the U.S. Department of Transporta- ALPA pilots on a new U.S. DOT working group tion’s (DOT) decision in the U.S. Court of Appeals charged with helping to increase the supply of reaffirming our pledge to continue the fight commercially qualified pilots. against NAI. For more than 85 years, ALPA has taken It’s indeed a pledge by ALPA, and pilots across extremely seriously our responsibility to engage the industry are joining us. Our social media on behalf of our members in every aspect of traction demonstrates this unity—recently cap- the piloting profession—contract negotiations, turing a photo of a United Airlines pilot, a Spirit safety, pilot assistance, and security. Our union Airlines pilot, and an American Airlines pilot is decidedly not keeping a low profile when it meeting with one of the many Members of Con- comes to pilot representation. gress who’ve opposed the NAI foreign air carrier permit. This meeting is just one of hundreds that ALPA pilots and staff have held with lawmak- ers on the NAI issue. As a result, approximately 175 Members of Congress have spoken out in opposition. Capt. Tim Canoll, ALPA President

January-February 2017 Air Line Pilot » 5 PilotC mmentary

20 Years of Advancing Canadian Aviation

By Capt. Dan Adamus (Jazz Aviation), ALPA ALPA has been successful in effecting change Canada Board President regarding the various ways that airlines have the opportunity to use temporary foreign workers. his year marks the 20th anniversary of A number of our furloughed members are once ALPA’s Canada Board. For two decades, ALPA again flying for Canadian airlines, and we remain T pilots in Canada and the U.S. have been committed to continue working with officials working together to advance safety, security, rep- on reviewing the various programs that permit “ALPA pilots work tire- resentational, and legislative issues that affect and some Canadian airlines to use foreign pilots on a advance our careers. Through these contributions, seasonal basis. lessly to advance avia- we have helped to ensure that North American For Canadians, this topic sparked public outrage tion, and these efforts aviation continues to lead the world in excellence. in early January after issues regarding an indi- While each year provides new challenges and vidual foreign pilot again brought these programs are the sole reason new opportunities, this year has the potential to under scrutiny. ALPA’s work on the issue of foreign that since 1997, the be a notable one for Canadian aviation. Since our pilots operating in Canada is ongoing, and we new government took office a year ago, we’ve had continue to advocate for the government to adopt Canada Board has a number of productive meetings with Members of ALPA’s policy recommendations regarding wet- been a respected voice Parliament and senators, as well as with represen- leasing and other programs. tatives of the Trudeau government, and regulatory ALPA pilots work tirelessly to advance aviation, for our nation’s avia- agencies that have provided us the opportunity to and these efforts are the sole reason that since tion industry.” discuss issues affecting ALPA members. 1997, the Canada Board has been a respected voice One of our top priorities for 2017 is the long- for our nation’s aviation industry. The benefits of overdue passage of new flight- and duty-time ALPA representation are the reasons that pilots regulations. In August 2010, Transport Canada across the U.S. and Canada continue to join our convened a working group to review and propose ranks. And for 2017, we’re well positioned for amendments to the regulations related to manag- growth. ing flight crew fatigue. Six years later, in June 2016, After a brief campaign driven by pilots at Air that agency finally announced that new regula- Georgian Limited, we’re currently awaiting the Ca- tions will be moving forward. nadian Industrial Relations Board to certify ALPA Since the onset, ALPA has been actively engaged as the collective bargaining representative for on this issue. Our next action will be to provide the 230 pilots. Additionally, pilots at WestJet have comments to the proposed rules once they’re made significant steps toward ALPA representa- published this summer. We’re thankful to the tion by building and training their Organizing current administration for making improvements Committee and are now in the process of signing to aviation safety, but more work needs to be done membership cards. Our vision of representing to ensure that a single, timely implementation all airline pilots in Canada and the U.S. remains process exists for all Canadian carriers. Updat- strong, and we continue to have a dialogue with ing flight-time/duty-time and minimum rest several other pilot groups in Canada to gauge their requirements has been one of the most impor- interest in joining ALPA. tant aviation safety initiatives for flight crews in As the voice of airline pilots in Canada for 20 Canada, and we’ll continue our efforts to imple- years, the Air Line Pilots Association, International ment a process that ensures Canadian pilots have will continue to advocate for real change that is access to these science-based fatigue rules within necessary for Canadian airlines and their workers a timely manner. to maintain the highest standards of safety and Another initiative of the Canada Board’s pro- thrive in the global marketplace. I’m proud to be pilot agenda is continuing to ensure that Canadian a part of this great union and look forward to our pilots have first choice at pilot jobs. Over the years, continued success.

6 » Air Line Pilot January-February 2017 industry has never seen a $120 million renovation Airline Industry News before,” said Ed Bastian, to improve underground the airline’s CEO. areas where checked bags receive final screenings. > The Denver The Transportation Security DOMESTIC NEWS the third year in a row the According to carrier has reached this Post, Denver Interna- Administration is providing On January 6, a mass level—“something the tional Airport is planning $50 million for the project, shooting occurred at Fort Lauderdale–Hollywood In- ternational Airport near the baggage claim in Terminal 2. Five people were killed, and six others were injured in the shooting. Approximately 36 people suffered injuries in the ensuing panic.

A four-hour failure of a processing system used by U.S. Customs and Border Pro- tection (CBP) caused delays at airports across the country on January 2, reported The New York Times. The failure, which lasted from about 5 to 9 p.m. and caused long lines, A program for airline employees. missed flights, and delays for thousands of travelers We match your family with an airline family abroad arriving into the U.S., did so your teen can travel in the summer. not appear to be caused by a malicious act, the agency said. “Travelers at some ports Our program connects teens ages 14 to 19 with a similar-aged teen from of entry experienced longer an airline family abroad. The teen uses his or her family’s flight privileges to than usual wait times as CBP travel. They spend two weeks together in each of their homes, for a total of officers processed travelers as quickly as possible while four weeks. During the exchange, your son or daughter has the opportunity maintaining the highest lev- to explore another country, learn about another culture and improve his or els of security,” the CBP said. her foreign language skills from someone their same age.

The program costs $300 USD for the application fee, The FAA announced that it’s opened a new structures which is 100% refundable if a suitable match family is not found. and materials laboratory at the agency’s William J. Hughes Technical Center in Egg Harbor City, N.J. The facility will be used to test composite materials used in manufacturing airplanes.

January-February 2017 Air Line Pilot » 7 » Front Lines

with the rest of the its drop by $600 million with other organizations rep- funds coming from to $300 million in 2017, resenting more than 100,000 the airport’s capital according to the Inter- aviation workers, filed a improvements fund. national Air Transport petition in the U.S. Court of Association (IATA). IATA Appeals for the District of Per USA Today, said the region’s carriers Columbia Circuit as a first American Airlines was will report a net margin step to overturn the Obama recently fined $1.6 of 0.5 percent and an administration’s decision to million by the Depart- average profit per pas- permit Norwegian Air Inter- ment of Transportation senger of $1.56 next national (NAI) to fly to and for leaving dozens of year, both lower than from the U.S. under a business airplanes on tarmacs the global average. plan that runs counter to U.S. for more than three Open Skies agreements and hours without allowing � Per The Wall Street threatens U.S. jobs. passengers to leave. Journal, TransAsia Filed by ALPA; the AFL-CIO; The fine involved sev- Airways closed opera- the Association of Flight At- eral flights at Charlotte tions in November after tendants—CWA; the Trans- Douglas International, the company failed to portation Trades Department, Dallas–Fort Worth Inter- restore passenger con- AFL-CIO; and the Allied Pilots national, and Shreveport fidence in the wake of Association, the petition calls Regional Airports from two fatal incidents. The for review of the U.S. Depart- 2013 to 2015. airline had been profit- ment of Transportation’s able until it suffered (DOT) determination late last Per CNN, LiLou, a two crashes in the space year that approving the NAI LiLou’s Instagram feed: Juliana pig, recently  of seven months—the foreign air carrier permit was Top photos: “lilou_sfpig Shooting in my new volun- joined San Francisco first in July 2014, when consistent with U.S. aviation teer dress for #sfspca.” International Airport’s an ATR 72 crashed on statutes and the U.S.–EU Air Wag Brigade, a team Above: “lilou_sfpig Pilot LiLou reported to her first the island of Penghu Transport Agreement (ATA). of animals all certified duty at San Francisco International Airport as part of while attempting to U.S. aviation workers and by the San Francisco the San Francisco SPCA’s. #wagbrigade Got to cheer land in bad weather, and others have been clear that SPCA’s Animal Assisted up the passengers on this rainy day!” the second in February the NAI application and Therapy program to 2015, when another business model, which is soothe anxious pas- of a Malaysian airliner over ATR 72 plunged into Taipei’s designed to undermine labor sengers. The Wag Brigade Ukraine, is “woefully inad- Keelung River after clipping standards, run counter to carefully selects animals like equate,” said Nick Careen, an elevated highway. the ATA and that the airline LiLou for their “temperament IATA’s senior vice president should not gain the access to and airport suitability,” and all for airport, passenger cargo, The Australian govern- U.S. markets that the agree- wear vests that read “Pet Me!” and security. ment has approved building a ment provides. While this second international airport legal action is focused on > INTERNATIONAL The New York Times re- in Sydney, reported Reuters. the Obama administration’s NEWS ported that Iran signed a deal The airport, expected to cost failure to uphold the labor with Boeing worth $16.6 $3.7 billion, is slated to be provisions of the ATA, U.S. According to Reuters, the billion for 80 airplanes—in- completed in the mid-2020s. aviation workers pledge to International Air Transport cluding 50 B-737s and 30 continue the fight against NAI Association (IATA) is calling B-777s. The first airplanes and its business model until for a new system to provide are scheduled for delivery in Front Lines the decision is reversed or the airlines with real-time warn- 2018, with the entire order business model is changed. ings about conflict zones being fulfilled over 10 years. U.S. Aviation Workers “U.S. aviation workers need \\ and other security threats Sue Obama Administra- a U.S. administration that that could endanger aircraft. Arabian Business reported tion to Reverse DOT’s enforces our nation’s trade The current system, put in that Middle Eastern airlines NAI Decision agreements and safeguards

place after the 2014 downing are forecast to see their prof- On January 12, ALPA, along fair competition for U.S. com- https://www.instagram.com/lilou_sfpig/Photos:

8 » Air Line Pilot January-February 2017 New ALPA Reps As of Dec. 9, 2016, the Election Ballot and Certification Board certified panies and their workers,” to gain an unfair competitive Irish-flagged Norwegian Air elections results for the following local councils: said Capt. Tim Canoll, ALPA’s advantage.” International—NAUK is a UK president. “Since the Obama airline. What NAUK’s employ- • Canadian North F/O administration didn’t enforce ALPA Urges DOT to ment structure will be for its Brenen Sorokan, Vice \\ Chairman (F/O Rep) the U.S.–EU agreement, Deny Norwegian UK long-haul pilots and flight at- working men and women in Application Now tendants is unclear, as are its • Envoy 133 Capt. Ryan “Charley” Babcock, Chair- the aviation industry have no In a filing on January 3 with potential effects on U.S. jobs man (Capt. Rep) choice but to take legal action the U.S. Department of and the international airline • Envoy 133 F/O Andrew to safeguard our jobs against Transportation (DOT), ALPA industry. Ross, Vice Chairman (F/O unfair foreign competition.” and other labor organizations “The DOT can’t ignore the Rep) NAI’s business plan has did not oppose a Norwegian fact that Norwegian Air UK’s • ExpressJet 179 Capt. Jon also generated an outpour- Air UK (NAUK) request for foreign air carrier permit ap- Athans, Chairman (Status ing of concern from Con- expedited processing of its plication fails to provide even Rep) gress. Bipartisan legislation application to fly to and from basic information about how (H.R. 5090) has been co- the United States, but the flight crews will be employed As of January 10, the Election Ballot and sponsored by 175 Members union continued to maintain or how U.S. jobs will be affect- Certification Board certified of Congress. The bill would that the DOT must reject the ed—factors that are essential elections results for the have prevented NAI from application because it fails to determining whether the following local councils: operating in the United to explain how the airline’s business model satisfies the • PSA 70 F/O Marc Gonza- States under its current busi- crews will be employed or U.S.–EU Air Transport Agree- lez, Vice Chairman (F/O ness model by ensuring that how its business model will ment,” continued Canoll. Rep) grants of operating authority affect U.S. jobs. In a June 2015 public • Virgin America 181 Capt. to European airlines under “ALPA is not surprised by statement, former Deputy Duncan Wooster, the air transport agree- the timing of Norwegian Air Secretary of Transportation Secretary-Treasurer ment be consistent with the UK’s request, given the DOT’s John Porcari, the senior DOT • ExpressJet 175 F/O Lind- intent of Article 17 bis of the recent decision to undermine official who oversaw the U.S.– sey Van Beusekom, Vice agreement. strong labor protections and EU negotiations, affirmed that Chairman (F/O Rep) “ALPA will take every ap- U.S. trade agreements by the labor provisions of the • ExpressJet 176 F/O propriate action to overturn granting a permit to Norwe- U.S.–EU Air Transport Agree- Stacey Warner, Secretary- Treasurer this decision and block the gian Air International, which ment (ATA) apply to NAUK’s NAI business model from has a business plan expressly foreign air carrier permit spreading. While NAI is the designed to erode labor stan- application and stated that,

STRATEGIES & IDEASn FOR THE CHARLES SCHWAB COMMUNITYInestng • WINTER 2016 first, it is not likely to be the dards,” said Capt. Tim Canoll, “[A] decision whether or not last attempt to flout U.S. ALPA’s president. to grant operating authority Setting Up Your Estate Plan PG 1 policy and labor standards Unlike its sister carrier— based on compliance with 6 Global Trends to Watch in 2017 PG 1 these provisions is at the How Does Company Stock Fit in Your Portfolio? heart of implementation of PG 4 Read a Good Book Lately? the ATA.” “As it stands, NAUK’s PLANNING AHEAD Have you read a number of pages, publisher, FOR LIQUIDITY application raises serious Markets shift and lives change. Prepare today so your portfolio can provide liquidity when you need it. book that you’d like and where the book can be PG 6 questions, and the DOT to review for Air Line purchased. Reviews should dOI_WI16_00_Cover.indd 1 OI_Fa16_Q4-C1 9/29/16 4:23 PM should seek the information Pilot? be e-mailed to Magazine@ necessary to make certain To read the latest issue alpa.org. If Air Line Pilot’s of On Investing from To have a review published that Norwegian UK will not editorial review board Charles Schwab, go to in the magazine, you must do business with an unfair approves the review, your www.schwab.com/on- be a member in good stand- economic advantage over review could appear in a investing. It’s an added ing, and you cannot be the U.S. airlines and threaten benefit for members future issue of the author of the book you’re U.S. aviation workers’ jobs,” through ALPA’s partner- magazine. reviewing. Reviews should said Canoll. “If Norwegian ship with Charles Schwab be no longer than 350 words Air UK needs a response & Co., Inc., as the Associ- Happy reading! ation’s preferred finan- and should include the today regarding its ap- cial services provider. plication, then the answer

January-February 2017 Air Line Pilot » 9 » Front Lines

must be ‘denied.’” regarding KCM, visit www. ing ALPA’s pilot-partisan reviewed ALPA resources and knowncrewmember.org or message, for 2017 the PAC services, detailed the benefits Charleston Interna- contact ALPA’s Engineering has set a goal of raising $2.25 of a certified union, and \\ tional Added to KCM & Air Safety Department at million and increasing the answered questions from the Program [email protected] or 1-800-424- participation rate to at least pilots on a number of issues. The Charleston International 2470. 27 percent. “I would love for WestJet Airport (CHS) in Charleston, For more information on pilots to become ALPA pilots,” S.C., became the 67th Known ALPA-PAC Reaches ALPA-PAC and how to contrib- he said. “When the unified \\ Crewmember (KCM) airport 2016 Goal; Sets Bar ute, go to www.alpapac.org. WestJet pilots join ALPA, it on Dec. 19, 2016. The KCM Higher for 2017 makes us all stronger.” program recently surpassed ALPA would like to thank the WestJet Pilots Take Canoll congratulated the \\ the mark of 60 million screen- more than 11,000 pilots who Step Toward Securing committee on taking this im- ings since risk-based security backed ALPA-PAC in 2016. ALPA Representation portant step and encouraged screening of crewmembers Due to this massive support Capt. Tim Canoll, ALPA’s the pilots to maintain the began in 2008. Fifty-eight (including 1,900-plus new president, recently kicked off highest level of professional- airlines now use the system, pilot contributors), the PAC the card-collection campaign ism throughout the card drive. and more than 400,000 reached its goal of 24 per- for WestJet pilots in Calgary, “Keep the respect you earned screenings are conducted at a cent participation across the Alb., after addressing more as the leaders of the company total of 154 checkpoints each Association. than 60 pilots at the WestJet and remain cool, calm, and week. Because a strong political ALPA Organizing Committee’s collected when we’re collect- For additional information voice is essential to promot- informational meeting. Canoll ing cards,” he said. TakingOff

on this union’s original duty of safe- Representing Airline Pilots ty––keep aviation the safest, most se- Representing airline emerged over the years as highly- cure form of travel; ensure the future pilots is what this sought-after subject-matter experts of the airline piloting profession; and union was created to in every aspect of safety, security, and negotiate and enforce the strongest do, and it’s what we pilot assistance. possible contracts. As with the success do better than anyone Given our success, we’ve seen over of our efforts in safety, ALPA has gen- in the world. Our origi- time the scope of our advocacy evolve erated similar achievement through nal mission, self- to include not only the physical safety our engagement to protect the profes- imposed by ALPA’s founders some 86 of our members but also the safety of sion as well as our efforts to represent years ago, was to give those in their careers and the future of the pro- pilots during contract negotiations. command of the cockpit a voice and a fession. It’s a transformation that re- This issue of Air Line Pilot tells the vote in ensuring their own safety. This flects, and results from, advancements story of each of the 31 pilot groups union embraced a simple goal: Keep in technology, the changing dynamics from the U.S. and Canada that today airline pilots alive and “Schedule with of the North American economy and make ALPA 54,000 members strong. Safety.” political climate, and the globalization With the assistance and support of This principled goal remains today, of our industry. a robust professional and reputable of course, and our industry’s enviable As such, all staff members employed labor relations staff and support from safety record is evidence of ALPA’s at ALPA, regardless of whether they’ve across the organization, ALPA’s pilot commitment to it. Hundreds of pilot worked with us for 30 years or one leaders and negotiators recommit ev- representatives dedicate their time month, are charged with a job respon- ery day to this union’s call to do what and knowledge to ensure that flying sibility that is woven into the overall it does best: represent airline pilots. remains the safest mode of travel. mission of representing airline pilots They’re surrounded by a staff of safety to the best of our abilities. professionals who are second to none. ALPA’s strategic goals, adopted by Lori Garver, General Manager Both ALPA pilots and staff have the union’s Board of Directors, build [email protected]

10 » Air Line Pilot January-February 2017 43 15 8 53 8 9521 53 264 518 92 37 4

Solution to this month’s ALPA sudoku on page 62. 8 2 9 1 7 4 6 5 3 7 4 1 5 6 3 8 2 9 5 3 6 2 8 9 4 1 7 6 8 7 9 4 5 2 3 1 4 5 2 6 3 1 9 7 8 9 1 3 8 2 7 5 6 4 2 7 5 4 1 8 3 9 6 definitive authority in naming education, registration, 1 9 4 3 5 6 7 8 2 Canada technology, and penalties and the government arm responsi- 3 6 8 7 9 2 1 4 5 enforcement. ble for regulating UAS, regard- ALPA TESTIFIES BEFORE “Canada has seen a rapid less of size or end user. CANADA’S HOUSE OF rise in reported UAS occur- “Government and industry COMMONS ON UAS SAFETY rences, with a tenfold increase must take a longer view of In Memoriam Capt. Dan Adamus (Jazz in drone encounters year over this present state of technol- “To fly west, my friend, is a flight we all must take for a Aviation), president of ALPA’s year,” Adamus said. “The safety ogy to ensure that robust final check.” Canada Board, recently testi- of the national airspace must safety systems, in tandem —Author unknown fied before the Transport, be maintained to deliver the with Transport Canada-cer-

Infrastructure, and Communi- safest and most efficient air tified redundant systems of 2016 ties Committee, detailing the transportation services in the UAS, are developed,” Ada- Capt. Bryan W. union’s approach to safely world.” His testimony included mus concluded. “UAS must Szatkowski Envoy Air August Capt. Gary N. integrating unmanned aircraft several recommendations completely integrate with McCausland ATA September systems (UAS) into Canada’s for Parliament and Transport commercial airline operations Capt. William airspace system through Canada to consider, including and, above all, do so safely.” Baxter Eastern October Capt. A. Fernandez United October Capt. K. Karl Krout Flying Tigers/ October FedEx Express Education Committee Update Capt. Alvin F. Oien, Jr. Delta October Capt. Russell E. ALPA Engages Collegiate Aviators in Advocacy Efforts Worth Delta October Capt. Monty K. It was standing room only ciation’s current issues and They appreciated learning Blatt United November at a recent meeting of activities, while ALPA Educa- about ALPA’s advocacy ef- Capt. Charles W. ALPA’s Aviation Collegiate tion Committee member forts and expressed interest Brown Delta November Education (ACE) Club, a F/O Costas Sivyllis (United) in getting involved. Capt. Marty D. Byrd Eastern November professional development and committee volunteers Working under ALPA’s Capt. Richard L. Dillman Delta November and mentoring program, at Capt. Justin Dahan (PSA), F/O Professional Develop- Capt. David R. Embry–Riddle Aeronautical Casey DiGaudio (JetBlue), ment Group, the Education Henry United November University–Daytona Beach Capt. Fred Kopec (Delta), Committee promotes the Capt. Lawrence Kensick United November (ERAU-DAB). More than 75 Capt. Bill Kurz (Delta), and piloting profession, men- Capt. Wallace G. collegiate aviators came out F/O Brent Grumbine (PSA) tors aspiring aviators, and McPherson, Jr. Delta November to learn about the Associa- discussed how those issues prepares future generations F/O David D. Oeberst United November tion’s legislative efforts to affected their careers. of pilots to join the ranks of Capt. Stephen M. protect and advance the A similar presentation was ALPA members. For more Reep II Eastern November airline piloting profession. given to aviation students at information or to get in- Capt. Terry L. Zack Mooneyham, a man- the ERAU campus in Prescott, volved, log on to www.alpa. Ridenour United November Capt. Bernard ager in ALPA’s Government Ariz. Feedback from the stu- org/member to access the D. Sterner United November Affairs Department, gave dents at both campuses was ALPA Education Committee Capt. Albert C. an overview of the Asso- overwhelmingly positive. webpage or send an e-mail Weaver, Jr. Eastern November Capt. James D. to [email protected]. Whitlatch United November Capt. Steven M. From left, Zack Mooneyham, Capt. Allen Northwest December Fred Kopec (Delta), F/O Brent Capt. William B. Bradford Delta December Grumbine (PSA), Capt. Justin Dahan Capt. Roscoe G. (PSA), F/O Costas Sivyllis (United), Elliott Delta December and F/O Casey DiGaudio (JetBlue) Capt. George L. Sandstrom Northwest December talk with ACE Club students at Capt. Tom E. Embry–Riddle Aeronautical Univer- Sheppard Delta December sity–Daytona Beach about ALPA’s Compiled from information legislative efforts. provided by ALPA’s Membership Administration Department

January-February 2017 Air Line Pilot » 11 » Front Lines

ALPA Negotiations ASO Update by unmanned aircraft sys- and collected demeanor” as tems and efforts to reduce instrumental in the ASO’s suc- Update ASO Leaders Meet to crew training and experience cess. DePete praised Hogeman The following is a summary Chart Future standards. saying, “The members of our of the status of ALPA contract Capt. Rich Hughey (FedEx profession and the traveling negotiations by airline as of January 6: Express) of the President’s public owe you an eternal Air Transport Internation- Committee for Cargo pre- debt of gratitude for your al—A Section 6 notice was sented opportunities for years of service and dedica- received on Dec. 5, 2014. Ne- gotiations continue February advancing safety and security tion to making the North 7–9 and 21–23, March 14–16 in cargo operations, and Capt. American air transport system and 28–30, and April 18–20. Peter Black (First Air) dis- the safest in the world.” Air Wisconsin—A Section 6 notice was filed on Oct. cussed the unique challenges Hogeman, who stepped 1, 2010. Air Wisconsin filed faced by pilots north of the down at the end of 2016 after for mediation on June 17, 2013. Pilots and management 60th parallel in the report of serving in ALPA safety work for reached a tentative agree- the President’s Committee for more than 20 years, acknowl- ment on Aug. 4, 2015. The pilots rejected the tentative Remote Operations. Presenta- edged the safety improve- agreement on Oct. 7, 2015. tions from ALPA’s Engineering ments that ALPA has helped to Mediation is under way. & Air Safety staff showcased accomplish over the years: “It Canadian North—A notice to bargain was filed on Sept. 30, the department’s diverse was not by mistake—but by 2016. Negotiations continue More than two dozen ALPA range of expertise. sheer will—and that is thanks February 21–24. Air Safety Organization (ASO) to the strength of our 400 Frontier—A Section 6 notice was filed on Dec. 3, 2015. The representatives assembled in ASO Honors Hogeman volunteers.” pilots filed for mediation on Herndon, Va., in December to Sept. 22, 2016. Mediation is under way. review and discuss the ASO’s ASO Welcomes New Hawaiian—A Section 6 notice activities and plans for 2017 Aviation Safety was filed on Feb. 17, 2015. An at the biannual ASO Steer- Chairman application for joint mediation ing and Oversight Committee was filed on Oct. 23, 2015. The National Mediation Board (SOC) meeting. has indicated no additional In his remarks, Capt. Tim mediation sessions will be scheduled. Canoll, ALPA’s president, Keith Hagy, left, director of ALPA’s Jazz Aviation—A notice to spoke about the growth of the Engineering & Air Safety Department, bargain was filed on March 28, Association and the impor- congratulates Capt. Charles Hogeman 2016. Negotiations are under way. tance of the ASO’s safety (United). JetBlue—A Section 6 notice initiatives, while Lori Garver, Capt. Steve Jangelis (Delta), ALPA’s new was filed on March 2, 2015. ALPA’s general manager, out- At the December meeting of Air Safety Organization Aviation Safety Negotiations are under way. lined the Association’s 2016 ALPA’s Air Safety Organization chairman. Mesa—A Section 6 notice was filed on Sept. 10, 2010. Pilots strategic plan adopted by (ASO) Steering and Oversight and management reached a ALPA’s Board of Directors. Committee, Capt. Tim Canoll, On January 1, Capt. Steve tentative agreement on July 23, 2015. The pilots rejected Capt. Joe DePete, ALPA’s ALPA’s president; Capt. Joe Jangelis (Delta) became ALPA’s the tentative agreement on first vice president and DePete, ALPA’s first vice presi- Air Safety Organization Avia- Oct. 2, 2015. Negotiations continue. national safety coordinator, dent and national safety coor- tion Safety chairman. Spirit—A Section 6 notice discussed recent successes dinator; and many of the pilots Capt. Tim Canoll, ALPA’s was filed on April 28, 2015. in advancing safety, security, in attendance recognized the president, said about Jangelis, Mediation continues February 22–24. and pilot assistance initiatives, significant safety advancements “As an ASO representative, Virgin America—A notice such as closing loopholes that have been achieved under Steve’s worked tirelessly on to bargain was filed on Jan. in lithium-battery carriage the six-year tenure of Capt. behalf of ALPA members and 11, 2016. Negotiations were suspended due to the merger regulations and expansion of Charles Hogeman (United) as the airline piloting profession with Alaska Airlines. Nego- the Federal Flight Deck Officer ALPA’s Aviation Safety chairman. to promote aviation safety. I tiations for a joint collective bargaining agreement program. He also stressed Canoll recognized Hogeman look forward to working with continue January 30–February the challenges of continued for his leadership, citing his him in his new role as ALPA’s 1, February 14–16, and March 7–9 and 28–30. threats, including those posed experience and “calm, cool, Aviation Safety chairman.”

12 » Air Line Pilot January-February 2017 Capt. Joe DePete, ALPA first tioned to United. “model excellent behavior and program manager who acted vice president and national Taylor received an ALPA trustworthiness in your work as panel moderator, noted, safety coordinator, noted, Presidential Citation in 2012 environment and hold your- “His ability to articulate the “Steve’s experience and guid- for his efforts in coordinating selves and your colleagues to particular challenges of runway ance have advanced airport with his fellow pilots at Atlan- the highest possible level of safety and his willingness to and runway safety in numer- tic Southeast Airlines to de- professionalism, accountabil- share his personal experiences ous ways. In his new role as velop training, protocols, and ity, and integrity.” in the cockpit added greatly to Aviation Safety chairman, I procedures to meet the medi- Koch and a representative the day’s discussion.” know that he will continue his cal and professional standards of ALPA’s Engineering & Air Pyle added that Jangelis work to advance airline safety needs of the combined pilot Safety Department were also “has consistently enhanced for our members and passen- group, after ExpressJet and given a tour of the massive the conferences in which gers alike.” Atlantic Southeast merged. training facility, which is used he has participated with his Remarking on his new role, Capt. Patrick Cowle (United) by dozens of federal law public speaking skills and Jangelis stated, “It’s truly an served as the prior Aeromedi- enforcement agencies to train credibility as an ALPA pilot.” honor to be chosen to lead cal Group chairman. new officers. An active ALPA rep, Jangelis the finest pilot volunteers in recently served as the ASO Air- the aviation safety business. ALPA ASO Reps port and Ground Environment ‘Schedule with Safety’ is not Recognized Committee chairman. In 2014, just a motto, it’s what drives he received an ALPA Presi- the ASO. Working together, we dential Citation for his work to make a positive difference for reduce runway incursions and our members and the industry.” excursions. As an active ASO represen- Jangelis, known as an F/O John Taylor (United), ALPA’s Air tative, Jangelis most recently outspoken advocate for airline Safety Organization Aeromedical Group served as the ASO Airport and safety, has co-chaired the chairman. Ground Environment Commit- Capt. Louise Cullinan (Mesa) receives the FAA’s Runway Safety Council tee chairman and received an 2016 Friend of the Society Award from and was the designated pilot ALPA Presidential Citation in ALPA Addresses Class the Society of Experimental Test Pilots. representative to the agency’s 2014 for his work to minimize Of New TSA Security Research, Engineering, and De- runway incursions and excur- Screeners Two members of ALPA’s Air velopment Advisory Commit- sions. An outspoken advocate In December, Capt. Wolfgang Safety Organization (ASO) tee, Subcommittee for Airports. for aviation safety, Jangelis has Koch (Delta), ALPA’s Air Safety have been recognized outside On Aug. 19, 2016, the also co-chaired the FAA’s Run- Organization Aviation Secu- the union for their contribu- Society of Experimental Test way Safety Council and was rity chairman, met with and tions to aviation safety and Pilots (SETP) selected Capt. the designated pilot represen- made remarks to a graduat- the airline piloting profession. Louise Cullinan (Mesa), ALPA’s tative to the agency’s Research, ing class of more than 200 Capt. Steve Jangelis (Delta), ASO Critical Incident Response Engineering, and Development new Transportation Security who recently assumed the role Program (CIRP) chairman, as Advisory Committee, Subcom- Administration (TSA) transpor- of the ASO’s Aviation Safety the 2016 Friend of the Society. mittee for Airports. tation security officers (TSOs). chairman, was praised for his This prestigious honor was at- The commencement exercise valued input at the CANSO tributed to her work with CIRP Taylor Returns as was held at the Federal Law (Civil Air Navigation Services at SETP as well as at Boeing. At Aeromedical Chairman Enforcement Training Center Organization) Latin America Boeing, Cullinan provided her F/O John Taylor (United) has (FLETC) in Glynco, Ga., where and Caribbean Conference CIRP knowledge and expertise been reappointed chairman TSOs are trained for two held late last year in San Jose, following several incidents of ALPA’s Air Safety Organi- weeks. Costa Rica. that occurred during the past zation Aeromedical Group. In his remarks, Koch, the Jangelis served as a panelist year. Boeing’s test chief pilot Taylor previously served in first nongovernmental speaker commenting on the impor- made a special announcement this capacity as an ExpressJet to address a graduating class tance of collaborating with about Cullinan’s achievement pilot but was compelled to of TSOs, urged the new gradu- aviation industry partners to at a Boeing-sponsored recep- vacate the position to focus ates, who will be employed at improve runway safety. Kim- on training when he transi- airports around the country, to berly Pyle, the CANSO safety Continued on page 15 Hogoman photo: Marvin Ramirez, Taylor photo: Chris Weaver

January-February 2017 Air Line Pilot » 13 ALPA’s Student Scholarship Program

requirement and who wish to pursue a college CALL FOR APPLICATIONS education to apply for the annual award. Applications may be obtained from Yvonne Each year the Association sponsors four Willits, Air Line Pilots Association, 1625 Mas- $3,000 scholarships that are available to the sachusetts Avenue, N.W., Washington, D.C. dependent children of medically retired, long- 20036, and must be received no later than April term disabled, or deceased ALPA members. 1, 2017. The vice president–administration/secretary Additionally, we would like to bring to your and vice president–finance/treasurer review all attention that, on several occasions, contribu- applications, select the recipient, and report to tions have been made to the ALPA Scholarship the Executive Council on their selection. One Fund in memory of a deceased member, or scholarship is granted to an enrolling college simply as a kind gesture on the part of a mem- freshman and is renewable for three additional ber to further the financial assistance by the years, provided the student maintains an ad- Association to a student. In the past, depend- equate grade point average, and, under that ing on the amount available, these funds have proviso, three scholarship renewals are made been used to augment the awards of current to a sophomore, junior, and senior. recipients or as a one-time financial assistance All applications received are carefully award to a needy applicant. We ask that you reviewed with serious consideration given to fi- forward this information to your master execu- nancial need, as well as academic performance, tive council in case anyone wants to make a before a selection is made. At the time new ap- voluntary contribution to this separate fund. plications are reviewed, the academic records of those currently enrolled college students are Sincerely, also reviewed to determine their eligibility to receive renewals of their scholarships. We want to remind you of this educational assistance program and to urge you to encour- Capt. Randy Helling age those students who meet the eligibility Vice President–Finance/Treasurer » Have You Read?

Continued from page 13 The Lonely Sky: tion last summer during ALPA’s Air Safety Forum. The Personal Story of America’s CIRP is a peer-based Pioneering Experimental Test Pilot support network trained to address the stress By William Bridgeman with Jacqueline Hazard reactions that accidents or incidents may have on he Lonely Sky tells the author is given an extremely pilots and their families. story of William Bridge- short period of time to make Cullinan has been an T man, an aviator from the leap from breaking in invaluable ALPA resource, the “greatest generation” and prop fighters to experimental serving as ALPA CIRP his journey from World War testing of the first aircraft chairman since 2008. She II bomber pilot to the cockpit that exceeded Mach 2. Any- has also been the point of the Douglas D-558-2 Sky- one interested in this period person for CIRP activities rocket experimental rocket of history will be riveted by Number of pages: 295 at the International Fed- plane. The book provides de- Bridgeman’s experiences as eration of Air Line Pilots’ tailed historical and technical he takes part in bombing Publisher: iUniverse Associations and has accuracy and is an easy read raids, becomes an airline Available at: Amazon.com assisted airlines around due to its wonderful writing pilot, falls into production the world in developing and action-packed pace. This flight testing, and then is cho- their own critical incident story is unique in that Bridge- sen as the unlikely candidate response programs. In man had only flown propel- to fly one of the most high- addition, she provides ler-driven aircraft when he performance and challenging consulting and training was offered the chance to fly aircraft of its era. in critical incident stress the Skyrocket. management. The reader can’t help —Reviewed by Capt. Gabriel I. Engle but feel the suspense as the (Virgin America)

MARKETWATCH

AIRLINES PARENT COMPANY STOCK SYMBOL 12/31/2015 12/30/2016 % CHG. Atlantic Southeast, ExpressJet SkyWest, Inc.1 NASDAQ: SKYW $19.02 $36.45 91.64% Hawaiian Hawaiian Holdings, Inc. NASDAQ: HA $35.33 $57.00 61.34% Air Transport International Air Transport Services Group, Inc. NASDAQ: ATSG $10.08 $15.96 58.33% Virgin America Virgin America, Inc.2 NASDAQ: VA $36.01 $56.98 58.23% Bearskin, Calm Air Exchange Income Corporation3 TSX: EIF $28.51 $41.75 46.44% Spirit Spirit Airlines, Inc. NASDAQ: SAVE $39.85 $57.86 45.19% United United Continental Holdings, Inc. NYSE: UAL $57.30 $72.88 27.19% Jazz Aviation Chorus Aviation4 TSX: CHR.B $5.75 $7.23 25.74% FedEx Express FedEx Corporation5 NYSE: FDX $148.99 $186.20 24.97% Envoy Air, Piedmont, PSA American Airlines Group, Inc. NASDAQ: AAL $42.35 $46.69 10.25% Alaska Alaska Air Group, Inc.2 NYSE: ALK $80.51 $88.73 10.21% JetBlue JetBlue Airways Corporation NASDAQ: JBLU $22.65 $22.42 -1.02% Delta, Endeavor Air Delta Air Lines NYSE: DAL $50.69 $49.19 -2.96% Air Transat Transat A.T., Inc. TSX: TRZ $7.35 $5.51 -25.03%

1 SkyWest declared a quarterly dividend of $0.05 per share on Nov. 11, 2016. 2 On Dec. 14, 2016, Virgin America, Inc. and Alaska Air Group closed their merger. Virgin America is now a wholly owned subsidiary of Alaska Air Group. 3 Exchange Income Corporation declared eligible dividends totaling $0.175 per share for the month of December on Dec. 16, 2016. On December 12, Exchange Income Corporation entered into an agreement to sell, on a bought-deal basis, 2,003,000 common shares from treasury to a syndicate of underwriters. The shares will be offered at a price of $42.45 per share, for gross proceeds of approximately $85 million. 4 Chorus Aviation, Inc. announced a monthly dividend of $0.04 per Class A and Class B shares for December on Dec. 19, 2016. 5 FedEx Corporation declared a quarterly dividend of $0.40 per share on Nov. 18, 2016.

January-February 2017 Air Line Pilot » 15 Air Line Pilot Feature Article » TITLE HERE » On the Record “We need governments to innovate their thinking about the industry and the impact of high costs from taxes and charges. Airlines are catalysts for economic “I urge you and your administration, in development, delivering your opening days as POTUS, to research about a third of goods the happenings that have led up to this unprecedented and damaging decision, and do traded internationally all in your power to reverse it. It is the first of its by value…. And kind, is very damaging to the U.S. airline industry, employment levels and will most certainly not be the last decision of its kind if left unchallenged.” associated with aviation —A #DenyNAI supporter’s letter to Congress have reached almost 69 million jobs. Global The quotes on this page are connectivity promotes “With this compiled from congressional testimony, speeches, news prosperity, but charges combination now clips, and other public and taxes dampen documents. ALPA does cleared for takeoff, not necessarily endorse demand and there is an these views but rather is economic cost to that.” we’re thrilled to bring informing members of recent statements by significant —Alexandre de Juniac, director general and CEO of the International these two companies industry stakeholders. Air Transport Association together and start “In the past few years, the use of drones in Canada delivering our low has increased tremendously, and it’s a good time fares and great service to be working with this industry. Transport Canada is taking a number of steps to improve to an even larger safety and innovation in this sector, including engaging retailers so new drone users are aware of group of customers.” the rules from the start, introducing an efficient —Brad Tilden, chairman and chief executive of Alaska Air Group, after tool for Canadians to report safety issues, and the Justice Department approved helping drone users test new technology.” the airline’s merger with Virgin —The Honourable Marc Garneau, Canadian minister of transport America

16 » Air Line Pilot January-February 2017 » Industry Stats

Scheduled Domestic Capacity Growth by Quarter Scheduled Domestic Capacity Growth by Quarter 7.5% 7.3% Capacity Outlook 7.5% 6.7% 7% 7.3% 7% 6.7% 6.0% 6% 5.6% 6% 5.6% 5.3% 5.3% 6.0% 6% 5.6% 5.3% 5.3% 4.9% The airline industry is highly sensitive to 5% 4.4% 5.3% 5.3% 4.9% 4.4% 4.2% 3.7% 4.4% 5% 4.4% 3.7% 4.4% 4% 3.5% 4.2% 3.6% 3.7%3.6% economic changes, and a strong cor- 4% 3.6% 3.6% 3.5% 2.6% 3% 2.6% 2.4% relation exists between gross domestic 3% 2.1% 2.6% 2.4% 2% 2.1% 2% product (GDP) growth and demand for air 1% 1% 0% travel. With the anticipation that U.S.GDP 0% 1Q15 2Q15 3Q15 4Q15 1Q16* 2Q16 3Q16 4Q16 1Q17 1Q15 2Q15 3Q15 4Q15 1Q16* 2Q16 3Q16 4Q16 1Q17 growth will accelerate in 2017, one of the U.S. Carriers Canadian Carriers U.S. Carriers Canadian Carriers *1Q16 - impacted by leap year key airline metrics to keep an eye on is *1Q16 - impacted by leap year capacity. While strong GDP growth might 1Q17 Scheduled Domestic Capacity Growth by Carrier signal strong capacity growth, airlines 1Q17 Scheduled Domestic Capacity Growth by Carrier 15% 13.8% will need to balance this with the effect 15% 13.8% 9.7% of higher fuel and labor costs. In 2017, 10% 9.7% 7.6% 7.5% 10% 7.6% 7.5% 5.2% 5.2% 3.9% oil prices are expected to be higher year 5% 5.2% 5.2% 3.9% 3.3% 5% 3.9% 3.3% 2.1% 1.7% over year for the first time since 2012. 2.1% 1.7% - 0.8% - 6.0% 0% - 0.8% - 6.0% In addition, many employee groups will 0% -5% -5% see higher wages in 2017. As a result, U.S. t a n est elta n Spirit D ontier estJet Alaska es United elt carriers’ capacity is expected to grow at a Fr Spirit JetBlue W D ontier estJet Alaska United American Hawaiia Fr JetBlue W Air Canada Southw American Hawaiia Air Canada Southw slower rate than in the past two years. Virgin America In Canada, the outlook for Canadian GDP Virgin America growth is more moderated. It’s expected Scheduled International Capacity Growth by Quarter that capacity growth will continue to out- Scheduled International Capacity Growth by Quarter pace the GDP. This excess capacity growth, 30% 27.5% 30% 27.5% especially in international markets, will put 25% 25% 21.7% 21.7% pressure on load factors and yields. 20% 18.3% 18.1% 20% 15.8% 18.3% 18.1% 15.8% Based on published schedules, U.S. 15% 12.6% 12.4% 15% 10.3% 12.6% 12.4% mainline carriers are expected to moder- 10% 10.3% 10% 8.0% 7.3% 10% 8.0% 7.3% ate domestic capacity growth during the 5% 2.0% 2.2% 2.0% 1.6% 5% 0.6% 0.9% 1.3% 0.7% 0.4% 2.0% 2.2% 2.0% 1.3% 0.4% -0.8% 1.6% first quarter of 2017. Domestic capac- 0% 0.6% 0.9% 0.7% 0.4% -0.8% 0% 1Q15 2Q15 3Q15 4Q15 1Q16* 2Q16 3Q16 4Q16 1Q17 2Q17 ity growth for U.S. mainline carriers is 1Q15 2Q15 3Q15 4Q15 1Q16* 2Q16 3Q16 4Q16 1Q17 2Q17 expected to slow from 3.7 percent in the U.S. Carriers Canadian Carriers U.S. Carriers Canadian Carriers *1Q16 - impacted by leap year fourth quarter of 2016 to 2.4 percent *1Q16 - impacted by leap year in the first quarter of 2017. However, Source: OAG and ALPA E&FA Department domestic capacity growth for Canadian carriers will remain elevated in the first carriers will continue to be subdued in rapid international growth into the first quarter of 2017, increasing from 3.6 per- 2017 compared to domestic capacity quarter of 2017. International capacity cent year-over-year growth in the fourth growth. International capacity growth for growth for Canadian carriers will moder- quarter of 2016 to 4.4 percent in the first U.S. mainline carriers is expected to slow ate slightly in the first quarter of 2017, quarter of 2017. from 0.4 percent in the fourth quarter of decreasing from 21.7 percent in the Within the U.S., the three legacy carriers, 2016 to -0.8 percent in the first quarter fourth quarter of 2016 to 18.3 percent American, Delta, and United, are expected of 2017. Capacity from U.S. carriers to the in the first quarter of 2017. Transatlantic to decelerate domestic capacity growth Asia Pacific region is slowing amid contin- capacity is scheduled to grow 20.6 per- during the first quarter of 2017, growing ued growth by Chinese airlines. Capacity cent in the first quarter of 2017 compared just 1.0 percent on average. While legacy to Europe will continue to moderate due to 17.8 percent in the fourth quarter of carriers are moderating capacity growth, to the uncertainty of Brexit, geopolitical 2016. Additionally, a rapid acceleration of low-cost carriers will continue to increase events, and the depreciation of Eurozone capacity growth of as much as 42.1 per- capacity in excess of the industry and are currencies. While demand has picked up cent to the Asia Pacific region is expected expected to grow domestic capacity by in Latin America, capacity continues to be based on published schedules for the 8.6 percent in the first quarter of 2017. In reduced due to the difficult macroeco- first quarter of 2017. Capacity growth to Canada, first-quarter domestic capacity nomic environment in the region. Capac- Latin America and the Middle East will be is scheduled to grow 3.9 percent at Air ity growth to the Middle East will increase relatively moderate compared to growth Canada and 5.2 percent at WestJet. slightly due to demand for travel to Israel. in the other regions but will still be well International capacity growth by U.S. Canadian carriers are continuing their into the double digits.

January-February 2017 Air Line Pilot » 17 18 PILOT GROUPPROFILES2017

» January-February 2017 January-February Air Line Pilot

PILOT GROUP PROFILES: PILOT GROUP 2

01 of N Association, International. Association, International. vidual 31pilotgroupsthatmakeuptheAirLinePilots and ensuringthefutureofairlinepilotingprofession. ing thestrongestpossiblecontractsforALPAmembers; est, mostsecureformoftravel;negotiatingandenforc - been acriticalcomponenttokeepingaviationthesaf - airline pilotsrepresentingtheU.S.andCanadahave whole. unrivaled leadershiproleintheaviationindustryasa the union’sprioritiesandhaspavedwayforALPA’s dedication ofadvocatingonbehalfairlinepilots. hallmark ofthisunioncontinuestobeanunmatched occurs intheairlineindustry,formorethan85years line pilotingprofession.Yetdespiteallthechangethat The followingpagescaptureasnapshotoftheindi- The collectiveresolveandunifiedvoiceofthe54,000 The motto“SchedulewithSafety”continuestoshape 7 derscore theatypicalindustrythatisair- mergers, challengesandopportunitiesallun- egotiations andagreements,mediation

ALPA Pilots

Photo: PILOT GROUP PROFILES 2017

AIR TRANSAT UNITY AND COMMITMENT PAY OFF WITH NEW FIVE-YEAR CONTRACT

BY JULIA MAYES, ALPA SENIOR COMMUNICATIONS the winter season. SPECIALIST In 2017, the pilots will continue to work with management n 2016, the Air Transat pilot group was poised to be- and ALPA’s Government Affairs gin a strike after having been at the bargaining table Department to ensure compliance for more than a year. However, the pilots’ Master with the new rules surrounding Canada’s At A Glance Executive Council (MEC) leaders and Negotiating Temporary Foreign Worker Program (TFWP). I PILOTS JOINED ALPA: 1999 Committee were able to come to terms with manage- Due in large part to ALPA’s efforts, Parliament mandated ment to reach a fair contract and avoid a strike just NUMBER OF PILOTS: 541 in 2014 that Canadian airlines would no longer days before the height of Canada’s spring PILOT BASES: Montreal, be allowed to staff seasonal variations in break travel season that begins in Febru- Que.; Toronto, Ont.; and Despite the fleet capacity with foreign pilots when Vancouver, B.C. ary. Following a successful ratification “ positive outcome of unemployed Canadian pilots are avail- OPERATIONS: The airline vote, the MEC is now hard at work our new contract, there’s able for hire. The TFWP had allowed Air provides scheduled and implementing the new five-year col- continued work that charter flying, transport- Transat’s direct Canadian competitors ing more than 2.5 million lective agreement. needs to occur to better to deploy temporary foreign workers passengers to nearly 60 “Despite the positive outcome of destinations in 30 coun- address some of to meet seasonal demands. our new contract, there’s continued tries each year the concerns our “We will also continue to push for work that needs to occur to better FLEET: A310-300s and pilots are voicing. new rules regarding the issuance of foreign A330-200s and -300s, address some of the concerns our pilots ” license validation certificates, which pilots plus B-737-700s and are voicing,” said Capt. Patrice Roy, the pilots’ -800s working in Canada are required to have if they don’t MEC chairman. “But we’re confident that a stronger and possess a Canadian pilots license,” remarked Roy, who’s successful relationship between our pilot group and optimistic that Prime Minister Justin Trudeau and the management will develop following this successful pilot present Liberal government will be more respectful of ratification, as our collective goal is bettering our airline.” Canadian workers’ rights than the previous Conservative When the airline industry went through financial tur- government under Stephen Harper. bulence in 2012, the pilot group proved its commitment Regarding the outlook for the coming year, Roy TOP: An Air Transat A330-200 at to the company by agreeing to a pay freeze in exchange acknowledged that “with 30 additional pilots being Vancouver International Airport is for profit sharing. Crewmembers took a leap of faith, hop- loaded for its flight to Amsterdam hired, the pilot group is optimistic and looks forward to Airport Schiphol. ing that with management and labour working together, working with management to help the airline prosper BELOW: An A310 at Québec City the carrier could reverse its misfortune. This hedging and grow.” Jean Lesage International Airport. paid off as parent company Transat A.T., Inc. announced revenues of $3.8 billion for 2014 and $3.6 billion for 2015. “The airline needed money, and management came to the employees for assistance,” Roy said. “With our help, Air Transat remained profitable through the tough times the company faced. In turn, we demanded that management invest in our crewmembers the same way it’s invested in other Air Transat employees and executives by bringing us to parity within the industry and at levels comparable to our direct competitors.” Air Transat recently added two new A330s and plans to add two more this summer. In addition, the airline maintains three A330s on wet- and damp-lease in War- saw, Poland; Paris, France; and Fort de France, Martinique. Management is also in talks to purchase between 9 and 12 A321neoLRs to replace aging A310s. And with the addition of another B-737, the airline now operates a total of

Top photo: Capt. Yannick Therien (Air Transat) seven permanent B-737s, with 12 more operating during

January-February 2017 Air Line Pilot » 19 PILOT GROUP PROFILES 2017

At A Glance AIR TRANSPORT

CREWMEMBERS JOINED ALPA: November 2009 INTERNATIONAL NUMBER OF CREW- system board of adjustment, and mediation, etc. MEMBERS: 173 active; 1 LASER FOCUS ON NEGOTIATIONS furloughed on a training PROPELS PILOTS PHASE III—sections that are more complicated and contract conflict highly contentious, such as scheduling and economic PILOT BASES: Home- BY KIMBERLY SEITZ, ALPA SENIOR COMMUNICATIONS issues. based SPECIALIST PHASE IV—“cleanup” that ties up any loose ends such CORPORATE HEADQUAR- TERS: Wilmington, Ohio as definitions. he announced five- to seven-year deal with “It’s important that we have a game plan and stay OPERATIONS: Combi passenger, military, and Air Transport Service Group, Inc.—the parent focused,” Rogers added, “so that our forward momentum cargo operations around company of Air Transport International—to keeps carrying us to a successful conclusion.” the world operate an air cargo network to serve Ama- Negotiations resumed in early August, and seven FLEET: Currently operates T eight B-757s, four of zon Fulfillment Services, Inc. provided just the kick start additional sessions were conducted through the end of which are freighters and needed for the Air Transport International pilots’ Section the year. After each negotiating session, the Contract four are combis, and 6 negotiations. Negotiating Committee provided the pilots with a sum- nine B-767 freighters “Our contract became amendable in May 2014,” said mary of the negotiations that included an updated Phase Capt. Tom Rogers, the pilots’ Master Executive Council Order Status document and a Contract Sections Order (MEC) chairman, “and while our Contract Negotiating of Business. Committee and management made The committee met with ALPA significant progress on a few adminis- The continued sup- staff from the Retirement & Insur- trative sections in 2014, negotiations “port we receive from ance, Economic & Financial Analysis, on the more challenging operational ALPA provides us Representation, and Legal Depart- and economic topics stalled in 2015. with the information ments in November to discuss scope, This deal with Amazon gave manage- needed to focus our retirement and insurance, and other ment the incentive to reopen and negotiations based on issues and to establish a baseline fast-track negotiations after our industry averages. for the economic sections of the mutually agreed-upon pause.” ” contract. “The continued support The negotiations “restart” kicked off we receive from ALPA provides us

TOP: An Air Transport Inter- with a pilot poll to ascertain where the Contract Negoti- with the information needed to focus our negotiations national B-757-200 at Lajes ating Committee should allocate its negotiating capital, based on industry averages,” Rogers said. Airport. as well as a six-part educational campaign to reacquaint The MEC has also been focused on correcting an edit- BELOW: Capts. Bo Stanley, the pilots with the vast resources that ALPA provides and ing oversight regarding first-year pay rates that was found right, and Nancy Turgeon at Seattle–Tacoma International with the Railway Labor Act’s Section 6 negotiations pro- in the pilots’ current contract. “When conflicting or omit- Airport. cess. “We felt it was necessary to get the pilots back in ted information is discovered in a contract, that conflict the negotiations game frame of mind,” Rogers indicated. or omission has to be rectified,” Rogers said. To resolve Once the survey was complete and the pilots this situation, the MEC obtained the second-year pay were fully educated on the negotiations prorate as the new first-year pay rate, and proposed a new cess, the Contract Negotiating Commit- second-year pay rate that was an even split between the tee shifted into high gear, developing contract’s second- and third-year rates. This solution had a game plan with management to the added benefit of helping to attract new-hire pilots. fast-track the negotiations into four In addition to kick-starting negotiations, the deal phases: with Amazon necessitated the recall of all furloughed PHASE I—administrative sections crewmembers and a flurry of activity to increase staffing. of the agreement, such as uniforms, According to Rogers, the MEC negotiated preferential management rights, Association hiring for ALPA members, and up to (if not more than) business, ALPA-PAC checkoff, 50 percent of new hires could be ALPA members. (The agency shop and dues checkoff, application on the airline’s website includes a space for workers’ compensation, etc. applicants to add their ALPA number.) PHASE II—sections that are more “We’re definitely moving in the right direction,” Rogers substantive and contentious, e.g., investiga- concluded, “and it appears we’ll continue moving forward

tion and discipline, nondisciplinary grievances, in 2017.” Commons Wikimedia photo: Top

20 » Air Line Pilot January-February 2017 Top photo: Chris Weaver A SPECIALIST BY RUSTYAYERS,ALPASENIORCOMMUNICATIONS SENDING OUTANSOS AIR WISCONSIN LaGuardia International Airport (LGA), and soon after LaGuardia International Airport(LGA),andsoonafter bonuses. Envoyalso announcedanewpilotbaseat unveiled substantialnewpilotpayincreases andsigning fee-for-departure subsidiariesEnvoy, PSA,andPiedmont September whenAmericanAirline’swholly owned have vigorouslyobjectedto. pay themmorethanregularnewhires,whichthepilots hire nonsenioritylistinstructormanagementpilotsand line checkairmentoflyasfirstofficersandalsowants tions havebeenontherise.Managementisencouraging to maintainitsschedulewithfewercrews,contractviola- fleet in2017. has retiredsixCRJ200sandwillcontinuedownsizingthe nearly enoughtoreplacethosewho’veleft.Theairline pilots haveleft,andthetrickleofnewhireshasnotbeen over thepast12months.Almostaquarterofairline’s everything suggestsmanagementdoesnot.” has anyplansforusbeyondFebruaryofnextyear.Infact, at thispointthere’snothingtosuggestthatmanagement to educatepilotsontherealityofoursituation,because pilots’ MECchairman.“OneoftheMEC’sgoalshasbeen career plansbasedonthefacts,”saidCapt.ChrisSuhs, cate andencourageourmemberstoexecutepersonal pany tomakeacorporateplan,wedefinitelycouldedu- or Sunset?” 2016 anewcampaigncalled“2018:Sunrise and StrikeCommittee,launchedinApril ALPA national’sStrategicPreparedness 2018, theMEC,withassistanceof potentially shuttingdownbyearly been forthcoming.Sowiththeairline with employees,noinformationhas management wouldshareitsplans Executive Council(MEC)expectedthat February 2018.Althoughthepilots’Master after itscontractwithAmericanAirlinesexpiresin doesn’t haveanyflyingopportunitiesonthehorizon The airline’s stormy skies darkened significantly in The airline’sstormyskiesdarkenedsignificantly in With attritionincreasingandmanagementstruggling Air Wisconsin’soperationhasbeeninsteadydecline “We realizedthatwhilewecouldn’tforcethecom- It’s beenknownforsometimethatAirWisconsin can’t deliverafuturebeyondFebruary2018. careers aspossibleintheeventairline proactively planningtosaveasmanypilot ir WisconsinpilotsaresendingoutanSOS, pany to make acorporate our members to execute our members to execute plan, we definitely could plan, we definitely could educate andencourage couldn’t force thecom- realized that whilewe personal career plans personal career plans based on the based onthe facts. “ We We ” airline doesunfortunatelygooutofbusiness.” the AirWisconsinpilotgroupwillleavebehindifour pilots beforeushavedonefordecades.Thatisthelegacy the professionandAirWisconsinpilots,justasother Suhs. “They’refightingtorepresentthebestinterestsof for theLOAtobeeffective,”saidSuhs. right direction,thepaymentsmustbeincreasedinorder or moreforfirstofficers.“Althoughthisisastepinthe tion paymentsof$5,000ormoreforcaptainsand$8,000 with theairlineuntilOctober2017mayalsoreceivereten- hires anda$1,500bonusforcurrentpilots.Pilotswhostay the Associationandourpeershasbeenencouraging,but new dealwithAmerican. employees aboutwhethertheairlinehasanyhopeofa the companytohaveanhonestconversationwithits pilots tomakealternateplans,andalsocompelling paign “2018:SOS,”broadcastingtheurgencyfor Washington NationalAirport. Air Wisconsindomicile:RonaldReagan also openinganewbaseinanother closing itssmallLGAdomicile.PSAis Air Wisconsinrevealeditwouldbe

“The MEC leaders are not giving up,” acknowledged “The MECleadersarenotgivingup,”acknowledged “The supportandtheresourceswe’vereceivedfrom In October,theMECsteppedupitscam- the companyneedstohaveasubstantivediscus- ment (LOA) that provides a $5,000 bonus to new ment (LOA)thatprovidesa$5,000bonustonew sion with the MEC about how it will keep this sion withtheMECabouthowitwillkeepthis a recruitmentandretentionletterofagree- airline in business or begin an organized, airline inbusinessorbeginanorganized, pilots, management recently agreed to pilots, managementrecentlyagreedto phased shutdown of the airline that phased shutdownoftheairlinethat will provide safe landings for as many will providesafelandingsforasmany commented. American Airlines customers,” Suhs American Airlinescustomers,”Suhs employees aspossibleandprotect In an attempt to hire and retain In anattempttohireandretain

January-February 2017 Air Line Pilot January-February National Airport. at RonaldReaganWashington Coffee andConversationevent BELOW: House. #DenyNAI eventattheWhite MEC chairman,participateinthe surer, left,andCapt.ChrisSuhs, Council (MEC)secretary-trea- ing, theformerMasterExecutive TOP: PILOTS JOINED ALPA: JOINED PILOTS 26 states and 3 Canadian departures to 70 cities in in to 70 cities departures million passengers each year via nearly 500 daily daily 500 nearly via year DOMICILES: NUMBER OF PILOTS: OF NUMBER HEADQUARTERS: consin carries nearly 6 Philadelphia, Pa.; and PILOT GROUPPROFILES2017 OPERATIONS: Capt. GrahamHoff-Down- At AGlance FLEET: Washington, D.C. Air Wisconsin pilots at a Air Wisconsinpilotsata provinces ton, Wisc. ton, 67 CRJ200s 67 Norfolk, Va.;Norfolk, Air Wis Apple 600 1982 - -

PILOT GROUP PROFILES 2017

At A Glance

NUMBER OF PILOTS: 1,842 as of January 1—up from 1,730 on Jan. 1, 2016 DOMICILES: Alaska Air- ALASKA lines operates four bases in Anchorage, Alaska; Los Angeles, Calif.; Port- PREPARING FOR THE FUTURE land, Ore.; and Seattle, Wash. Seattle remains BY JENN SUTTON, ALPA SENIOR COMMUNICATIONS Alaska’s busiest hub, and SPECIALIST the airline offers more nonstop flights than any other carrier or most of 2016, the Alaska Airlines pilots have OPERATIONS: Alaska Air found themselves walking a path that many Group serves 116 des- other ALPA pilots have tread before—a merger tinations with 990 daily departures in the U.S., with another airline. In April, Alaska Air Group, Mexico, Canada, Costa F the parent company of Alaska Airlines, announced that Rica, and, as of January 2017, Cuba. This includes it was acquiring Virgin America and that management 44 markets flown by intended to merge Alaska Airlines and Virgin America. to reach out to one another and begin talking. Since then, Horizon Air, which is The Alaska Master Executive Council (MEC) began the Alaska and Virgin America pilot leaders have contin- owned and operated by Alaska Air Group as preparing for the possibility of a merger in 2011, when ued to work collaboratively—using ALPA merger policy as a mainline feeder using it wrote and adopted the first version of the current a guideline—to make this merger as successful as possible small aircraft strategic plan. One of the seven goals in that plan was for the pilots. This work has included identifying goals FLEET: 154 B-737s, including 10 -400s, 5 -400 to “prepare for the future,” including tasking the MEC’s and strategies to negotiating a joint collective bargaining combis, 1 -400 freighter, Merger Committee with studying past mergers so that agreement that maximizes gains. 13 -700s, 61 -800s, 12 it could identify best practices. As a result of its strategic In December, the Alaska and Virgin America MECs -900s, and 52 -900ERs plan, the MEC built up its merger reached agreement on a transition fund and retained merger counsel. It “Our focus right now is and process agreement that, among also negotiated job-security provi- on negotiating a joint col- other things, outlines a protocol sions into the contract ratified in lective bargaining agree- and process for negotiating a joint 2013 that included protections in the ment that includes signifi- collective bargaining agreement. As event of a merger or acquisition. cant improvements in key a result of the transition and process Three years later when the MEC agreement, negotiations for a joint TOP: Seattle-based F/O Chazmin areas for the combined Peters, left, volunteers at Aviation updated its strategic plan, it retained pilot group. contract began on January 23. Day. the goal of preparing for the future, ” “Our focus right now is on BELOW: Capt. Mark Skibinski in again recognizing that consolidation occurring around negotiating a joint collective bargaining agreement that Kodiak, Alaska. the industry meant that mergers and acquisitions includes significant improvements in key areas for the remained a possibility for the Alaska combined pilot group,” Notaro said. “The MECs provided pilot group. that strategy and direction to our Joint Negotiating Com- “While you’re never mittee based on input from phone polls, online surveys, fully prepared for the direct feedback from our pilot group, an analysis of what uncertainty created by is occurring with the industry and economy and with a merger, we were other pilot contracts, and looking at examples provided as prepared as we by other pilot mergers.” possibly could While the path to reaching a transition and process have been agreement and entering joint contract negotiations took when Alaska longer than the pilots expected, the Alaska pilots remain announced that ready to face the tasks associated with the merger head- it was buying on and committed to the Alaska MEC’s goals and objec- Virgin America tives of improving and protecting the wages, benefits, and that we work rules, and job security of all Alaska Airlines pilots would be merg- past, present, and future. ing,” said Capt. Chris “This year will continue to usher in change for us, as a Notaro, the pilots’ pilot group and for our airline,” said Notaro. “But I have ev- MEC chairman. ery confidence that this pilot group will be resolute and One of the first steps united in pursuit of our goals and a contract that places following the merger an- our combined group on par with our industry peers. Our

nouncement was for the MECs preparation and unity will be the keys to our success.” Top photo: Sara F/O Wilson (Alaska), bottom photo: Ryan F/O Sis (Alaska)

22 » Air Line Pilot January-February 2017 Photo: Capt. David Wallace (At lantic Southeast) O next-generation aircraft and overall fleet growth, while next-generation aircraft andoverallfleetgrowth,while and cannotoutpace attrition.SkyWestenjoysnew, hire pilots,whileAtlanticSoutheastfails tofillclasses precedented growth.SkyWestcontinues toaggressively number ofpilotsandaircraft,whileSkyWest enjoyedun- Airlines. ExpressJet alsooperatesthenonunioncarrierSkyWest SkyWest, Inc.,whichinadditiontoAtlanticSoutheastand of thepilotgroupcontinuestobecompetitionfrom pilots’ long-termfuture. pilots butstillleftmuchtobedeterminedregardingthe pay, scheduling,andqualityoflifeforAtlanticSoutheast agreements. LOA15broughtnumerousimprovementsto extensions ofeachpilotgroup’scollectivebargaining bargaining agreementandinsteadpursueindividual temporarily suspendnegotiationsforajointcollective Southeast andExpressJetMECsmanagementto was theresultofanagreementbetweenAtlantic ment (LOA)15tothepilotgroupforratification.ThisLOA success. InFebruary,theMECpresentedLetterofAgree- cation andprofessionalism—andachievedsomenotable ued periodofuncertaintywiththeutmostleveldedi- same here.” service tothisairline,andwe’lldothe many challengesinourlonghistoryof future forourpilots.We’veovercome will continuetopressforasecure group’s MECchairman.“The said Capt.TonyMiddendorff,thepilot lessen ourcommitmenttopilots,” ment, innowaydoesthischangeor response tothephaseoutareinworks. As thisissuegoestopress,additionalplansforacohesive providing informationwithinhoursoftheannouncement. Executive Council(MEC)respondedquicklytothenews, the careersofhundredspilots.Thepilots’Master halves theairline’scurrentfleetandbringsintoquestion fleet bytheendof2017.Thisdevastatingphaseoutnearly COMMUNICATIONS COMMITTEE BY THEATLANTICSOUTHEASTMASTEREXECUTIVECOUNCIL FACING THECHALLENGESAHEAD ATLANTIC SOUTHEAST In 2016, Atlantic Southeast continued to shrink in both In 2016,AtlanticSoutheastcontinued toshrinkinboth The largestthreattothefuturesuccessandstability During 2016,thepilotsweatheredacontin- “Although we’retroubledbytheannounce- CRJ200s from the Atlantic Southeast CRJ200s fromtheAtlanticSoutheast announced planstophaseoutthe52 ent companyofAtlanticSoutheast, n Dec.14,2016,SkyWest,Inc.,thepar- come many challenges in come many challengesin our long history of ser our pilots. We’ve over vice to this airline, and vice to thisairline,and for asecure future for will continue to press we’ll do the same we’ll dothesame “ The MEC The MEC here.

” group.” we’re workingtirelessly toensureafutureforthispilot that we’llcontinuetouphold.Despite thechallenges, or arenewhires,”Middendorffsaid.“It’s acommitment this property,whetherthey’vebeen here fordecades sional pilotgroup. a stable,long-termfutureforthededicatedandprofes- engage thecompanyonamultitudeofpathstoprovide Atlantic Southeastpilotgroup.TheMECcontinuesto SkyWest, Inc.presentanunsustainablefutureforthe pilot recruitment,andfull-scalecorporateneglectfrom Middendorff. Thecontinuedlossofaircraft,challengesin facing thepilotgroupisanuncertainfuture,accordingto tinued negotiationswithmanagement,thelargestissue gains inpay,scheduling,andqualityoflifethroughcon- nated—by SkyWest.” being diminished—andsometimesaltogetherelimi- get olderaircraft.Ourgrowthandfutureprospectsare growth stagnateasSkyWestacquiresourplanes,andwe continues tofillnewclasses.Wealsowatchouraircraft pilots andkeepupwithourattritionrates,SkyWest is especiallyworrisome.Whilewestruggletoaddnew station’s linemaintenance.Thiscoincidedwiththeairline’s reducing theairline’sflyingoutofDetroitandclosing an establishedAtlanticSoutheastpilotdomicilewhile nance facilityinDetroit,Mich.,directlycompetingwith simultaneously openedapilotdomicileandmainte- also painfullywitnessedfirsthandasSkyWest by SkyWest.AtlanticSoutheastpilots only tobereacquiredandoperated planes orexitthefleetentirely, are swappedforolderair- Atlantic Southeastaircraft “This MEC has made a commitment to every pilot on “This MEChasmadeacommitmentto everypiloton Although AtlanticSoutheastpilotshaveseenmarginal dendorff. “The disproportionate hiring at SkyWest dendorff. “ThedisproportionatehiringatSkyWest flying out of Detroit being pushed to New York’s flying outofDetroitbeingpushedtoNewYork’s - threats presentedbySkyWest,”notedMid- - LaGuardia International Airport or eliminated LaGuardia InternationalAirportoreliminated group continue to be concerned by the group continuetobeconcernedbythe altogether. The pilot group continues to altogether. Thepilotgroupcontinuesto be alarmed by the continued growth of be alarmedbythecontinuedgrowthof east pilots. east pilots. or futureopportunityforAtlanticSouth- SkyWest attheexpenseofanygrowth “The Atlantic Southeast MEC and pilot “The AtlanticSoutheastMECandpilot

January-February 2017 Air Line Pilot January-February in Atlanta, Ga. in Atlanta,Ga. CRJ900 sitsattheairline’shangar TOP: PILOTS JOINED ALPA: ALPA: JOINED PILOTS NUMBER OF PILOTS: PILOTS: OF NUMBER PILOT BASES: PILOT HEADQUARTERS: Dallas, Tex.; and Detroit, FIRST ALPA CONTRACT: CONTRACT: ALPA FIRST PILOT GROUPPROFILES2017 An Atlantic Southeast An AtlanticSoutheast 36 CRJ700s, and 28 28 and CRJ700s, 36 At AGlance FLEET: FLEET: CRJ900s 52 CRJ200s, 52 CRJ200s, Mich. 1989 Ga. Atlanta, Ga.; Ga.; Atlanta, Atlanta, Atlanta, 1,400 1987

PILOT GROUP PROFILES 2017

At A Glance BEARSKIN seniority list. “We’ve built a place where a pilot can build a life, raise PILOTS JOINED ALPA: 1997 THE CHALLENGE OF ATTRITION a family, and have a very good standard of living,” noted (became an ALPA-repre- Parnham. “Moving to the bottom of the seniority list at sented pilot group when the Canadian Airline Pi- BY JEN LOFQUIST, ALPA SENIOR COMMUNICATIONS another airline and taking a significant pay cut just aren’t lots Association [CALPA] SPECIALIST worth it for the majority of our captains.” merged with ALPA) Bearskin is based in Thunder Bay, Ont., where the cost NUMBER OF PILOTS: 45 or the past year, Bearskin has been a constant of living is significantly lower than that of most other PILOT BASES: Thunder in almost every area, including fleet size and regional and mainline carriers’ domiciles. Moving from Bay, Ont., and Winnipeg, Man. routes. But this is not the case with pilot reten- Thunder Bay to Toronto, one could expect the cost of HEADQUARTERS: Thunder F tion, which has taken a new face. rent and housing to be as much as 70 percent higher. Bay, Ont. “Our airline hasn’t seen this amount of pilot turnover Thunder Bay also boasts commute times of 15 minutes or OPERATIONS: Scheduled since the mid-90s. In 2016, Bearskin had an attrition rate less from just about anywhere in the city. and charter passenger of just above 50 percent—80 percent of that attrition For first officers, there has never been a better time in service being first officers,” said Capt. Dan the last three decades to be quickly FLEET: 12 Fairchild Metro- liners Parnham, the pilots’ Master Execu- We’ve built a place where hired by one of Canada’s regional, tive Council (MEC) chairman. “a pilot can build a life, raise large charter, or mainline carriers. Attrition is not new to Bearskin— a family, and have a very Pilots coming into Bearskin are the airline used to see 80 percent good standard of living. typically in their early to mid-20s of its attrition come from the ranks Moving to the bottom of and are predominantly former flight of captains, who were leaving for the seniority list at another instructors with about 1,000 hours of jobs at regional and mainline carriers. airline and taking a sig- flight time. The majority of new-hire However, two contracts ago, the nificant pay cut just aren’t first officers also come from south- company and pilot group started to worth it for the majority of ern Ontario. According to Parnham, address the serious issue of captain our captains. while Bearskin can be a good start- retention by ensuring that a pilot at ” ing point, the lure of bigger, more Bearskin could see the airline as a career and not just a modern airplanes; fast upgrades; lucrative career paths; career path. Rather than losing four out of five captains and simply being back in the area where one is from are BELOW: A Bearskin Metroliner on to other airlines, Bearskin now loses one out of five, and too hard for most to pass up. With aggressive hiring at the runway in Dryden, Ont. generally only those captains at the lower end of the regionals and mainlines, it’s now easier for a young pilot to move to another airline in less time than in years past. “In 2015, the Bearskin seniority list saw almost a 100 percent turnover of its first officers,” Parham said. “They left to fly bigger planes, at bigger airlines, making more money, and more often than not living in their home cities. We had five captains leave in 2015, and all were captains for five years or less.” The crunch for new pilots is felt at many airlines, especially at those that have aircraft with 19 or fewer seats that are feeding larger operators. Parnham noted that it’s estimated that this year the Canadian airline industry will need between two and three times the number of pilots who currently graduate from flight schools annually just to fill the void at regional and mainline carriers—so there hasn’t been a better time in recent history to become a pilot for a Canadian airline. “Attrition is a common problem for all airlines with aircraft with fewer than 19 seats,” acknowledged Parn- ham. “While Bearskin has been able to meet the hiring demands of the current attrition rates, I believe we will see the quantity and experience level of prospective new hires drop significantly, if the hiring predictions of the

industry are proven correct.” (Bearskin) Parnham Dan Capt. Photo:

24 » Air Line Pilot January-February 2017 Photos: Capt. Dan Cowan (Calm Air) T SPECIALIST BY KIMBERLYSEITZ,ALPASENIORCOMMUNICATIONS COMMUNITIES ISOLATED CANADIAN PILOTS CONTINUE TO SERVE CALM AIR are shuttledtotheir destinations.It’salotofout-and- retrofitted toaccommodate theloads,andsupplies pallets areloadedontoCalmAiraircraft thathavebeen in Winnipeg,Thompson,andChurchill,” saidCowan.“The are deliveredtooneofCalmAir’swarehouses located and othergroceriessuppliesnecessary tosustainlife aircraft aswellourfreighters. communities inNunavut,whichweservewithourcombi Manitoba, whichweservewithourfreighters,and11 chains toprovideservice11communitiesinnorthern also havefreightcontractswiththemajorsupermarket ments onEarth. in someoftheharshestandmostinhospitableenviron- a greatdealofprideinoperatingsafelyandefficiently Executive Council(MEC)chairman.“CalmAirpilotstake observed Capt.DanCowan,thepilotgroup’sMaster hard-to-reach communitiesthathavenoroadaccess,” mote areasofnorthernCanada,anditcontinuestoserve semitrailer trucks. that can’treceiveshipmentsviathetraditionalmethodof building supplies,andbulkgas—toisolatedcommunities and supplies—includingalltypesofoff-roadvehicles, Arctic Circle.MostofCalmAir’sflightsalsocarrygroceries service tocommunitiesinNunavutasfarnorththe northern citiestoWinnipegandalsoprovidesdaily that providesdirectservicefromManitoba’s Manitoba andNunavut.It’stheonlycarrier service to17communitiesinnorthern Calm Airprovidesscheduledpassenger with ahubinRankinInletNunavut, son andWinnipeginManitoba,along Nunavut. passengers andcargo around Manitoba and business withafleetof 13aircraft moving northern Saskatchewan, hasgrown into athriving owners’ isolated fishingcampandsurrounding areas in “Several times a week, pallets of fruits, vegetables, “Several timesaweek,palletsoffruits, vegetables, “In additiontoourscheduledpassengerservice,we “Calm Airhasquiteaninterestinghistoryservingre- From itsoperationalbasesinThomp- to ferry passengersandsuppliesto thethen- the 1960swithonesmallfloatplanepurchased work they do.Theairline,whichstarted outin he pilots of Calm Air take great prideinthe

ing safely andefficiently in some of the harshest in someof theharshest deal of prideinoperat - and most inhospitable and mostinhospitable pilots take agreat environments on “ Earth. Calm Air Calm Air recommendations. bring aboutinordertomovequicklywiththereport’s Council FlightCrewManagementWorkingGroupmight that TransportCanada’sAviationRegulationAdvisory flight- andduty-timeregulationsrestrequirements continues tomonitoranypossiblechangesCanadian tive bargaining,”Cowansaid.HealsonotedthattheMEC sist theNegotiatingCommitteeasitpreparesforcollec- preliminary processofstrategicplanningdesignedtoas- tions in2018,so“theMECandALPAstaffarestartingthe term beginningMay5,willbeconductedthisspring. Manitoba Mooseononeoftheteam’smanyroadtrips. beluga whales,orconveytheAmericanHockeyLeague’s Manitoba ortoChurchillviewpolarbearsand many fly-infishinglodgeslocatedinnorthern hydro plants,ferrytouriststooneofthe Canada, thepilotstransportworkersto into inaccessibleregionsofcentral passengers andessentialgoods back flying.” ” navigated the transition to a revised flying schedule navigated thetransitiontoarevisedflyingschedule The pilots’collectiveagreementwillopenfornegotia- Cowan acknowledgedthatthepilotssuccessfully When theyaren’tmoving terms will begin March 1. MEC officer elections, for the terms willbeginMarch1.MECofficerelections,forthe crafted inlate2015thatcreatedahub-and- Strachan and F/O Joel Lautenschlager, whose Strachan andF/OJoelLautenschlager,whose spoke network centered in Rankin Inlet, a spoke networkcenteredinRankinInlet,a tion of Winnipeg status reps Capt. Corey tion ofWinnipegstatusrepsCapt.Corey move designed to strengthen Calm Air’s move designedtostrengthenCalmAir’s presence in the Arctic and to provide presence intheArcticandtoprovide the HudsonBay. smaller Nunavutcommunitiesthatline much-needed passengerserviceforthe The endoftheyearsawelec-

January-February 2017 Air Line Pilot January-February Kugaaruk, N.U. N.U. Kugaaruk, filled withgroceriesisunloadedin TOP ANDBELOW:AnATR72 vice throughout northern bis), two Fairchild Dornier Dornier Fairchild two bis), NUMBER OF PILOTS: OF NUMBER passenger and cargo ser cargo and passenger PILOTS JOINED ALPA: JOINED PILOTS along the western shore OPERATIONS: PILOT BASES: PILOT BASES: Manitoba and Nunavut, of Hudson Bay and into into and Bay Hudson of cargo/passenger com (one freighter and four four and freighter (one 328JETs, and four ATR four and 328JETs, including destinations tive and 1 on furlough 1on and tive HEADQUARTERS: PILOT GROUPPROFILES2017 FLEET: FLEET: and Winnipeg, Man. 72s (two freighters) (two 72s At AGlance the high Arctic high the nipeg, Man. Seven ATR 42s ATR 42s Seven Thompson Thompson Scheduled Win 81 ac 81 1997 - - - -

PILOT GROUP PROFILES 2017

CANADIAN NORTH FRUSTRATION, EVACUATION, AND NEGOTIATION: HALLMARKS FOR At A Glance CANADIAN NORTH PILOTS IN 2016 PILOTS JOINED ALPA: 2011 BY KIMBERLY SEITZ, ALPA SENIOR COMMUNICATIONS SPECIALIST NUMBER OF PILOTS: 109 active, 11 on furlough, and 14 on leaves of he Canadian North pilots spent much In early May, Canadian North pilots and staff were absence of 2016 on a roller coaster as their airline mobilized to safely and efficiently transport people and PILOT BASES: Edmonton continued to search for its place in an erratic pets from Fort McMurray after a wildfire destroyed more and Calgary, Alb. market caused by the drop in oil prices, than 1,700 homes and buildings. More than 80,000 resi- OPERATIONS: Scheduled T passenger and cargo which, unfortunately, negatively affects their company’s dents were evacuated—the largest mass evacuation in service throughout operations. Despite the ups and downs, the pilots provid- the history of Alberta. “I’m extremely proud of the profes- Nunavut and the North- ed emergency evacuation services during a massive wild sionalism and compassion Canadian North pilots showed west Territories, as well as chartered operations fire in Fort McMurray, Alb., while preparing for collective during this extremely stressful time,” said Sorokan. “Our throughout Canada, the bargaining that opened the end of 2016. pilots and planes were flying 24 hours a day transport- U.S., Mexico, the Carib- bean, and Europe The year kicked off with an increase in charter flying ing families, their pets, and all the belongings they could FLEET: 2 active B- that lead to a recall of furloughed pilots. “I’m confident manage to save from Fort McMurray to Edmonton. 737-200s, 10 B-737-300s, that the professionalism and high level of customer Between May 4 and May 8, Canadian North evacuated and 2 Dash 8-100s service provided by our flight crews played a crucial role more than 16,000 people on 294 charter flights, all while in why we saw vacation charters become a larger portion maintaining its normal scheduled operations.” of our flying,” said F/O Brenen Sorokan, the pilots’ Master As summer progressed, the MEC began preparing to Executive (MEC) vice chairman. negotiate a new collective agreement. However, by early spring the airline’s It’s so important The MEC and Negotiating Commit- vacation flying had slowed and charter “that we engage tee met with ALPA staff to prepare for TOP: F/O Cody Berry on flying had decreased due to Alberta oil future pilots while negotiations and develop a strategic descent into Norman Wells, companies’ scaling back their demand for plan to ensure that the pilots have the N.W.T. they’re still young service to the oil sands, so many of the resources in place to bring important RIGHT: A Dash 8-106 in and wide-eyed Igloolik, N.U., north of the recall notices were rescinded. “It was at about flying. issues to the table, advance negotiations, Arctic Circle. that point that we realized the Layoff and ” and effectively position the pilots should BELOW: A Canadian North Reduction section of our collective agree- negotiations end without an agreement. airplane over Cambridge Bay, N.U. ment needed to be addressed,” Sorokan acknowledged, This strategy included a negotiating survey to ascertain “and that’s something we plan to discuss during these where the pilots want the Negotiating Committee to negotiations,” which started this past November. expend its negotiating capital and a multipart educational Despite the ups, downs, and uncer- campaign that details how the bargaining process works tainty, the pilots forged ahead. After in Canada. Canadian North experienced a In November, the company announced it was cancel- dramatic increase in school ing a code-share agreement with First Air, which had the field trips to its hangar in two carriers partnering on three-quarters of the airlines’ Edmonton, Alb., the pilots’ scheduled flying. “This agreement between both compa- MEC Education Commit- nies seemed to stabilize the scheduled air service market tee was recruited by the in the north,” said Sorokan, “but now that the agreement airline to manage the terminates in May, it may provide our pilot group with influx of school students increased flying on the northern scheduled routes.” coming to tour the Also during 2016, the MEC began to live stream its facility. “It’s so important MEC/town-hall–type meetings on the Internet for those that we engage future pilots who were unable to attend in person, continued to pilots while they’re still hold pilot unity-building events, and conducted an ALPA young and wide-eyed about Family Fun Day. flying,” Sorokan said. “This is one “Despite the challenges we face, the support we component of our work that is continue to receive from ALPA as we enter negotiations

very enjoyable.” is invaluable,” Sorokan said. Top left photo: Chris Kampen (Canadian North), bottom photo: Brenen F/O Sorokan (Canadian North)

26 » Air Line Pilot January-February 2017 Photo: Kimberly Seitz I AND KATYADAMS,ALPASENIORCOMMUNICATIONSSPECIALIST BY CAPT.TREVIJENKINS(COMMUTAIR),MASTEREXECUTIVECOUNCILCOMMUNICATIONSCHAIRMAN, GROWING PAINS COMMUTAIR through the CPP in November and December last year. through theCPPin NovemberandDecemberlastyear. CommutAir,” headded. an interviewandhavetherequiredtime ofserviceat deck ofaUnitedaircraftforCommutAir pilotswhopass said Ciarcia.“TheCPPprovidesacareer pathtotheflight our friendsandcolleaguesprogressing intheircareers,” of ourCPPtoUnited.It’sveryexcitinghavesomany highlight atCommutAirfor2016wastheimplementation Airlines CareerProgressionProgram(CPP).“Ourbiggest the jetage. Albany InternationalAirport,CommutAirproudlyjoined with anERJ145flightfromWashingtonDullesAirportto property andtrainCommutAir’spilots.OnJuly1,2016, complete certificationrunstobringtheERJsonto were selectedfortheinitialcadreofpilotswhowould Ciarcia, thepilots’MECchairman.Fourteencaptains this largestepforwardfortheairline,”saidCapt.Jeffrey exponentially growourTrainingDepartmenttofacilitate operate ERJ145sasUnitedExpressin2016,wehadto per monthforthefirsttimeinitshistory. pilot group saw class sizes increase to more than 25 pilots Jets (ERJs).Withthesenewlysecuredagreements,the United AirlinestooperateafleetofEmbraer145Regional signed afive-yearcapacity-purchaseagreementwith sation andquality-of-lifeimprovements. increases acrosstheboardinpilotcompen- 1, 2016.Thatmilestoneledtosignificant agreement’s amendabledateofDec. well inadvanceoftheprevious (MEC) negotiatedanewcontract, the pilots’MasterExecutiveCouncil started lookingupinAugustwhen the airlineindustry.However,things other carriersorpositionswithin opted toleaveforbetteropportunitiesat the largestpilotexodusinrecenthistoryaspilots Ohio; Newark,N.J.;andWashington,D.C.—experienced ates Dash8turbopropsforUnitedExpressinCleveland, CommutAir’s first 10 pilots transitioned to United CommutAir’s first10 pilotstransitionedtoUnited Later intheyear,CommutAirintroducedUnited “As aresultofCommutAir’snewagreementto In additiontothenewcontract,CommutAiralso new collective bargaining agreement. new collectivebargainingagreement. challenges whenthegroupnegotiatedandsigneda n 2015,thepilotsofCommutAirovercamesignificant Early thatyear,theregionalairline—whichoper- operate ERJ145sasUnited Express in2016,we hadto exponentially grow our Training Department to Air’s newagreement to facilitate thislarge step result of Commut- forward for the airline. “ As a As a our pilotstothebestofability.” tain ourcultureanddoeverythingwecantorepresent on atCommutAir,”Ciarcianoted.“Wealsohopetomain- tive career-progressionmechanism,morepilotswillhire pilots’ qualityoflifeandcompensation,alongwithaposi- we believethroughcontinuedimprovementstoour ence hiringchallengesin2017.“It’sarealityweface,but remarked Ciarcia. group maintainsourcultureandworkswelltogether,” new members.Wewanttoensurethatourgrowing program toanewlevel,“particularlywithregardour ing interviewswithmajorairlinesorforanyotherfuture interview preparationforourmemberstheirupcom- requirements transitioningtoUnitedperquarter. in 2017,with10qualifiedpilotswhomeettheprogram’s And throughtheCPP,40pilotswilltransfertoUnited ” Looking ahead,theMECexpectsairlinetoexperi- “We’re currentlylookingtothefutureprovidedirect career advancement,” said Ciarcia. “We want to career advancement,”saidCiarcia.“Wewantto In 2016, the pilots also brought their mentor In 2016,thepilotsalsobroughttheirmentor

provide the assistance that’s appropriate for provide theassistancethat’sappropriatefor craft typeaswellagrowingpilotgroup.” our pilot group.” our pilotgroup.” and we’refortunatetohaveanewair- “We’ve been an extremely busy group, “We’ve beenanextremelybusygroup, has resulted in challenges for the has resultedinchallengesforthe these challenges head-on,” Ciarcia said. these challengeshead-on,”Ciarciasaid. additional training. “But we’ve met additional training.“Butwe’vemet pilot group,includingtheneedfor CommutAir’s recent rapid growth CommutAir’s recentrapidgrowth

January-February 2017 Air Line Pilot January-February Airport. Washington DullesInternational dier Dash8sitsonthetarmacat BELOW: FLEET: PILOTS JOINED ALPA: ALPA: JOINED PILOTS OPERATIONS: 30 cities in the Midwest, Midwest, the in cities 30 Northeast, and Canada NUMBER OF PILOTS: OF NUMBER HEADQUARTERS: chase agreement with operates in more than than more in operates PILOT GROUPPROFILES2017 under a capacity-pur 8-Q200s, and 5 Dash 5Dash and 8-Q200s, At AGlance A CommutAirBombar- United Airlines Burlington, Vt. 7 ERJ 145s, 18 Dash Dash 18 145s, 7ERJ 8-Q300s pilots pilots CommutAir South South 278 278 2008 -

PILOT GROUP PROFILES 2017

At A Glance

PILOTS JOINED ALPA: 2007 NUMBER OF PILOTS: Ap- proximately 850 COMPASS PILOT BASES: Minne- apolis–St. Paul, Minn.; Los Angeles, Calif.; and HOLDING STEADY DESPITE Seattle, Wash. TURNOVER MANAGEMENT: Founded in 2007, Compass is one of three airlines owned BY JOHN PERKINSON, SENIOR STAFF WRITER by Trans States Holdings, Inc., including Trans ike many of their peers in the fee-for-departure States and GoJet sector, the pilots of Compass Airlines are expe- OPERATIONS: Compass flies more than 4 million riencing a state of transition. While the carrier’s passengers annually for fleet and route structure remain essentially get there,” Zerafa remarked. To share some of the interim Delta Connection and L American Eagle, averag- stable, the airline continues to witness a revolving door workload, the MEC created an executive administrator ing 180 flights daily to 50 of new-hire pilots coupled with veteran aviators moving position and Zerafa, as the MEC chairman, quickly moved destinations in the U.S., on to mainline carriers. to appoint Capt. Graham Bostrom. However, Bostrom Canada, and Mexico “There are very few ‘lifers’ in our pilot ranks,” said Capt. transitioned to Delta, and Capt. Thomas Vanden Berg is FLEET: 6 Embraer E170s and 56 Embraer E175s Anthony Zerafa, the pilots’ Master Executive Council currently filling the role. (MEC) chairman. “It seems as if most of our pilots are Turnover has also hampered the pilot group’s ability intending to leave at some point.” to maintain a consistent volunteer structure at times. Not surprisingly, pilot turnover has influenced the very Fortunately, new-hire pilots have stepped up to fill these nature of the MEC’s work, from its successful campaign vacancies. “Our new volunteers have made a tremendous to convert first-year hiring bonuses into pilot pay rates difference,” Zerafa said. in December 2015 to cosponsoring mainline pilot hiring To meet the staffing needs of the airline’s operation, workshops. Compass is holding one to two new-hire The workshops are an important aspect We’re doing our classes a month with 15 to 20 individu- of career progression for the members of best“ to ensure that als per class. Most of these pilots end up the pilot group and a priority for the MEC, our members are living out of domicile, so to make their noted Zerafa. “During the last six months, commutes easier to manage, the MEC TOP: Pilot volunteers attend properly prepared the Compass Master Executive Capt. Tim Davis, the MEC vice chairman, to take that next negotiated a commuter hotel program. Council committee chairmen’s has worked closely with Capt. Paul Ryder “Every pilot gets four hotel rooms a month meeting. step. [ExpressJet] and F/O Karen Lacy [Express- ” in base, as long as the use of the room BELOW: Capt. Anthony Zerafa, Master Executive Council chair- Jet] from ALPA’s Fee-for-Departure Committee to coor- touches a day of work,” Zerafa explained. man, right, and Capt. Thomas dinate five days of workshops for our members.” Zerafa, To bring additional stability to the Compass pilot ranks, Vanden Berg on the ramp at Yampa Valley Regional Airport. who’s been with Compass for four and a half years, the MEC has engaged in a wide variety of projects and added, “We’re doing our best to ensure that initiatives to improve the working lives of its members. our members are properly prepared Among these efforts, pilot volunteers have been testing to take that next step.” a new Navtech preferential bidding system, and, in an As further evidence of the effort to meet the unforeseen needs of its members, change at Compass, the the MEC has been working on a Compass Pilot Relief MEC, which operates Fund. Once established, the fund will serve as a resource with a single-council, members can turn to when faced with financial chal- seniority-block lenges that are the result of a life-altering event. Capt. representation Ryan Hollenbeck, the MEC secretary-treasurer, has been structure, has been spearheading this process. attempting to Compass has recently been advertising the success of expand from three its pilots in securing mainline jobs as a means to attract to five block reps potential recruits. The company website notes that 100 for almost two years. of its pilots, within a year, successfully transitioned to “We’re supposed to Delta, FedEx Express, JetBlue, United, and other carriers. have 600 pilots off of While this is good news, “the MEC continues to urge probation before we can management to focus on quality-of-life issues for pilots petition ALPA’s Executive flying for Compass as well as a more defined career path Council to change our number as keys to attracting new pilot candidates,” acknowl- of block reps, but we have yet to edged Zerafa.

28 » Air Line Pilot January-February 2017 Bottom photo: Delta Air Lines T BY KELLYREGUS,ALPASENIORCOMMUNICATIONSSPECIALIST A VERY BUSYYEAR DELTA human factors, updated SOPs can simultaneously make human factors,updated SOPscansimultaneouslymake tally changedindecades. Bystartingtheirdesignwith improving safetymetrics,theyhaven’t beenfundamen- procedures (SOPs).AlthoughSOPshave succeededin the wayairlineindustrylooksatstandard operating previously affordedtoDeltacrews. complished whileretainingallpilot-protectiveprovisions ting thecominglingofASAPandFOQAdata.Thiswasac- initiative tounlockthepotentialofsafetydatabypermit- Department, implementingCrossTalk,agroundbreaking service. for hisbodyofworkspanningtwodecadesvolunteer Award, theAssociation’shighestindividualsafetyhonor, mittee (CASC)vicechairman,receivedALPA’sAirSafety are afewofthenotablehighlights. ing thecontractandcareersofDeltapilots.Following achieved extraordinaryresultsinprotectinganddefend- of thepilotstohistoricallyprofitableairline. rule improvementsthatrecognizethecontributions protects profitsharing,andprovideswork- four yearsandretroactivepayfor2016, percent incompoundedpayraisesover pilot unityevents. several otherinformationalandfamily/ in eventplanningandexecution. center withlittletononoticeablereduction curbed expensesrelatedtoabrick-and-mortar exposure. Thevirtualstrikecenterconceptsignificantly day picketeventthatgarneredmaximumnewsmedia cessfully managedanunprecedentedeight-basesingle- the SPSCorganizedvirtualbasestrikecenters,andsuc- nessing thecapabilitiesandefficienciesoftechnology, Preparedness andStrikeCommittee(SPSC)efforts.Har- percent, arecord-settingpercentageforthepilotgroup. 1, 2016,thepilotsratifiedagreementbyamarginof82 not onlyDeltapilotsbutairlineasawhole.OnDec. Additionally, the CASC is leading an effort to change Additionally, theCASCisleadinganeffort tochange The CASCworkedwiththeairline’sFlightSafety F/O JohnKlinger,thepilots’CentralAirSafetyCom- During 2016,thepilots’MECcommitteestructure The ratifiedcontractdelivers30.5 The committeealsocoordinated Displays ofpilotunityescalatedthroughoutStrategic tive agreement that advanced the careers of tive agreementthatadvancedthecareersof course of2016asitnegotiatedastrongtenta- logged hundredsofmeetinghoursoverthe he DeltaMasterExecutiveCouncil(MEC) results inprotecting and defending thecontract achieved extraordinary 2016, thepilots’ MEC committee structure and thecareers of Delta pilots. “ During During and upholdALPA’smissionofsafety. contractual gains,defendthepilotworkingagreement, together, unifiedasapowerfulteam,toachieverecord two-year term,whichbeganonJanuary1. and Capt.TomBell,MECtreasurer.Theofficerswillservea MEC vicechairman;Capt.TomBrielmann,secretary; Capt. BillBartels,MECchairman;RyanSchnitzler, that impactaviationsafetyandpilotcareers. pilots andfurtheringthepilot-partisanstrategyonissues + + + + OTHER HIGHLIGHTSINCLUDE maternity leavelanguagetomatchfederallaw. ing 16–01,whichmodifiedthepilotworkingagreement forged newgroundwithMemorandumofUnderstand- safety margins. tively accomplishedtorunanoperationwithwide to serveasanexampleofwhatcanbecollabora- pilots andthecompanyhaveworkedtogether pilot jobseasier,moreefficient,andsafer.The

The MEC and Delta pilots are committed to working The MECandDeltapilotsarecommittedtoworking This pastDecember,theMECelectednewleaders: Delta continuestoaggressivelyhirenewpilots,which The pilots’ContractAdministrationCommitteealso fatigued. tion totheirchiefpilotsaftercallinginunfitfordutyor formalizing theprocessforpilotspresentinginforma- from flightstoZikadestinations,and developing proceduresforpilotswhorequestremoval deadhead travel, continuing pilotaccesstoupgradedseatswhileon enforcing staffingandrest-seatrequirements, presence on Capitol Hill, advocating on behalf of presence onCapitolHill,advocatingbehalfof ” has impacted all of the MEC committees. The has impactedalloftheMECcommittees.The Delta pilots continue to maintain their robust Delta pilotscontinuetomaintaintheirrobust Membership Committee hosted a record 33 Membership Committeehostedarecord33 new-hire orientationsfor1,240pilots. for several hundred pilots. for severalhundredpilots. The Government Affairs Committee and The GovernmentAffairsCommitteeand tirement and open enrollment webinars tirement andopenenrollmentwebinars new-hire orientations,presentingprere- mittee wasalsokeptbusywiththe The RetirementandInsuranceCom-

January-February 2017 Air Line Pilot January-February at theAirbusfacilityinAlabama. received itsfirstA321assembled BELOW: Airport. neapolis–St. PaulInternational TOP: OPERATIONS: LaGuardia; Paris–Charles Mich.; Los Angeles, Calif.; Calif.; Angeles, Los Mich.; N..Y.; Salt Lake City, Utah; Utah; City, Lake N..Y.; Salt Cincinnati, Ohio; Detroit, Ohio; Detroit, Cincinnati, PILOT BASES: PILOT Angeles, Calif.; London– ALLIANCES: Utah; Seattle, Wash.; and and Wash.; Seattle, Utah; HEADQUARTERS: HEADQUARTERS: de de HUB CITIES: tions in 54 countries on Mass.; Cincinnati, Ohio; planes, includingplanes, A319s, ance and joint ventures ventures joint and ance Alitalia, Virgin Australia, lis–St. Paul, Minn.; New New Minn.; Paul, lis–St. FLEET: FLEET: Heathrow; Minneapo Heathrow; B-757s, B-767s, B-777s, B-777s, B-767s, B-757s, York–JFK; New York– Minneapolis–St. Paul, B-717s, B-737s, B-747s, B-747s, B-737s, B-717s, PILOT GROUPPROFILES2017 with Air France–KLM, France–KLM, Air with Minn.; New York City, York City, New Minn.; JOINT VENTURES AND MD-88s, and MD-90s A320s, A321s, A330s, A330s, A321s, A320s, Atlanta, Ga.; Boston, Boston, Ga.; Atlanta, Delta pilotspicketatMin- NUMBER OF PILOTS: PILOTS: OF NUMBER At AGlance and Virgin Atlantic and Seattle, Wash. Seattle, and Detroit, Mich.; Los Los Mich.; Detroit, Gaulle; Salt Lake City, City, Lake Salt Gaulle; In December, Delta In December,Delta six continents Tokyo–Narita 830 mainline air 13,658 SkyTeam Alli Ga. Amsterdam; Atlanta, Ga.; Ga.; Atlanta, 312 destina Atlanta, Atlanta, - - - -

PILOT GROUP PROFILES 2017

ENDEAVOR AIR GROWTH AND CONTRACT GAINS STEM FROM OPERATIONAL PERFORMANCE

At A Glance BY JOHN PERKINSON, SENIOR STAFF WRITER PILOTS JOINED ALPA: 1988 (as Express Airlines l before its name change he pilots of Endeavor Air continue to build to Pinnacle in 2002 and upon recent gains, improving their contract Endeavor Air in 2013); through midterm collective bargaining while purchased Colgan Air in 2007; purchased Mesaba working with the company to maximize Airlines in 2010 T operational efficiencies. Steady growth over the last year Endeavor’s operational successes, which resulted in 135 NUMBER OF PILOTS: 1,700 and a constructive rapport with management point to a days without a controllable cancellation (e.g., mainte- PILOT DOMICILES: bright future for this pilot group. nance, crew-related issues, or other reasons under the Detroit, Mich.; Minne- “We grew by 20 CRJ200s in 2016, and more planes are airline’s control), have also kept management focused on apolis, Minn.; and New York (John F. Kennedy on the way starting in the first quarter of 2017,” remarked addressing the pilot group’s operational needs. For ex- International Airport and Capt. Jonathan Allen, the pilots’ Master Executive Council ample, in LOA 71, new rules now provide monthly parking LaGuardia Airport) (MEC) chairman for most of 2016, who also noted that stipends for pilots who live out of domicile and company- OPERATIONS: More than 650 daily flights as Delta Endeavor is expanding its presence at New York’s John F. paid hotel rooms for pilots rescheduled to overnight in Connection to more Kennedy International and LaGuardia Airports. The airline their domiciles, both of which help maintain operational than 130 cities across the is welcoming two training classes of reliability. U.S. and Canada new-hire pilots a month, and Allen It’s a positive story, Allen acknowledged that the FLEET: 56 CRJ200s and “ 81 CRJ900s pointed out that “hiring continues to and we’re pleased with Endeavor Air MEC files very few griev- outpace attrition” at this wholly owned the progress we’ve ances, thanks in part to the airline’s subsidiary of Delta Air Lines. made. But we want to Remedy Request Process. The MEC’s Endeavor Air’s ability to attract make sure we cover all representatives meet monthly with new pilots was enhanced with the of our bases....” management to promptly address negotiation of Letter of Agreement member concerns and pilot issue forms. TOP: Capt. J.J. Sweetser, left, and F/O Jessica Englund, who is now (LOA) 71 in December 2015. The pilots secured important “We’re able to resolve and remedy most issues before flying for Delta Air Lines. scheduling and pay improvements, including a provision they become formal grievances,” said Allen. RIGHT: An Endeavor Air CRJ900 that has resulted in line holders having one extra day off Mid-term negotiations continue at Endeavor, and departs Minneapolis—St. Paul per month on average. The LOA also set a floor of 150 one of the most important issues for the pilot group is International Airport. percent pay for pilots picking up open flying. converting the retention payment program into an hourly Additionally, deadhead pay improved wage rate. This would result in making more of a pilot’s from 75 to 100 percent. The pilots wages 401(k) match eligible and substantially increasing also enhanced their retention the pay of pilots who fly a greater number of hours or payment program. Created who pick up open time—along with ensuring that vaca- in late 2014, the original tion and sick leave are paid at the higher rate. The pilot two-year deal offered group is also giving particular attention to the needs of $15,000 per year in the carrier’s instructor and most senior pilots. According three installments. to Allen, “They haven’t recovered what they lost in the This amount was bankruptcy to the extent that the rest of the pilots on our later increased seniority list have.” to $20,000 per Although Endeavor Air pilots have a Guaranteed Inter- year; and thanks view Program with Delta Air Lines, the MEC is advocating to LOA 71, pilots for a more robust program for career progression. The now receive pay- MEC leaders are also in the process of hammering out the ments amounting to final details of an electronic flight bag program, which will $23,000 a year, for four be implemented in early 2017. years, in addition to their “It’s a positive story, and we’re pleased with the prog- salaries and other negotiated ress we’ve made. But we want to make sure we cover all benefits. of our bases and look out for everyone,” said Allen.

30 » Air Line Pilot January-February 2017 PILOT GROUP PROFILES 2017

ENVOY AIR While 2016 saw monumental gains, it wasn’t without its challenges. “Argu- ON THE ROAD TO RECOVERY ably, the single-most important aspect of a pilot’s job is quality of life,” remarked BY CAPT. ANDY FIERRO (ENVOY AIR), MASTER EXECUTIVE Pool. “Unfortunately, the past 12 months COUNCIL COMMUNICATIONS COMMITTEE CHAIRMAN have seen a degradation in time off and an increase in unplanned junior manning and ast year marked a long yet promising year for extension events. We continue to proactively seek At A Glance

the Envoy Air pilots. By the end of 2016, Envoy— mutually beneficial solutions with management; but PILOTS JOINED ALPA: a subsidiary of American Airlines Group—took until those solutions are achieved, our quality of life isn’t 1995 (although Sim- delivery of 25 Embraer 175s, with 15 more slated as good as I know it can be.” mons had been an ALPA L member since 1986, after for delivery by this summer. Aircraft previously parked in As a result, the pilots’ Scheduling and Negotiating the National Mediation the desert were brought back into service, and airplanes Committees, along with MEC leaders, continue to push Board’s ruling that the four airlines serving previously sent to other carriers will begin returning early for improvements through constant dialogue with man- American Airlines—Exec- this year. In addition, the movement of aircraft off Envoy agement from both Envoy and American Airlines Group. utive, Flagship, Simmons, Air’s operating certificate has been delayed, af- “We remain focused on continually improv- and Wings West—con- stituted a single airline, fording the pilots increased flying, additional We remain ing the schedules and quality of life for our the American Eagle pilots upgrade opportunities, and more new-hire “ pilots, both existing and future,” Pool established a single focused on con- MEC). In 2014, the com- positions. tinually improving the acknowledged. “With economic issues pany name was changed The pilots’ flow-through agreement now in place, these improvements are at from American Eagle to schedules and quality Envoy Air with American Airlines continues to march of life for our pilots, the forefront of everything we do.” NUMBER OF PILOTS: 1,801 ahead. Since American resumed hiring in both existing and Envoy pilots are hopeful that their dark- late 2013, more than 600 Envoy Air pilots est days are behind them. “This year holds PILOT DOMICILES: future. Chicago, Ill.; Dallas–Fort have begun the next chapter of their careers ” promise for our pilots as we continue to flow Worth, Tex.; and New at Envoy’s mainline partner. “As our most senior pilots through to American and upgrade and the company York, N.Y. move to American, our long-deserving first officers are hires at rates not seen in nearly 10 years,” said Pool. HEADQUARTERS: Irving, upgrading in ever larger numbers,” said Capt. Sam Pool, American has indicated its hiring needs will increase in Tex. the pilots’ Master Executive Council (MEC) chairman. the next 12 months—affording even more opportunity for FLEET: 90 ERJ 140/145s, 26 ERJ 175s, and 35 “Envoy’s upgrade time has dropped from more than Envoy and its pilots. Envoy’s New York LaGuardia domicile CRJ700s eight years to six and continues to fall toward industry will reopen in the first part of the year, and pilot leaders averages. Being the largest wholly owned carrier for continue to look for additional ways to contribute to American and having a robust flow-through program American’s success as the ERJ 175 fleet continues to grow, will only continue to drive pilot upgrades and decrease the ERJ 145 and CRJ operations are strengthened, and the flow-through time.” pilots’ industry-leading performance holds steady. By far, 2016’s biggest nonbargaining cycle contract Whatever the challenge, Envoy pilots remain ready gain was compensation. “Earlier in the year, American to handle tomorrow’s triumphs and challenges with the management restored profit sharing, giving our pilots an same enthusiasm as in the past. additional 5 percent of earnings when American TOP: Capt. Andy Fierro, Envoy Air shows a profit,” noted Pool. “Moreover, the Master Executive Envoy MEC and committee volunteers worked Council Communi- cations Committee tirelessly to secure substantial compensation chairman, in the increases and bonuses for first officers. In doing cockpit. so, they were able to gain financial improve- LEFT: F/O Stephan ments for captains as well.” Today, a new-hire Ramos, second from right, and the pilot at Envoy Air can expect to earn more than Envoy Air Master $50,000 per year, a 46 percent jump over first- Executive Council (MEC) present Capt. year earnings just a year ago. Sam Pool, MEC “By combining our industry-leading flow chairman, fourth from right, with a through, enhanced pilot compensation, and the Sisyphus sculpture quality-of-life improvements our MEC continues for his work on behalf of the Envoy to advocate for, I believe new hires will find pilots. working for Envoy the best possible career

Botton photo: Kimberly Seitz choice,” said Pool.

January-February 2017 Air Line Pilot » 31 PILOT GROUP PROFILES 2017

At A Glance EXPRESSJET PILOTS JOINED ALPA: 2004 A BRIGHTER FUTURE ON NUMBER OF PILOTS: 1,815 THE HORIZON PILOT BASES: Chicago, Ill.; Cleveland, Ohio; Dallas– BY F/O JAKE BELL (EXPRESSJET), MASTER EXECUTIVE Fort Worth and Houston, Tex.; and Newark, N.J. COUNCIL COMMUNICATIONS COMMITTEE east have ceased until October 2017, by which time the company anticipates returning to profitability. OPERATIONS: Flying as United Express and he ExpressJet Master Executive Council “It’s difficult to negotiate an acceptable contract American Eagle, Express- (MEC) ushered in 2016 with a flurry of activ- when your company isn’t profitable,” explained Capt. Jet serves destinations in the U.S., Mexico, and ity when it engaged in expedited negotia- Dave Allen, the ExpressJet MEC chairman. “Fortunately, Canada T tions for a short-term contract extension. At ExpressJet’s performance and efficiency have dramatically FLEET: 168 Embraer that time, the 2011 merger between ExpressJet and Atlan- improved in recent years, and the company is trending E145/135s tic Southeast Airlines had been progressing at a sluggish toward profitability. Signing an extension that will allow pace—the combined company’s financial situation pro- us to return to joint negotiations at a time when we duced a difficult negotiating environment for both MECs. expect the company to be profitable was the best option In October 2015, the company approached both MECs considering the negotiating environment we were in.” with the desire to produce short-term, nonconcessionary Soon after ratifying the contract extension, the pilots separate contract extensions in lieu of a joint collective were presented with news that the company had bargaining agreement. developed a Career Pathway Program After careful analysis of the oppor- The CPP will in- (CPP) with United Airlines that offers tunities and disadvantages associated crease“ attrition off the ExpressJet pilots a guaranteed interview with pursuing a contract extension, top of our seniority opportunity with United. More than the ExpressJet MEC decided to move list, decrease upgrade 90 percent of ExpressJet pilots have forward with that plan and launched time, and help us re- opted in to the CPP, which allows pilots into intense negotiations with the com- who successfully complete the United TOP: F/O Thiess Cunningham, cruit and retain quali- left, and F/O Kent Cunningham, pany. Negotiations quickly produced an fied pilots. human resources interview process father and son pilots. agreement in principal that contained ” to move to United in seniority order. BELOW: Savannah Bernier, left, modest financial and quality-of-life improvements for the Under the agreement, a minimum of 25 percent of all and her brother Elliott, right, pose with F/O Tennessee Garvey in pilot group. United new-hire pilots will be ExpressJet CPP participants. Ottawa, Ont., after the children Once the MEC voted to send the extension to the ExpressJet pilots began moving to United through the and their parents returned from Walt Disney World. pilots for ratification, the MEC’s Communications, CPP in late 2016. Pilot-to-Pilot, Strategic Planning, and Negotiating “Announcement of the CPP came at a time when our Committees developed a detailed plan pilot group desperately needed good news,” said Allen. for presenting the extension to the “The CPP will increase attrition off the top of our seniority pilots. The education campaign list, decrease upgrade time, and help us recruit and retain included road shows in qualified pilots.” each crew base, all-pilot In September 2016, the company announced that its conference calls, tailored flying contracts with United had been extended through written communica- 2018 with the intention to extend the contracts through tions, and Pilot-to- 2019. This announcement came as a relief to many pilots, Pilot volunteers and as the company’s current contracts with United are set to MEC representatives expire at the end of 2017. However, this news came after visiting crew rooms. an earlier announcement that ExpressJet would be clos- In February 2016, ing its Dallas–Fort Worth, Tex., base during the first half of 83 percent of Express- 2017, when the 16 airplanes ExpressJet operates there will Jet pilots voted to be returned to American Airlines. ExpressJet opened the ratify the contract ex- base in March 2015 when those airplanes were accepted tension, which continues as part of a short-term flying agreement. the pilots’ contract through The ExpressJet MEC closed out 2016 on a quiet note February 2018. As part of but is hopeful that as events affecting the operation of the extension agreement, joint the airline unfold in 2017, the pilot group can look forward

negotiations with Atlantic South- to a bright future full of opportunity. Top photo: Capt. Jim Campbell (ExpressJet)

32 » Air Line Pilot January-February 2017 Photo: Capt. Pete Harmon (FedEx Express) W to research, report on, and positively impact cleanliness, to research,report on,andpositivelyimpactcleanliness, up itsworkin2016. “Thecommittee’sspecificmissionis environmental safetystandardsinthe workplace,ramped by theMECtofocusonacceptablehygiene, health,and all-cargo operations,”saidDyer. requirements forbulkshipmentsoflithium batterieson continue oureffortstoadvocateforimprovedtransport be asimilarbanestablishedforall-cargoairplanes.“We’ll batteries ascargoonpassengerairplanes,therehasyetto porary banhasbeenplacedontheshipmentoflithium and theattendanthandlingprocedures.”Whileatem- the additionalsafetyofhazardousmaterialdesignation contained inequipmenttoSection1.Thisdecisionaffords relegating lithiumbatteryshipmentsexclusivelytothose to nolongeracceptSection2lithiumbatteryshipments, very pleasedthatFedExExpressmanagementhaselected ous goods,”Dyerexplained.“Withthatbeingsaid,weare ous goodssafetyproceduresthatapplytootherdanger- are exemptedfromsomeofthemostimportantdanger- bill. “Asregulationscurrentlystand,manylithiumbatteries gress consideredamendmentstotheFAAreauthorization in ALPA’sCalltoActionregardinglithiumbatteriesasCon- operational securityconcerns. mental conditionsintheworkplace,andinflight including theairtransportoflithiumbatteries,environ- was alsobusywithotherissuesaffectingthepilots, implementation andenforcement,theMEC port thepilotgroup. contract enforcementspecialisttosup- this effort,theMEChiredanadditional new agreementisenforced.”Toboost mentation phasestoensurethatthe steadily throughoutthevariousimple- and ALPAstaffhavebeenworking MEC chairman.“Ourdedicatedvolunteers the way,”saidCapt.ChuckDyer,pilotgroup’s laden withwork-rulechanges,therearechallengesalong tion ofanynewagreement,especiallyonethatisheavily forcement ofthenewagreement.“Withimplementa- Council (MEC)workedthroughimplementationanden- BY COURTNEYBLAND,ALPASENIORCOMMUNICATIONSSPECIALIST NEW YEARPRESENTSCHALLENGESANDOPPORTUNITIES FEDEX EXPRESS The Environmental Standards Committee, established The EnvironmentalStandardsCommittee, established Early in2016,theMECcalledonpilotstoparticipate In additiontofocusingoncontract activity as the FedEx Master Executive activity astheFedExMasterExecutive 2015, 2016beganwithaflurryof a newsix-yearagreementinOctober ith theFedExExpresspilotsratifying issues and seek the support issues andseekthesupport of our pilots as we further of ourpilots aswe further the pursuit of one level of the pursuit of onelevel of continue to engageman- agement on a number of agement onanumberof safety both inflight and move into 2017,we’ll around ourareas of operation. “ As we As we including everyaddressintheUnitedStates. of freightdailytomorethan220countriesandterritories, approximately 3.9millionpackagesand11pounds airline hasanextensiveandvariedfleet.Thepilotsdeliver video calls,messages,e-mails,andtextmessaging. including itsMECwebsite,interactiveconferenceand communication methodsdesignedtobetterreachpilots, continues toengageitsmembersthroughavarietyof tions challengesthatthisglobalgroupfaces,theMEC and Cologne,Germany.Understandingthecommunica- well aspilotsassignedtoforeigndutyinHongKong globe, witheightcouncilslocatedinfourdomicilesas policies andoperationstoaddressthepilots’manyenvi- FedEx managementiscurrentlychanginganumberof to findsolutionsandresolvetheseissues.”Asaresult, current health-relatedissuestomanagementinaneffort tee, theMEChasbeengivenopportunitytopresent Avery, thecommittee’schairman.“Throughthiscommit- issues thatexistinourworkenvironment,”saidCapt.Bob sanitation, andhealth-safety-relatedthreats With more than 375 airports served worldwide, the With morethan375airportsservedworldwide,the The 4,391FedExExpresspilotsarespreadacrossthe ” cesses toenhancetheprofessionwelove.” ronmental concerns. ronmental concerns. look forwardtobuildingonourpastsuc- our areas of operation,” noted Dyer. “We our areasofoperation,”notedDyer.“We challenges, the MEC sees each year as challenges, theMECseeseachyearas While eachnewyearpresentsitsown level of safety both inflight and around level ofsafetybothinflightandaround an opportunity to further its mission. an opportunitytofurtheritsmission. pilots as we further the pursuit of one pilots aswefurtherthepursuitofone “As we move into 2017, we’ll continue “As wemoveinto2017,we’llcontinue of issues and seek the support of our of issuesandseekthesupportour to engagemanagementonanumber

January-February 2017 Air Line Pilot January-February PILOTS JOINED ALPA: JOINED PILOTS Airport. neapolis–St. PaulInternational MD-10 ontherampatMin- BELOW: AFedExExpress A300s, 17 A310s, 46 MD- 46 A310s, 17 A300s, NUMBER OF FLIGHTCREW FIRST ALPA CONTRACT: ALPA FIRST PILOT GROUPPROFILES2017 1993–1996; rejoined B-767s, 27 B-777s, 71 71 B-767s, B-777s, 27 FLEET: 10s, and 59 MD-11s and 10s, ALPA in June 2002 June in ALPA At AGlance HEADQUARTERS: Memphis, Tenn. MEMBERS: October 2006 114 B-757s, 29 B-757s, 29 114 4,391 June June

PILOT GROUP PROFILES 2017

At A Glance FIRST AIR PILOTS: 108 PILOTS RATIFY CONTRACT, HEADQUARTERS: Kanata, Ont. CELEBRATE HISTORY BASES: Ottawa, Ont.; BY KATY ADAMS, ALPA SENIOR COMMUNICATIONS Yellowknife, N.W.T.; and Iqaluit, N.U. SPECIALIST OPERATIONS: First Air because without the never-ending support we received serves 34 communities from the Representation, Economic & Financial Analysis, in Nunavut, Nunavik, and the Northwest Territories here was no shortage of success in 2016 Legal, and Communications Departments, it would not for pilots at Canadian carrier First Air. “The have been possible.” FLEET: 4 B-737-400s (3 combi, 1 passenger) and Airline of the North” not only ratified a During the summer, the pilots also hosted Capt. Tim 10 ATR 42s T four-year tentative agreement with its pilot Canoll, ALPA’s president, on a tour of the Great White group, but also celebrated its 70th anniversary. North to see the airline’s operation firsthand. Canoll met “Both achievements make a First Air pilot proud to be with crewmembers at some of First Air’s remote bases in a part of this aviation history,” said F/O Charlene Hudy, Iqaluit, Pangnirtung, Qikiqtarjuaq, and the eastern side of the pilots’ Master Executive Council (MEC) chairman. the Baffin Island in the Canadian territory of Nunavut. “It First Air has come a long way and gone was a great opportunity to have Capt. through numerous challenges and Canoll experience First Air’s Baffin Island The longevity of changes throughout its 70-year history, “ ATR 42 operation, visit with the crew- including a fleet-renewal program for our employees is truly members, and experience Canada’s its B-737s and ATR fleet. “The longevity amazing and speaks north,” Hudy said. of our employees is truly amazing and to the character of our But 2016 also had its challenges— speaks to the character of our pilots pilots and why we will the biggest were the closure of the and why we will be the reason First Air be the reason First Air pilot base in Edmonton, Alb., and the TOP: Capt. Peter Black (First Air), celebrates 75 years. left, his pilot group’s former Mas- celebrates 75 years,” Hudy noted. ” removal of B-737-200s from the First Air ter Executive Council chairman, Last summer, the pilot group ratified fleet. The closure resulted in numerous and Capt. Tim Canoll, ALPA’s president, visit Pangnirtung, a collective agreement that equalized the playing field layoffs within the already small pilot group. “Thankfully, Nunavut. for all flightcrew members across all bases. Approximately throughout the contract negotiations, we maintained BELOW: A First Air ATR 42-300 86 percent of eligible pilots participated in the ballot, and our strong layoff, severance, and displacement language, combi and a B-737-400 at Iqaluit Airport. 79 percent voted in favor of the agreement. “Prior to this thereby ensuring protections for our Edmonton-based collective agreement, it always seemed like we pilots when they needed it,” explained Hudy. had numerous mini-contracts within As the newly elected MEC chairman, Hudy’s goal is to our larger contract,” said Hudy. continue to represent the best interest of the pilot group The new agreement and protect the standards of the airline piloting profes- unifies the group and sion while promoting a collaborative relationship with better sets us up management. “Our former MEC chairman, Capt. Peter for future pattern Black, left us in a great position moving forward with a bargaining, where strong working relationship and open communications the goal will be with the company,” acknowledged Hudy. to continue to Moving into 2017, the new MEC plans to continue standardize the to build and improve that relationship through open contract with communications with the company and within the those of pilot pilot group. Hudy also plans to grow the First Air pilot groups at other volunteer base and promote interest in ALPA at the local carriers in the in- level, saying, “Part of this is continuing to improve our dustry. “This was communications and actively engaging with our pilots one of the most through meetings, our new MEC website, e-mails, and efficiently negoti- face-to-face talks. When people feel like they are truly a ated contracts, and part of something, they will be more encouraged to take the MEC is very proud a more active role. After all, our union is only as strong as of that,” remarked Hudy. the members we have participating, so one of my goals is “The MEC is thankful to ALPA to increase that participation.”

34 » Air Line Pilot January-February 2017 Top photo: Capt. Scott Brice (Frontier), bottom photo: Capt. Allan Knudsen (Frontier) A SPECIALIST BY RUSTYAYERS,ALPASENIORCOMMUNICATIONS CLIMBING INTO THEPATTERN FRONTIER negotiations. in Marchsimultaneouslywiththeopening ofcontract MEC andLocalExecutiveCouncilleaders tookoffice members andofficers,afullslate ofnewlyelected members oftheincumbentFAPAboard becameMEC in Denver,Colo.;Chicago,Ill.;andOrlando, Fla.Several a nine-memberMEC,withthreenewALPAcouncils be fullmembersoftheunion.” the serviceagreementtorecognizingthatwewanted gotiators,” saidKetchum.“Itwasashortstepfromsigning resources theunionbroughttobearinsupportofourne- decision toretainALPAoncewesawtheenormous upcoming contractnegotiations. with ALPAtoprovideexpertassistanceforthegroup’s than oneyearbefore,FAPAsignedaserviceagreement passed byanoverwhelming93percentmargin.Less Association (FAPA)andALPAinJune2016.Themerger approve amergerbetweentheFrontierAirlinesPilots they deservewasadrivingforcethatledthepilotsto Southwest.” of whatacomparablepilotreceivesatDelta,United,or departure carriers,andouraveragecompensationishalf new hiresarepaidlessthanmanyfirstofficersatfee-for- Frontier MasterExecutiveCouncil(MEC)chairman.“Our to thatofourpeers,”saidCapt.BrianKetchum,the contract thatiscompetitiveandcomparable country, ourtoppriorityisgettinganew near thebottomofindustry. operating performance,whichisator numbers standinstarkcontrasttoits the topofairlineindustry,those its employees. can fosteramoreconstructiverelationshipwith growth pointtoabrightfuture—butonlyifthecompany The carrier’soutstandingprofitmarginsandplannedfleet contract withanew,industry-competitiveagreement. The beginning of negotiations saw management The beginningofnegotiations sawmanagement FAPA’s six-personboardofdirectorstransitionedinto “It wasimmediatelyclearthatwehadmadetheright Receiving thecompensationandqualityoflifethat “As thelowest-paidA320pilotsin Although Frontier’sprofitsranknear to successfully replace their bankruptcy to successfullyreplacetheirbankruptcy resources withtheircollectivesolidarity are bankingoncombiningtheAssociation’s s ALPA’snewestpilotgroup,Frontierpilots our top priority is getting our top priorityisgetting competitive andcom- a newcontract that is pilots inthecountry, lowest-paid A320 lowest-paid A320 parable to that of our peers. “ As the As the as possible.” commensurate withourpeers—andtodothatasquickly its growthplanwillbetoachieveanewpilotcontract stay,” hesaid.“TheonlywaythatFrontiercanaccomplish equally littleincentiveforourexistingpilotworkforceto offers littletoattractnewpilotsandcurrently prevailing industrywagepatterns.Ouroutdatedcontract current crewsiftheairline’swagesstaystagnant. for pilotswillmakeithardFrontiertoretainevenits pilots—and Ketchumwarnsthattheintensifyingmarket Frontier’s fleetandhire300newpilotsin2017alone. on higherpilotpaywhenitregainedfinancialstability.But restructuring. Inreturn,thecompanyagreedtoopentalks ficed $55millioninconcessionsaspartofabankruptcy over a2011letterofagreementinwhichthepilotssacri- other carriers.Thetwosidesarenowinfederalmediation. termined tobebrought“intothepattern”ofcontractsat work-rules patternsthatexistforotherpilotsandarede- demand forthefavorablepay,benefit,job-security,and strongly objectedto.Thepilotsremainsteadfastintheir was flyingorperformingotherwork,whichthepilots two separatepayscalesbasedonwhetherapilot unprecedented proposaltoraiseratesbutcreate stalling formonthsbeforefinallyofferingan chief executive, and has plans to more than double chief executive,andhasplanstomorethandouble “Frontier should be paying close attention to the “Frontier shouldbepayingcloseattentiontothe But tomakethoseplanswork,theairlinewillneed The airlineandthepilotsaregearingupforarbitration ” now that the airline is exceptionally profitable, now thattheairlineisexceptionallyprofitable, former Spirit executive Barry Biffle as the airline’s former SpiritexecutiveBarryBiffleastheairline’s management says “business conditions” management says“businessconditions” style ultra-low-cost carrier, has installed style ultra-low-costcarrier,hasinstalled prevent itfromfulfillingitspromise. Indigo istransformingFrontierintoaSpirit- investors that once owned Spirit Airlines. investors thatonceownedSpiritAirlines. in 2013 by Indigo Partners, the same in 2013byIndigoPartners,thesame Holdings in2009,Frontierwasbought After being acquired by Republic Air After beingacquiredbyRepublicAir

January-February 2017 Air Line Pilot January-February Wayne Airport. LEFT: F/OCharlieZebeauatJohn cockpit. TOP: flights daily to 55 destina to 55 daily flights Dominican Republic, and from 2016 into the future the 2016 into from Association with merged NUMBER OF PILOTS: OF NUMBER tions in the U.S., Mexico, Mexico, U.S., the in tions HEADQUARTERS: HEADQUARTERS: PILOTS JOINED ALPA: JOINED PILOTS operates more than 275 275 than more operates Colo.; Chicago, Ill.; and and Ill.; Chicago, Colo.; A320s, and A321s, with with A321s, and A320s, FLEET: Frontier Airlines Pilots A320s, and A321neos ALPA on June 1, 2016 1, June on ALPA PILOT GROUPPROFILES2017 options for 85 A319s, OPERATIONS: F/O Scott Brice in the F/O ScottBriceinthe DOMICILES: At AGlance Orlando, Fla. 65 Airbus A319s, A319s, Airbus 65 than 1,100 Colo. Cuba Denver, Frontier Denver, More More The The -

36 PILOT GROUPPROFILES2017

» walks the picket line in Honolulu, walks thepicketlineinHonolulu, the pilotgroup’sStrikePrepared- Organization of Black Aerospace Organization ofBlackAerospace January-February 2017 January-February Air Line Pilot TOP: lands and more than 200 200 than more and lands Hawaii to 11 gateway cit gateway to 11 Hawaii and to American Samoa, F/O Drew Everett, the BELOW: F/ODrewEverett,the ies on the U.S. mainland mainland U.S. the on ies flights systemwide from from systemwide flights OPERATIONS: and 2 ATR 72-212Fs. On On 2ATR 72-212Fs. and necting six Hawaiian is Hawaiian six necting NUMBER OF PILOTS: OF NUMBER HEADQUARTERS: HEADQUARTERS: A330-800neos, and 18 767-300ERs, 23 A330- 23 767-300ERs, Zealand, South Korea, Hawaiian pilots’ Membership Hawaiian pilots’Membership 200s, 3 ATR 42-500s, FLEET: FLEET: 160 daily flights con flights daily 160 Tahiti, Australia, New order: 1 A330-200, 6 6 1A330-200, order: Committee chairman, at the Committee chairman,atthe At aGlance ness Committee chairman, ness Committeechairman, Japan, and China 1 B-767-300, 7B- Capt. Randy Taintor, front, Capt. RandyTaintor,front, Professionals Convention. lulu, Hawaii lulu, A321neos 20 B-717-200s, More than - Hono 644 Hawaii. - - - I SPECIALIST BY RUSTYAYERS,ALPASENIORCOMMUNICATIONS FIGHTING FORFAIRNESS HAWAIIAN and more recently is one of the few airlines to improve its and morerecentlyisoneofthefewairlinestoimproveits has boosteditssharepricebymorethan500percent were evenbetter.Overthelastfiveyears,company through thethirdquarterof2016,company’sresults a loomingworkstoppage.” thing thatseemstohaveaneffectonhimisthethreatof Council (MEC)chairman.“Theonly Lee, thepilots’MasterExecutive other yeartogetit,”saidCapt.Hoon other professionalpilotsandwaitan- we willacceptacontractinferiorto at Hawaiian’skeycompetitors. recent jumpsinpilotcompensation ing competitionforaviatorsand less thanotherpilots,despitegrow- “leisure” carrier,pilotsmustworkfor margins intheindustry,companyinsiststhat,asa the companyonanewcontract. could beatriskifpilotscan’treachanagreementwith warning futurepassengersthattheirupcomingtravel Hawaiian reported record earnings in 2015; and Hawaiian reportedrecordearningsin2015;and “Our CEOisdelusional.Hebelieves Even astheairlineenjoysoneofhighestprofit demanding pono from their management team, and demanding ponofromtheirmanagementteam,and to aclose,resoluteHawaiianAirlinespilotswere righteousness ordoingtherightthing.As2016came n theHawaiianlanguage,word“pono”means PRASM (passenger revenue per available seat PRASM (passengerrevenueperavailableseat mile) numbers. mile) numbers. that it couldn’t achieve during the that itcouldn’tachieve duringthe The pilots and the company The pilotsandthecompany ing concessionary proposals ing concessionary proposals began talks on a new contract began talksonanewcontract dozens ofchanges—includ- in May 2015. The pilots’ in May2015.Thepilots’ goal was to conduct a goal wastoconducta other ideas. other ideas. streamlined negotiation Management sought Management sought company, however,had with a limited number with alimitednumber Sept. 14, 2016. The Sept. 14,2016.The of issuesinorderto amendable date of amendable dateof ment bythecontract achieve anagree- to compensate Hawaiian’s same aircraft onthesame son why ourCEO refuses other airlines who fly the other airlineswhofly the “ pilots at the same level pilots at thesamelevel as ourcounterparts at There’s nological rea- routes. rates foritspilots.” of recordprofits,the airlinewillalsohavetopaymarket rates foraircraft,fuel,andgates;soparticularly inatime on thesameroutes,”Leesaid.“Thecompany paysmarket counterparts atotherairlineswhofly thesameaircraft compensate Hawaiian’spilotsatthe same levelasour new hires,especiallywithHawaii’shighcostofliving. that Hawaiianwillfinditincreasinglydifficulttoattract tors whofacethesamehiringchallenges,MECwarns 2017. Withoutpayincreasestokeeppacewithcompeti- new Airbus321neosthatarescheduledtoarrivelatein the nextfewyearstoreplaceretiringpilotsandcrew tions centeropeninHonolulusinceSeptember. Strike PreparednessCommitteehashadastrikeopera- grant fromALPA’sMajorContingencyFund,thepilots’ Hawaii, inMarch,May,andJuly.Armedwitha$2million solidarity atinformationalpicketingeventsinHonolulu, favor ofastrike,andhundredspilotshaveshowntheir so. Ninety-ninepercentofthepilotgrouphasvotedin committed tostrikingifthey’relegallyalloweddo of viewsandthousandsclicksshares. campaign, andonlineadbuysthathavegottenmillions time, theMEClaunchedanewwebsite,socialmedia Mediation Board (NMB), began attending mediation Mediation Board(NMB),beganattendingmediation mediation. ALPA’s president,requestedthepilotsbereleasedfrom two sideswerestillsofarapartthatCapt.TimCanoll, the contractbecameamendable,andbyJune2016 carrier’s 2005bankruptcy.Mediationbeganshortlyafter ” “There’s no logical reason why our CEO refuses to “There’s nologicalreasonwhyourCEO refusesto Hawaiian willneedtohirehundredsofnewpilotsover Hawaiian’s almost650pilotshaveproventhey’refully In August, Linda Puchala, chairman of the National In August,LindaPuchala,chairmanoftheNational in attendance that day. At the same in attendancethatday.Atthesame meeting withinvestorsandanalysts sentations inNewYorkCityandby the company’sInvestorDaypre- surprised managementbypicketing case. talks toconsiderdispositionofthe wouldn’t beproductiveandrecessed announced thatfurthersessions sessions. InNovember,theNMB In December, Hawaiian pilots In December,Hawaiianpilots

Photos: Rusty Ayers Top and bottom photos: Wikimedia Commons T BY RUSTYAYERS,ALPASENIORCOMMUNICATIONSSPECIALIST REGAINING STABILITY ISLAND AIR on a contract extension that significantly increased on acontractextension thatsignificantlyincreased Hawaii. to itscoremarketsonKauai,Maui,and theislandof began torefocustheairlineand rebuildingservice began mendingfenceswithemployees. Thenewowners Hawaii TourismAuthority,washiredand immediately later, CEODavidUchiyama,aformerexecutivewiththe in theairlinetoagroupoflocalinvestors.Threemonths business,” Morrissaid. months, andwewerewellonourwaytogoingoutof began encouragingpilotstoexploremovingon. ances startedtopileup.Moraleplummeted,andtheMEC brought thenewaircraftontoproperty,andgriev- it hadpromisedintheletterofagreement(LOA)that Management triedtobackawayfromthepayraises some ofthepilotshadalreadybeentrainedtoflythem. sitting unusedinahangaronthemainlandeventhough fleet ofATR72sstalled,withapairBombardierQ400s huge losses. all ofthecarrier’sotherroutes,andIslandAirrackedup the islandofLanai.Ellison’smanagersabandonedvirtually it toshuttleguestsfromOahuhisupscaleresortson Ellison boughtthecarrierwithaneyetowardusing down in2013,whensoftwarebillionaireLarry and growthof ourairlinein2017.” forward tocontinuingtheturnaround ment istaking,andwe’relooking percent thepathournewmanage- man. “Weenthusiasticallysupport100 Master ExecutiveCouncil(MEC)chair- said Capt.JamesMorris,thepilots’ pilot workforcein2017. improve itsfleetandpotentiallydoublethesizeof on thevergeofamajorexpansionthatwillsubstantially begun repairingitsbrokenrelationshipwithpilots,andis past sixyears—hasfinallygainedmanagementstability, revolving doorofexecutives—it’shadfiveCEOsinthe Under Uchiyama, the company reached agreement Under Uchiyama,the companyreachedagreement Then inJanuary2016,Ellisonsoldamajorityinterest “Sixty percentofthegroupdepartedinjustsix Ellison’s plantoreplacetheairline’soldandunreliable Island Airwasonthevergeofshutting “It’s beenamomentousyearforsure,” several years of ongoing disappointment. several yearsofongoingdisappointment. started tobecomearealityin2016after he promiseof“anewdayatIslandAir”finally The regional carrier once known for its The regionalcarrieronceknownforits what wonderful things can what wonderful thingscan plete 180from thepast18 months, andit’s amazing happen whenpilots are ers have doneacom- treated aspartof the “ Our newown- team. pilots aretreatedaspartoftheteam.” it’s amazingwhatwonderfulthingscanhappenwhen have doneacomplete180fromthepast18months,and things tocome,”commentedMorris.“Ournewowners lot retentionandrecruitment,weexpectmoregood player inthetighteningpilotmarketplace. than $47,000peryear. ment bonusesthatboostnew-hiretotalpaytomore for existingemployeesaswellrelocationandretire- contract, theairlineofferssubstantialretentionbonuses operating intheU.S.Inaccordancewithpilots’ starting payamongthe18regionalcarriers tions. IslandAirnowhasthefifth-highest all grievancesandpendingarbitra- pilot paywhilefavorablysettling ” “Our newcontractisalreadypayingdividendswithpi- Morris believes Island Air can be a competitive Morris believesIslandAircanbeacompetitive In July,anothermajorpieceoftheairline’sre- Uchiyama’s investment in his pilot group, Uchiyama’s investmentinhispilotgroup, naissance fell into place when the pilots and naissance fellintoplacewhenthepilotsand expanding its service. And thanks to CEO expanding itsservice.AndthankstoCEO the company agreed to a new aircraft the companyagreedtoanewaircraft group and allow the airline to continue group andallowtheairlinetocontinue transition LOA that will replace Island transition LOAthatwillreplaceIsland almost double the size of the pilot almost doublethesizeofpilot Air’s five ATR 72s with at least seven Air’s fiveATR72swithatleastseven Q400s by mid-2017. Q400s bymid-2017. The newer, larger fleet should The newer,largerfleetshould

January-February 2017 Air Line Pilot January-February on finaltoKahuluiAirport. BELOW: AnIslandAirATR72-212 island ofMaui. TOP: 74-seat Bombardier Dash PILOTS JOINED ALPA: JOINED PILOTS International and Airport Island Air operates more more operates Air Island the ATR fleet with seven seven with ATRthe fleet Kauai, and Kona Airport Airport on the island of of island the on Airport than 155 weekly flights flights weekly 155 than on the island of Hawaii of island the on airline plans to replace Kahului on Airport the second-oldest airline, NUMBER OF PILOTS: OF NUMBER OPERATIONS: PILOT GROUPPROFILES2017 island of Maui, Lihue Lihue Maui, of island 64-seat ATR 72s; the ATR the 72s; 64-seat An ATR 72 on the Hawaiian An ATR72ontheHawaiian FLEET: FLEET: second-largest and between Honolulu Honolulu between At AGlance 8-Q400s in 2017 2017 in 8-Q400s FOUNDED: FOUNDED: Currently five five Currently Hawaii’s Hawaii’s 1980 1989 35

PILOT GROUP PROFILES 2017

At A Glance JAZZ AVIATION PILOTS JOINED ALPA: 1997 GROWING AND BUILDING RELATIONSHIPS NUMBER OF PILOTS: 1,400—ALPA’s largest Canadian pilot group BY CHRISTOPHER FREEZE, ALPA SENIOR AVIATION TECHNICAL WRITER PILOT BASES: Vancou- ver, B.C.; Calgary, Alb.; hen the pilots of Jazz Aviation voted Canada Express routes. Toronto Ont.; and Mon- overwhelmingly to accept a new ten- “We gained 120 pilots even in the wake of closing the treal, Que. tative agreement in early 2015, they Toronto CRJ base and reducing the size of our Calgary HEADQUARTERS: Dartmouth, N.S. W secured a stable, long-term contract operations, as growth in Montreal and Vancouver offset and with it a strong relationship with management. these unfortunate losses,” said Capt. Claude Buraglia, OPERATIONS: Approximately 10.2 mil- The pilots’ current agreement contains a career- the pilots’ Master Executive Council (MEC) chairman. lion passengers annually, progression mechanism that allows for Jazz pilots hired “However, we’ve lost some of our committee volunteers with 658 daily flights to 68 destinations across before the contract was ratified to move to Air Canada as pilots transition to Air Canada, and it’s been difficult to Canada and the U.S. through the pilot mobility agreement; the agreement replace them, but we’re managing.” FLEET: 39 Q400 Next- also includes improvements and protections for those Due to a stable contract and growth of the airline, Gens, 14 CRJ200s, pilots who choose to remain at Jazz. Also included is a the pilots have strengthened their relationship with 16 CRJ705s, 19 Dash 8-100s, and 28 Dash flow incentive payment that compensates for the differ- management and the Air Canada Pilots Association, the 8-300s ence in pay between a Jazz captain and Jazz senior first union that represents Air Canada pilots. In addition, the officer and an Air Canada first officer MEC continues to support ALPA’s for the first four years by supple- Canada Board and the Association’s Our initial plan was cre- menting the pilot’s Air Canada salary. “ efforts to organize pilots who fly for If the pilot declines the employment ated in 2011; and while Canadian carriers. offer but agrees to retire from Jazz, we’ve done some main- Buraglia commented that the the pilot can take the pay as a retire- tenance over the years, pilots “are working on growth op- ment bonus. we’re in a different place portunities with the company and Although 250 pilots moved from now. It’s time to reex- are hopeful that they will material- Jazz Aviation to Air Canada through amine our priorities and ize.” He also noted that “the MEC direction. the pilot mobility agreement, the ” continues to work on strengthen- pilot group increased in size in 2016 ing communications with the pilot due to the airline growing its capacity and introducing group, including building a new, user-friendly MEC BELOW: F/O Katie Mikkelsen Q400s to its bases in Montreal, Que., and Vancouver, website and promoting our very active Family Aware- stands in front of a Jazz Aviation B.C., as well as returning CRJs to Vancouver. And in 2017, ness Committee activities.” Dash 8 at Montreal–Pierre Elliott Trudeau International Airport. five more Q400s will be transferred to Jazz to cover Air Building a robust outreach program to reach younger generations, the MEC created Jazz Pilots For Kids, which is active in the Toronto, Ont., community. Pilot volunteers have been working with the Toronto Children’s Breakfast Clubs, a charitable organization that believes every child is entitled to a nutritious breakfast, and were instrumental in organizing a successful winter coat collection drive, with other Jazz employees donating to the effort. These initiatives, due to their success in Toronto, are being du- plicated and expanded to Montreal; Vancouver; Calgary, Alb.; and Victoria, B.C., where Jazz also has pilots. In 2017, the MEC will reevaluate the pilots’ strategic plan. “Our initial plan was created in 2011; and while we’ve done some maintenance over the years, we’re in a different place now. It’s time to reexamine our priorities and direction,” said Buraglia. Jazz Aviation pilots are hopeful that the airline will continue to grow and prosper in 2017. And from the looks of things, they have every reason to be optimistic. “I’m confident 2017 will be a good year,” Buraglia stated.

38 » Air Line Pilot January-February 2017 Photos: Wikimedia Commons T BY JULIAMAYES,ALPASENIORCOMMUNICATIONSSPECIALIST UNITY SOARS ASPILOTS PURSUEFIRSTCONTRACT JETBLUE move into the final and most crucial contract sections, move intothefinal andmostcrucialcontractsections, tative agreements ontwo-thirdsofthecontract.Asthey negotiating schedulewiththecompany that’sledtoten- pilots’ NegotiatingCommitteehaspursued anaggressive pay, benefits,workrules,andjobsecurity.” chairman. “We’reseekingsignificantimprovements to Walsh, theJetBluepilots’MasterExecutiveCouncil(MEC) contribution toJetBlue’ssuccess,”saidCapt.Patrick achieve anegotiatedcontract. profit sharingunderscorestheneedforpilotgroupto support fortheLOA,company’sunilateralchangeto in collectivebargaining.Inspiteoftheoverwhelming ratifying theLOAwithoutwaivinganypositionsorrights to theprofit-sharingformulaoutsideofnegotiations. stipulates thatnoadditionalmodificationscanbemade as additionalholidays.AnotherkeyitemintheLOAalso which wasgiventoallotherJetBlueemployees,aswell ment (LOA)—includingan8percent payrateincrease, negotiated tradeoffsintheformofaletteragree- company. Themovedid,however,comewithseveral agreements thateachpilotcurrentlyhaswiththe under thepurviewofindividualpilotemployment imposed areductioninthepilots’profit-sharingformula estimate that2016earningswillbenearthosefor2015. excluding specialitems.WallStreetprojections and reportedpretaxincomeof$1.1billion, erated morethan$6.4billioninrevenue clining ticketprices,in2015JetBluegen- environment oflowoilpricesandde- America, andtheCaribbean.Inan carriers andnewroutestoCuba,Latin addition ofpartnershipswithforeign tinues togrowitspresencethroughthe JetBlue servesnearly100citiesandcon- 2016 NorthAmericaAirlineSatisfactionStudy. customer satisfactionawardfromtheJ.D.Power mance hashelpedJetBlueearnitstwelfthconsecutive airline’s focusoncustomerserviceandon-timeperfor- transporting morethan35millioncustomersannually,the Since the start of bargaining on March 31, 2015, the Since thestartofbargainingonMarch 31,2015,the “Our pilotshaveearnedacontractthatreflectsour In theend,pilotsvoted97percentinfavorof But despiterecordprofitability,in2016management since joiningALPAin2014. continue tonegotiatetheirfirstcontact he pilotsofJetBlueremainunifiedasthey With an average of 900 daily flights With anaverageof900dailyflights to JetBlue’s success. We’re reflects ourcontribution provements to pay, ben- seeking significant im- earned acontract that efits, work rules, and efits, work rules,and “ job security. Our pilots have Our pilots have is onthehorizon. fair contractthatreflectstheircontributionstotheairline JetBlue pilotsareoptimisticthattheirgoalofattaininga said Walsh. pilots atJetBlueisagoodcontract,notspecialtraining,” of experience.Thesolutiontoattractingandretaining tions fromqualifiedpilotswhohavethousandsofhours grounds thatthecompanyreceivesthousandsofapplica- called Gateway7.“TheMECopposestheprogramon launched anewrecruitmentandpilottrainingprogram identified pilotrecruitmentasapotentialfutureissue,it’s 400 additionalpilotsin2017.Becausethecompanyhas ing thepilots’firstcontract,airlineexpectstohire for JetBlueanditspilots. normally doesn’texistpriortoreachingafullcollective Railway LaborActsystemboardprocess(athat ment ofthepilotemploymentagreementsundera the pilotsandcompanythatallowsforenforce- guide theeffortsofALPA’snegotiators. the pilotshavebeenengaginginextensivepollingto But with their continued unity and perseverance, But withtheircontinuedunityandperseverance, While MECleaderscontinuetofocusonachiev- Additionally, aninterimagreementreachedbetween ” bargaining agreement) has allowed the JetBlue bargaining agreement)hasallowedtheJetBlue tion can play a role in providing the best future tion canplayaroleinprovidingthebestfuture MEC Grievance Committee to secure a MEC GrievanceCommitteetosecurea important stepinensuringthattheAssocia- number of positive arbitration awards number ofpositivearbitrationawards with JetBlue’s senior management—an with JetBlue’sseniormanagement—an and settlements. a professional working relationship a professionalworkingrelationship day-to-day operation while fostering day-to-day operationwhilefostering MEC committees into the company’s MEC committeesintothecompany’s with theairlinetointegrateselect The MEC also continues to work The MECalsocontinuestowork

January-February 2017 Air Line Pilot January-February Lauderdale and Orlando, PILOTS JOINED ALPA: ALPA: JOINED PILOTS NUMBER OF FLIGHTCREW FLEET: FLEET: N.Y.; Boston, Mass.; Fort Fort Mass.; N.Y.; Boston, PILOT BASES: PILOT HEADQUARTERS: HEADQUARTERS: PILOT GROUPPROFILES2017 Fla.; and Long Beach, Beach, Long and Fla.; At AGlance MEMBERS: Island City, N.Y. City, Island tional Airport. Los AngelesInterna- LEFT: Airport Hollywood International A320s atFt.Lauderdale– TOP: A320s, A321s, and E190s Calif. 2014 Two JetBlue Two JetBlue An A320 taxiing at An A320taxiingat New York, 3,338 Long Long April

40 PILOT GROUPPROFILES2017

» Colombia, fromaKelownaFlight- January-February 2017 January-February Air Line Pilot PILOTS JOINED ALPA: ALPA: JOINED PILOTS PILOTS BASES: PILOTS sented pilot group when when group pilot sented the Canadian Air Line Pi Line Air Canadian the (became an ALPA-repre lots Association [CALPA] FLEET: FLEET: A Kelowna Flightcraft BELOW: AKelownaFlightcraft B.C., and Toronto, Ont. and B.C., TOP: DC-10F at Hamilton John C. DC-10F atHamiltonJohnC. McDonnell Douglas Munro InternationalAirport. merged with ALPA) with merged NUMBER OF PILOTS: OF NUMBER At AGlance Approximately 70 HEADQUARTERS: HEADQUARTERS: Kelowna, B.C. craft flighttoMiami,Fla. A night view of Bogota, A nightviewofBogota, Convair 580s and and 580s Convair DC-10s Vancouver, Vancouver, 1997 1997

- - T SPECIALIST BY KIMBERLYSEITZ,ALPASENIORCOMMUNICATIONS POSITIVE TREND PILOTS FINALLY EXPERIENCE FLIGHTCRAFT KELOWNA ad-hoc businessmodel. service withtheDC-10freighterandmovetoastrictly company announceditwoulddiscontinuescheduled Columbia usingtheConvair580.InNovember2015, with theexceptionoflimitedregionalflyinginBritish million poundsofairfreighteachnightacrossCanada Group ofCompaniesserviceagreementtotransportone back toworkinMiami,Fla. Donnell DouglasDC-10freighters Cargo thatputstwoofitsMc- with theU.S.divisionofSolar Flightcraft Ltd.)signedacontract Aerospace (formerlyKelowna tive Council(MEC)custodian.KF Lewis, thepilots’MasterExecu- Solar Cargo,”saidF/ONathan because ofthenewflyingwith stabilized fromthistimelastyear secured anewcargocontract. In 2014, the airline lost its bid to retain its Canada Post In 2014,theairlinelostitsbidtoretainCanadaPost “Things havedefinitely “At the time, we were told this was a profitable “At thetime,weweretoldthiswasaprofitable business plan and that our aircraft fit a ‘niche’ business planandthatouraircraftfita‘niche’ dissipate during 2016 after their company dissipate during2016aftertheircompany of theironlyflyingcontractfinallybeganto craft pilotsexperiencedin2015aftertheloss he tumultuousuncertaintyKelownaFlight- impact the situation had on the pilots. impact thesituation hadonthepilots. market that would prevent any layoffs,” market thatwouldpreventanylayoffs,” said, acknowledging the significant said, acknowledging thesignificant Lewis explained. However, in early Lewis explained.However,inearly caused undeniable chaos,” Lewis caused undeniablechaos,”Lewis March 2016thepilotsreceivedno- tification that the company had tification thatthecompanyhad Hamilton, Ont. determined the DC-10 freighter determined theDC-10freighter “It was a devastating loss that “It wasadevastatinglossthat and parkingtheaircraftin program was no longer program wasnolonger the Toronto, Ont., operations the Toronto,Ont.,operations effective immediately, closing effective immediately,closing be suspendingoperations sustainable andthatitwould

in thenewyear. The MEC and “ stable, we’ll beginworking to rectify someoperating issues arise aswe move forward, so with any new flying, but now with any newflying, butnow more operational issuesmay management recognize that both sidesremain opento There willbegrowing pains that ourflying isrelatively ongoing negotiations. concluded, “butIthink it’sfinallyontherightpath.” sustainable business modelforitsaircraftdivision,”Lewis the pasttwoyearsascompanycontinues tofinda expect theMECmayexitcustodianship during2017. stabilized andpilotscanseeafuture with theairline,I when pilotgroupnumbersplummet. Nowthatflyinghas of times,”commentedLewis,“butit’sdownrightdaunting been held. in custodianship,andnoelectionsfornewofficershave 206. Asthisissuegoestopress,thepilotgroupremains solve Council212,soallofthepilotsarenowin 2016, theExecutiveCouncilpassedaresolutiontodis- it needstorebuilditsvolunteerinfrastructure.InOctober which isdesignedtoallowtheMECbreathingroom operating sinceOctober2015underALPAcustodianship, maintaining electedrepresentatives,theMEChasbeen order issuethatarosewiththenewflying. issued earlythisyearandwillresolvetheout-of-seniority- Kelowna, B.C.,facilitywillresultinrecallnoticesbeing furloughs, andtheadditionofaDC-10simulatorat Lewis, thenewflyingeliminatedneedforadditional sides remainopentoongoingnegotiations.”According operational issuesmayariseaswemoveforward,soboth safety andefficiency,”Lewisstressed. ahead flyingwiththeutmostprofessionalism,focusedon during thepasttwoyears,pilotscontinuetoforge degree ofstabilitythepilotshaven’texperiencedlately. recently renewedforanotheryear,”whichprovidesa Bogota, Colombia;andCaracas,Venezuela. return flightstwotothreetimesperweekLima,Peru; it hadsignedanagreementwithSolarCargotooperate However, justonemonthlater,thecompanyannounced “We’ve experienced quite a bit of turbulence during “We’ve experiencedquiteabitofturbulence during “Soliciting volunteerscanbedifficultduringthebest Due totheinstabilityofairlineandissueswith To accommodate the new flying contract, Letter of To accommodatethenewflyingcontract,Letterof “Despite theturmoilanduncertaintythat’splaguedus According toLewis,“Thatinitialone-yearcontractwas ” management recognize that more management recognizethatmore in thenewyear.TheMECand to rectifysomeoperatingissues tively stable,we’llbeginworking “but nowthatourflyingisrela- with anynewflying,”Lewisadded, operational. until theairline’sDC-10simulatoris seniority listoutoforder fied DC-10pilotsfromthepilot company usingpreviouslyquali- Understanding 3addressedthe “There will be growing pains “There willbegrowingpains

Top photo: F/O Nathan Lewis (Kelowna Flightcraft), bottom photo: Wikimedia Commons Top photo: Jen Lofquist, bottom photo: Kimberly Seitz F SPECIALIST BY JENLOFQUIST,ALPASENIORCOMMUNICATIONS TIRED OFWAITING MESA pilot is also coming out of flight school with potentially pilot isalsocoming outofflightschoolwithpotentially this putshimorher wellunderthefederalpovertyline.The year,” saidHughes.“Ifthefirst-yearpilot hasafamilyoffour, outside coverageorgoingonaspouse’s coverage. ing thehighcostofMesa’shealthcare andareseeking company-provided healthcare,somany pilotsarereject- the vastmajorityofhisorherpaysimplypayingfor ture pilots.Afirstofficerwithafamilyoffourcanspend also significantlylagbehindthoseofotherfee-for-depar- routes onthesametypesofaircraft.Thepilots’benefits pilots makeonlyhalfasmuchflyingthesame departure segmentoftheindustry.Infact,someMesa ratifiable agreement. pressure onthecompanytocometablewitha ALPA’s MajorContingencyFund,pilotleadersareputting aggressive communicationscampaignandagrantfrom to demandanewcontractnow.Accompaniedbyan both outsideairportpropertyandinsidetheterminals express routesMesaflies.Morethan70pilotspicketed Tex., ahubofoperationsforUnitedAirlineswhose ago atGeorgeBushIntercontinentalAirportinHouston, ing eventsincecontracttalksresumedalmostoneyear for afairandequitablecontract.” are gettingagreements,we’restillwaiting (MEC) chairman.“Whileotherairlines the pilots’MasterExecutiveCouncil ment,” saidCapt.AndyHughes, spite onefailedtentativeagree- negotiations forsixyearsde- waiting. ly, 2016wasjustanotheryearof future attheairline.Unfortunate- pay ratesthatwouldensuretheir provide themwiththesecurityand trying toachieveacontractthatwould For thepastsixyears,Mesapilotshavebeen agreements andexpandingthepaygapevenfurther. frustrating whenotherpilotgroupsarenegotiatingnew “A first-year first officer can make as little as $22,000 a “A first-yearfirstofficercanmakeaslittle as$22,000a Mesa pilotsaresomeofthelowestpaidinfee-for- In earlyDecember,thepilotsheldtheirfirstpicket- “We’ve nowbeenincontract pay scales with the same benefits. It’s especially pay scaleswiththesamebenefits.It’sespecially without acontractisanotheryearonthesame be agrueling,exasperatingprocess.Eachyear or anypilotgroup,contractnegotiationscan group withacontract that brings every Mesa pilot upto theindus- this company invests inthepilot try average for thefee-for-de- Mesa invest millions of dollars Mesa invest millionsof dollars parture segment. It’s timefor in newaircraft. It’s timethat a contract—and we’re few years, we’ve seen tired of waiting. “ In just the last In justthelast contract—and we’retiredofwaiting.” average forthefee-for-departuresegment.It’stimea contract thatbringseveryMesapilotuptotheindustry that thiscompanyinvestsinthepilotgroupwitha millions ofdollarsinnewaircraft,”saidHughes.“It’stime heels atthenegotiatingtable. has toutedgrowthandexpansionbutdraggedits been onthepropertyfordecades.Instead,company upgrades. new-hire pilots$30,000ofincentivesandpromisesquick Mesa’s corporatewebsitetoutsthattheairlinewillpay in approximately340pilotsbeinghired2016. attract andfillitsnew-hireclasses,resulting has beencomingupwithnewideasto home stateofArizona.” than halfthemedianincomeinMesa’s she musttrytopayoffwhilemakingless $100,000 ofeducationdebtthatheor commitments to pilots not even yet on the property,” commitments topilotsnotevenyetontheproperty,” “In just the last few years, we’ve seen Mesa invest “In justthelastfewyears,we’veseenMesainvest “While Mesaisspendingitstimemakingpromisesand Given thelowpayrates,company no increase in pay for the pilots, many of whom have no increaseinpayforthepilots,manyofwhomhave ” said Hughes, “it’s been failing to recognize the said Hughes,“it’sbeenfailingtorecognizethe This growth has led to a flurry of hiring—but This growthhasledtoaflurryofhiring—but contributions of the pilots who’ve built contributions ofthepilotswho’vebuilt Mesa has doubled the size of its fleet. Mesa hasdoubledthesizeofitsfleet. this airline over decades of hard work this airlineoverdecadesofhardwork airplanes. Over the past three years, airplanes. Overthepastthreeyears, and commitment.Ratherthanmak- because it’s been adding new because it’sbeenaddingnew provide these quick upgrades provide thesequickupgrades ing Mesaanattractiveplaceto work for all pilots, it’s expending work forallpilots,it’sexpending pilots intonew-hireclasses.” energy andfundsintoluringnew The airline has been able to The airlinehasbeenableto

January-February 2017 Air Line Pilot January-February International Airport. the gateatWashingtonDulles BELOW: AMesaaircraftsitsat picketing eventlastDecember. in Houston,Tex.,duringthepilots’ interviewed byatelevisionstation TOP: Express. It serves the U.S., U.S., the serves It Express. HEADQUARTERS: Canada, and Mexico with with Mexico and Canada, Group operates as Amer PILOTS JOINED ALPA: JOINED PILOTS NUMBER OF PILOTS: OF NUMBER PILOT BASES: PILOT BASES: Tex.; Phoenix, Ariz.; and CRJ700s, 64 CRJ900s, ican Eagle and United United and Eagle ican OPERATIONS: PILOT GROUPPROFILES2017 600 daily departures Worth and Houston, Capt. Laura Woods is Capt. LauraWoodsis FLEET: FLEET: At AGlance Washington, D.C. and 48 ERJ 175s 175s ERJ 48 and than 1,250 1 CRJ200, 20 20 1 CRJ200, Ariz. Dallas–Fort Mesa Air Phoenix, More More 1987 -

42 PILOT GROUPPROFILES2017

» January-February 2017 January-February Air Line Pilot on therampatHarrisburgInter- TOP: PILOTS JOINED ALPA: ALPA: JOINED PILOTS year, flying approximate subsidiaries of American ly 380 flights a day to 53 to 53 aday flights 380 ly Roanoke, Va.; and Salis and Va.; Roanoke, PILOT BASES: PILOT BASES: Airlines, Inc., Piedmont NUMBER OF PILOTS: PILOTS: OF NUMBER flight at Salisbury–Ocean City flight atSalisbury–OceanCity 3 million passengers a FLEET: FLEET: HEADQUARTERS: HEADQUARTERS: and Philadelphia, Pa.; transports more than OPERATIONS: three wholly owned wholly owned three Preparing for a test BELOW: Preparingforatest Wicomico Regional Airport. Wicomico RegionalAirport. At AGlance A new Piedmont E145 sits A newPiedmontE145sits destinations 12 E145s and 43 43 and E145s 12 bury, Md. bury, Md. Dash 8s Harrisburg national Airport. One of of One Salis 1984 475 - - - I BY JOHNPERKINSON,SENIORSTAFFWRITER GROWTH, GROWING PAINS NEW EQUIPMENT SPARKS PIEDMONT izes pilots to continue flying the izes pilotstocontinueflyingthe as wellLOA25,whichincentiv- ing, andoperationofthenewE145s, LOA 23,whichaddressespay,staff- sues thischangeoverhasproduced. (LOAs) tohelpaddressthemanyis- negotiating lettersofagreement 2016, thepilotgroupwasbusy chairman, notedthatthroughout Master ExecutiveCouncil(MEC) Va. Capt.BruceFreedman,thepilots’ efforts toopenanewmaintenancefacilityinRichmond, sues rangingfromthecarrier’sevolvingroutestructureto significantly increasedtheairline’sworkload,affectingis- turboprops toanall-jetfleet. Piedmont isalsointheprocessoftransitioningfrom to makeupforthosemovingmainlineoperations, airlines findthemselvesneedingtoattractnew-hirepilots Contract improvements include Contract improvementsinclude Not surprisingly,thechangefromDash8stoE145shas (FFD) carriers—but with a twist. While many regional (FFD) carriers—butwithatwist.Whilemanyregional pilots fromotherNorthAmericanfee-for-departure have beenexperiencingthesamechallengesas t’s fairtosaythatthepilotsofPiedmontAirlines Dash 8 while it remains on the property. Dash 8whileitremainsontheproperty. “We’re scheduled to receive a “We’re scheduledtoreceivea minimum of 20 jets but are minimum of20jetsbutare pilot domicileisin Philadelphia. expecting a total closer expecting atotalcloser rently, Piedmont’s only E145 rently, Piedmont’s only E145 to 30,” said Freedman. to 30,”saidFreedman. sometime in2018.Cur- With this growth, the With thisgrowth,the Va., base will close Va., basewillclose Dash 8 crew base in Dash 8crewbasein and the Roanoke, and theRoanoke, Harrisburg, Pa., is Harrisburg, Pa.,is the end of 2017, the endof2017, pilot group by volunteering flow up to American as fast flow upto Americanasfast closing inFebru- delphia, Pa., by delphia, Pa.,by our more junior members our more juniormembers Md., andPhila- ary. TheDash8 pilot domiciles pilot domiciles union andto give some- out in Salisbury, out inSalisbury, to bephased are scheduled to learnmore aboutthis as possible, I encourage as possible,Iencourage thing back to the larger thing backto thelarger “ while they’re here. Even ifyour planisto negotiated LOA 24 to enhance the pilot recruitment negotiated LOA24toenhancethepilotrecruitment agreement thatthepilotsnegotiatedwithcarrier. to AmericanAirlinesamonthaspartofflow-through portunities, asmanyfourseniorpilotsaretransitioning dependently leftthecompanytopursueotherflyingop- contend withattrition.Inadditiontothosewhohavein- training 20-pluspilotsamonth,it’salsobeenforcedto an E145full-motionsimulatorisinstalledlaterthisyear. cabin traineratitstrainingfacilityinCharlotte,N.C.,until desktop trainingstationscoupledwithafull-sizeEmbraer of 2017.Totrainthesenewhires,PiedmontisusingE145 grow fromthe475aviatorsithasnowto600byend Freedman said. the largerpilotgroup byvolunteeringwhilethey’rehere,” more aboutthisunionandtogivesomething backto possible, Iencourageourmorejunior memberstolearn play and—liketheirrecentpeers—get involved. members willrecognizetheimportance thecommittees ongoing turnoverintheMECcommitteeranksnewer retire fromthecarrier.Heremainshopefulthatwith stepping-stone, withmoreseniormemberswhoplanto the juniorpilots,manyofwhomviewPiedmontasa for thepilotgrouphasbeenbalancingprioritiesof occasions.” problems andhavebeenpushedtotheedgeonseveral of grievancesatthistime,butwe’vefacedourshare duction ofthejetprogram,adding,“Wedon’thavealot that thecompanyhasbeenpreoccupiedwithintro- cordial andopenasithasbeeninrecentyears.Henoted that thepilots’relationshipwithmanagementisnotas what otherFFDairlinesprovide. To entice recruits, last year the pilots and management To enticerecruits,lastyearthepilotsandmanagement Freedman notedthatwhilePiedmonthasbeen The airlineprojectsthatitspilotrankswillneedto “Even if your plan is to flow up to American as fast as “Even ifyourplanistoflowupAmerican asfast Freedman saidthatoneofthebiggestchallenges Even withallofthisactivity,Freedmanacknowledged ” officers and captains, comparable to officers andcaptains,comparableto tion bonusprogramforveteranfirst pilots alsonegotiatedanewreten- experience. AspartoftheLOA, have previousFARPart121flying with another$5,000forpilotswho $15,000 signingbonusfornewhires, year E145rates.Inaddition,there’sa these pilotsthenjumptofourth- pay rates.Ontheirfirstanniversaries, officers nowearnthird-yearE145 incentive program.First-yearfirst

Photos: Piedmont Corporate Communications Department Photos: Capt. Tim LeVan (PSA) T SPECIALIST BY JULIAMAYES,ALPASENIORCOMMUNICATIONS A UNIFIEDFRONT PSA improvements benefit not only PSA pilots, but also raise improvements benefit notonlyPSApilots,butalsoraise Travis Ricks,thepilots’ MECchairman.“Realcontractual our abilitytoattractandretainpilots atPSA,”saidCapt. only waytoeffectivelycombatattrition andimprove than temporaryimprovementstocompensation isthe an overallimprovedcompensationpackage. recruitment, thesolutiontohiringandretentionissuesis mented inthelaterpartofyearaidedtemporary resist thepilots’argumentthatwhilebonusesimple- Unfortunately, AmericanAirlinesGroupcontinuesto ultimately failtohelptheairlinecurblong-termattrition. bonuses aretooeasilyviewedassalesgimmicksthat throughout 2017.ButmanyofthePSApilotsworry years and$7,500forcaptainspaidinthreeinstallments PSA’s firstofficersamountedto$20,000paidovertwo at allthreeofitswhollyownedcarriers.Thepackagefor company ofPSA,rolledoutretentionbonusprograms nearly 65percentdoingsowithintheirfirsttwoyears. the pilotsleavingbeforecompletingtheirfirstyear,and nearly 600pilotstoattritionwithmorethan50percentof schedule. Overthelastthreeyears,airlinehaslost increase thesizeofitspilotgrouptomeetjetdelivery as $250permonth. hotel benefitprogramthatprovidespilotswithasmuch $1.1 million.Otherimprovementsincludeanewcommuter accounts. Thisdealsavedthepilotgroupanestimated cost orthroughadeductionfrompilotuniform the propertyreceivednewuniformsatno improvements thatensureallpilotson ment withimportantquality-of-life also successfullynavigatedanagree- the resolutionofcases.Thepilotgroup pilots havebeenabletofairlyexpedite dropped drasticallyastheairlineand resulting inseveralmajorgainsforthepilots. agement hasbecomegenerallypositiveandproductive, optimism. “Making permanent contractual improvements rather “Making permanentcontractualimprovements rather In late2016,AmericanAirlinesGroup,theparent Yet formuchofthepastyear,PSAhasstruggledto The numberofoutstandinggrievanceshas During thelastyear,pilots’relationshipwithman- the future with renewed confidence and the futurewithrenewedconfidenceand Council (MEC)leaders,thepilotsarefacing the PSApilotsandtheirMasterExecutive hanks totheunityanddeterminationof eventually increase pilots, we hope to pilots, we hopeto PSA pilots flow to PSA pilots flow to the rate at which ing and retaining ing andretaining

“ American. By attract - feature the into theworklifeofpilotsflyingforaregionalcarrier,and give updatesonthetopissuesfacingpilots,offerinsights on thepilotgroup’scollectivebargainingagreement, group andtheairline,”commentedRicks. ship withmanagement,whichwillbenefitbothourpilot on atPSAandthatwe’llcontinueourproductiverelation- public in2017. are launchinganeweducationalwebsiteforthegeneral six tosevenyears. can expecttoflowthroughAmericaninapproximately American. Ifattritionstaysatthecurrentlevel,newhires about nineyearsofseniorityarecurrentlymovingupto could helpattractnewhirestotheairline.Pilotswith implemented inSeptember2015isanotherfactorthat flow-through agreementwithAmericanAirlines of theregionalindustrypayscale.Thepilots’ first officercompensationtonearthetop by anadditional$1,520,bringingfirst-year signing bonusfornew-hirefirstofficers tion bonusprogram,PSAincreasedthe the barforentireindustry.” “We’re hopeful that 2017 will see additional pilots hired “We’re hopefulthat2017willseeadditionalpilotshired Soon afterimplementingthereten- ” attracting new flightcrew members, the pilots attracting newflightcrewmembers,thepilots “By attracting and retaining pilots, we hope to “By attractingandretainingpilots,wehopeto eventually increase the rate at which PSA pilots eventually increasetherateatwhichPSApilots State of the Union Union the of State flow toAmerican,”Rickssaid.“Inthemean- collective bargainingagreement.” In an effort to support the company in In anefforttosupportthecompanyin PSAContractNow.com time, we’ll continue advising management time, we’llcontinueadvisingmanagement permanent improvements to the pilots’ permanent improvementstothepilots’ ment and retention, PSA needs to make ment andretention,PSAneedstomake that inordertohavesuccessfulrecruit- publication. will offer details willofferdetails

January-February 2017 Air Line Pilot January-February Airport. Charlotte DouglasInternational at GatesE22throughE26 BELOW: PSAaircraftlinedup Airport. Charlotte DouglasInternational TOP: OPERATIONS: Dayton, Ohio; Knoxville, Tenn.; and a base open abase and Tenn.; ing in Washington, D.C., subsidiary of American of American subsidiary Airlines Group, serving PILOT BASES: PILOT more than 80 destina Inc. is a wholly owned owned awholly is Inc. tions in more than 30 30 than more in tions PILOT GROUPPROFILES2017 A PSA CRJ900 at dawn at A PSACRJ900atdawn 26 CRJ700s, and 54 54 and 26 CRJ700s, N.C.; Cincinnati and NUMBER OF PILOTS: OF NUMBER At AGlance FLEET: FLEET: Nearly 1,200 1,200 Nearly CRJ900s in March in 35 CRJ200s, 35 CRJ200s, states PSA Airlines, PSA Airlines, Charlotte, Charlotte,

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44 PILOT GROUPPROFILES2017

» Brian Pemberton toast to the start Brian Pembertontoasttothestart they prepare to make their voices they preparetomaketheirvoices Capts. Craig DeVries and BELOW: Capts.CraigDeVriesand RIGHT: member of the Spirit Negotiating member oftheSpiritNegotiating side Spirit company headquarters side Spiritcompanyheadquarters January-February 2017 January-February Air Line Pilot Jasen Clearyholdabannerout- Committee, addresses pilots as Committee, addressespilotsas HEADQUARTERS: PILOTS JOINED ALPA: JOINED PILOTS PILOT BASES: PILOT NUMBER OF PILOTS: OF NUMBER N.J.; Chicago,N.J.; Ill.; Dallas, Lauderdale, Fla.; and Las Las and Fla.; Lauderdale, FLEET: and 16 321ceos with an an with 16 321ceos and additional 16 A321ceos Tex.; Detroit, Mich.; Ft. Ft. Mich.; Tex.; Detroit, A320ceos, 5 320neos, heard at a Spirit shareholders heard ataSpiritshareholders and 6 A320neos on on 6A320neos and At AGlance F/O Brian Coley and Capt. F/O BrianColeyandCapt. Capt. Paul Slotten, a TOP: Capt.PaulSlotten,a 29 A319-100s, 45 45 A319-100s, 29 Vegas, Nev. order Fla. Fla. Atlantic City, Atlantic of adayflying. meeting inJune. in December. Miramar, 1,483 1996 I SPECIALIST BY JENLOFQUIST,ALPASENIORCOMMUNICATIONS ‘WHATEVER ITTAKES’ SPIRIT The SPSC held events not only at pilot domiciles, but also The SPSCheldeventsnotonlyatpilotdomiciles,butalso well aspilotunitybuildingandFamilyAwarenessevents. half oftheyear,SPSCorganizedpicketingeventsas “Whatever ItTakes”duringsummer2016.Overthelatter Strike Committee(SPSC),whichadoptedtheslogan by thepilots’StrategicPlanningand by acampaignofeventsorganized and moreunified. vered. Instead,we’vegrownstronger and actingasoneunionhasn’twa- core valueofspeakingwithonevoice aircraft, andexpandeddomiciles,our as we’vegrown,addedpilotsand tive Council(MEC)chairman.“Even mented Capt.StuartMorrison,thepilots’MasterExecu- unity toachievethecontractthey’veearned. found themselvesinfamiliarterritory—buildingontheir industry-standard contract.Astheyearclosed,pilots This strength has been fortified This strengthhasbeenfortified “Spirit pilotshaveastronghistoryofunity,”com- picketing—making their voices heard in support of an picketing—making theirvoicesheardinsupportofan quarters inMiramar,Fla.,toconductinformational gathered overtwodaysatSpiritcompanyhead- n earlyDecember2016,morethan200Spiritpilots where the pilots live, including such cities where thepilotslive,includingsuchcities as Minneapolis, Minn., and Orlando, as Minneapolis,Minn.,andOrlando, concerted effort to expand our concerted effortto expandour Fla., awayfromthemaindo- Instead, our SPSC made a Instead, ourSPSCmade a miciles—an approach that miciles—an approachthat outside of the bases. outside ofthebases. allowed more of their allowed moreoftheir commute from homes commute fromhomes pilots toattend. those pilots who those pilotswho be able to include be abletoinclude grown, our pilots grown, ourpilots ciles, we wouldn’t ciles, wewouldn’t have become have become “As we’ve “As we’ve events indomi- more spread more spread we only held we onlyheld Morrison. “If country,” said out acrossthe one voice and acting as one voice andactingas “ value of speaking with value of speakingwith added pilots andair craft, and expanded craft, andexpanded Even aswe’ve grown, domiciles, ourcore one unionhasn’t wavered. whatever ittakesto achieveit. Airlines growinboth sizeandprofitsarewillingtodo for acontractthatrecognizestheirrole inhelpingSpirit profession asawhole.” not onlyourcontributionstoSpiritAirlines, butalsoour accept lessthanindustry-standardwould undervalue pay rates,retirement,andnonexistentprofitsharing.To leading growthandprofitabilitywithindustry-lagging ceptable thatSpiritpilotscontinuetosubsidizeindustry- serves ontheNegotiatingCommittee.“It’ssimplyunac- been ourmaingoal,”acknowledgedMorrison,whoalso compensation lagsbehind.Addressingthisinequalityhas in revenuegrowthandprofitability,whileSpiritpilots’ meeting inregularmediatedsessions. from theNationalMediationBoardandhavesincebeen negotiations stalled,bothsidesrequestedmediation make flyingsimilarroutesonaircraft.InJuly,after their longevity,makelessthanhalfofwhatpeers According toMorrison,someSpiritpilots,dependingon tion, includingpayrates,profitsharing,andretirement. ing acontractthatincludesindustry-standardcompensa- ing Committeehasbeenatthebargainingtabledemand- commitment toanewcontract.” our bagstosignslanyards,itallreiterates held theirfirstinformationalpicketingsince2010. tive newcomertotheSpiritlistofdomiciles,wherethey Texas. TheymadeanimpressiveshowinginDallas,arela- the entranceofTerminalCatDallas–FortWorthAirportin hard toignore.InOctober,alineofpilotsstretchedacross meeting room—makingthemessageof“ContractNow” pilots linedthehallwaysasshareholdersenteredtheir shareholders meetingatahotelinHouston,Tex.The strength. InJune,Spiritpilotsconvenedattheannual been largerpilotgatherings,showcasingunityand every pilottobeapartofthis.” map, evenifitmeanthostingsmallerevents.Wewanted ” As 2016 closed, Spirit pilots continued to stand firm As 2016closed,Spiritpilotscontinued tostandfirm “Spirit Airlinescontinuestobeanindustryleader While theSPSChasbeenbuildingunity,Negotiat- In additiontothesmallerevents,therehavealso

- ible at every level,” said Morrison. “From ible ateverylevel,”saidMorrison.“From wear ontheline. sure theyaregivenagreenlanyardto pilots arehired,thepilotgroupmakes in hard-to-missneongreen.Asnew wraps allfeaturing“WhateverItTakes” lanyards, luggagetags,andhandle by acampaignofvisibleunity,including “We wantedthiscampaigntobevis- These eventshavebeensupported

Top and right photos: Jen Lofquist Photos: F/O Johann Gebauer (Sun Country) F SPECIALIST BY RUSTYAYERS,ALPASENIORCOMMUNICATIONS SUSTAINING SUCCESS SUN COUNTRY chairmen toparticipate inrelevantmeetings.Manage- cerns, andmanagement beganinvitingMECcommittee holding monthlymeetingstoexchange ideasandcon- improving FOQAhaveresumed. 2015, fearingitcouldbeusedpunitively, butdiscussionson had withdrawnitssupportfromSunCountry’s programin a commonsafetyelementatmanyotherairlines,theMEC erations QualityAssurance(FOQA)program.WhileFOQAis nouncing thattheFAAhadapprovedtheirjointFlightOp- months of2015,theMECopenednewyearbyan- pany retirementcontributions. Other compensationwasalsoincreased,aswellcom- 21.5 percentovertheremainingfouryearsofcontract. ing date,withadditionalacross-the-boardraisestotaling 20 to30percentpayincreasesontheNovember1sign- group’s 250memberscastingballots.Thedealincluded ber 2015byan87percentmargin,with94ofthe grow andimproveourairline’soperations.” begin todemonstrateadesireworkwithusagain and resolvepilotissues.Wehopethatmanagementwill corporate structurehasmadeitmoredifficulttoaddress has hirednewmanagementstaff,andmuchofthe Master ExecutiveCouncil(MEC)chairman.“Thecompany with management,”saidCapt.BrianRoseen,thepilot’s recently beenexperiencingadifferentattitude to fuelitsexpansionplans. infrastructure andrecruitsnewpilots lately, astheairlineadaptstonew but hashitsometroublespots agement hadimprovedforatime negotiations. Relationswithman- after morethanfouryearsof as theyfoughtforanewcontract try, justaspilotsaccuratelypredicted benefits haslentstabilitytoSunCoun- new-hire pilots,andinitiatingnewprograms. strengthening theircommitteestructure,welcoming At the start of 2016, the company and the pilots began At thestartof2016,companyand thepilotsbegan After conductingcontracteducationintheclosing Pilots ratifiedtheirnewfive-yearagreementinOcto- “After ahopefulstartto2016,we’ve Finally havingindustry-standardpayand tions on all levels: recruiting new volunteers, tions onalllevels:recruitingnewvolunteers, Airlines spent2016improvingtheirunionopera- contract negotiations,thepilotsofSunCountry ollowing uponthesuccessoftheir2015 and resolve pilot issues.We hope made itmore difficult to address that management will begin to that management willbeginto demonstrate adesire to work new corporate structure has ment staff, andmuchof the with usagainto grow and has hired newmanage- improve ourairline’s “ operations. The company The company by theabilitytoliveinbaseMinneapolis.” the airlinemoredesirabletopilotswhomaybeattracted will takeouradviceandeliminatethecontractstomake contracts,” Roseennoted.“Wehopethatmanagement the regionalsarepaying,andwestillrequiretraining now backtohavingdifficultyfillingitsnew-hireclasses. Unfortunately, likeotherregionalcarriers,theairlineis wide, pickedupforawhileatthebeginningof2016. was amongtheworst-payingB-737operatorsnation- pilot recruitment.Pilothiring,stagnantwhenSunCountry equipped baseballfieldfordisabledchildren. who hadpersonallyraised$200,000tobuildaspecially volunteer programsbyindividualpilots,includingRoseen, committee formalizeswhathadpreviouslybeenad-hoc support philanthropyintheMinneapolis,Minn.,area.The union-company committee,toencouragepilots Community InvolvementCommittee,ajoint new-hire pilotsduringinitialtraining. time thattheMECisallottedtomeetwith ment alsoagreedtoincreasetheamountof “Our first-year pay is now lower than what some of “Our first-yearpayisnowlowerthanwhatsomeof The committee’sfirsteventwastorecruitSunCountry At midyear,theMECunveiledanew ” pilots to assist young players in the Miracle pilots toassistyoungplayersintheMiracle and the Midwest. But a potential roadblock is and theMidwest.Butapotentialroadblockis League youth baseball program. It also League youthbaseballprogram.Italso to as a “value based” carrier for Minnesota to asa“valuebased”carrierforMinnesota supported Girls in Aviation Day at a supported GirlsinAviationDayata line, but as what CEO Zarir Erani refers line, butaswhatCEOZarirEranirefers local airport. The committee plans to local airport.Thecommitteeplansto create anichenotaslow-costair- sponsor four events per year and sponsor foureventsperyearand International Airport, is looking to International Airport,islookingto to provide immediate disaster to provideimmediatedisaster carrier at Minneapolis–St. Paul carrier atMinneapolis–St.Paul response forlocalemergencies. Sun Country, the third-largest Sun Country,thethird-largest

January-February 2017 Air Line Pilot January-February Airport’s TerminalAirport’s 2. Paul International Airport. climbs outfromMinneapolis TOP: neapolis the largestoccupantsofMin- BELOW: SunCountryisoneof ans. It was one of the first first the of one was It ans. PILOTS JOINED ALPA: ALPA: JOINED PILOTS PILOT BASE: PILOT sports, andsports, military char “Honor Flights”“Honor for veter locations worldwide and FLEET: FLEET: U.S. airlines granted per granted airlines U.S. U.S., Mexico, Costa Rica, Rica, Costa Mexico, U.S., mission to fly scheduled scheduled to fly mission Minn., Sun Country flies also operates vacation, is a leading operator of of operator aleading is ter flights to numerous to numerous flights ter NUMBER OF PILOTS: PILOTS: OF NUMBER year-round. The airline airline The year-round. of which are operated operated are which of and the Caribbean, 16 16 Caribbean, the and 38 destinations in the the in destinations 38 PILOT GROUPPROFILES2017 scheduled service to to service scheduled A Sun Country B-737NG A SunCountryB-737NG in Mendota Heights, Heights, Mendota in At AGlance more aircraft leased OPERATIONS: proximately 300 FOUNDED: FOUNDED: service to Cuba service –St. Paul International St. Paul, Minn. Paul, St. 23 B-737NGs, with with B-737NGs, 23 seasonally Minneapolis– 1982 Based 1996 Ap - –St. –St. - - -

46 PILOT GROUPPROFILES2017

» An ERJ 145 on approach to TOP: AnERJ145onapproachto Washington Dulles International Washington DullesInternational January-February 2017 January-February Air Line Pilot A Trans States airplane BELOW: ATransStatesairplane PILOTS JOINED ALPA: ALPA: JOINED PILOTS with more than 230 daily daily 230 than more with PILOT BASES: PILOT BASES: HEADQUARTERS: to more than 70 cities in in 70 cities than to more flights providing service Durham, N.C.; St. Louis, Louis, St. N.C.; Durham, Denver, Colo.; Raleigh/ NUMBER OF PILOTS: PILOTS: OF NUMBER sits at the gate at Washington sits atthegateWashington Mo.; and Washington, Washington, and Mo.; more than 3.5 million million 3.5 than more passengers annually, OPERATIONS: Dulles International Airport. Dulles InternationalAirport. At AGlance FLEET: FLEET: FOUNDED: North America ton, Mo. ton, 81 ERJ 145s ERJ 81 D.C. D.C. Chicago, Ill.; 1982 Serving Serving Bridge 1994 521 Airport. Airport. - “T BY JOHNPERKINSON,SENIORSTAFFWRITER CONTINUED GROWTH NEW PILOTS KEYTO AIRLINE’S TRANS STATES taken significant steps to improve the airline’s appeal to taken significantstepstoimprovetheairline’sappeal challenge lies,”heremarked. carriers, andyoucanseewherethe attrition duetohiringatthemainline pilots permonth.Couplethiswith piece, butwe’reclosertoeighttotal classes amonthwith20pilots would liketoruntwonew-hire airlines,” saidButler.“Management most U.S.fee-for-departure(FFD) ship structure. for theMECtomaintainitspilotcommitteeandleader- attract andretainlinepilots,somuchthatit’sdifficult Eagle carrierbutforthisstumblingblock:theinabilityto seem tobethelimitforthisUnitedExpressandAmerican in Denver,Colo.,andRaleigh–Durham,N.C.Theskywould route structurefromMainetoUtah,openingnewbases planes sincetheendof2015.”Theairlinehasexpandedits Accordingly, Trans States has Accordingly, TransStateshas “We’re inthesamesituationas potential job candidates, which resulted in more potential jobcandidates,whichresultedinmore than 100pilotsbeinghiredlastyear. man, noting that “we’ve added 25 man, notingthat“we’veadded25 Master ExecutiveCouncil(MEC)chair- said Capt.NeilButler,hispilotgroup’s rans Statesisgrowingexponentially,” of negotiating a competitive of negotiatingacompetitive Just three weeks after the Just threeweeksafterthe pilots’ contract became pilots’ contractbecame there. “We’re in the process there. “We’reinthe process amendable last summer, amendable lastsummer, And the talks didn’t stop And thetalksdidn’tstop the pilotsandmanage- regional airline industry. regional airlineindustry. ment completed ment completed per hour) in the U.S. per hour)intheU.S. negotiations for negotiations for pay rate ($35.81 pay rate($35.81 a three-year a three-year year, first officer year, firstofficer the highestfirst- extension that what was then what wasthen contained numer- ments, including ments, including ous improve- Butler. “We currently have tion bonusprogram,” said “ tive new-hire andreten- negotiating acompeti - with therest of there- one, butit’s not inline We’re intheprocess of gional industry. slated forlate2018 orearly2019. orders, TransStates isslatedtoreceive20,withdeliveries manufacturer’s smaller76-seatMRJ70s. Ofthe50firm conversion clause,allowingthecompany tooptforthe with optionstobuy50more.Thisdeal comeswitha announced planstopurchase50Mitsubishi MRJ90s Inc.—which ownsTransStates,Compass, andGoJet— airline’s horizon.InOctober2009,TransStatesHoldings, these issues.” instrumental inidentifyingandresolvingthemajorityof “The e-mailswearereceivingfrompilotshaveproven The pilotgroup’sNovember21 application tohelpsolvepaytransparencyconcerns. nounced latelastyearthatitwasemployingathird-party from schedulingandpayrollissues,managementan- Committee. created additionalhurdlesforthepilotgroup’sScheduling tation ofIOCC,apilotschedulingsoftware,whichhas ation hasbeencomplicatedbythecompany’simplemen- with othercontractualimprovements.However,thissitu- will votewhethertopermanentlyimplementPBSalong including individuals like Director of Flight Operations including individualslikeDirectorofFlightOperations attributed thedifferencetochangesinmanagement, the atmosphere“isnotaspunitiveitoncewas.”He current numberofgrievancesis“manageable”andthat working relationshipwithmanagement,notingthatthe Academy toestablishapipelinefornewrecruits. working withcompanieslikeFlorida-basedEpicFlight partnership withSouthernIllinoisUniversityandhasbeen new sourcesforpilotrecruits.Theairlinehassigneda regional industry.” currently haveone,butit’snotinlinewiththerestof new-hire andretentionbonusprogram,”saidButler.“We The introduction of a new aircraft type is also on the The introductionofanewaircrafttypeisalsoonthe Consequently, the majority of pilot grievances stem Consequently, themajorityofpilotgrievancesstem Butler acknowledged that the pilots have a good Butler acknowledgedthatthepilotshaveagood In addition,TransStateshasalsobeenactivelyseeking ” PBS trial period, after which pilots PBS trialperiod,afterwhichpilots in August2016allowsforasix-month protocol letterofagreementsigned preferential biddingsystem(PBS).A letter ofagreementtoimplementa continue tonegotiatethetermsofa commented. more willingtoworkwithus,”Butler of ourmanagementteamseem Keith Stamper.“Keithandtherest The pilots and management The pilotsandmanagement MEC Update MEC noted, noted,

Top photo: Wikimedia Commons, bottom photo: Kimberly Seitz Photo: C. David Kelly I SPECIALIST BY C.DAVIDKELLY,ALPASENIORCOMMUNICATIONS ROLE ONCAPITOL HILL PILOTS CONTINUE LEADERSHIP UNITED also honored with ALPA’s Key Men Society Award, which also honoredwithALPA’sKeyMenSocietyAward,which 93 (DENtrainingcenter),172(CLE),and173(Guam)—were 5 (NYC),11(DCA),12(ORD),33(DEN),34(SFO),57(LAX), the legislativeandgoverningprocess.” new-hire pilotsandotherpilotgroupstogetinvolvedin ated, andthequesttobenextyear’swinnerwillinspire of ourworkthroughtheJ.J.O’Donnelltrophyisappreci- what wewillcontinuetodo.”Insleradded,“Recognition those ofallairlinepilots.Thisiswhoweare,andthis rights andimprovethelivesofnotjustUnitedpilots,but pilots havebeenleadingthechargetoprotectpilots’ time ALPAvolunteer.“SinceALPA’sinception,theUnited said Capt.ToddInsler,thepilots’MECchairmanandlong- that impactourcareersareparamountforUnitedpilots,” government inWashington,D.C. whether it’satthebargainingtableorinhallsof in fightingfortheairlinepilotingprofession, continuing leadershiprolethepilotsplay edge thatthetrophyrepresents however, derivesfromtheknowl- represent. Theirrealsatisfaction, MEC members,andthepilotsthey pride fortheUnitedMECofficers, second straightyearisasourceof ALPA-PAC overthepastyear. tion incontributionsandcommitmentto ognizes thepilotgroupthatledAssocia- they againacceptedtheJ.J.O’Donnelltrophy,whichrec- Nine United Local Executive Councils (LECs)—Council Nine UnitedLocalExecutiveCouncils(LECs)—Council “Awareness ofandinvolvementinthepoliticalissues Receiving thisawardforthe Board of Directors meeting in Washington, D.C., as Board ofDirectorsmeetinginWashington,D.C.,as fellow ALPApilotleadersattheAssociation’s46th Executive Council(MEC)proudlystoodbeforetheir n October2016,membersoftheUnitedMaster charge to protect pilots’ rights just United pilots, butthoseof pilots have been leading the pilots have beenleadingthe and improve thelives of not all airline pilots. This is who all airlinepilots. This iswho we are, andthisiswhat inception, theUnited we will continue to we willcontinue to “ Since ALPA’s do. ” first vicepresident. Committee chairman,UnitedMECandALPA tions aslocalcouncilrepresentative,UnitedNegotiating us,” hadalonghistoryofALPAservice,includinghisposi- for unionizedlaborandwhoselegacycontinuestoinspire tier wagesystem. defeat Unitedmanagement’sattempttoimposeatwo- led Unitedpilotsthroughthestrikeof1985andhelped Roger Hall,whopassedawayafteralengthyillness.He what they’dliketoseeintheirnextcontract. giving thepilotstheirfirstopportunitytoweighinon a localcouncilcontractsurveywaslaunchedinOctober, planning withanemphasisoncollectivebargaining.And ber, theMECcalledaspecialsessiontoconductstrategic preparing forthenextroundofnegotiations.InNovem- to enforcetheU.S.–EUAirTransportAgreement,defend White Housein2016tocallontheObamaadministration Insler, wholedalargecontingentofUnitedpilotstothe across thefacetoentireU.S.aviationindustry,”said with theDOT’sdecision,whichisnothingbutaslap of theOpenSkiesagreement.Wevehementlydisagree “This flawedrulingcircumventsimportantlaborprovisions Air International(NAI)tooperateintotheUnitedStates. (DOT) decisiontograntafinalorderallowNorwegian mobilize toreversetheDepartmentofTransportation’s participation amongtheirmembers. recognizes LECswiththehighestpercentageofPAC Hall, who, according to Insler, “set the gold standard Hall, who,accordingtoInsler,“setthegoldstandard In earlyOctober,UnitedpilotssaidgoodbyetoCapt. On thelegislativefront,Unitedpilotscontinueto agreement approaching, the United MEC already is agreement approaching,theUnitedMECalreadyis fair competition, and to deny NAI a foreign air fair competition,andtodenyNAIaforeignair 31, 2019, amendable date for the United pilot 31, 2019,amendabledatefortheUnitedpilot carrier permit. have.” On the bargaining front, with the Jan. On thebargainingfront,withJan. the DOT’s decision on NAI, which will the DOT’sdecisiononNAI,whichwill will fully utilize any legal recourse we will fullyutilizeanylegalrecoursewe impact each pilot and all aviation impact eachpilotandallaviation Insler hasvowedtocontinuefighting the White House,” stated Insler, “and the WhiteHouse,”statedInsler,“and appeal directly to Capitol Hill and appeal directlytoCapitolHilland workers. “Wewillcommenceafierce

January-February 2017 Air Line Pilot January-February J.J. O’DonnellTrophy. Master ExecutiveCouncilwiththe BELOW: MembersoftheUnited HEADQUARTERS: B-737s, B-747s, B-757s, B- Cleveland, Ohio; Denver, Ohio; Cleveland, PILOT BASES: PILOT BASES: 767s, B-777s, and B-787s and B-777s, 767s, Tex.; Los Angeles, Calif.; Calif.; Angeles, Tex.; Los New York City, N.Y.; San N.Y.; York City, New San Colo.; Guam; Houston, NUMBER OF PILOTS: OF NUMBER PILOT GROUPPROFILES2017 Francisco, Calif.; and and Calif.; Francisco, FLEET: FLEET: PILOTS JOINED ALPA: JOINED PILOTS proximately 12,500 At AGlance Washington, D.C. 1931–1932 A319s, A320s, Ill. Chicago, Ill.; Chicago, Chicago, Ap

48 PILOT GROUPPROFILES2017

» Seattle, Wash., for a special MEC Seattle, Wash.,foraspecialMEC at Seattle–Tacoma International at Seattle–TacomaInternational January-February 2017 January-February Air Line Pilot aircraft used on Virgin America’s aircraft usedonVirginAmerica’s Negotiating Committee meet in Negotiating Committeemeetin TOP: than 180 daily flight serv flight daily 180 than PILOTS JOINED ALPA: ALPA: JOINED PILOTS NUMBER OF PILOTS: PILOTS: OF NUMBER inaugural flight, on the ground inaugural flight,ontheground FLEET SIZE: FLEET America operates more HEADQUARTERS: Executive Council (MEC) and Executive Council(MEC)and OPERATIONS: ing 24 destinations At AGlance BOTTOM: The Virgin America Master The VirginAmericaMaster game, Calif.game, than 700 A319s meeting inJanuary. 63 A320s and and A320s 63 “Air Colbert,” the “Air Colbert,”the Virgin Burlin More More 2015 Airport. - - I SPECIALIST BY KATYADAMS,ALPASENIORCOMMUNICATIONS MERGING AHEAD VIRGIN AMERICA Youngerman. “While we had budgeted for an aggressive Youngerman. “Whilewehadbudgetedforanaggressive Virgin America.“Talkaboutacoursecorrection!”said announced thatitwasacquiring Alaska Airlinesmanagement three monthsintothatprocess great progresswasbeingmade, negotiations begansmoothlyand cost-of-living increases.”While to gotwoyearswithoutany ALPA, andweweren’tprepared which ceasedwhenwejoined provided usraiseseachApril, sive timeline.Butmanagement nized thatthiswasanaggres- contract byApril2017.Werecog- Youngerman, thepilots’MECchairman,“toobtainafair began inFebruary2016. Committee, theteampreparedfornegotiationsthat the ContractStudyCommitteebecameNegotiating manent representativesandofficerswereelected, pilots’ firstcollectivebargainingagreement.Afterper- Study Committeewascreatedtobeginpreparingforthe “We had a mandate from our pilots,” said Capt. Joe “We hadamandatefromourpilots,”saidCapt.Joe negotiating timeline, we weren’t prepared to increase negotiating timeline,weweren’tpreparedtoincrease (MEC) member and officer elections, a Contract (MEC) memberandofficerelections,aContract sociation. FollowinginterimMasterExecutiveCouncil overwhelmingly votedtojointheAirLinePilotsAs- n thesummerof2015,VirginAmericapilots our negotiating schedule, staff a Merger our negotiatingschedule,staffaMerger Committee, and hold many more MEC Committee, andholdmanymoreMEC be chargedwithnegotiating atransi- meetings given that we work meetings giventhatwework Negotiating Committee that would Negotiating Committee thatwould for an airline that’s chronically for anairlinethat’schronically objectives was naming a Joint objectives wasnamingaJoint understaffed, making ALPA trip understaffed, makingALPAtrip pilot groups. One of the first pilot groups.Oneofthefirst drops difficult and our work drops difficultandourwork involved with merging two involved withmergingtwo begin the numerous tasks begin thenumeroustasks time somewhatlimited.” sisters at Alaska Airlines to sisters atAlaskaAirlinesto new ALPA brothers and new ALPAbrothersand began workingwiththeir lenges, theMECleaders Yet despitethesechal- which ceased when we joined which ceased when we joined pared to gotwo years without “ any cost-of-living increases. pilots to obtain afair contract by April2017.We recognized provided usraises eachApril, timeline. But management timeline. Butmanagement that thiswas anaggressive ALPA, andwe weren’t pre- We hadamandate from our ment to get the work done in a timely manner and to ment togettheworkdoneinatimelymannerand success willrequiremanagementtoshareourcommit- two top-ratedairlinescanbeincrediblysuccessful.This Youngerman noted.“Weknowthemergerofthese together, andweseetremendousvalueinthemerger,” the Alaskapilots.“Bothgroupshaveworkedverywell America pilotscontinuetoworkintegratewith joint collectivebargainingagreement. TPA thatprovidesanaggressivescheduleforbargaininga August, andinDecemberthetwoMECsapproved mittee begannegotiatingtheTPAwithmanagementin tive bargainingagreement.TheJointNegotiatingCom- pilot groupswouldbemergedunderasinglejointcollec- ments thatwouldfunctionastheblueprintforhow tion andprocessagreement(TPA)withbothmanage- their electedrepresentatives andtheircommittees. supporting thework beingdoneonthepilots’behalfby that eachVirginAmericapilotparticipates financiallyin agency shoprules.Theprovision ensures pute-resolution process,schedulingimprovements, and several lettersofagreementthatprovide aninterimdis- pilot group.Duringthepastyear, MEC negotiated the MECcontinuestohandledailyissuesonbehalfof bargaining agreementandmergingwiththeAlaskapilots, management,“ notedYoungerman. beneficial relationshipwiththeAlaskapilotgroupand continuing tocultivateacooperative,professional,and lists andmergingtheMECs.“Wealsolookforwardto finalized, thepilotgroupwillfocusoncombiningseniority with theAlaskapilotsinsecuringthisoutcome.” deserves tobetreatedandpaidfairly,we’reunited bargaining agreementevenmoreimportant.Ourgroup our negotiators,whichmakesobtainingajointcollective to remainhighlyunifiedandsupportiveoftheMEC This year will likely be just as demanding as the Virgin This yearwilllikelybejustasdemandingtheVirgin In addition to focusing on securing a joint collective In additiontofocusingonsecuringajointcollective Once thejointcollectivebargainingagreementis ” last few years, but have continued last fewyears,buthavecontinued pilots havefacedalotoverthe success,” Youngermanadded.“Our Virgin Americapilotsmaketothat recognizes thecontribution bined airlinetothrive,butalso contract thatallowsthecom- our peers. change tokeepusalignedwith sation andqualityoflifemust changed—and thatourcompen- acknowledge thattheindustryhas “We stand ready to secure a “We standreadytosecurea

Top photo: Katy Adams, bottom photo: https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/User:Eric_in_SF Photo: Capt. Rob Watson (Wasaya) A BY JENLOFQUIST,ALPASENIORCOMMUNICATIONSSPECIALIST ELEVEN DAYS TO ANEWCONTRACT WASAYA in work schedules, and an increase in vacation time. in workschedules, andanincreaseinvacationtime. the pilots,including substantialpayincreases,areduction upon ratification,providessignificant improvementsfor pilots votedtoratify. the companyreachedatentativeagreement, whichthe the finalstepsofrestructure, pilot groupand cial relationshipwithourcompany’sleaders.” that wehavebeenabletobuildsuchamutuallybenefi- know whereyou’lleventuallyendup.Wewerefortunate company isinthemiddleofsignificantchange,youdon’t Master ExecutiveCouncil(MEC)chairman.“Whenyour upper management,”saidCapt.JamesHarding,thepilots’ Rodyniuk, andanewboardofdirectors. place, Wasayagainedanewpresident-CEO,Michael approval oftheplans.Whilerestructuringwastaking turing effort.ThiswasquicklyfollowedinJulybycourt that itwasimplementingthefinalpartofrestruc- the process.Thispastsummer,companyannounced profitability, theairlinehiredanoutsidefirmtofacilitate ly restructureitsoperations.In2014,amidconcernsof the pastfewyearsascompanyworkedtocomplete- ample amountoftrustgoingintonegotiations. and toworkinasshortatime11days,theremustbean best solutionforeveryone.ForIBNtowork, proposals, andworktogethertofindthe solve, ratherthanmakingdifferent start withaproblemtheywantto bargaining. InIBN,thetwosides (IBN) asopposedtopositional interest-based negotiating agreement. Thetwosidesused management tocomean it tookWasayapilotsand take muchlonger. can takemonths,whileothers After all,evenfast-trackednegotiations and extendedtimeatthebargainingtable. negotiating committeesplanningformonthsinadvance The new contract, which went into effect immediately The newcontract,whichwentintoeffect immediately In October,justthreemonthsafterthecourtapproved “We haveaveryproductiverelationshipwithour For Wasayapilots,thattrusthasbeenbuildingover Just 11days.That’showlong erty. For most pilot groups, this would entail erty. Formostpilotgroups,thiswouldentail bargain fortheirthirdcontractontheprop- notice tothecompanythatitwastime s 2016began,Wasayapilotshadjustserved know where you’ll eventually end of significant change,you don’t our upper management. When our uppermanagement. When have been able to build such a have beenableto buildsucha up. We were fortunate that we your company is in the middle your company isinthemiddle mutually beneficialrelation- productive relationship with ship withourcompany’s “ We have avery leaders. future.” story andgivenita brighter group. We’verewrittenour with ALPAandourpilot commitment towork ment personnelandtheir part toourseniormanage- Harding. “Thisisdueinlarge new opportunities,”noted consistent growthand instead, we’reseeing nearing bankruptcy—and last fewyears.Wewere so muchoverjustthe ing acknowledged. management teams,”Hard- MECs andbothcompanies’ Wasaya andJazzAviation amount ofworkbythe result ofaconsiderable new-hire pilots,wasthe pilot turnoverandattract will helpWasayaaddress pathway program,which move toJazzAviationandeventuallyAirCanada.“The amount oftimeatWasaya,thesepilotswouldbeableto to fullyimplementthenewagreement,includingad- win dealforthepilotgroup.” got araiseinadditiontoworkingfewerdays.It’swin- ” “This airline has changed “This airlinehaschanged The pilotscontinuetoworkcloselywithmanagement “It’s almostatwofoldpayincrease,”saidHarding.“Pilots dressing retro pay. In addition to the new pilot dressing retropay.Inadditiontothenewpilot at Wasaya. After completing the requisite at Wasaya.Aftercompletingtherequisite contract on the property, the company contract ontheproperty,company of college the opportunity to be hired of collegetheopportunitytobehired that would give pilots straight out that wouldgivepilotsstraightout has alsobeenbringingonnewDash end of 2016 for a pathway program end of2016forapathwayprogram 8s andhascommittedtoswitching signed a letter of intent at the signed aletterofintentatthe from theHawkerSiddeleyto tion, Wasaya and Jazz Aviation tion, WasayaandJazzAviation a Dashfreighterthisyear.The a staffing shortage. a staffingshortage. airline alsohasplanstoaddress As partofthestaffingsolu-

January-February 2017 Air Line Pilot January-February of ThunderBay,Ont. prepped foramorningflightout BELOW: PILOTS JOINED ALPA: ALPA: JOINED PILOTS Pilatus PC-12s, and Dash Sioux Lookout, and Red PILOT DOMICILES: PILOT DOMICILES: Cessna Caravan 208Bs, HUB: AIRLINE FOUNDED: NUMBER OF PILOTS: OF NUMBER Hawker Siddeley 748s, FLEET: PILOT GROUPPROFILES2017 der Bay, Pickle Lake, Lake, Bay, Pickle der At AGlance A Wasaya Dash 8 is A WasayaDash8is Thunder Bay, Ont. Bay, Ont. Thunder Lake, Ont. Beech 1900Ds, 8s Thun 1989 105 2008 2008 -

Air Line Pilot Feature Article » CALPA–ALPA MERGER

CALPA–ALPA MERGER +20: Growing Stronger

In Canada we negotiate,” said Capt. Tim “The Original Canoll, ALPA’s president. “We’re By Christopher Freeze, Senior munications, and member service strategically moving forward our 10”of CALPA Aviation Technical Writer expertise,” said Capt. Dan Adamus organizing efforts and advancing 1 Air Alliance (Jazz Aviation), ALPA’s Canada the future of our profession.” 2 Air BC ebruary 1 marks the 20th Board president. Capt. Randy Babbitt, ALPA’s 3 Air Nova anniversary of the merger Since 1997, pilots from Air president at the time of the 4 Air Ontario between the Canadian Air Transat, Canadian North, First merger, borrowed from John F. F 5 Line Pilots Association (CALPA) Air, and Wasaya have joined the Kennedy when summing up the Bearskin Airlines and ALPA, which at the time Association, while five of the merger: “‘Geography has made us 6 Calm Air brought 10 pilot groups and 2,700 original pilot groups have merged neighbors.… History has made us International Canadian pilots into the Associa- into Jazz Aviation (see “The Origi- friends. Economics has made us 7 Canadian Airlines tion—making ALPA more than nal 10”). Today, ALPA represents partners, and necessity has made International 43,000 pilots strong in 1997. approximately 2,500 Canadian us allies.’ Necessity must make us 8 Canadian Regional “By Canadian pilots being a part pilots from eight airlines. allies at this point in the history of Airlines of ALPA, we have access to a vast “While we’ve been prioritizing U.S. and Canadian pilots.” 9 Kelowna arsenal of tools and resources, our organizing in the U.S. and And with the addition of its Flightcraft the most talented negotiations Canada, with recent campaigns Canadian members, ALPA has 10 Northwest Territory team in the industry, and access at WestJet and Air Georgian Lim- become stronger in voice and ac- Airways to subject-matter experts and ited, our pilot union is stronger tion—recognized as the preemi- professional staff with aeromedi- with every pilot voice we add nent pilots’ union in the world (see

cal, legal, safety and security, com- and every collective agreement “Pilot Commentary,” page 6). GettyimagesPhoto:

a logo or a banner; rather, they ALPA, and the official merger CALPA–ALPA Merger Timeline are people committed to pilots’ process begins. With help from ALPA, the Canadian Air Line Pilots Association (CALPA) interests, goals, and well-being.” Jan. 10, 1997—Eighty-nine was founded in 1937 to represent the pilots of Trans-Canada Airlines, October 1996—At the As- percent of CALPA pilots vote in the forerunner of Air Canada. Together, with British ALPA, these orga- sociation’s Board of Directors favor of the merger, an over- nizations cofounded the International Federation of Air Line Pilots’ meeting, ALPA pilots vote whelming mandate to set the Associations (IFALPA) in 1948. unanimously for a merger with merger in motion. January 1994—ALPA’s Ex- organizations’ respective meet- CALPA. Capt. Duane Woerth, Feb. 1, 1997—The merger is of- ecutive Council authorizes the ings, observer status at govern- ALPA’s first vice president and ficially complete. McInnis, then- creation of an ALPA/CALPA Joint ing body meetings, and joint IFALPA director, states, “The IFALPA president, applauds the Study Committee, composed of media and negotiating training relationship that we’re forging new entity’s strength in unity, representatives from both or- seminars. with the pilots from Canada is stating: “Governments and ganizations, to pursue develop- an initial signal that the world’s January 1996—The service aviation authorities, as well as ment of a services agreement. pilots will meet the challenges agreement ends, and an ALPA/ aviation companies, are blurring of globalization together, creat- January 1995—The ALPA/ CALPA Steering Committee, with national boundaries through ing better careers for ourselves CALPA Administrative Services the mission of studying future harmonization, liberalization, and our families in the world- Agreement allows CALPA ac- action—including the possibility privation, equity investments, wide marketplace.” cess to ALPA staff resources for of a merger—is established. The and cross-borders alliance. Our specific projects on a fee-for- committee is led by Capt. Rob November 1996—At CALPA’s challenge is to ensure pilot rep- service basis. It also allows McInnis (Canadian), who later Convention Assembly, CALPA resentation is equally forward- for bilateral attendance and said, “Neither CALPA nor ALPA pilots vote unanimously for the looking and able to meet and speaking privileges at the two is a headquarters building or merger between CALPA and surpass coming challenges.”

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2017-01-atp-alpa-fp.indd 1 12/5/16 2:39 PM 52

» of your tax advisers, the official of yourtaxadvisers,theofficial by April18,2017).Forthebenefit ual taxreturnsaredue,generally, 2016 taxyear(forwhichindivid- diem reimbursements,forthe of travelexpenses,includingper ing thetaxationanddeductibility federal rulesforU.S.pilotsregard- articlesummarizesthe This Department Insurance & Retirement ALPA Attorney, Benefits Weech, R. John By Preparing Your 2016 Taxes Air Line Pilot Article Feature January-February 2017 January-February Air Line Pilot » PER DIEM UPDATE DIEM 2016 PER are availableatwww.irs.gov. dure 2011–47.Thesedocuments Diem Rates;andRevenueProce- penses; IRSPublication1542,Per Entertainment, Gift,andCarEx- in IRSPublication463,Travel, eral informationisalsocontained forth inIRSNotice2016–58.Gen- rules fortaxyear2016areset A incurred while onbusinesstravel. an itemizeddeduction forexpenses income, thepilotmay beentitledtoclaim that theairlineincludesintaxable employer, orreceives perdiempayments ments orreimbursementsfrom the for theexpensesnotcovered. entitled toclaimanitemizeddeduction expenses. Inthosecases,pilotsmay be to cover reasonablebusinesstravel airline pays orreimbursesisnotenough Frequently, theamount ofperdiemthe and arereportedonthepilot’sForm W-2. included intheemployee’s taxable income in excess ofthefederalperdiemratesare require sleeporrest)andamountspaid nonovernight trips(tripsthat donot Per diempayments paidforday orother doesn’t exceed thefederalperdiemrates. from apilot’sincomeistheamountthat Form W-2. Theamountgenerally excluded from apilot’staxableincomereportedon of thesepayments orreimbursements the airlinemay exclude alloraportion reimburses pilotsfortravel expenses), these perdiempayments (orotherwise while onatrip.Whenanairlinemakes tal expenses(M&IE)thatpilotsincur “per diem,”tocover mealsandinciden- each pilotafixed amount,oftencalled you prepareyour taxes. ing informationyou shouldconsideras Department hasputtogetherthefollow the pilot.ALPA’s Retirement &Insurance business expenses,by eithertheairlineor andnecessary are deductibleasordinary If apilotreceives noperdiempay or herqualifyingtravel expenses on businesstravel, thereforehis U.S. pilotflying thelineisalways that theairlinewillpay agreements provide lective bargaining Many ofALPA’s col- PER DIEM TAXATION OF - -

Photos: Gettyimages.com EXPENSES FOR from last year and remains $63 for ITEMIZED “OVERNIGHT TRIPS” CONUS and $68 for OCONUS. DEDUCTIONS For travel expenses to Pilots may use either the standard As mentioned earlier, if a be excluded from the M&IE rates or the special transportation pilot has business travel pilot’s taxable income industry M&IE rates to determine the expenses that the em- or to be claimed by the amount deemed substantiated for claim- ployer did not reimburse, pilot as an itemized deduction, the pilot’s ing itemized tax deductions. For any then the pilot may be able to claim an item- expense must be incurred while on a calendar year, a pilot must use either the ized deduction on his or her tax return. To business trip that requires sleep or rest (an standard M&IE rates for all CONUS travel claim this deduction, a pilot must complete “overnight trip”). Expenses incurred on or the special transportation industry Form 2106, “Employee Business Expenses.” trips that are not overnight do not satisfy M&IE rates for all CONUS travel, and the This form, and all other IRS forms and pub- this requirement. For pilots, the expenses same applies for all OCONUS travel. lications, may be obtained at www.irs.gov or at issue are usually M&IE expenses, be- by calling the IRS at 1-800-TAXFORM. cause the airline pays for lodging directly WHAT’S NOT INCLUDED To claim any business travel expense as or reimburses the pilot for it separately. IN THE M&IE RATES? an itemized deduction, a pilot must be able The “incidental expense” to substantiate the time, place, and busi- SUBSTANTIATING portion of the M&IE ness purpose of the business travel, and the EXPENSES rates does not include amount of the expense. The time, place, and Recognizing the burden such expenses as business purpose must be substantiated of substantiating taxi cab fares to and from lodging and with actual records, such as a pilot’s logbook. expenses, the IRS treats the business place and the place where The amount of the business expense must a designated amount meals are taken, telephone calls, laundry, also be substantiated; but in the case of of expenses relating to overnight trips cleaning and pressing, the mailing costs of M&IE, the amount may be deemed substan- as “deemed substantiated.” For amounts filing travel vouchers, and payments for tiated (no written records will be required). deemed substantiated, pilots need not employer-sponsored credit card billings. Other business travel expenses must be maintain any records of the amounts These expenses, to the extent they con- substantiated with records. (If the expense is actually spent while on the trip. stitute reasonable business expenses, are less than $75, the IRS won’t require a receipt If the employer pays for lodging deductible by the payor (airline or pilot) as to substantiate the amount spent on any separately, then the expenses that may business expenses (subject to applicable single purchase. But this rule doesn’t apply be deemed substantiated are those limits). to lodging expenses—receipts are necessary for M&IE. The amount that is deemed even if the expense is less than $75.) substantiated is generally equal to the PRORATING THE M&IE Generally, a pilot’s itemized deduction for standard amount the federal government LIMIT M&IE is subject to an 80 percent limit and would pay its own employees for M&IE The full M&IE amount a 2 percent threshold. Under a special rule when they travel to the same locality or is available only for for pilots, 80 percent of the M&IE amount the amount determined under special a full calendar day of deemed substantiated is deductible in 2016. M&IE rates applicable to transportation business travel, i.e., In addition, no itemized deduction for industry employees. from 12:01 a.m. through midnight. For a M&IE may be claimed unless the pilot’s ag- The federal government publishes partial day of travel, the taxpayer must gregate miscellaneous itemized deductions standard M&IE rates for every locality in prorate the applicable M&IE amount. The (including business expenses) exceed 2 the world. The M&IE rates for CONUS (for IRS allows 75 percent of the full M&IE percent of his or her adjusted gross income. Continental United States) can be found at amount to be claimed. Union dues constitute deductible employee www.gsa.gov. M&IE rates for OCONUS Assume, for example, that a pilot’s trip business expenses and count toward the 2 (for Outside CONUS) can be found at begins at 11:55 p.m. on Monday and ends percent threshold. www.state.gov. For 2016, the daily M&IE at 12:05 a.m. on Wednesday and that the rates for CONUS ranged from $51 to $74, pilot’s required rest occurred in cities APPLYING THE and from $1 to $299 for OCONUS. These with an applicable M&IE per diem rate of FEDERAL M&IE RATES rates may change on a monthly basis. $51. Applying the IRS’s allowed method USING THE STANDARD The IRS also provides special transpor- of proration, the amount deemed sub- M&IE RATES tation industry M&IE rates for CONUS stantiated would be $38.25 (.75 x $51) for For an example of how and OCONUS. For 2016, the transporta- Monday, $51 for Tuesday, and $38.25 (.75 x the federal M&IE rates tion industry M&IE rate is unchanged $51) for Wednesday. are applied, assume a collective bargaining

January-February 2017 Air Line Pilot » 53 Air Line Pilot Feature Article » PER DIEM UPDATE 2016

agreement entitles a pilot to per diem pay- the pilot’s income, if the pilot’s expenses M&IE rate for all CONUS trips in 2016. ments equal to $3.50 per hour. Assume also exceed the federal M&IE rate of $148, an In this example, if the airline had that a pilot covered by the agreement flew itemized deduction is available for all rea- excluded the pilot’s $48 per diem pay- a two-day trip in 2016, with report for duty sonable amounts spent (less the amount ment from his or her income, rather than at 12:01 a.m. on the first day, an overnight excluded from the pilot’s taxable income), including it as a taxable per diem allow- stay in Chicago, Ill., and release from duty but only if the pilot can actually substanti- ance, he or she would be entitled to take at midnight on the second day. ate all expenses (both above and below the an itemized M&IE deduction of $46.50 The 2016 federal M&IE rate for Chi- deemed substantiated amount of $148). ($94.50 minus $48) without substantia- cago is $74, so the maximum excludable For example, if the airline paid the pilot tion, using the special transportation amount for this trip is $148 ($74 x 2 days). excluded (nontaxable) per diem payments industry M&IE rates (subject to the 80 The pilot is actually paid per diem of $168 of $48, but the pilot’s actual, reasonable percent limit and 2 percent threshold). ($3.50/hour x 48 hours), so $148 is excluded M&IE were $200, the pilot could claim an When a pilot uses the special transpor- from the pilot’s taxable income and is itemized deduction of $152 ($200 minus tation industry M&IE rates, the deduction shown on the pilot’s Form W-2, Box 12, $48)—but only if the pilot could actually may be somewhat less than if the standard Code L. The remaining $20 is included in substantiate the entire $200 in expenses. M&IE rates are used, especially if the pilot the pilot’s taxable income and reported on Alternatively, the pilot could claim an usually travels to higher-cost destinations. Form W-2 in Box 1 (and Boxes 3 and 5, as itemized deduction of $100 ($148 minus applicable) as taxable wages. $48) without substantiating any expenses, WHAT IF A PILOT Alternatively, assume the collective since all expenses up to $148 are deemed REGULARLY TRAVELS bargaining agreement entitles the pilot to substantiated. (All of the pilot’s itemized OUTSIDE THE U.S.? per diem payments equal to only $1.00 per deductions would be subject to the 80 If a pilot generally trav- hour, and the pilot made the same two-day percent limit and 2 percent threshold.) els to high-cost areas of trip in 2016. In this scenario, the entire per the world away from diem payment of $48 ($1.00 x 48 hours) USING THE SPECIAL home on business outside the U.S., he or would be excluded from the pilot’s taxable TRANSPORTATION she may be entitled to a larger deduction income because this amount is less than INDUSTRY M&IE RATES using the M&IE rates for the specific the maximum excludable amount of $148. Assume a pilot travels location of travel. Assume, for example, However, in this case, the pilot may claim away from home on that the airline pays per diem at the rate an itemized deduction of $100 for the business within of $68 per day for an overseas trip that difference between the excluded payment CONUS. The airline pays the pilot a stan- is excluded for income tax purposes. If of $48 and the federal M&IE rate of $148, dard taxable per diem allowance of $2.00 the pilot uses the special transportation without needing to substantiate the M&IE for each hour the pilot is away from his industry M&IE rate to calculate the item- expenses actually incurred (subject to the or her domicile. The pilot leaves the domi- ized deductions for OCONUS for 2016, he 80 percent limit and 2 percent threshold cile at 9:00 a.m. on Monday and returns or she won’t be entitled to any itemized discussed above). to the domicile at 9:00 a.m. on Tuesday deduction since the special transporta- What if this pilot’s M&IE exceed $148? with an overnight stay. The pilot receives tion industry M&IE rate for OCONUS Regardless of the amount excluded from $48 ($2.00 x 24) in taxable per diem. The is $68 per day. However, by using the stan- CONUS special transportation industry dard M&IE rates for all OCONUS travel Tax Advice M&IE rate is $63 per day, so the amount that year, this pilot may be able to claim deemed substantiated using the special an itemized deduction for tax purposes. As with most matters concerning taxes, transportation industry rate for these Assume the pilot traveled to Narita, the federal law governing the taxation of days is $94.50 ($63 x 2 x .75), i.e., the total Japan; the standard OCONUS M&IE pilots’ expenses and per diem payments per diem allowance under the special rate for Narita is $84 per day. Using the is complex. All pilots are urged to obtain CONUS rates for the transportation in- standard OCONUS M&IE rates, the pilot competent tax advice about applying the dustry, prorated as discussed above. The generally would be able to claim an item- information in this article to their own pilot could claim an itemized deduction ized deduction of $16 ($84 minus $68) for situation. of $94.50 (subject to the 80 percent limit each full day of a trip to Narita, without and 2 percent threshold). If the pilot uses substantiation (subject to the 80 percent the special CONUS rates for the trans- limit and the 2 percent threshold). portation industry to calculate his or her deduction for any CONUS trips in 2016, Note: The examples in this article are for illustra- he or she must use the special CONUS tive purposes only.

54 » Air Line Pilot January-February 2017 Air Line Pilot Feature Article » FUME EVENTS

Fume•••••••••••••••••••••••••• Events How Do Fumes ALPA Developing Independent Study and Smoke Differ? By Capt. Jerry McDermott (United) ALPA National Pilot Assistance Chairman According to the International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO), fumes are “odorous, gaseous compounds [that] are not visible” and differ from smoke, which is “visible by the presence of small particles.” ICAO Circular 344, Guidelines on Education, Train- Reports of pilots diverting flights for smoke or fumes ing, and Reporting Practices Related to Fume Events, notes that fumes continue. ALPA’s Air Safety Organization (ASO) feels it’s alone can impair crewmembers, so important to raise awareness about the issue—including they need to know how to “recognize, characterize, and respond” to these an overview about the differences between fumes and smoke events. (see “How Do Fumes and Smoke Differ?”)—and to encourage pilots to report any fume events so that more information about How Can I Tell if their rate of occurrence and effects on health can be gathered a Fume Event is and studied. Occurring? The way people describe odor is sub- jective, but many have likened heated Health and air quality engine oil odors to the smell of dirty The significance and effects of fume events have socks, and hydraulic fluid fumes to been highly controversial, as many in the airline an acrid smell. As these are house- industry have widely differing positions on their op- hold odors, they’re often overlooked erational and health consequences. and underreported, says Capt. Eric In 2001, Congress called upon the National Tellmann (Spirit), the chairman of his Research Council (NRC) to study the question pilot group’s Master Executive Council of health and cabin air quality. In early 2002, Aeromedical Environmental Standards the NRC report was published and included Subcommittee. “As a workgroup, we specific recommendations to the FAA, have had some misconceptions over Congress, and industry to address identified the years about the air we breathe. air quality issues and to conduct additional The moldy, musty, or ‘dirty sock’ smell targeted research. that many of us dismiss deserves our That same year, the FAA responded to attention, because it indicates the the NRC recommendations, acknowl- presence of turbine oil fumes in the edging that it had “not kept pace with bleed system. Aside from the coalesc- public expectation and concern about er bag that acts as a coarse particu- air quality” and that “no airplane de- late filter, to the best of my knowledge sign incorporates an air contaminant there is no filter between the engines monitoring system to ensure that the and APU and the [air supply] vents in air provided to the occupants is free our workspace.”

January-February 2017 Air Line Pilot » 55 Air Line Pilot Feature Article » FUME EVENTS

“The potential for pilots to breathe oil fumes on board containing various toxic chemicals, including tricresyl phosphates (TCPs) and carbon monoxide (CO), has been recognized as a crew health and flight safety hazard in military and commercial circles since the 1950s.”

of hazardous contaminants.” Although medical certificates are not likely to be in potential risks that fume events pose, aeromedical issues arising from exposure jeopardy. ALPA, working together with airline to fumes continues to be a controversial Capt. Eric Tellmann (Spirit), the chair- managements and the FAA, has helped topic, in 2015 the International Civil Avia- man of his Master Executive Council’s established checklist procedures for fume tion Organization (ICAO) found that there Aeromedical Environmental Standards events. While every working situation is was enough concern that fumes could Subcommittee, experienced a fume event unique, one pilot group reports that the physically affect pilots that it published in 2015 while operating an A319 and has new procedure has improved safety and education and reporting guidelines, been an advocate for awareness ever prevented unnecessary fume-related which include potential reactions and since. diversions, and other pilot groups are acute symptoms based on reports from “The potential for pilots to breathe oil currently working to better identify and crewmembers (see “Learn More”). fumes on board containing various toxic report these events. These groups are chemicals, including tricresyl phosphates advocating for standardized reporting You can help (TCPs) and carbon monoxide (CO), has procedures, while asking for more infor- Recognizing fume events as a pilot oc- been recognized as a crew health and mation about the potential effects of fume cupational health issue, the Association’s flight safety hazard in military and com- inhalation. The ASO’s future collection Air Safety Organization is developing a mercial circles since the 1950s.” and use of pilot reports on fume events methodology to gather independent data Regarding possible fume exposure, will be focused on achieving these spe- to support a future study of the frequency Tellmann shares this advice, “Be aware cific goals and determining the frequency and risks associated with these events. of your flight environment: pay particular of these events. Accurately reporting odors associ- attention to fumes coming from the vents. We’re still learning about fume events, ated with suspected fume exposure Listen to the reports from your flight but we’ll continue to be proactive in order is one step that you can take now, as attendants, follow the latest—not out- to reduce the risks they may pose to well as “writing up” the aircraft in the dated—airline operating procedures, and pilots and cabin crewmembers. Look for maintenance logbook. However, consider donning oxygen if you suspect an update in Air Line Pilot that will provide remember that if you or a bleed air contamination. Don’t leave information about our data-collection ef- member of your crew it for the next guy to write up. fort and how you can contribute to it. experience incapacita- “Also, don’t assume that tion during the flight, because you’re fine, other you may be required to members of your crew are Learn More submit a report to your too,” Tellmann continues. The International Civil Aviation Organiza- company as the event “Similarly to how people tion’s Guidelines on Education, Training, and may be reportable to the can react differently to Reporting Practices Related to Fume Events is an NTSB. Pilots should seek a bee stings or peanuts, in- 18-page circular that provides “basic educa- medical evaluation as soon dividuals can metabolize tion regarding oil or hydraulic fluid fumes as possible if they have and respond to the type contaminating the aircraft air supply system.” any health concerns. of chemicals in these The guidance contains information for crew Unless a significant fumes differently. training to “prevent, recognize, and respond” and persistent medical Document, docu- to fume events and includes a standardized consequence of the ment, document, reporting form and troubleshooting methods. event results in ongo- and put health The circular is available for purchase at http:// ing requirements and safety first.” store1.icao.int/index.php/catalogsearch/

for treatment, FAA Based on the result/?q=CIR344. Gettyimages.comImages:

56 » Air Line Pilot January-February 2017 ALPA@work Advancing the Profession…Pilots & Staff

Executive Committee, EVPs A look at the Executive were tasked with representing Council’s Oct. 15, 2016, meet- ALPA’s EVPs— BOD interests and advising ing provides some insight ALPA’s president during the into the kinds of issues EVPs two-year interim between can be asked to address. The What They Do BOD meetings. Executive Council deliberated The roles & responsibilities of ALPA’s In time, the Executive Com- on nearly a dozen proposed mittee would morph into the resolutions. EVPs received executive vice presidents. Executive Council, and the briefings on the status of two role of the EVP would also Major Contingency Fund al- evolve to meet the chang- locations to master executive ing needs of ALPA and its councils and made decisions members. about the maintenance of Article VI of ALPA’s Con- the Association’s Operating stitution & By-Laws notes Contingency Fund. They also that the Executive Council is reviewed current Major Con- composed of ALPA’s presi- tingency Fund expenditures dent, first vice president, vice and resolved several other president–administration/ pilot group concerns. secretary, vice president– The Constitution & By- finance/treasurer, and the Laws’ Article XIV explains EVPs and acts in consulta- how EVPs are selected among tion and cooperation with the ALPA’s member pilot groups. president to further the objec- On the third day of a regular tives and policies of the BOD BOD meeting, master execu- (predominantly ALPA’s local tive council members of the council status representatives) pilot group/groups represent- n Oct. 19, 2016, ALPA’s ALPA’s other elected leaders? and Executive Board (chiefly ed form an election caucus. Board of Directors The EVP position has been the Association’s master ex- They make nominations, hear O (BOD) elected the in existence since pilot repre- ecutive council chairmen). from each of the candidates, Association’s latest slate of sentatives at the Association’s The Executive Council and elect a representative by executive vice presidents 1947 convention discussed its manages a large part of the roll-call, majority vote. (EVPs): Group A: Capt. Andrew creation, and Clarence Sayen union’s fiduciary respon- U.S. airlines with at least Massey (Delta), Capt. Russell (Braniff) filled the position sibilities, serving as gen- 4,000 active members in good Sklenka (FedEx Express), and two years later. The original eral trustees handling ALPA’s standing, or with a projected F/O Mike Hamilton (United); office was established to pre- finances, business decisions, annualized dues income of Group B1: Capt. Michael pare him to serve as ALPA’s and approval of the Associa- at least $10,000,000, come McMackin (JetBlue); Group next president. Others would tion’s budget. The Executive under the “Group A” EVP. B2: F/O Karen Lacy (Express- hold this office, including Council authorizes loans or U.S. airlines with fewer Jet) [see “The Landing,” page Capt. Sterling Camden (East- guarantee notes, as needed, to than 4,000 active members 61]; Group B3: Capt. Matthew ern) and Capt. Kay McMurray fund approved programs. The in good standing and with Chadwick (Air Wisconsin); (United). group may interpret policy or fewer than $10,000,000 in and Group C: Capt. Dan Ada- However, ALPA’s BOD initiate changes to policy or projected annualized dues mus (Jazz Aviation). decided to reinvent the EVP the Constitution & By-Laws. income are divided into three These seven pilot represen- position in 1974 “to ensure ALPA’s Executive Board or subcategories: B1, B2, and B3. tatives will spend the next two continuity of representation the BOD has the authority The “Group C” EVP represents years serving ALPA members for the membership and to to establish policy, but only pilots of ALPA’s Canadian and playing an important role provide more effective coordi- the BOD has final say on any member airlines. in ALPA’s system of gover- nation of board interests with proposed changes to ALPA’s nance. But what distinguishes organizational operations.” Constitution & By-Laws (by a —John Perkinson, Senior Staff

Photo: Chris Weaver this office from those of Serving as members of the 2/3 majority vote). Writer

January-February 2017 Air Line Pilot » 57 58 Health Watch E

» affects all airline pilots, regardless of the affects allairline pilots,regardlessofthe safety forthesimple reasonthatfatigue based measurestosecureone level of continues topressforadditional science- include all-cargooperations,and ALPA and nuancesofthenew rules. pilots betterunderstandtheapplication able ontheAssociation’swebsite, tohelp and Rest Requirements,” which isavail- “Guide toPart 117Flight-Time Limitations cal explanationoftheregulationstitled requirements. ALPA published apracti- tem andestablishingscience-basedrest like theFatigue RiskManagementSys- tions in60years, introducingconcepts update offlight-andduty-time regula- zones. FAR Part 117was thefirstmajor fects oftraveling throughnumeroustime science ofcircadianrhythms andtheef- and duty-time regulationsthatreflectthe in convincing theFAA toupdateflight- the needsofAssociationmembers. tailoredtomeet programs andservices policygroups,andanarray of industry advocacy tory efforts,participationin through aggressive legislative andregula- ALPA spearheadspilot-healthissues are given fullconsideration.Accordingly, in ensuringthattheserecommendations haveindustry animportantroletoplay on theseitems,bothgovernment and tion, andrequiredmedicalfitnessasgoals. and otherdrugimpairmentintransporta- fatigue-related accidents,anendtoalcohol Of thelist,boardcitedreductionof tions forairlinepilothealthandwellness. on the2017–2018listhasspecificimplica- nearly one-thirdoftherecommendations By ALPA Staff ALPA By Priorities Health NTSB Supports Actively ALPA January-February 2017 January-February Air Line Pilot Unfortunately, thesechanges didn’t For example,ALPA was instrumental While theNTSBcan’trequireaction intended forallmodesoftravel, but top 10safetyimprovements listis ach year theNTSB’s“Most Wanted”

and theFAA toensurethatall required ferral system,working withbothairlines confidential, peeridentification andre- program,ALPA supervisory initiated a well suitedfor atraditional,on-the-job Realizing isnot that theairlineindustry alcoholism intheairlinepilot population. tervention Motivation Study) toexamine research projectcalledHIMS(Human In- and Alcoholismtolaunchamedical the National InstituteforAlcoholAbuse tion. Inthe1970s,ALPA partnered with serious threatstoallformsoftransporta- they’re publishedthissummer. comments totheproposedrulesonce engaged withstakeholders andwillprovide the announcement,ALPA has beenactively finally announcednew regulations.Since the working groupwas created,theagency on duty. InJune 2016,almostsixyears after govern how longcommercialpilotscanbe group withupdatingtheregulationsthat 2010, Transport Canadatasked aworking ernize long-overdue pilotfatiguerules.In working withTransport Canadatomod- nature oftheiroperations. to lives saved.” to livessaved.” road mapfromlessonslearned described the10itemsas“our NTSB ChairmanChristopherHart In announcingtheboard’slist, Alcoholism and substance abuse pose Alcoholism andsubstanceabusepose North ofthe49thparallel,ALPA hasbeen

AVIATION MARINE

HIGHWAY PIPELINE RAIL

high priorityfor ALPA. crucial toaviation safetyandremainsa promoting pilothealthandwell-being is learned tolives saved.” Aswe begin2017, 10 itemsas“ourroadmapfrom lessons Chairman ChristopherHartdescribed the welfare. Look fordetailsthisspring. a new programtofurtherpromotepilot brella, isinthefinalstagesofdeveloping cal Group,underthePilot Assistanceum- operations. Inaddition,ALPA’s Aeromedi- problems thatcaninterferewithairline dards pilotrepsaddressinterpersonal cidents andincidents.Professional Stan- who sufferstressreactionsfollowing ac- (CIRP) toaidmembersandtheirfamilies the CriticalIncidentResponse Program Group. Trained pilotvolunteers staff throughitsPilot Assistance ous services org orat403-616-3181. Murray Munro atMurray.Munro@alpa. airline or,ifthepositionisvacant, Capt. to contactPilot Assistancepeersattheir aeromedical questionsareencouraged regular businesshours. free ofcharge,call303-341-4435during speak withadoctorconfidentially and health, employment, anddisability. To about medicalconcernsasthey relateto cine physicians consultwithmembers cation. Board-certified aerospacemedi- particulars ofmedicalpolicyandcertifi- closely withtheFAA andunderstandsthe fice (www.aviationmedicine.com), works also known asALPA’s Aeromedical Of- Aviation Medicine AdvisoryService, of healthandwellness concerns.The Rehabilitation program. to HIMSinCanadaisthePilot Health and returned toflying duties.The equivalent are medically recertifiedand successfully with alcohol/substanceabusedisorders (ASO) Pilot AssistanceGroup,many pilots ponent ofALPA’s AirSafetyOrganization return tothecockpit. dards aremetbeforeanaffectedpilotcan medical andtechnicalperformancestan- In announcing the board’s list, NTSB In announcingtheboard’slist, NTSB ALPA’s ASOstructureprovides numer- Canadian ALPA pilotswithconfidential Pilot fitnesscovers abroadspectrum Thanks totheHIMSprogram,acom-

Image: www.ntsb.gov Our Stories www.alpa.org/ourstories

Fair Winds & Following Seas United Pilot Competes in Caribbean Regatta

By John Perkinson, Senior Staff Writer Sail On Above: The British Virgin Islands consist of more than 50 islands and cays, including Tortola and ast fall, Capt. Ryan Cecil (United) Virgin Gorda. participated in a unique event serving Left: Ryan enjoys beautiful weather and some down- L as crew aboard a 52-foot yacht sailing time between heats. in the Moorings Interline Regatta. Part race, Below left: The trophy awarded for placing first in part festival, the regatta—which some con- Category C in the 2016 Moorings Interline Regatta. sider to be a best-kept vacation/excursion secret—has out commands in Norwegian. “That made been drawing airline pilots for a fun learning curve,” he said. and other employees from boats in the race’s “C,” or larg- The final heat featured a longer course around the world for three est, class. Events ranged from taking nearly three hours to complete. The decades. short runs taking 20 to 30 winds were good that day, and the team “The competition takes minutes to longer distances placed a strong second. However, the boat’s place in the British Virgin typically lasting several hours, overall performance in all seven events was Islands,” said Cecil, who’s and race courses weaved good enough to secure a first-place trophy. participated in the flotilla throughout the country’s Cecil hopes to return next year if his for the past two years. “In chain of islands. schedule and circumstances permit. He 2015, a first officer I flew Cecil acknowledged that noted that in addition to race participants, with told me about the the start is often the most many spectators attend the regatta, view- event, and a friend who had a boat in the challenging phase of a race. “Everyone is ing the event from large catamarans and competition was looking for someone to in constant motion, and you’re trying to enjoying the nightly festivities held at sub for a crewmember who’d dropped out figure out where the winds are the best. different venues, including Leverick Bay at the last minute,” Cecil remarked. He not- The key is to cross the starting line as close Resort on Virgin Gorda. “It’s a lot of fun ed that, like himself, the other sailors were to when the horn sounds as possible,” he and a great way to meet people from other former Continental employees. Appropri- remarked. countries who work in our industry.” ately, their vessel was called the ExCon. Any sailors worth their salt have a In 2016, the absent crewmember couple of tricks up their sleeves, and the returned, compelling Cecil to look for an- skipper of the SAS ship didn’t disappoint. other craft. He contacted Moorings directly Cecil recalled, “During one of the short and was put in touch with a Norwegian races, everyone was essentially lined up crew of Scandinavian Airlines (SAS) when the horn went off, with our boat in employees sailing a Jeanneau-brand yacht. the farthest upwind spot. While the others They all spoke English and extended Cecil headed straight out, our captain took an a warm welcome. almost immediate 90-degree turn, separat- The 35th annual Moorings Interline ing us from the crowd. This move turned Regatta took place Oct. 11–18, 2016. Cecil out to be a great strategy as we finished at flew into Terrance Lettsome International least a minute ahead of everyone else.” Airport on Beef Island, driving to nearby Cecil observed that along with a good Tortola to meet up with his crew. On board strategy, those manning the helm need to the yacht, Cecil was usually assigned the know their rights of way. He noted that jib, a triangular sail at the front of the boat, when yachts are maneuvering in close prox- but filled in where he was most needed. imity and at risk of collision, the boat on the The group spent several days practicing be- port side (left) must give way to the vessel fore their first official race on October 14. on the starboard (right). Cecil recalled that During the regatta, the team participat- during tense points in the race, the captain

Photos courtesy of Capt. Ryan Cecil (United) ed in seven heats competing with 11 other would revert to his native language, barking

January-February 2017 Air Line Pilot » 59 RecentlyRetired

Capt. David Atlas United September Capt. Dennis E. Saab United October Fellow ALPA Members, Capt. Ricardo M. Barrios United September Capt. Gregory L. Schnurr United October Every year we say good-bye to many proud airline pilots who retire from the Capt. James C. Bost United September Capt. Gregory R. Simmons United October ranks of airline flying. They have served the profession during some of our F/O Jerry A. Howalt United September Capt. Neil E. Solomon United October industry’s most turbulent times. We would like to recognize their service in Air Capt. Dave Krebes United September Capt. Robert K. Sparger United October Line Pilot. Capt. Keith D. Kreykes United September Capt. Paul Villery United October Capt. Howard J. Marcus United September Capt. Craig C. Warner United October Capt. Tim Canoll Capt. Eugene F. Miller United September Capt. Robert M. Wilkerson United October ALPA President Capt. John R. Ryan United September F/O Robert E. Records Air Transport November F/O Ken Binder Capt. Robert L. Solosky United September International ALPA R&I Committee Chairman Capt. Robert P. Ullman United September Capt. Ricky D. Brooks Air Wisconsin November Capt. William M. Umpleby United September F/O Glenn D. Brady Alaska November Capt. Scott A. Davis Alaska November 2015 Capt. Glen R. Cernik United August Capt. Randy T. Warren United September Capt. Robert A. Krause Alaska November F/O Marion L. Moore United December Capt. Gary H. Chapman United August Capt. Brad R. Rath Air Transport October International Capt. Robert W. Akin Delta November Capt. James D. Cole United August 2016 Capt. Hans G. Pann Alaska October Capt. William L. Bard Delta November Capt. David L. Conner United August Capt. Richard J. Knowski Delta April Capt. Thomas E. Ruyle Atlantic Southeast October Capt. Greg C. Borge Delta November Capt. Steven D. Crozier United August Capt. Richard L. Lee Envoy Air May Capt. Terry M. Ackman Delta October Capt. Daniel P. Browne Delta November Capt. Robert D. Danielson United August Capt. Michael P. Hall United May Capt. William G. Aten Delta October Capt. Stephen R. Cammack Delta November Capt. Terrence P. Dugan United August Capt. Gregory P. Hartman United May Capt. Kevin W. Bassett Delta October F/O James V. Cerulli Delta November Capt. John A. Herron United August Capt. Brian T. Cronin Envoy Air June Capt. Roland Butterfield Delta October F/O James D. Cooper Delta November Capt. Daniel L. Kinzie United August Capt. Serge Poirier Air Transat July Capt. Timothy A. Cwynar Delta October Capt. James G. Coyle Delta November Capt. Larry G. Knutson United August Capt. Philippe Villemaire Air Transat July Capt. Gary R. Goltz Delta October Capt. Richard A. Crawford Delta November Capt. Vince E. Lanci United August Capt. William R. Strohmer Atlantic Southeast July F/O Stephen W. Gregor Delta October F/O Brant F. Dauenhauer Delta November Capt. Judy A. Lee United August Capt. Paul G. Gallant Envoy Air July Capt. Donald A. Hill Delta October Capt. F.T. Facer Delta November F/O George A. Montgomery United August Capt. Ernesto De Armas FedEx Express July Capt. Steve G. Kaminski Delta October Capt. Charles J. Foster Delta November Capt. Gary L. Sortland United August F/O Gary S. Sewall FedEx Express July Capt. Steven P. Lawrence Delta October Capt. Patrick H. Gavin Delta November Capt. Bruce Stone United August Capt. Bruce A. Taylor FedEx Express July F/O Edwin R. Loskill Delta October Capt. J.L. Littrell Delta November Capt. Dave Ulery United August Capt. Dickie J. White FedEx Express July Capt. John S. Magnusson Delta October Capt. Mark H. Luetkemeyer Delta November Capt. Joe A. Waltz United August F/O Randolph E. Price JetBlue Airways July Capt. Mark R. Mathison Delta October Capt. A. McClain Delta November Capt. Brian D. Williamson United August Capt. James G. Knepper United July Capt. Dallas R. Mims Delta October Capt. Richard E. McClain Delta November Capt. Rebecca Cozad Alaska September Capt. Laurance H. Stech United July Capt. Alan T. Nacke Delta October Capt. John S. Myhre Delta November Capt. Laura J. Hutchison Alaska September Capt. Richard Barrieau Air Transport Capt. William P. O’Donnell Delta October Capt. Timothy D. Nations Delta November International August Capt. David E. Johnson Alaska September Capt. Reid E. Peterson Delta October Capt. Michael W. Northrip Delta November Capt. Joseph P. Wantuch Air Transport Capt. Douglas A. Kempf Alaska September International August Capt. Peter P. Pino Delta October F/O Richard P. Owen Delta November Capt. Victor R. Santie Alaska September Capt. John R. Elliott Delta August Capt. Daniel L. Sinner Delta October Capt. Terry L. Parsons Delta November Capt. Everett W. Atlantic Southeast September Capt. W.D. Griffith Delta August Westerman Capt. William F. Thomas Delta October Capt. Lloyd L. Sauls Delta November Capt. W.A. Hendrex Delta August Capt. Kent L. Adams Delta September Capt. James L. Van Sickle Delta October Capt. Thomas L. Schuessler Delta November Capt. Bradley G. Hoxsey Delta August Capt. Harold S. Benson Delta September Capt. James M. Wenk Delta October Capt. James B. Scott Delta November Capt. Chet W. Klein Delta August Capt. William H. Cope Delta September Capt. Roger D. Wiggins Delta October Capt. Jerry L. Suenaga Delta November Capt. Jeffrey J. Korn Delta August F/O Charles F. Donahue Delta September Capt. Charles R. Williamson Delta October Capt. Charles J. Walsh Delta November Capt. Robert E. McDonnell Delta August Capt. David M. Elkins Delta September Capt. Dominic L. Hall Endeavor Air October Capt. Jerome T. Weber Delta November Capt. Timothy I. Meldahl Delta August Capt. J.M. Holmquist Delta September Capt. William J. Rowden Envoy Air October Capt. Vernon C. Western Delta November Capt. John R. Meninga Delta August Capt. Allen H. Jackson Delta September Capt. Melvin Wallace Envoy Air October Capt. Steve R. Yonaka Delta November Capt. Jeffrey C. Miller Delta August Capt. Michael J. Klysa Delta September Capt. Frederick J. Wilcoxon Envoy Air October Capt. Joseph J. Zander Delta November F/O Steven J. Oberlin Delta August Capt. Joseph G. Kohler Delta September Capt. Jack W. Godshall ExpressJet October Capt. Jeffrey M. Filice FedEx Express November Capt. Patrick E. Oren Delta August Capt. Dennis R. Leighton Delta September Capt. Charles A. Alonso FedEx Express October Capt. Carl Gustke FedEx Express November Capt. L.V. Powell Delta August Capt. William J. Meyer Delta September Capt. John P. Bergamini FedEx Express October Capt. Russ D. Lake FedEx Express November Capt. Joseph J. Richter Delta August F/O Randy L. Skaare Delta September Capt. Danny D. Depauw FedEx Express October Capt. Ron A. Rudnick FedEx Express November Capt. William A. Sanford Delta August Capt. Charles R. Sorensen Delta September Capt. Fran Felice FedEx Express October Capt. Ronald W. Slater Piedmont November F/O Frank J. Soave Delta August Capt. James E. Stinson Delta September Capt. Thomas Ross FedEx Express October Capt. Sidney C. Berdon United November Capt. J.A. Stroem Delta August Capt. Paul R. West Delta September Capt. John V. Walsh FedEx Express October Capt. Richard H. Bixby United November Capt. Stephen A. Thompson Delta August Capt. Robert G. Harris Endeavor Air September Capt. Patrick J. Friskel Hawaiian October Capt. John D. Bravender United November Capt. John F. Urban Delta August Capt. Donald H. Nash Envoy Air September Capt. Roderick T. Burpee Jazz Aviation October F/O David A. Graham United November Capt. Mark L. Vosko Delta August Capt. Gary K. Shipman Envoy Air September Capt. Dave J. Haffey Jazz Aviation October Capt. Clark A. Heath United November Capt. Neil R. Waters Delta August Capt. Earl Brownlee FedEx Express September Capt. Murray J. Steele Jazz Aviation October Capt. Ronald T. Hill United November Capt. Scott Wilson Delta August F/O Kim R. Calvin FedEx Express September Capt. Jorge E. Ruiz Piedmont October Capt. Robert I. Hockenhull United November Capt. Luis A. Ferrer Envoy Air August Capt. Gary I. Driscoll FedEx Express September Capt. Michael D. Ebaugh Spirit October Capt. Michael E. Jupiter United November Capt. Stephen J. Rose ExpressJet August Capt. Norman W. Goodyear FedEx Express September Capt. Roy C. Parkinson Spirit October F/O Gregory F. Kelly United November Capt. Ronald W. Thompson ExpressJet August Capt. William N. Hebert FedEx Express September Capt. Richard A. Adams United October Capt. Mitchell I. Leibowitz United November Capt. Kevin P. Delaney FedEx Express August F/O Ross Henne FedEx Express September Capt. Lawrence S. Barreca United October Capt. Nihal B. Perera United November Capt. Mario Jimenez FedEx Express August Capt. Joseph L. King FedEx Express September Capt. William N. Cavanaugh United October Capt. Peter W. Ripley United November Capt. Gary L. Shellenberger FedEx Express August Capt. Bill A. Rochette FedEx Express September Capt. John M. Crawford United October Capt. Philip P. Rizzo United November Capt. Gerry L. Twombly FedEx Express August Capt. James M. Tucker FedEx Express September Capt. Tom L. Dusin United October Capt. Richard G. Shear United November Capt. Searle C. Hartman First Air August Capt. David M. Tyler FedEx Express September Capt. Edward J. Ebeling United October Capt. Richard W. Siegfried United November Capt. Mark A. Anderson Hawaiian August Capt. Don E. Zeigler FedEx Express September Capt. David K. Jenkins United October Capt. Jack A. Sosebee United November Capt. Paul Nelson Jazz Aviation August F/O Brian D. Schuett Frontier Airlines September Capt. Kenneth J. Johansson United October F/O Marguerite L. Zaimes United November Capt. Clifton E. Biederman Spirit August Capt. Jeremy E. Chellin Hawaiian September Capt. Gregg B. Jones United October Capt. Douglas O. Hands Delta December Capt. David P. Aureden United August Capt. Charles A. Perkins Hawaiian September F/O Douglas V. Joyce United October F/O Robert L. Lewis Delta December Capt. Jeffrey K. Brauch United August Capt. David D. Thompson JetBlue Airways September Capt. Michael L. Motsay United October Capt. Joseph E. Delta December Szumachowski Capt. Lawrence D. Buckler United August Capt. John Monteiro Trans States September F/O Michael D. Peterson United October Capt. John E. Wellman Delta December Capt. Timothy A. Campbell United August F/O Emmet D. Anderson United September Capt. Randy R. Power United October Capt. John R. Woelfel Delta December

60 » Air Line Pilot January-February 2017 Photo: A. A. Q. A. Q.

different roles. My work on the Fee- the on work My roles. different fill and projects new with tasked get to easy fairly it’s that found I’ve work, good doing are and ALPA with involved get you Once union. the with involved be to Iwanted that one day from I knew where you are now? are you where to way your paved work that has how teer your throughout ALPA career? And volun and up step to you compelled national level. And now EVP. What’s the at Committee Fee-for-Departure the on and rep, officer afirst as tee, Commit Steering airline’s your tee, Commit aMerger on You’ve worked smiling. stop Icouldn’t Then nounced. an was name my before in sink to it for time have really Ididn’t so results, the announced officially ALPA’s president] [Canoll, Tim before and completed was election the after just it about told Iwas a“first.” I’d be that aware Iwasn’t but rare, were positions ALPA elected in women that Iknew time.” about it’s Iguess then Well, a thing? still this is this? is How year what “Wait, your initial reaction? was What ceiling. glass ALPA an broke you Council, Executive the to election your With congratulations. all, of First CEILING on this momentouson what and achievement this led her here. history. Association’s president vice the in executive female (EVP) first the became officially 1, 2017, Jan. On F/O (ExpressJet) made Lacy when ALPA she Karen history SHATTERS F/O LACY KAREN - - - - A. A. Q. A. Q.

It seems like every milestone is better better is milestone every like seems It pilot? airline an as moment proudest your been What’s world. the in job best the truly is apilot all—being at decision my regretted Ihaven’t bumpy. be might path career my that knowing regionals the at started and plunge the Itook do. to meant Iwas what was apilot being that accepted Ifinally and time, spare my in instructing flight Istarted Eventually jobs. nonflying several Itried graduation after that, of Because then. around bleak pretty was path career pilot the know, all we as and 2001; August in Istarted but aviation, for college to Iwent flying. in interested been always I’ve and blood, my in is aviation so licenses pilots’ private their had parents his and dad My career? your in started get you did how And career. fulfilling and along has pilot ALPA every sure make to Ican what doing about passionate I’m career. our to threats the all throughout unity of importance the and levels, and global are facing national, on local, pilots challenges the to eyes my opened particular, in Committee, for-Departure Air Line Pilot Line Air

By Kevin Cuddihy, Contributing Writer Contributing Cuddihy, Kevin By reached out to reached get to her thoughts Lacy GLASS GLASS A. A. Q. A. Q.

other title I have my eye on is “captain.” is on eye my Ihave title other only The consequence. ahappy just was it intention, my wasn’t afirst Being on? eye your have you ALPA at others any there are ceiling, glass one broken you’ve that now Finally, fields. STEM in careers—particularly encouraged to pursue nontraditional being aren’t girls little of alot and pervasive, still is attitude that I think pilots!” be could women know didn’t “I me, to exclaim passengers female had I’ve times, Several rare. rassingly embar still are pilots female time, along for aviation in been have women while instance, For want. they anything be actually can they that aware girls little making be to going it’s I think women? of gest challenge for the next generation big the be will believe you do What cool. really was EVP female first the Iwas that announced was it after ovation astanding getting But 121 airline. Part a at hired Igot when and checkride, CFI checkride, pilot private my after thing same the Ithought Then pilot!” areal I’m “Now time, first the for Isoloed after ing think Iremember one. previous the than January-February 2017 Air Line Pilot January-February www.alpa.org/karen-lacy. interview continues at luck. F/O Karen Lacy’s more? You’re in Want toread Read On

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Photo: Keith Mellinick

ALPA Resources & Contact Numbers

National Executive Vice Presidents Officers For more information on which pilot groups executive vice presidents represent, visit www.alpa.org/evp. For complete biographical information on ALPA’s national officers, visit www.alpa.org/leaders.

 F/O Mike  Capt. Andrew  Capt. Russell  Capt. Mike  F/O Karen Lacy  Capt. Matthew  Capt. Dan Hamilton (United) Massey (Delta) Sklenka McMackin (ExpressJet) Chadwick Adamus (FedEx Express) (JetBlue) Atlantic Southeast, (Air Wisconsin) (Jazz Aviation) Endeavor Air, Compass, Express- Air Wisconsin, Air Transat, Envoy Air, Jet, Island Air, Alaska, Commut- Bearskin, Calm Air, Frontier, PSA, Sun Country, Air, Mesa, Spirit, Canadian North, Capt. Tim Capt. Joe Hawaiian, JetBlue, Virgin America Trans States First Air, Jazz Piedmont, Air Aviation, Kelowna Canoll DePete Transport Flightcraft, President First Vice International Wasaya President

ALPA Sudoku (Created by Sudoku Generator, http://sudoku.smike.ru) Complete the sudoku puzzle so that each The solution to this month’s ALPA column, each row, and each of the nine sudoku can be found on page 11. 3×3 sub-grids that compose the grid Prefer other puzzle types? Tell us what contain all the digits from 1 to 9. you think. E-mail [email protected].

Capt. William Capt. Randy Couette Helling Vice Presi- Vice Presi- dent–Admin- dent–Finance/ 43 istration/ Treasurer Secretary 15 8 53 8 9521

Capt. Rick Capt. Paul 53 Dominguez Ryder (Delta) (ExpressJet) Executive National Adminis- Resource 264 trator Coordinator 518 92

Photos: Chris Weaver 37 4

62 » Air Line Pilot January-February 2017

8 2 9 1 7 4 6 5 3 7 4 1 5 6 3 8 2 9 5 3 6 2 8 9 4 1 7 6 8 7 9 4 5 2 3 1 4 5 2 6 3 1 9 7 8 9 1 3 8 2 7 5 6 4 2 7 5 4 1 8 3 9 6 1 9 4 3 5 6 7 8 2 3 6 8 7 9 2 1 4 5 Air Line PilOt

Editor in Chief Sharon R. Bhagwandin Associate Managing & Production Editor ALPA Information Numbers Susan Fager The following ALPA resources may be reached by e-mail or by dialing, toll-free, 1-888-359-2572 Senior Staff Writer John Perkinson (1-888-FLY-ALPA). Once connected, press the # key on your phone and dial the last four digits of the Senior Advocacy Writer Linda Shotwell number listed below. However, the ALPA main number, ASPEN, Member Insurance, and Membership Senior Aviation Technical Writer Administration numbers need to be dialed directly. Christopher Freeze

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Canadian North–CNP MEC Hawaiian–HAL MEC United–UAL MEC 2017 EBCB Schedule 780-718-6012 808-836-2572 847-292-1700 The Association’s Election and Ballot Certification *CanJet–CJA MEC Island Air–AIS MEC Virgin America–VRD MEC Board’s schedule for counting ballots is February 1-800-959-1751 808-838-0188 435-962-0951 10, March 10, April 10, May 10, June 9, July 10, August 10, September 8, October 10, November CommutAir–CMT MEC Jazz Aviation–JAZ MEC Wasaya–WSG MEC 10, and December 8. 440-985-8579 1-800-561-9576 807-624-7270 Any ALPA member in good standing may be pres- Compass–CPZ MEC JetBlue–JBU MEC ent as an observer during any meeting. Contact the 952-853-2373 603-303-2195 Association’s Membership and Council Services *Pilot group in custodianship Department for scheduling.

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