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January-February 2018 ALSO IN THIS ISSUE: Air » Our Union page 5 » Per Diem Update page 52 » ALPA@Work page 56 Line PilOt Official Journal of the Air Line Pilots Association, International

Air Georgian Air Transat Air Transport International Air Wisconsin Alaska Atlantic Southeast Bearskin Calm Air Canadian North CommutAir Compass Delta Encore Endeavor Air Envoy Air ExpressJet PILOT GROUP PROFILES: FedEx Express First Air Frontier Hawaiian Island Air Jazz Aviation 2018 JetBlue Kelowna Flightcraft Mesa Piedmont PSA PILOTS Spirit Sun Country Trans States United OF ALPA Virgin America Wasaya ALPA PRIORITY: REPRESENTING WestJet 59,000 PILOTS IN THE U.S. » PAGE 17 Twitter Facebook Instagram AND CANADA

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2018-0102-atp-alpa-fp.indd 1 11/27/17 9:35 AM JANUARY-FEBRUARY2018CONTENTS VOLUME 87, NUMBER 1

January-February 2018 ALSO IN THIS ISSUE: » Our Union page 5 » Per Diem Update COMMENTARY page 52 » ALPA@Work Air Georgian Air page 56 5 OUR UNION Air Transat Line Air Transport International PilOt Official Journal of the Air Line Pilots Association, International Pilots Lay It on the Line Air Wisconsin Air Georgian Air Transat Air Transport International Alaska Air Wisconsin Alaska 6 PILOT COMMENTARY Atlantic Southeast Atlantic Southeast Bearskin Calm Air Canadian North Our Third Decade of Moving CommutAir Bearskin Compass Delta Encore Canadian Aviation Forward Endeavor Air Calm Air Envoy Air ExpressJet FedEx Express Canadian North First Air PILOT GROUP PROFILES: Frontier Hawaiian Island Air CommutAir Jazz Aviation JetBlue Kelowna Flightcraft 2018 Compass Mesa FEATURES Piedmont PSA Spirit PILOTS Delta Sun Country Trans States United Virgin America 17 2018 PILOTS OF ALPA Encore Wasaya OF ALPA WestJet ALPA PRIORITY: REPRESENTING 59,000 PILOTS IN THE U.S. Follow us on Twitter Endeavor Air PRINTED IN THE U.S.A. @wearealpa AND CANADA » PAGE 17 52 PREPARING Envoy Air YOUR 2017 TAXES ExpressJet FedEx Express 55 THE FUTURE LOOKS First Air ABOUT THE COVER BRIGHT FOR ALPA Frontier CANADA MEMBERS Hawaiian The many lanyards from Island Air various ALPA pilot groups Jazz Aviation highlight this issue’s “2018 JetBlue Pilots of ALPA.” Cover photo Kelowna Flightcraft Mesa by Chris Weaver. Piedmont PSA Air Line Pilot (ISSN 0002-242X) is published monthly except for combined January/ Spirit February and June/July issues by the Air Sun Country Line Pilots Association, International, affiliated with AFL-CIO, CLC. Editorial Trans States Offices: 535 Herndon Parkway, Herndon, United VA 20170. Telephone: 703-481-4460. Fax: 17 703-464-2114. Copyright © 2018—Air Line Virgin America Pilots Association, International, all rights Wasaya 17 reserved. Publication in any form without WestJet permission is prohibited. Air Line Pilot and the ALPA logo Reg. U.S. Pat. and T.M. Office. Federal I.D. 36-0710830. Periodicals postage paid at Herndon, VA 20170 and additional offices. DEPARTMENTS 61 THE LANDING Postmaster: Send address changes to Air 52 ALPA Pilot Groups’ New Year’s Line Pilot, 535 Herndon Parkway, Herndon, VA 20170. 7 PREFLIGHT Resolutions Canadian Publications Mail Agreement #40620579 56 ALPA@WORK 62 WE ARE ALPA Adapting to Change to Canada Post: Return undeliverables to P.O. 59 ALPA Resources and Contact Box 2601, 6915 Dixie Rd, Mississauga, ON Enhance Negotiations L4T 0A9. Numbers Support; ‘Made in Canada’ 59 OUR STORIES JetBlue Pilot Communicates 61 Via Smoke Signals 60 RECENTLY RETIRED See Who’s on the List

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4 » Air Line Pilot January-February 2018 OurUnion

Pilots Lay It on the Line believe most things can be said in a few reinforced ALPA pilots’ support for these life-sav- “ lines,” said Enzo Ferrari, historic designer, ing rules, which have played an essential role in I builder, and racer of epic sports cars. Even preventing even a single airline passenger fatality though he was born 120 years ago, Ferrari’s words on a U.S. commercial aircraft since 2010. prove prescient now. Creating a profile online or By driving an effort that sent more than 40,000 in print forces us to distill into just a few words letters and e-mails to Congress in 2017, our union who we are and what we hold most important. defended these critical safety regulations against At ALPA, our members determine the words in special-interest groups—but we know that this our union’s profile. Based on our pilots’ strategic fight is far from over. This year, the Trained for plan, our members embody the portrait of our Life campaign will remind still more passengers, union with adjectives such as “professional,” cargo shippers, and industry influencers of airline “fully qualified,” and “well trained,” and roles such pilots’ commitment to lifelong training. as “safety advocate,” “seasoned While our union’s dedication to negotiator,” and “union leader.” safety is beyond question, so is our In this issue of Air Line Pilot, ALPA decades-long pledge to inspire the each ALPA pilot group profile members lay next generation of aviators. ALPA presents the achievements made “ pilots are fully committed to do- possible by our members (see page it on the line ing what it takes to keep the pilot 17). Last year, airline company prof- pipeline strong and our skies safe. its were strong, creating a positive to achieve We know that an essential part of bargaining environment at many our collective the equation for a strong, qualified carriers that we expect to continue. pilot workforce in the future is Individual pilot group leaders goals. airlines’ offering competitive pay, develop independent bargaining benefits, career progression, and goals for their members, but every ” work-life balance. pilot group’s profile shows how they’re supported In 2017, we engaged with aviation students at by ALPA’s collective resources. five new colleges and universities (see page 14). We begin 2018 with a remarkable record in ALPA’s Education Committee made certain ALPA contract negotiations. ALPA pilots at Hawaiian had a solid presence at events such as AirVenture Airlines, Mesa Airlines, and Endeavor Air all Oshkosh, the Organization of Black Aerospace signed new agreements with significant gains. Professionals Annual Convention and Career We also see promising developments for Spirit Expo, and the International Women in Aviation pilots. In addition, many ALPA pilot groups have Conference. We also connected with more than also made encouraging headway apart from the 12,000 grade school and more than 1,300 col- formal bargaining process, including CommutAir, lege students. This year, our plans will build on Delta Air Lines, ExpressJet, FedEx Express, United this success to reach new audiences, including Airlines, and Wasaya Airways. promoting clearedtodream.org and our industry Pilots who are not yet members of ALPA are no- coalition website, aviationworks4u.org. ticing our collective accomplishment and becom- These and many other accomplishments result ing part of our movement. Air Georgian, Encore, from ALPA members’ proud and consistent and WestJet pilots joined our ranks last year, and profile in the halls of Congress and Parliament, in we expect to welcome more airline pilots to ALPA the offices of regulators, at the bargaining table, this year. and in classrooms. Whether it’s during a PA an- Our members’ respected profile as safety ad- nouncement on our last leg of a trip, on a lanyard vocates means we’ll never fail to take a firm line worn over our uniform while informational against any effort to change the FAA’s first officer picketing, or in a tweet to lawmakers supporting qualification and training requirements. Our #TrainedforLife, ALPA members lay it on the line “Trained for Life” public-awareness campaign has to achieve our collective goals.

Capt. Tim Canoll, ALPA President

January-February 2018 Air Line Pilot » 5 PilotC mmentary

Our Third Decade of Moving Canadian Aviation Forward By Capt. Dan Adamus (Jazz Aviation), ALPA Canada President

t’s been 21 years since the inception of ALPA’s respected and recognized for our efforts with Canada Board; and for more than half that various stakeholders, including Members of I time, I’ve had the privilege of serving as ALPA Parliament and government regulators. We’ve Canada president. Looking back, we’ve much to worked strategically to cultivate these relation- be proud of. In fact, I’d say my expectations have ships, and over the years people have taken “This ALPA team— been exceeded. Yet I say this with some caveats. notice. We understand that good relationships which sets our union Shortly after the Canadian Airline Pilots Asso- can open the door only so far, but having a solid ciation (CALPA) merged with ALPA in 1997, I was network of industry associates is essential to apart—continues to optimistic that ALPA could bring all the Canadian achieving our goals. pilot groups together within the first few years. Without initial access, we wouldn’t have the do an amazing job, Unfortunately, this wasn’t the case. During the ability or opportunity to effect positive change. working every day to early 2000s, Canadian pilot groups grew further And to achieve this change, ALPA understands apart, and I feared we’d never achieve pilot unity the need to be meticulous. Before we draft white enhance our profes- in Canada. papers and testimony, before we give presenta- But we’re getting there! tions, and before we go to the news media, we sion and our industry.” And we’re doing it by continuing to do what research and analyze each and every issue. We’re ALPA does best: consistent in our messaging and in our mandate. Negotiating good, progressive contracts for This consistency is key to ALPA’s credibility. pilot groups. People take notice, and it’s made them want to Advancing airline safety and security. become a member of ALPA’s family—a family Advocating for airline pilots on issues that that provides many advantages. These advan- affect our profession, our industry, and our tages exist in large part due to the tremendous livelihoods. support we receive from our ALPA family union Providing our members with the resources they wide on issues that are unique to Canada. need to deal with industry stakeholders, govern- Of these issues, we’ve kept our focus on flight- ment officials, and the public. and duty-time regulations and will continue our We also opened up conversations about com- efforts throughout 2018. It’s been a long road so mon goals and respect in the pilot community. far, and we’ve played a major role in ensuring For far too long, pilot groups have worked for that we hold the government accountable on this individual causes, which impeded our ability in critical issue. Canada to work collaboratively. These conver- We’re also proud of the changes made to sations, which focus on our profession, must the Temporary Foreign Worker Program. Due continue and turn into something tangible, for in large measure to ALPA’s staunch advocacy the benefit of everyone. efforts, Parliament mandated that Canadian In 2002, ALPA represented 1,500 pilots and five carriers are no longer able to staff seasonal varia- pilot groups in Canada. However, over the past tions in fleet capacity with foreign pilots when few years, more and more pilot groups decided unemployed Canadian pilots are available. We they wanted to become a part of ALPA. Today, effected positive change that ensures Canadian the number of pilots has more than tripled to pilots have first dibs on Canadian jobs, which is 5,000, while our pilot groups have increased to exactly what we asked for. 11. Why? Because ALPA is the preeminent pilots’ Heading into 2018, more work needs to be union in the world, having a top-notch staff and done, and we can’t do it by ourselves. It takes a unmatched resources. And without sounding team of dedicated volunteers and staff. This ALPA overconfident, I’m hopeful that 2018 will bring us team—which sets our union apart—continues to even more members. do an amazing job, working every day to enhance Regarding the work we do, our evolution over our profession and our industry. I’m honored to the past two decades has set us apart. We’re well be a member of ALPA’s team.

6 » Air Line Pilot January-February 2018 arriving international passen- ment stakeholders to draft a Airline Industry News gers the wrong way, allowing regulatory framework that, when passengers to bypass border implemented, increases safety control. and addresses security concerns,” > DOMESTIC NEWS that gave too many American said the Association. “By requir- Airlines pilots approval to take ing UAS operators to equip their vacation during the Christmas devices with identification and travel season is expected to tracking systems, law enforce- cost the airline about $10 mil- ment officials gain the ability to lion in additional pay to pilots identify and track down a UAS who offered to work during pilot who may be involved in a their vacations. collision or is jeopardizing the safety of our national airspace or According to The Washing- Per Reuters, British Airways’ the general public. ton Post, American, Delta, and owner IAG announced that it’s “In September, a collision be- Alaska have announced that purchasing Niki, Air Berlin’s tween an army helicopter and a effective January 15, travelers bankrupt Austrian holiday drone highlighted the importance were no longer permitted to airline, for 20 million euros (18 of implementing this technology. check smart bags unless their million pounds or approximate- In that event, pieces of the drone batteries were removed. The ly US$24 million) and provide were used to identify the regis- Michael Huerta, the FAA airlines still allow travelers to additional liquidity to the com- tered owner through the drone’s administrator who oversaw the bring the bags as carry-ons as pany of up to 16.5 million euros manufacturer. While fortunate in safest period in the history of long as the batteries are pow- (approximately US$20 million). that instance, we cannot rely on commercial flight in the United ered down in accordance with good fortune in the future. Iden- States, left the position on FAA regulations. The Irish Independent re- tification and tracking technolo- January 6. As this issue went ported that Ryanair executives gies are needed urgently. With to press, the White House had Spirit Airlines announced and members of trade union the rapidly growing use of UAS, not yet named his permanent that Chief Executive Officer Forsa have been meeting to it’s more important than ever replacement. Robert Fornaro will be stepping work out a historic negotiating that we remain focused on safety down from the position at the framework that will later lead as the highest priority,” ALPA end of the year. Current Chief to talks on pilot pay and work- concluded. Financial Officer Ted Christie ing conditions. will take over the position on Trump Administration Jan. 1, 2019. Takes Action on Open Skies Lines In mid-December, the Trump > INTERNATIONAL administration announced that NEWS ALPA Supports UAS ARC it was taking preliminary action Recommendations to address the massive subsidies WestJet announced that it “ALPA supports the recommenda- that Qatar and the United Arab The FAA announced that plans to introduce budget car- tions of the Unmanned Aircraft Emirates pour into their state-run through September 2017, it re- rier Swoop later this year (see Systems [UAS] Identification airlines, which leads to capacity ceived 1,688 reports of drones page 51). The airline is designed and Tracking Aviation Rulemak- dumping and a distortion of the flying in restricted airspace to appeal to travelers looking for ing Committee [ARC], and we international aviation market- or violating other rules, rock-bottom fares. Swoop flights encourage the FAA to implement place and is in clear violation of compared to 1,754 reports for will offer 189 seats, 21 more mandatory identification and U.S. Open Skies agreements. all of 2016. than what WestJet currently tracking capabilities as quickly “These subsidies kill Ameri- offers on flights. Swoop will as possible,” commented ALPA can jobs, undermine the global Per the Department of Trans- initially fly six B-737-800s with in late December regarding the aviation market, and leave the portation, U.S. airlines collected plans to expand to 10 airplanes UAS ARC report that calls for UAS United States at a distinct a record $1.2 billion in baggage in its first year of operation. operators to participate in iden- disadvantage when it comes to fees between July and Septem- tification and tracking for public fair and open competition,” said ber 2017, up approximately 10 According to The Telegraph, safety purposes. ALPA. The Association believes percent from the same period a proposed regulation in the “As a member of this diverse that the action taken by the last year. UK would subject airports group of participants, ALPA Trump administration is a positive and airlines a fine of up to a worked with the ARC, manned development and should lead to The Los Angeles Times 50,000 pounds (approximately aviation organizations, and both the full enforcement of U.S. Open reported that a computer glitch US$68,000) if they direct federal and state law enforce- Skies trade agreements, which

January-February 2018 Air Line Pilot» 7 » Front Lines

will bring an end to unfair trade responsibility that comes with the world,” said Capt. Tim Canoll, “However, we do need to make practices that have hurt the U.S. flying a UAS in shared airspace. ALPA’s president, regarding the sure we have an adequate future economy and American workers. “Before the U.S. Court of recent announcement of the supply of qualified pilots who Appeals overturned the FAA’s Forces to Flyers program aimed at earn good salaries, experience ALPA Lauds Restoration of successful registration process increasing career opportunities a healthy work-life balance, and UAS Registration in 2018 earlier this year, more than for veterans who want to become can anticipate predictable career Defense Bill 800,000 operators had regis- airline pilots. “Many of ALPA’s progression. That’s why ALPA has “ALPA applauds Congress and the tered their devices,” ALPA said. members have proudly served invested member resources for president for restoring the FAA’s “Maintaining safety must stand as our country in uniform, and the more than 30 years to mentor ability to require that owners and the first priority as we integrate union stands ready to assist oth- and inspire the next generation operators of unmanned aircraft UAS into shared airspace. ALPA ers in breaking down barriers that of pilots and to staunchly advo- systems [UAS] register their vehi- looks forward to working with the may impede them from pursu- cate for loan-guarantee programs cles,” commented the Association FAA and industry on evolving this ing careers in aviation, all while and other incentives to make it in mid-December after President process even further to a point- maintaining the highest levels of more affordable to become an Donald Trump formally signed of-sale registration requirement, safety. airline pilot. And it’s why we’ve the National Defense Authoriza- which would make certain that “No one is more committed to launched, with others in the tion Act for 2018 into law. “This UAS owners and operators are ensuring we have enough quali- aviation industry, Aviation Works is an important tool that helps aware of the rules and responsi- fied and experienced pilots than 4U, a one-stop shop for exploring ensure that UAS are flown safely bility involved with the aircraft the Air Line Pilots Association, pathways to a career in aviation. in skies they share with airliners they purchase.” International. The good news is “We are fully committed to do- carrying passengers and cargo. that we currently have more fully ing what it takes to keep the pilot “ALPA has been a strong advo- ALPA Praises DOT Forces qualified pilots in the United pipeline strong, our skies safe, cate for UAS operator registra- To Flyers Initiative States than there are positions and provide reliable air service tion to help law enforcement “We applaud the Department available, and air travel is the to rural America, and are eager to authorities ensure compliance of Transportation and Secretary safest mode of transportation in continue to work with Congress, with regulations and enable the Elaine Chao’s commitment to the world due to our commitment the Department of Transporta- FAA to educate individuals who making it easier for our veterans to schedule with safety,” noted tion, and our industry partners to may be new to aviation about the to work in the best industry in Canoll. achieve these goals,” Canoll said. TakingOff

fellow crewmembers, family, and friends. stop the special interests from weakening Days to Remember But from this tragedy we gained the support these critical safety regulations. As I write this column, of Congress, which enacted tougher airline The combination of these two anniversa- we’ve just recognized the pilot training and experience requirements ries is distinctly powerful. One demonstrated ninth anniversary of the to keep our skies safe. ALPA pilots and staff, what a well-trained, highly skilled crew is legendary “Miracle on the along with the Association’s allies, worked capable of during the unthinkable, and the Hudson,” when on Jan. swiftly and tirelessly to make significant other was a deafening cry for change. With 15, 2009, Capt. Chesley improvements for all passengers and crew. 31 million flights per year and 2.5 million “Sully” Sullenberger and And the safety record stands on its own. passengers a day—there are too many lives F/O Jeffrey Skiles landed Since the law was enacted in 2010, there at risk to take chances. As the chief defend- US Airways Flight 1549 in the middle of New has not been a single U.S. airline passenger ers of the piloting profession in the U.S. York City’s Hudson River. Thanks to their fatality. This unparalleled safety record was and Canada, you know the repercussions of training and experience, they safely guided even recently acknowledged by U.S. Presi- weaker standards, training, and experience, and landed their unpowered aircraft and dent Donald Trump. and you’ve actively engaged on this front. saved the lives of 155 passengers and crew ALPA pilots and staff are back at it again, And your work has made a difference. We’re on board. working around the clock to thwart the ef- winning on the legislative front, and we’re This globally famous story became forts of some profit-based special-interest having an impact with our “Trained for Life” another example of ALPA’s long-held asser- groups in Washington, D.C., that are shame- public-awareness campaign. The entire ALPA tion that the best and most important safety lessly trying to weaken these rules and make team is committed to success in this cause. feature on any airplane are two well-trained our skies less safe. ALPA members stand We’ll never ease up on our commitment to and highly skilled pilots. together with nearly 100,000 airline pilots keep our skies safe. Sadly, we also approach another anni- who are actively opposing legislation to de- versary—the fatal crash of Colgan Air Flight grade aviation safety rules, and some 40,000 Lori Garver, General Manager 3407 on Feb. 12, 2009. On that day, we lost letters were sent to Congress last year to [email protected]

8 » Air Line Pilot January-February 2018 “However, as we work to ensure aims to reduce the remaining risk through the PRD portal. ALPA that we have a healthy supply 50 percent by 2025, leveraging If a pilot discovers incorrect in- of pilots, we should not weaken industry data and analytical tools formation in the pilot records da- Negotiations pilot-qualification requirements from ASIAS.” tabase, contact ALPA’s Engineer- and make our skies less safe. We “The pilots of ALPA are ing & Air Safety Department at Update can address pilot-supply issues proud to have been engaged in 1-800-424-2470 or EAS@alpa. The following is a summary without weakening air safety advancing safety on both CAST org for assistance in working with of the status of ALPA contract rules and jeopardizing the flying and ASIAS. Safety is paramount the FAA to correct the record. negotiations by airline as of January 13: public. to every pilot,” said Capt. Steve “ALPA continues to oppose Jangelis (Delta), ALPA’s Air Safety the Thune Amendment, which Organization Aviation Safety Air Georgian—A notice to bargain was sent on Feb. 22, would reduce the level of safety chairman. “The contributions of 2017. Negotiations continue. in our industry and was included CAST and ASIAS have improved Air Transport International— in the Senate Commerce Com- aviation safety through proactive A Section 6 notice was mittee’s version of the FAA’s analytical practices and provide received on Jan. 21, 2014. reauthorization bill, and we will extraordinary benefit to each of An application for mediation strongly oppose any regulatory our crewmembers every day.” Give Your Teen a Summer was filed on July 21, 2017. Negotiations continue. proposal that emerges with the The award will be presented To Remember same intent, including a provision March 1 at the National Building Do you want your teen to travel Air Wisconsin—A Section of the recently released Air Car- Museum in Washington, D.C. abroad, learn about a new cul- 6 notice was filed on Oct. 1, 2010. Air Wisconsin filed rier Training Aviation Rulemaking ture, further his or her foreign for mediation on June 17, Committee’s recommendation.” FAA Begins Beta Phase of language skills, and have the 2013. Pilots and management Pilot Records Database experience of a lifetime? reached a tentative agree- In early December, the FAA began The International Youth ment on Aug. 4, 2015. The pilots rejected the tentative the beta phase of its new pilot Exchange (IYE) program offers a agreement on Oct. 7, 2015. records database (PRD), which two-week exchange program for Mediation continues. was required by Congress in the airline families. Using their family Frontier—A Section 6 notice Airline Safety and Federal Avia- flight privileges, teens aged 14 was filed on Dec. 3, 2015. tion Administration Extension Act to 19 are matched with a youth An application for mediation of 2010 (P.L. 111–216). The beta in another part of the world and was filed on Sept. 22, 2016. ALPA to Be Honored with phase will provide air carriers spend two weeks in each other’s Mediation continues. Laureate Award an opportunity to automate the homes, usually over summer Jazz Aviation—A notice to Aviation Week recently an- current requirements contained break. bargain was filed on March 28, 2016. Negotiations are under IYE has been creating inter- nounced the 2018 winners of in the Pilot Records Improvement way. its annual Laureate Awards, and Act of 1996 (PRIA) requirements, national exchanges for 23 years, JetBlue—A Section 6 notice ALPA is one of the honorees. In and this phase will only include successfully matching more than was filed on March 2, 2015. the category of Commercial Avia- FAA records from 2010 forward. 6,000 teens around the globe. IYE Mediation continues. tion Safety, the top award went The new automated system is helps facilitate an appropriate Spirit—As this issue went to to the combined efforts of the voluntary for air carriers and for match, which has often resulted press, the pilots and manage- Commercial Aviation Safety Team prospective pilot applicants. The in lifelong friendships. Teens and ment had reached an agree- (CAST) and the Aviation Safety prospective pilot applicant has their families communicate di- ment in principle. Information Analysis and Sharing to grant the air carrier access to rectly with the match family and WestJet—A notice to bargain (ASIAS) initiative. ALPA was a view his or her pilot records. If build a relationship prior to the was filed on June 6, 2017. founding member of both CAST the prospective applicant decides exchange. Program costs consist Negotiations continue. and ASIAS and actively partici- to deny access, the airline will go of a $300 application fee (fully pate on their leadership teams as through the normal PRIA process. refundable if an approved match well as working groups. Any FAA-certificated pilot is not located), the teens’ airline According to Aviation Week, will be able to access the PRD passes, and spending money. the FAA and industry organiza- to view his or her own records Exchanges are available to tions involved in these efforts after the pilot’s identity has been France, Australia, Spain, Ger- have provided “an unparalleled electronically verified. During the many, Canada, Italy, Switzerland, collaboration between govern- PRD beta phase, the FAA asks pi- the United Kingdom, and other ment and industry to improve lots to not attempt to access the countries. To learn more about aviation safety. Having exceeded PRD unless instructed to do so by IYE, visit www.intlyouth.org or its first 10-year goal and reduced a participating air carrier. Pilots contact Camille Wheeler, a retired U.S. commercial aviation fatality are able to grant participating air Delta Air Lines staff member, at

Left photo: Aviationweek.com, right photo: intlyouth.org Aviationweek.com, right photo: Left photo: risk by 83 percent, CAST now carriers access to their records [email protected].

January-February 2018 Air Line Pilot » 9 » Front Lines

and has offered Thune myriad ALPA-PAC was a large part of suggestions to improve rural ALPA’s legislative success during Legislative/Political Update service and ensure that there the first session of the 115th will be a healthy supply of pilots Congress. The PAC disbursed Congress Passes Tax Bill extension in March 2018, ALPA is in the future, including expand- $2,035,000 to support 363 Late last year, Congress passed cautiously optimistic going into ing the Essential Air Service pilot-partisan candidates and H.R. 1, the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act, the next round of negotiations on Program to student loans for committees in 2017. ALPA-PAC which President Trump then a long-term FAA reauthorization flight training. disbursements helped ALPA’s signed into law. ALPA worked bill. The House bill (H.R. 2997) Government Affairs Department with Members of Congress to includes the majority of ALPA’s Federal Flight Deck and pilot volunteers build strong protect tax provisions directly FAA reauthorization agenda: no Officer Program relationships with decision- related to pilot jobs and benefits. rollback or legislative changes The Federal Flight Deck Officer makers both in Washington, The most beneficial tax provi- to the first officer qualifications (FFDO) program was fully funded D.C., and in the districts those sions remain mostly untouched. and training rules; addressing un- in both the FY2017 and FY2018 decision-makers represent. The Employer-provided health-care declared hazmat cargo shipping funding bills. Despite rumors that PAC supported candidates from benefits will still be treated as and the safe transport of lithium President Trump was considering all 50 states, encompassing 286 nontaxable income. Pilots won’t batteries, and aligning U.S. policy eliminating the program, ALPA congressional districts and sen- see a decrease in the amount with International Civil Aviation was able to secure $22.73 mil- ate seats. that may be contributed toward Organization recommendations; lion for the program in FY2017. The dedication to a pilot- retirement, nor will they see a improvements to the Aviation The House Department of Home- partisan Congress is evident in decrease in maximum contribu- Safety Action Program; the safe land Security appropriations bill how the Association’s PAC funds tions to flexible spending and operation of drones; Human maintains funding at that level were distributed: Republican health spending accounts. Intervention Motivation Study for FY2018. However, the Senate candidates and committees re- Under the tax reform measure, (HIMS) authorization; mandating Appropriations Committee has ceived $998,000 (49.04 percent) some current business-related physically installed secondary yet to consider a Department of the PAC’s contributions, while deductions have been elimi- cockpit barriers; and the inclu- of Homeland Security ap- $1,037,000 (50.96 percent) went nated, including uniforms, union sion of H.R. 2150 to fight flag-of- propriations bill for FY2018. A to Democrat candidates and dues, moving expenses, and convenience schemes. The bill final number for the program is committees. employer-required medical ex- contains no additional mental or pending passage of the FY2018 In related ALPA-PAC news, ams. Per diem payments remain psychological health screening, Department of Homeland the pilots of Hawaiian Airlines untaxed, although any difference no mandate to install cameras Security measure or an omnibus were the recipients of 2017’s J.J. between the company reim- in the cockpit, no changes to the spending bill. O’Donnell Trophy for Excellence bursement rate and the federal Railway Labor Act, no changes to In addition to the funding in Political Action. rate is no longer deductible. foreign ownership and control battles in 2017, ALPA engaged Overall, H.R. 1 permanently rules or cabotage, and no further with the Senate Commerce lowers the corporate tax rate changes to third-class medical Committee to win important from 35 percent to 21 percent certification. reforms to the program inside and cuts the individual rate to The Senate bill is not moving of the TSA Modernization Act (S. varying degrees, depending on forward because of ALPA and 1872). Reforms include increas- income level. However, the provi- others who oppose a provision ing access to FFDO training sions pertaining to individuals that would jeopardize avia- centers, streamlining training are not permanent. Most of these tion safety by weakening first requirements, harmonizing the provisions will apply to the 2018 officer qualification and training program’s administration with tax year and subsequently expire requirements. Sen. John Thune the Federal Air Marshal Service, on Dec. 31, 2025, including the (R-S.D.), chairman of the Com- and creating an “inactive status” elimination of business-related merce, Science, and Transporta- for FFDOs who can’t maintain deductions listed above. The ex- tion Committee, has conceded their qualifications due to equip- piration of the provisions allows that he doesn’t have the votes to ment type or medical leave. The H.R. 1 to comply with the recon- pass the bill because of opposi- bill has yet to be considered by ciliation instructions included tion to the first officer qualifica- the full Senate or the House. in the budget resolution passed tion changes. ALPA’s education with only Republican support in and advocacy have been key to ALPA-PAC both chambers. preventing from moving forward For the second time in three a bill that will degrade safety. years, ALPA-PAC received na- The J.J. Donnell Trophy for Excellence FAA Reauthorization The Association strongly sup- tional recognition in 2017 for the in Political Action was awarded to the While in a holding pattern until ports air transportation options Association’s PAC program by the pilots of Hawaiian Airlines.

closer to the end of the next FAA for small and rural communities Public Affairs Council. Photo courtesy of ALPA’s Government Affairs Department

10 » Air Line Pilot January-February 2018 Throughout their difficult contract negotiations and beyond, NEW ALPA REPS the Hawaiian Master Executive As of Dec. 8, 2017, the Election Ballot and Council (MEC) found unity in Envoy Air 126 F/O Jose Thies, Certification Board certified elections results for Vice Chairman (F/O Rep) ALPA’s political programs. The the following local councils:

MEC reached out to every Air Georgian 201 Capt. James Macarthur, Envoy Air 126 Capt. Christopher Tappan, new-hire and captain-upgrade Chairman (Capt. Rep) Secretary-Treasurer class over the past two years Air Georgian 201 Capt. Mark Budgen, ExpressJet 177 Capt. Christopher Hartka, to encourage its pilots to join Vice Chairman (F/O Rep) Chairman (Capt. Rep) ALPA-PAC and participate in the Jazz Aviation 226 Capt. David Clark, Association’s Calls to Action. That Air Georgian 201 F/O Pascal Bandeville, Secretary-Treasurer Chairman (Capt. Rep) dedication and constant pres- Jazz Aviation 226 F/O Sarah Nelson, ence increased the pilot group’s CommutAir 152 Capt. Wesley Blanton, Vice Chairman (F/O Rep) participation in ALPA-PAC by 6 Secretary-Treasurer percent in 2017, the most growth Endeavor Air 127 Capt. Ryan French, Mesa 85 F/O Leonard Merriman, Vice Chairman (F/O Rep) of any ALPA pilot group. Chairman (Capt. Rep) ALPA congratulates and thanks As of January 10, the Election Ballot and Endeavor Air 127 F/O William Brynjolfsson, Capt. Hoon Lee, the Hawai- Certification Board certified election results for Vice Chairman (F/O Rep) the following local councils: ian MEC chairman; Capt. Frank Endeavor Air 127 Capt. Bridget Matarrese, Endeavor 128 Capt. Jessica Wolcott, Worthen, the Hawaiian Govern- Secretary-Treasurer Chairman (Capt. Rep) ment Affairs Committee chairman; and the many other pilots Envoy Air 126 Capt. Ken Wells, ExpressJet 175 Capt. Jeremy Lind, Secretary-Treasurer at Hawaiian who helped earn this Chairman (Capt. Rep) prestigious award.

January-February 2018 Air Line Pilot » 11 » Front Lines

InMemoriam “To fly west, my friend, is a flight we all must take for a final check.” Capt. James D. Mansfield United October F/O Frank K, Tipton Delta October AUTHOR UNKNOWN Capt. S. Barry Warfield Eastern October 2011 F/O Scott J. Wexler Delta October Capt. P.W. Downes US Airways October Capt. F.J. Buskirk Northwest November F/O Charles H. Craig, Jr. Pan American November 2016 Capt. Ronald P. Cuiccio FedEx Express November Capt. Clarence F. Pfeffer TWA February Capt. Claire A. Davis Northwest November Capt. W.H. Eastwood FedEx Express August Capt. Michael H. Eden US Airways November 2017 Capt. R.E. Frizzell Delta November Capt. Clark D. Cranston United April Capt. Steven C. Hane Continental November Capt. Charles S. Head Ryan May Capt. Robert D. Harris Delta November Capt. D.E. Montgomery United May Capt. William J. Hopper Continental November Capt. Ronald F. Bures US Airways July Capt. Kenneth M. Jones US Airways November F/O Regis G. Conti United August Capt. Robert J. Mackey Delta November Capt. Larry D. Barrow Flying Tigers/FedEx Express August Capt. David B. Malone United November Capt. Denis W. Burton Northwest September Capt. Lawrence E. Owen Northwest November Capt. Steven A. Ray Delta September Capt. David J. Roth Northwest November Capt. Ronald R. Ryll Delta September Capt. Gerald R. Seaton Northwest November Capt. Dave N. Bosserman FedEx Express October Capt. Robert E. Swisher Endeavor Air / Pinnacle / Express Airlines 1 November Capt. B.S. Carstensen Northwest October Capt. James C. Tillman, Jr. Delta November Capt. Richard O. Fagan US Airways October Capt. E.J. Waldo Delta November Capt. J.H. Ferrill Northwest October Capt. Jack G. Blaz Delta December S/O Roger M. Mackenzie Airlift October Capt. Robert E. McDowell Delta December

Compiled from information provided by ALPA’s Membership Administration Department.

Expert advice from Cage Marshall Consulting RNO How to make your best impression DEN IAD on airline hiring managers Résumé review and personal mock interview ATL Free to ALPA members!

March 21  Reno May 9–11  Atlanta June 18–20  Washington, D.C. September 19–21  Denver Hosted by ALPA’s Fee-for-Departure Committee

12 » Air Line Pilot January-February 2018 ALPA’s Student Scholarship Program

CALL FOR APPLICATIONS requirement and who wish to pursue a college education to apply for the annual award. Each year the Association sponsors four Applications may be obtained from $3,000 scholarships that are available to the Yvonne Willits, Air Line Pilots Association, 1625 dependent children of medically retired, long- Massachusetts Avenue, N.W., Washington, D.C. term disabled, or deceased ALPA members. 20036, and must be received no later than The vice president–administration/secretary April 1, 2018. Additionally, we would like to bring and vice president–finance/treasurer review all to your attention that, on several occasions, applications, select the recipient, and report to contributions have been made to the ALPA the Executive Council on their selection. One Scholarship Fund in memory of a deceased scholarship is granted to an enrolling college member, or simply as a kind gesture on the freshman and is renewable for three additional part of a member to further the financial as- years, provided the student maintains an ad- sistance by the Association to a student. In equate grade point average, and, under that the past, depending on the amount available, proviso, three scholarship renewals are made these funds have been used to augment the to a sophomore, junior, and senior. awards of current recipients or as a one-time All applications received are carefully financial assistance award to a needy appli- reviewed with serious consideration given to cant. We ask that you forward this information financial need, as well as academic perfor- to your master executive council in case any- mance, before a selection is made. At the time one wants to make a voluntary contribution to new applications are reviewed, the academic this separate fund. records of those currently enrolled college Sincerely, students are 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 » Front Lines

Education Committee Update

and spent time on the flight deck of a transport-category aircraft. The tech ops team answered every question in detail and also provided an emergency exit demonstration. This field trip was a valuable experience for the students and also provided some mid- semester motivation. Student Tyler Michienzi said, “One of my favorite parts so far about the ALPA ACE Club is the exposure to larger corporations and operations within the aviation industry…. It encourages me more than ever to work toward Students listen intently during ALPA’s  my goal of becoming an airline ALPA Pilots Visit first-ever presentation at Eastern Ken- ALPA ACE Students Eastern Kentucky tucky University. Tour United pilot with a large carrier.” University Maintenance Hangar Thanks to the United Master ALPA’s Education Committee ALPA ACE Club students from Executive Council and United volunteers recently visited East- flight safety event in November Embry–Riddle Aeronautical Uni- ern Kentucky University as part 2017. F/Os Richard Swindell versity in Daytona Beach, Fla., re- of an ongoing strategic initiative (United), Chris Fuson (United), cently took a behind-the-scenes to mentor the next generation Erin Garrett (United), Christian tour of the United Airlines main- of pilots. Jimenez (United), and Corey tenance hangar in Orlando, Fla., This was ALPA’s first visit to Stutsman (United) talked with as part of a strategic ALPA initia- the university. Capt. Jay Fogle students about winter opera- tive to mentor aspiring aviators. (Spirit) and F/Os Drew Owen tions. Afterward, ALPA pilots Coordinating the visit were ALPA (Spirit), Jim Spencer (FedEx presented a plaque to Harry Education Committee volunteers Express), and Kayan Todiwalla Minniear, interim chairman Capts. Brent Grumbine (PSA), (Trans States) began the visit by and associate professor in the Fred Kopec (Delta), and Bill Kurz talking with faculty about the Department of Aviation Tech- (Delta) and F/O Costas Sivyllis Students from Embry–Riddle Aeronau- tical University in Daytona Beach, Fla., committee’s objectives and the nology, to commemorate the (United). spend time on the flight deck of United benefits of ALPA’s professional formation of the professional The 25 students were divided aircraft. development program for the development program. into smaller groups for tours school and its students. This The Association’s alliance guided by mechanics. On display was followed by a presentation with Indiana University was were three B-737s in various Airlines for working with the to 65 students about a “day formalized earlier in 2017, stages of heavy maintenance Education Committee to help in the life” of an airline pilot, and the program continues to checks. Over the course of two bridge the gap between the where ALPA pilots shared their flourish with active student hours, students were shown the classroom and the flight deck— experiences and answered participation. inner workings of an airplane providing real-world informa- questions about flying the line. tion, tools, and resources to fur- The visit was a tremendous ther prepare collegiate aviators success, and the university is for their careers. interested in formalizing a part- Working under ALPA’s Profes- nership with ALPA to enhance sional Development Group, the its program. Education Committee promotes the piloting profession, mentors ALPA Pilots Attend aspiring aviators, and prepares Indiana University’s future generations of pilots to Flight Safety Event join the ranks of ALPA members. At Indiana State University, For more information or to get Approximately 130 students, along with ALPA pilots, attend Indiana State approximately 130 students University’s annual flight safety event. involved, contact Education@ attended the school’s annual alpa.org.

14 » Air Line Pilot January-February 2018 » Front Lines

Canada aircraft cabin. PASSENGER SECURITY SCREENING In developing these changes, Trans- CHANGES TAKE EFFECT IN CANADA port Canada conducted an internal risk Transport Canada recently announced assessment that concluded the security amendments to its passenger screening risk from removing small blades from the requirements to “reflect changes in the prohibited items list was low. Previously security environment and to harmonize prohibited multitools containing blades are with international standards and partner now permitted, provided the blade doesn’t countries.” The revisions concern Transport exceed 6 centimetres. The removal of small Canada’s prohibited items list and became blades from the prohibited items list brings effective on Nov. 27, 2017, for all domes- Canada in line with current International tic and international flights. There are two Civil Aviation Organization security recom- primary effects of these changes: mendations. 2 7 6 Small knife blades (i.e., measuring 6 centi- Note: For flights to the United States, From left, Capt. Dan Adamus (Jazz Aviation), ALPA metres) are now allowed through preboard the prohibition on all knife blades remains Canada president, and Sen. Michael MacDonald, security screening and may be carried in the in place, consistent with Transportation Member of the Senate Standing Committee on 3 Transportation5 and Communications, attend the 15th2 aircraft cabin. Security Administration security screening Powders of a volume greater than 350 standards. annual ALPA Canada holiday reception on Dec. 5, 2017, which brought together ALPA pilots and staff, millilitres (the size of a small soft-drink can) For more information, contact ALPA’s Members of Parliament, senators,3 government of- 5 are now prohibited at preboard security Engineering & Air Safety Department at ficials, and senior-level airline executives. screening and may not be carried in the 1-800-424-2470 or at [email protected].

Photo: Sarah Bradley, www.ishootevents.ca Bradley, Sarah Photo: 5 6 1 2 7 9

Correction In “The Landing,” page 37 of the December 2017 1 issue,4 Fact Number 04 refers to leading edge slats. The B-747 does not have slats, 9 4 but rather leading edge Krueger flaps—which are designed to increase the 6 8 3 camber of the wing.7 NEEDS YOUR HELP Solution to this month’s Pilots for Pilots (P4P) provides disaster relief to ALPA members ALPA sudoku on page 62. in need, but funds are running out. Please donate today to 4 2 5 3 7 6 1 9 8 3 8 1 9 4 5 7 6 2 ensure that every single ALPA member who needs help gets it. 6 9 7 2 8 1 3 4 5 9 5 3 6 2 4 8 1 7 Visit www.alpa.org/relieffund 2 6 8 1 3 7 9 5 4 to learn more about P4P and donate today. 7 1 4 5 9 8 6 2 3 5 3 2 7 1 9 4 8 6 Air Line Pilots Association, Int’l 8 7 9 4 6 2 5 3 1 1 4 6 8 5 3 2 7 9

January-February 2018 Air Line Pilot » 15 » Industry Stats Jet Fuel Labor and jet fuel are the top two expenses for most U.S. mainline carriers, accounting for 40–60 percent of total operating costs. Jet fuel YTD 3Q 2017 Year-Over-Year Change in Total Operating for U.S. mainline carriers, on average, accounted for approximately 17.4 Expenses at U.S. Mainline Carriers percent and 17.7 percent of airline operating expenses in 2016 and for the nine-month period ending Sept. 30, 2017, respectively. As a result of the significant decline in the price of jet fuel in recent years, labor costs are now the largest expense for most U.S. legacy carri- 18.0% ers, including American, Delta, and United. However, jet fuel remains the single-largest expense for most U.S. ultra-low-cost carriers, including Frontier and Spirit. The cost of jet fuel for Frontier and Spirit accounted 9.3% for more than a quarter of each airline’s expenses for the nine-month 9.6% 7.3% period ending Sept. 30, 2017. While the average price for jet fuel has fallen since 2013, the price began to increase again during 2017—and this increase has acceler- Labor Fuel Maintenance Total Operating ated in the past few months. As a result, U.S. airlines face a new cost Expenses headwind going into 2018. SOURCE: Company reports and ALPA E&FA analysis According to the U.S. Energy Information Administration, crude oil prices ended 2017 at $60 per barrel, the highest end-of-year price since 2013. West Texas Intermediate crude oil prices averaged $51 per Weekly Brent and West Texas Intermediate barrel in 2017, up $7 per barrel from the 2016 average. Brent prices Crude Oil and Jet Fuel Prices, 2011–2017 have increased $10 per barrel since the end of 2016 and ended 2017 $160 $140 West Texas Intermediate at $65 per barrel—widening the Brent–West Texas Intermediate spread Brant to $5 per barrel at the end of the year, the largest difference since 2013. $120 Jet Fuel $100 As a result of rising crude oil prices, jet fuel costs have increased. $80

In June, the market price for jet fuel averaged $1.30 per gallon, and $60 Dollars per barrel Dollars in October, jet fuel prices averaged $1.66 per gallon. Consistent with $40

previous monthly increases, the cost of jet fuel climbed to an average $20 of nearly $1.80 per gallon during this past December, approximately 31 $- 2011 2012 2013 2014 2015 2016 2017 cents higher than the December 2016 price. Analysts and crude oil futures market data are projecting that jet SOURCE: U.S. Energy Information Administration and ALPA E&FA analysis fuel prices will increase by 7 percent annually in both 2018 and 2019. Although financial performance for U.S. mainline carriers is expected to be solid by historic standards, the higher projected jet fuel costs will drive up unit costs and likely outpace revenue growth, resulting in stagnant margins in 2018.

MARKETWATCH AIRLINES PARENT COMPANY STOCK SYMBOL 12/30/2016 12/29/2017 % CHG. Air Transat Transat A.T., Inc. TSX: TRZ.B $5.51 $11.22 103.63% Atlantic Southeast, ExpressJet SkyWest, Inc. NASDAQ: SKYW $36.45 $53.10 45.68% Air Transport International Air Transport Services Group, Inc. NASDAQ: ATSG $15.96 $23.14 44.99% FedEx Express FedEx Corporation NYSE: FDX $186.20 $249.54 34.02% Jazz Aviation Chorus Aviation1 TSX: CHR.B $7.23 $9.65 33.47% WestJet, WestJet Encore WestJet Airlines Ltd. TSX: WJA $23.04 $26.36 14.41% Delta, Endeavor Air Delta Air Lines NYSE: DAL $49.19 $56.00 13.84% Envoy Air, Piedmont, PSA American Airlines Group, Inc. NASDAQ: AAL $46.69 $52.03 11.44% JetBlue JetBlue Airways Corporation2 NASDAQ: JBLU $22.42 $22.34 -0.36% United United Continental Holdings, Inc.3 NYSE: UAL $72.88 $67.40 -7.52% Bearskin, Calm Air Exchange Income Corporation4 TSX: EIF $41.75 $35.64 -14.63% Alaska, Virgin America Alaska Air Group, Inc. NYSE: ALK $88.73 $73.51 -17.15% Spirit Spirit Airlines, Inc.5 NYSE: SAVE $57.86 $44.85 -22.49% Hawaiian Hawaiian Holdings, Inc.6 NASDAQ: HA $57.00 $39.85 -30.09%

1 Chorus Aviation announced a monthly cash dividend of $0.04 per Class A and Class B shares for December on 4 Exchange Income Corporation declared eligible dividends totaling $0.175 per share for the month of Dec. 18, 2017. December on Dec. 15, 2017. 2 JetBlue Airways Corporation announced on Dec. 8, 2017, that the Board of Directors authorized the company 5 Spirit Airlines announced on Dec. 18, 2017, that the Board of Directors agreed to transfer the listing of its to repurchase up to $750 million worth of its common stock over a two-year period beginning Jan. 1, 2018. common stock to the NYSE from the NASDAQ 3 United Continental Holdings announced on Dec. 7, 2017, that the Board of Directors authorized a new $3 6 Hawaiian Holdings announced on Dec. 5, 2017, a new $100 million stock repurchase program that will be in billion share repurchase program. effect through Dec. 31, 2019.

16 » Air Line Pilot January-February 2018 PILOT GROUP PROFILES: 2018 PILOTS OF ALPA

he indisputable power of pilots acting in solidarity to promote and advance their careers and profession is more apparent than ever as ALPA’s 59,000-plus members from across the United States and Canada ne- Tgotiated and ratified new working agreements, advocated for their careers and profession, and promoted the piloting profession to the next generation of aviators. Last year saw Air Georgian, Encore, and WestJet pilots vote for ALPA representation, expanding and bolstering the Association’s member ranks. New working agreements achieved at Hawaiian, Mesa, and Endeavor together with contract enhancements at CommutAir, Delta, ExpressJet, FedEx Express, United, and Wasaya brought increased gains for Association members. ALPA pilots promoted pilot- and airline-favorable polices on both Capitol and Parliament Hills and spent time nurturing the next generation of pilots to ensure that the future of the profession remains strong. And through it all, the pilots of ALPA transported millions of passengers and tons of cargo safely to their destinations, personifying the Association’s motto of “Schedule with Safety” to the world. Turn the page to begin reading about each of ALPA’s pilot groups and their challenges and opportunities as they’re trained for life to advance their careers and the airline piloting profession. »

January-February 2018 Air Line Pilot » 17 18 PILOT GROUP PROFILES GROUP PILOT 2018

and 14 Beechcraft B1900Ds Beechcraft 14 and FLEET: Ont. Mississauga, HEADQUARTERS: NUMBER OF PILOTS: 2017 ALPA: JOINED PILOTS AT AGLANCE » with employees.” bargaining ingood faith lawful duties, such as accountable for its hold management resources to necessary with neededstability and providing the pilot group ALPA representation is since joining ALPA. improved significantly “The pilots’ morale has Canada. parked atLethbridge AirportinAlberta, An AirGeorgian Beechcraft 1900D Air Line Pilot January-February Pilot Line Air 2018 18 Bombardier CRJ200s CRJ200s Bombardier 18

260+

F COMMUNICATIONS SPECIALIST BY JULIEMAYES, ALPA SENIOR COLLECTIVE AGREEMENT NEGOTIATING ASTRONGER AIR GEORGIAN to bestrepresent theirrespective needs. sent similarmessages by voting for two otherunions influential pilots’union.Theotheremployee groups of beingmembers of theworld’s largest andmost Calgary, Alb.-basedpilotsrecognized theimportance clear message thatAirGeorgian’s Toronto, Ont.-and voted infavour of joiningtheAssociation, sendinga pating intherepresentation election,99percent with more than85percent of eligiblepilotspartici- resources toadvance theirgoals. InFebruary 2017, representation andtheAssociation’s unmatched tive bargaining agreement, thepilotslooked toALPA quality-of-life improvements.” standard salariesaswell asadditionalpilot-specific needed tonegotiate anew contract withindustry- Executive Council (MEC)chairman.“We knew we said Capt. JamesMacarthur, thepilotgroup’s Master triple ourpilotnumbers withinjustthelast five years,” needs of thevariousemployee groups. union hadbecome unabletosupportthelabour Association. Butby thecloseof 2016,thein-house unit registered astheOntarioRegional Employee Approaching theexpiration dateof theircollec “Expanded flyingfor AirCanada Express ledusto Express carrier, madeuponebargaining staff of AirGeorgian Limited, anAirCanada dants, andmaintenance andadministrative or nearly20years, thepilots,flightatten-

- for AirCanada Express. Bombardier CRJ200sandBeechcraft B1900Ds,flying gary’s InternationalAirport,thecarrier’s fleetincludes at Toronto’s Pearson InternationalAirportandCal- two dozen U.S.andCanadian destinations. Withhubs flies more than550,000passengers annuallytoabout agreement.” prepared toassert all ourlegal rightstosecure that negotiating astrong collective agreement, andwe’re “We’re excited tomove toward ournew future by contract—a first for thispilot group,” notedMacarthur. on amuchbetterfooting tonegotiate apilot-centric more than260pilotsinnegotiations. putsus “This with employees.” for itslawful duties, suchasbargaining ingood faith resources necessary toholdmanagement accountable is providing thepilotgroup withneededstabilityand joining ALPA,” saidMacarthur.“ALPA representation pertinent dataneededfor negotiations. refusal torelease pilotnegotiators and provide the the Association toproceed toaULPhearinggiven its mation, thecompany’s leadership teamhasforced the duesandproviding somebasicbargaining infor- worked itselfoutwithmanagement makinggood on tion for bargaining. Whileitappeared thatthematter and remit ALPA duesandprovide necessary informa- ment’s refusal to, amongotherthings,properly collect withdrawn. Thecomplaint stemmedfrom manage- against management, onethatithadhopedcould be forward withanunfair labourpractice (ULP)complaint arbitrations. Butrecently theMEChashadtomove handling anddispositionof manygrievances and application for reconsideration attheCIRB. resources, succeeded inchallengingthecompany’s lengthy appeal.Thepilots’MEC,backed by ALPA’s vast in Mississauga, Ont.,fought theCIRB’sdecisionwitha lots. Theprivatelyheldcarrier, whichisheadquartered the bargaining representative for theAirGeorgian pi- trial Relations Board’s (CIRB)certification of ALPA as several opportunitiestochallenge theCanada Indus- systems intheworld.” and ensure thatwe maintainthesafest airtransport across NorthAmericahelptoadvance ourprofession their goals. Through collaborative efforts, ALPA pilots professional resources, are now poisedtoachieve vancing theircareers and,by gainingaccess toALPA’s announced. “Air Georgian pilotsare committed toad- after theresults of therepresentation electionwere our union,”saidCapt. TimCanoll, ALPA’s president, look forward tothecontributions they willbringto In operation for more than 25years, AirGeorgian The Association isnow representing theairline’s pilots’morale“The hasimproved significantlysince The pilotshave alsobeensuccessful regarding the Despite apositive start,AirGeorgian Limited took “We welcome ourcolleagues atAirGeorgian and

Photo: F/O Kyle Davies (Jazz Aviation) Photo: F/O Kyle Davies (Jazz Aviation) L in Warsaw, Poland, andDusseldorf, Germany. line alsomaintainstwo A330sonwet- anddamp-lease lin, Ireland-based AerCap tolease10A321LRs.Theair- replace agingA310s,signinganagreement withDub- updated itsfleetwiththepurchase of new A321LRsto of new A330sandanew livery. Thecompany also anniversary inMontreal, Que.,withtheunveiling model.” comes thechange toanall-Airbusmixed-fleet flying challenges andschedulingproblems, thegroup wel- succeeded withthismodel,inspiteof thetraining widebody Airbusesandnarrowbody Boeings.Having rose tothechallenge of beingduallyqualifiedon numbers we have today,” said Roussel. pilots “The competition andhelpedgrow ourpilotgroup tothe Airbus/narrowbody Boeing fleettoanall-Airbusfleet. and willbetransitioning from thecurrent widebody undergone variouschanges toits corporate structure an amicablerelationship withthecompany, whichhas with management in2016andonsettingacourse for five-year collective agreement thepilotgroup reached Capt. Pierre Lessard astheMECsecretary-treasurer. Capt. Piero Desjardins astheMECvice chairmanand August thefour voting members of theMECelected MEC optedfor atwo-council structure. Inaddition,in Master Executive Council (MEC)chairmanafterthe pilot, Capt. SébastienRoussel, asthepilotgroup’s government departments.” duous asitinvolved educating multiple campaign against this practice was ar- advantage by airlines inCanada. The no longer used asanunfair labour It’s imperative that the program is Temporary Foreign Worker program. “We’re keeping aclose eye onthe COMMUNICATIONS SPECIALIST BY JULIEMAYES, ALPA SENIOR A PATH TO CONTINUED SUCCESS AIR TRANSAT In 2018,thepilotswillcontinue towork withman- In November 2017,AirTransat celebrated its30th B-737wasnecessary“The tocompete withthe The MEC’sfocus in2017centered onenforcing the a first: theelectionof aToronto, Ont.-based launched anew era of pilotleadership with in operation, thecarrier’s580-pluspilots ast year asAirTransat celebrated 30years

warehouse. during whichthey worked ashiftatthecharity’s culminating inthepilotsdedicatingadayof service Laurentides, a localfood bank,for aholidaydrive violence. Thepilotsalsopartnered withMoisson support towomen andchildren affected by domestic tion, anorganization andshelterthathelpsprovide annual galafor Quebec’sCarrefour Pour Elle Founda- munities. In2017,AirTransat pilotscosponsored an the group alsocontinues tosupportitslocalcom- improvements toCanada’s federal aviation standards, cating multiplegovernment departments.” against thispractice wasarduous asitinvolved edu- labour advantage by airlinesinCanada. Thecampaign tive thattheprogram isnolonger usedasanunfair Foreign Worker program,” notedRoussel. “It’simpera- are available for hire. with foreign pilotswhenunemployed Canadian pilots allowed tostaffseasonalvariationsinfleetcapacity in 2014thatCanadian airlineswould nolonger be in large parttoALPA’s efforts, Parliament mandated Canada’s Temporary Foreign Worker Program. Due to ensure compliance withthenew rulessurrounding agement andALPA’s Government Affairs Department In additiontotakingonakey role insupporting “We’re keeping acloseeye ontheTemporary

January-February 2018 Pilot Line Air in December 2017. a donationduringholidayfood drive son Laurentides, alocalfood bank,with BELOW: Airport. treal–Pierre ElliottTrudeau International TOP: A321s and A320s 2018: in Coming B-737-700s/-800s. and -300s, FLEET: year each countries 30 in destinations 60 nearly to passengers million 2.5 than more transporting and flying, charter providessure scheduled carrier OPERATIONS: Toronto, Ont. Montreal, Que., and BASES: PILOT 580+ PILOTS: OF NUMBER 1999 ALPA: JOINED PILOTS AT AGLANCE AnAirTransat A330-200atMon- PILOT GROUP PROFILES GROUP PILOT

AirTransat pilotspresent Mois- A310-300s, A330-200s/ The Canadian lei Canadian The

» 2018

20 PILOT GROUP PROFILES GROUP PILOT 2018

9 B-767-300Fs 9 7B-767-200Fs, and combis, 200 FLEET: ACMI operations cargo air and passenger wide world airline offering charter aU.S. is International Transport Air Inc., Group, Services Transport OPERATIONS: based home- are Pilots BASES: PILOT HEADQUARTERS: 254 PILOTS: OF NUMBER 2009 ALPA: JOINED PILOTS AT AGLANCE » we need.” retain the workforce we’re going to attract and compensation package if We needto improve our better-paying airlines. don’t leave to fly for ensuring that our pilots will becritical to salaries andbenefits “Offering competitive Air Line Pilot January-February Pilot Line Air 2018 4 B-757-200s, 4B-757-4 B-757-200s, A subsidiary of Air Air of A subsidiary Irving, Tex.

D when ATI secured anew customer.Amazon Fulfill- began in2014,tookapositive turninspring2016 refocus ourattentiononcontract negotiations.” “We’re happy thatthis is behindussothatwe can pilot group’s MasterExecutive Council (MEC)chair. operating certificates,” saidCapt. Tom Rogers, theATI 2017. ALPA andmanagement by dismissing thecaseinMay control between thetwo carriers. TheNMBsidedwith integration of operations, labor relations, orfinancial the Teamsters’ assertion, pointingoutthatthere isno ALPA, like ATI andABXmanagement, disagreed with cargo industryandserve thesame primarycustomers. separately, they work inthesamesegment of theair tended thatalthoughATSG operates thetwo airlines of thecrewmembers [pilotsandflightengineers].” portation systemfor thepurposesof representation Services Group, Inc.(ATSG)—“constitute asingletrans - both whollyowned subsidiariesof theAirTransport (NMB) todeterminewhetherABXAir, Inc.andATI— Airline Divisionasked theNationalMediationBoard BY JOHNPERKINSON,SENIORSTAFF WRITER PILOTS SEEKCONTRACT GAINS INTERNATIONAL AIR TRANSPORT The toneof thelatestround of negotiations, which “We alsonotedthatATI andABXhave two distinct The Teamsters, whichrepresents ABXpilots,con- International Brotherhood of Teamsters of AirTransport International(ATI). The vided someaddedstabilityfor thepilots espite arocky endto2016,2017pro- prepares totouchdown. B-767-300 inPrimeAirlivery An AirTransport International

future of ourcarrier,” he added. tional needsandattract and retain pilotstosecure the need tonaildown thiscontract tomeetouropera- of grievances, andwe have great clients.However, we with management,” heobserved. “We don’tfilealot happy, andwe have agenerally positive relationship has madeinrecent years. “Our pilotsare reasonably ment System. and incidents,tosupporttheairline’sSafety Manage- issues andevents tolimit/prevent future accidents encourages nonpunitive voluntary reporting of safety highlight operational trends from ATI’s ASAP, which Common Ground,aquarterlysafety newsletter to questions. line, loading, scheduling, andotheroperational Mentoring Team lanyards are now available toanswer gaps. Unionpilotvolunteers wearing orange ATI MEC mentoring program designedtohelpbridge these ing. TheMECresponded lastsummerwithanew experience or“timeinseat”hasrecently beendeclin- opportunities for ATI crewmembers, thelevel of upgrades tocaptain.Whilethesechanges represent lenges, includingthenumberof new hires andrapid been ironed out. initial schedulingchallenges, butthesehave since construction iscomplete. Themove created some cargo operation there, usingDHLfacilities until the International Airport.ATI moved itsWilmington, Ohio, Amazon PrimeAiratCincinnati/NorthernKentucky plans toconstruct a$1.5billionservices hubfor retain theworkforce we need.” compensation package ifwe’re going toattract and fly for better-payingairlines.We needtoimprove our will becriticaltoensuringthatourpilotsdon’tleave to standards. “Offering competitive salariesandbenefits pilots. However, ATI pilotsare paidwell below industry carrier continues togrow infleetsize andnumber of zon PrimeAirflying,” remarked Rogers, notingthatthe with meetingdatesscheduledfor February 2018. tion. Theagency agreed, andamediatorwasassigned July 2017ALPA petitionedtheNMBrequesting media- remained stumblingblocksfor thetwo parties,andin struction, retirement andinsurance, andcompensation remaining contractual issues. However, scope, linecon- gaining table, andin2017hammered outmostof the Amazon PrimeAirFlights. DHL, anditsotherexisting clients,ATI began flying support for theAirMobilityCommand (U.S.AirForce), with ATSG to provide aircargo transport. Inadditionto ment Services approved afive- toseven-year deal Rogers remains upbeat abouttheprogress ATI In addition,thepilotgroup hasbegun publishing The carrierhasalsobeenfacing someotherchal- At thebeginning of lastyear, Amazon announced situationatATI“The greatly improved withtheAma- Management andlaborsoonreturned tothebar-

Photo: @tjo4, Wikimedia.com

Top photo: Capt. Chris Suhs (Air Wisconsin) Photo: @tjo4, Wikimedia.com

Top photo: Capt. Chris Suhs (Air Wisconsin) H COMMUNICATIONS SPECIALIST BY RUSTYAYERS, ALPA SENIOR UNCERTAIN SUNRISE AIR WISCONSIN everyone’s contributions―not justafew of us.” are nosubstitutefor higherpayrates thatrecognize it understands thatbonusesandretention payments attract thepilotsitneedsto rebuild ouroperation until that,” Suhssaid.“Air Wisconsin willnever beableto entire industry, andwe hopeourmanagement realizes instead of offering temporary bonuses. more lucrative agreements thatpermanentlyraise pay riers like Endeavor Airhave raised thebarwithnewer, pilots hasgiven seasonedaviators betteroptions.Car- has fallen behind,however, asthestrong market for their peers intermsof compensation. Thecompany each year, untilrecently thepilotshadkept pace with Thanks tocontract language thatprovides smallraises negotiations for anew agreement began in2010. Capt. ChrisSuhs,thepilots’MECchairman. importantly tryingtoachieve anew contract,” said loss toimproving theircareer progression andmost MEC’s focus from preparing ourpilotsfor potentialjob carrier. better prepare itsmembers for jobsatthemainline a seriesof career workshops andotherprograms to be hired atUnited.Throughout 2017,theMECoffered path program thatgives thepilotsanopportunityto Express carrier.ThedealwithUnitedincludesacareer was signedwithUnitedAirlinestooperate asaUnited 2017 whenafive-year capacitypurchase agreement plans shouldnonew agreement withAAG emerge. American, andencourage thepilotstomake alternate company’s future withAAG, theparent company of or Sunset?”toeducatepilotsonthetruenature of the (MEC) hadlaunchedacampaigncalled“2018:Sunrise on itsfuture plans,thepilots’MasterExecutive Council March 2017. With littleinformation from thecompany Airlines, itsonlymainlinepartner, wassettoexpire in privately heldregional airline, hadwithAmerican a seventh year. as theirprotracted contract negotiations dragged into the welcome transition of flyingfor anew carrier, even “The Endeavor“The agreement marked ashiftfor the The pilots’contract ismore thanadecadeold,and toUnited,we’ve“Thanks been abletoshiftthe Fortunately for thepilots,sundidriseinearly The contract thatAirWisconsin, thenation’slargest the pilotsof AirWisconsin in2017began the uncertainty of thecompany’s future, line wasflyingoff intothesunsetdueto aving spent2016wondering iftheirair-

necessary toget acontract.” our pilotgroup isunifiedinitsresolve todowhatis agreement afterseven longyears of bargaining, but 2018 could be,” Suhssaid.“We hopetoreach an happen, butwe have noillusionsabouthow difficult to represent thegroup’s interests andmake that The MECandcommittee volunteers are working hard destination offering stable, long-termemployment. with management withinthepilotgroup. an increase ingrievances and adeepdissatisfaction hotels andotherquality-of-life violationshave ledto sorted tousinglinecheckairmenasfill-inpilots.Poor Junior manningisrampant, andtheairlinehasalsore- certain future, understaffing remains amajorproblem. 2016 andearly2017becauseof AirWisconsin’s un- United willbecomplete inmid-February. United colors, andthetransition from Americanto Airports. Aportionof theairline’sfleetisnow wearing Washington DullesandChicago O’Hare International ciles, new pilotbaseshave openedinUnited’shubsat closing several of itsformer AmericanEagledomi- erator intheMidwest inthe1980sand1990s.After was United’slargest regional partnerandamajorop- more seniorpilotswhoremember whentheairline United inSeptember, awelcome homecoming for “We wantAirWisconsin toonce againbeacareer Due toasteadydrain of pilotsleaving theairlinein Air Wisconsin operated itsfirst revenue flightfor

January-February 2018 Pilot Line Air Plains, N.Y. Westchester County AirportinWhite examines aUnitedExpress CRJ200at 6, 2017. first flightsfor UnitedAirlinesonSept. Michael Thomasoperate AirWisconsin’s Canas,Flight AttendantGinni andCapt. LEFT: TOP: achieve anew contract.” importantly trying to progression andmost improving their career for potential job lossto preparing our pilots the MEC’s focus from we’ve beenable to shift “Thanks to United, NUMBER OF PILOTS: 1982 ALPA: JOINED PILOTS AT AGLANCE FLEET: Pa. Philadelphia, and Va.; Norfolk, D.C.; ington, DOMICILES: HEADQUARTERS: 2018. United exclusively by March serve will airline The Express. United and Eagle American for provinces 3Canadian and states 26 in 71 to cities departures daily 350 nearly via year each sengers pas 6million nearly carries Wisconsin Air U.S., the in airline held fee-for-departure privately OPERATIONS: mately 525 F/O F/O PILOT GROUP PROFILES GROUP PILOT

From left, F/O ChrisGoehausen, Josh Key (AirWisconsin)

65 Bombardier CRJ200s 65 Bombardier Chicago, Ill.; Wash Ill.; Chicago, The largest The largest Appleton, Wisc. approxi

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PILOT GROUP PROFILES GROUP PILOT 2018 22

and 67 -900ERs and -900s, 12 61 -800s, freighters, 2-700 11-700s, freighter, -400 FLEET: other airline any than Northwest Pacific the from destinations more to flights more offers Airlines, for Alaska company parent the Group, Air Alaska purchase agreements. capacity under Airlines Alaska to traffic feed provide which PenAir, and SkyWest, Air, Horizon as well as America Virgin by flown markets includes This Cuba. and Rica, Costa Canada, Mexico, U.S., the in flights daily 1,200 nearly with destinations 118 serves OPERATIONS: Wash. Seattle, and Ore.; Portland, Calif.; Losage, Angeles, Alaska; Anchor in bases four operates DOMICILES: 2,000 NUMBER OF PILOTS: AT AGLANCE » Wash. 2, 2017,atAngleLake Park inSeattle, Virgin Americapicket and rally onAug. RIGHT: Air Line Pilot January-February Pilot Line Air 2018 154 B-737s, including 1 1 including B-737s, 154 Pilotstake partinajointAlaska/ Alaska Airlines Airlines Alaska Alaska AirAlaska Group More than than More -

N COMMUNICATIONS SPECIALIST BY JENNSUTTON, ALPA SENIOR SHIFTING FOCUS ALASKA place, thepilotshave turnedtheirattentionto imple- company views labor.” negotiated agreement—says alotabouttheway management wasnotabletowork withustoreach a negotiations andinarbitration—and thefact that go toarbitration. Management’s position throughout tive Council didnotneedto (MEC)chairman.“This Capt. ChrisNotaro, theAlaska pilots’MasterExecu - airlines, whichisfrustrating anddisappointing,” said need tonegotiate anagreement onparwithother Alaska management refused totake seriouslythe of the2009agreement, becausethroughout 2017 required intheevent of amerger undertheterms airlines. leaving thepilotsbehindpeers atothersuccessful The arbitrated decisionfell shortinallthree areas, those of industrypeers atothersuccessful airlines. increases inan agreement thatconformed fullywith not allpilots.Thepilotgroup hadsoughteven larger of theretirement planwere achieved for somebut and increases tothedefined-contribution percentage ment benefits, andscope. Pay increases for allpilots decision onthecombined group’s pay, 401(k)retirement—concluded whenanarbitration panelissued a process—reaching ajointcollective bargaining agree- groups together. pilots are continuing theprocess of bringingtheirtwo With ajointcollective bargaining agreement in “Negotiations were forced toarbitration, whichwas On Oct.30,2017,thefirst stepinthemerger the Alaska Airlines and Virgin America the Alaska AirlinesandVirgin America America andmerging thetwo airlines, nounced thatitwould bebuyingVirgin early two years afterAlaska Airlinesan-

in thisjointbargaining agreement.” to make furtherimprovements toourarbitrated result which tobuildfor thenext two years. We willbeready ing negotiations provides anexcellent foundation on Virgin Americapilotsduringjointcollective bargain- Notaro unitydisplayed said.“The by theAlaska and 2020 to improve ourcollective bargaining agreement,” negotiations, we expect tohave afightonourhandsin term thinkingduringthejust-completed jointcontract management whennegotiations begin. and readying themselves for acontentious fightwith will apply.Alaska/Virgin Americapilotsare expecting for thisnegotiation, andthenormalSection6process becomes amendable.Noarbitration clauseapplies arbitrated jointcollective bargaining agreement then merging theMECs. by ALPA merger policy—integrating senioritylistsand menting theagreement, andtothenext stepsdictated for the next two years.” foundation onwhich to build negotiations provides anexcellent during joint collective bargaining Alaska andVirgin America pilots “The unity displayed by the “Based onmanagement’s statementsandshort- Focus alsohasshiftedtoApril1,2020,whenthe Airport inMay2017. Angeles International (Alaska) pickets atLos Capt. BlaneDye

Photo: Capt. Tracy Miller (ExpressJet) Photo: Capt. Tracy Miller (ExpressJet) E that their members take full advantage ofallExpressJet flying opportunities.” that the two groups are communicating andworking closely together to ensure “‘Our two pilot groups have now becomelifeboats for each other,’ emphasizing BY JOHNPERKINSON,SENIORSTAFF WRITER TURBULENT SKIES PILOTS UPBEAT DESPITE SOUTHEAST ATLANTIC paid ascaptains—toflyfirst officers. Thisflexibility MEC allowed aportionof the pilots—qualifiedand to fillvacanciesatmajorandnationalairlines. losing pilotsasbaby boomers retire andothers elect tion, theairline, like manyotherregional carriers, is base inDecember 2017.Inadditiontothisconsolida- ing down, theairlinecloseditsDetroit, Mich.,pilot going tomake thiswork,” hesaid. relationship. “A teamwork approach iscriticalifwe’re with management inthehopesof reestablishing this and othermembers of theMECare working closely its hubatWashington DullesInternational Airport.He pilots previously provided feed for UnitedAirlinesat United Express flyingandthatAtlanticSoutheast have nodoubtthatthiswillhappenagain.” pilots’ MasterExecutive Council (MEC)chairman.“I top,” saidCapt. Chromer Smith,theAtlanticSoutheast always performed through ittocome backouton future flyingand haltanyfurtherdownsizing. partner for thisportionof itsoperation tosecure recover from thisnews, itsearches for anew mainline Delta Connection carrier.AsExpressJet scrambles to the bulkof itsAtlanticSoutheastflyinghasbeenasa network outof Dallas/Fort Worth InternationalAirport, curement of asingleoperating certificate in2011. from theirlegacy ExpressJet peers, despitethepro- who flyaspartof ExpressJet butwhoremain separate affects theformer AtlanticSoutheastAirlinespilots, pressJet by November 2018.Thisdecisionparticularly other regional carriers andcease operations withEx plans toreposition itsDeltaConnection aircraft with based operation. OnAug.10,2017,Deltapublicized To helpmeettheairline’sschedulingneeds, With theDeltacapacitypurchase agreement wind- Smith notedthatlegacy ExpressJet alsoperforms pilotshave“The beendown before, andthey’ve While ExpressJet fliesaspartof theAmericanEagle purchase agreement withtheAtlanta,Ga.- announced planstocancel itscapacity when mainlinepartnerDeltaAirLines xpressJet Airlineswascaughtby surprise

- secure new opportunitiesfor itsmembers. Atlantic SoutheastMECremains hopeful thatitcan SkyWest, Inc.in2005.Now partof ExpressJet, the tion. Deltaacquired thecarrierin1999,sellingitto Southeast expanded itsfleetandupgraded itsopera- Atlanta andColumbus, Ga.Over the years, Atlantic Canada DHC-6Twin Otterturboprop aircraft between 1979, flyingasingle19-passenger deHavilland this reduction initsflying. ExpressJet continues toexplore optionstoshore up Southeast pilots.Whilethisisawelcome opportunity, erential hiringpolicyfor ALPA members like Atlantic Transport Internationalalsoannounced anew pref advantage of allExpressJet flyingopportunities.Air together toensure thattheirmembers take full groups are communicating andworking closely lifeboats for eachother,” emphasizingthatthetwo commented, “Our two pilotgroups have now become Capt. Dave Allen,thentheExpressJet MECchairman, pilots totransition between thetwo pilotgroups. makes iteasierfor AtlanticSoutheastandExpressJet seniority list.Althoughsomefences exist, thisnew list two pilotgroups reached agreement onanintegrated bonuses. Inaddition,ExpressJet management andthe economic incentives including signingandretention arrangements duringthepastyear. ment have alsohammered outseveral otherpositive operational performance. Thepilotsandmanage - enables theairlinetomaintainitsproductivity and Atlantic Southeast Airlines began operations in Atlantic SoutheastAirlinesbegan operations in In ajointstatementreleased inAugust,Smithand Last June, thetwo partiesnegotiated apackage of

- January-February 2018 Pilot Line Air gional AirportinNew Mexico. Airlines livery parksatSantaFe Re- TOP: CRJ900s FLEET: Tex. Worth, Dallas/Fort N.Y.; and York, New Ga.; Atlanta, BASES: PILOT HEADQUARTERS: NUMBER OF PILOTS: 1,987 ALPA: JOINED PILOTS AT AGLANCE AnExpressJet CRJ700inAmerican PILOT GROUP PROFILES GROUP PILOT 45 CRJ700s and 24 24 and CRJ700s 45 Atlanta, Ga. Atlanta, 1,016

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24 PILOT GROUP PROFILES GROUP PILOT 2018

Metroliners FLEET: passenger service charter OPERATIONS: Ont. HEADQUARTERS: Thunder Bay, Ont. BASE: PILOT 50 PILOTS: OF NUMBER with ALPA) merged CALPA when group pilot an(became ALPA-represented 1997 ALPA: JOINED PILOTS AT AGLANCE » December 2017. chairman, fliesover northernOntarioin temporary MasterExecutive Council Capt. KimSteingass, theBearskin pilots’ Air Line Pilot January-February Pilot Line Air 2018 11 Fairchild Swearingen Scheduled and Thunder Bay,Thunder

O COMMUNICATIONS SPECIALIST BY JENLOFQUIST, ALPA SENIOR AN UNCERTAIN FUTURE BEARSKIN was electedtemporary MECchairman. held inDecember. Atthattime, Capt. KimSteingass Robert Marsh asacting chairmanuntilelectionswere in 2017totake ajobatanotherairline, leaving Capt. lots’ longtimeMasterExecutive Council chairman,left airline andthepilotgroup. Capt. DanParnham, thepi- for very long. that recent trends suggest maynotstayatBearskin new opportunities.Thepilotsare aseaof new faces unprecedented attritionaspilotsleave theairlinefor see adramatic change beneaththesurface dueto der Bay, Ont.—acityontheshores of Lake Superior. Manitoba. Andthecompany remains basedinThun- to thesame12destinationsinnorthernOntarioand attractive than working in the smallercommunities that Bearskin serves.” to fillour cockpits. The lure ofhighersalaries and bigger cities is just far more or at oneof the larger carriers, but this leaves carriers like Bearskin struggling “For young pilots, this isawonderful chance to chase adream offlying mainline “We simplycan’tkeep captainsatBearskin. The This rapid attritionisaseriouschallenge tothe Yet take acloserlookatthepilotgroup, andyou’ll gen Metroliners. They flythesameroutes pilots flythesame11Fairchild Swearin- on thesurface remains unchanged. Fifty ver thepastfew years, Bearskin Airlines

side willlooklike.” the otherside.We’re justwaitingtoseewhatthe other We’ve faced challenges before andhave come outon However, ourcompany hasbeenaround since 1963. but alsofor thenew pilotsbrought onalmostmonthly. not onlythepilotswho’ve beenhere for alongtime, for Bearskin pilots,”said Marsh. “It’sadifficulttimefor agreement since joiningUnifor in2016. 2017, thePerimeter pilotsvoted intheirfirst collective rently represented by Unifor Local2002. InFebruary lots, alongwiththeairline’sflightattendants,are cur- two pilotgroups. Theapproximately 150Perimeter pi- system andmayeventually includeamerger of the partnership includesasingleticketing andreservation parent company, Exchange Income Corporation. This with Perimeter Aviation. Bothare owned by thesame volunteers have beengreatly diminished. the airline, andtheranks of trained andexperienced MEC saw long-termofficers andvolunteers leave serves.” than working inthesmallercommunities thatBearskin salaries andbigger citiesisjustfar more attractive skin strugglingtofillourcockpits. Thelure of higher carriers,” saidMarsh, “butthisleaves carriers like Bear- chase adream of flyingmainlineoratoneof thelarger the hometowns of manyof thepilotsinflightschools. munity far away from thelarger citiesthatare typically difficulty hiringpilotsasit’sbasedinasmallercom - aren’t attracting pilots.Bearskin isparticularlyhaving soon. Thelower wages thatsmallairlinespaysimply skin andputastrain onrecruitment efforts. at othercarriers hasaddedtotheattritionrate atBear- the larger carriers, thesheernumberof pilotsneeded Although thishasgiven manypilotsopportunitieswith Air Canada through thepilotmobilityarrangement. smaller carriers toJazzandthenpotentiallyon pathways program, whichprovides acareer pathfrom even captainsare leaving.” Though we usedtoseeitonlywithfirst officers, now other carriers incareer progression andpaypotential. like somanysmallcarriers like us,simplycan’tmatch just tooattractive for ourpilots,”saidMarsh. “Bearskin, opportunities atotherairlinesandcarriers are “We simplydon’tknow whatthefuture willhold In late2016,Bearskin announced apartnership The attritionhasalsoaffected unionactivities.The “For young pilots,thisisawonderful chance to And thisattritionisn’texpected toendanytime In April2017,JazzAviation addedBearskin toits

Top photo: Kimberly Seitz, bottom photo: Calm Air Top photo: Kimberly Seitz, bottom photo: Calm Air A and regular cargo service tomore than20communi- in Nunavut. Thepilotsprovide scheduledpassenger Winnipeg inManitoba,alongwithahubRankinInlet ent. Theairlineoperates from basesinThompsonand increase intransporting freight for anothercargo cli- needing fewer charters, theloss hasbeenoffset by an the pilotsandcompany.” experienced. We expect awin-winresolution for both not anumberof years thatsomepilotgroups have very civilprocess thatshouldtake justafew months, upcoming negotiations,” saidPotter. “We expect a to address ourpilots’concerns andgoals duringour interest-based negotiations, we’ll bewell prepared with ourALPA staffmembers, andeventually using ALPA’s Canada Board officers, developing agameplan official startof negotiations. “Working closelywith management, markingtheweek of January20asthe contract negotiations. objectives for thepilotgroup andtoprepare for 2018 a strategic planandshort- andlong-termgoals and MEC dutiesby meetingwithALPA stafftodevelop Gouriluk, MECsecretary-treasurer, thenbegan their Capt. MattTinker, MECvice chairman;andCapt. Neal began inMay.Capt. Brendan Potter, MECchairman; Master Executive Council (MEC) officers whoseterms will result ingainsfor boththepilotsandairline. TECHNICAL WRITER BY CHRISTOPHER FREEZE,SENIORAVIATION GAINS IN2018 READY FORCONTRACT CALM AIR While Calm Airhaslostflyingduetoitscargo clients On December 31,anotice tobargain wassentto In March of lastyear, Calm Airpilotselectednew 42. The sunsetsbehindaCalm AirATR ―a process thatthepilotgroup believes collective agreement withmanagement preparing tobegin bargaining for anew s 2018begins, thepilotsof Calm Airare

things ahead. guidance, itpromises tobeaspringboard togreater pilots. Butasaresult of outstandingplanningand ultimately, it’sworth theinvestment.” process for allinvolved, anditwilltake sometime.But adapt tohow thesepilotscommunicate. It’salearning Jacobs. thisinmind,we’re “With having tochange and pilots, shiftingthedemographics of ourgroup,” noted are beingreplaced by amuchyounger generation of carriers―many who’ve beenwithCalm Airfor years― of ourpilotswhoare retiring ormoving ontoother replaced by Capt. Trevor Wilcox. “Inaddition,some secretary-treasurer left for anotherairlineandwas the airlineinOctober.Earlieryear, the MEC’s on December 1aftertheprevious vice chairman left Jeffrey Jacobs, whowaselectedMECvice chairman morale of ourpilotsisn’twhatitshouldbe,” saidCapt. challenging onefor pilotswithfamilies. Assuch,the operationaltion. “The environment of ourairlineisa tions, theairlinehasbeenfacing increased pilotattri- trucks are unabletoreach. and bulkgastoisolatedcommunities thatsemitrailer flight cancarryoff-road vehicles, buildingsupplies, goods, suchasfood, fuel,andsupplies.Atypical ties, mostof theairline’sflightsalsocarryhousehold as theArctic Circle. Avitallifeline tomanycommuni- uled service tocommunities inNunavut asfar north northern citiestoWinnipeg. Italsoprovides sched- the onlydirect-service aircarrierfrom Manitoba’s of theremotest locationsontheglobe.Calm Airis ties inCanada’s northernandcentral provinces, some This year willbeanimportantonefor Calm Air Due tothechallengingnature of Calm Air’sopera-

January-February 2018 Pilot Line Air in May2017. strategic planninginWinnipeg, Man., negotiators, andALPA staffengage in Council officers and representatives, TOP: ing negotiations.” goals during our upcom our pilots’ concernsand prepared to address tiations, we’ll bewell interest-based nego - and eventually using ALPA staff members, game plan with our officers, developing a ALPA’s Canada Board “Working closely with freighters) (2 72s 5ATR and combis), ger 6cargo/passen and freighter FLEET: Arctic high the into and Bay Hudson of shore western including along the destinations Nunavut, and Manitoba northern ger and cargo throughout service OPERATIONS: HEADQUARTERS: Man. Winnipeg, Thompson and BASES: PILOT NUMBER OF PILOTS: ALPA) with merged [CALPA] Association Pilots Line group when the Canadian Air came an pilot ALPA-represented 1997 ALPA: (be JOINED PILOTS AT AGLANCE

PILOT GROUP PROFILES GROUP PILOT Calm AirMasterExecutive 12 ATRs 12 Scheduled passen ― 7 ATR 42s (1 42s 7 ATR Winnipeg, Man. Winnipeg, 80+

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26 PILOT GROUP PROFILES GROUP PILOT 2018

to Calgary, Alb. A Canadian NorthB-737onapproach » B-737-300s, and 3 Dash 8-100s 3Dash and B-737-300s, FLEET: and Europe Caribbean, the Mexico, U.S., the Canada, throughout operations chartered as well as Territories, Northwest the and Nunavut ger and cargo throughout service OPERATIONS: Alb. Calgary, Edmonton and BASES: PILOT NUMBER OF PILOTS 2011 ALPA: JOINED PILOTS AT AGLANCE Air Line Pilot January-February Pilot Line Air 2018 2 active B-737-200s, 10 10 B-737-200s, 2active Scheduled passen : 120

- A wage increase triggers inyears three, four, and five; ment 5.Thefive-year dealincludespayrate increases; ment, resulting intheratification of Collective Agree- pilots whocastballotsvoted infavour of theagree- themselves. bringing themessage topilotswherever they found The onlineevents were popularandeffective in road shows for pilotsunable toattendinperson. ment by addingalive-streaming component toits technologies toinform thepilotsaboutagree- Executive Council (MEC)successfully leveraged new group spread throughout western Canada, theMaster agreement inlateMarch 2017.Withasmallpilot sions, thepilotsandmanagement reached atentative stage wassetfor adifficultnegotiation. adversely affected theairline’scharteroperations, the TECHNICAL WRITER BY CHRISTOPHER FREEZE,SENIORAVIATION GOING BEYOND EXPECTATIONS NORTH CANADIAN In earlyApril,76percent of theCanadian North But justfour monthslaterafteraseriesof discus- work causedby adrop inoilprices that for anew contract. Duetoadownturn in lots began negotiating withmanagement t theendof 2016,theCanadian Northpi-

bright for Canadian Northpilots,”Rodgers said. for theeconomy andtheindustry, thefuture appears anew2018. “With contract andapositive outlook planning tohelpfocus itsgoals andobjectives for help of ALPA’s Communications Department. which theMEClaunchedinDecember 2017withthe it wastimefor theMECtocreate aFacebook page, pilot group. Thesurvey results clearlyindicatedthat best waystodeliver time-sensitive information tothe the MECsurveyed thepilotsinlate2017toassess the media accounts. effort wasfeatured heavily onCanadian North’ssocial Sorokan, thepilots’MECvice chairman.Therelief even thosethousandsof miles away,” saidF/O Brenen that we stepupandlendahandtothoseinneed— of lastyear’s Fort McMurray fires, itwasonlynatural “After theoutpouringof assistance we saw inthe wake operation intheU.S.Virgin IslandsandPuertoRico. volunteered aB-737-200combi tohelpwithrelief that swept through theCaribbean, Canadian North southern gateways of Edmonton, Alb., and Ottawa, Ont. tions intheNorthwest Territories andNunavut viathe Arctic. Canadian Northcurrently services 16destina- scheduled flightsinboththewestern andeastern sion of itsflightscheduletoincludemore regularly Shortly thereafter, thecompany announced anexpan - share agreement withFirst Airwould beterminated. company’s contracts withcharterclients. the finalthree years of theagreement basedonthe also includespotentialwage increases ineachof payment peryear for thefinalthree years. Thedeal two years, followed by aprorated salaryadjustment Captains receive amodestincrease duringthefirst officers and8percent increase for Dash8first officers. includes 11.5percent payincreases for B-737first pany’s chances of securingfuture chartercontracts.” we believe thisfive-year dealwillimprove thecom- said Capt. BillRodgers, thepilots’MECchairman,“and and thejobsecuritythislabouragreement provides,” and provides language clarificationsandcleanup. future charter contracts.” the company’s chances of securing believe this five-year deal willimprove labour agreement provides, andwe of the ballot and the job security this “We were very pleased with the results The MECbegan thenew year conducting strategic In aneffort toenhance membercommunications, In response tothedevastating autumnhurricanes In May, Canadian Northwasnotifiedthatitscode- Over thecourse of thefive years, theagreement “We were very pleasedwiththeresults of theballot

Photo: Colby Stopa, Wikimedia.com Photo: Colby Stopa, Wikimedia.com T LOA, CommutAir isnoexception. Blowers believes get despite thepositive outcomes expected withthenew lenge for manyfee-for-departure (FFD)carriers, and lished by UnitedAirlines,”headded. meeting very few of theperformance metricsestab- how far we’ve come since early2017whenwe were company’s expansion,” notedBlowers. “Itindicates decade, whichshows theprogress we’ve madeinthe time that’shappenedfor CommutAir inmore thana October 2017.“According tomanagement, it’sthefirst controllable completion factor of 100percent for more than$10,000over two years. and allcaptainswillreceive aretention bonustotaling captain rates, downgraded pilotswillbepayprotected, Dash 8captainrates. Dash8captainswillreceive jet efits, first officers withoneyear of service willbepaid who are currently ontheproperty. Amongotherben- should beabletoattract new pilotsandretain those pilots. Withthenew agreement inplace, CommutAir an extended compensation andaretention bonusfor ment signedaletterof agreement (LOA) thatprovides change moves theairlinetoanall-jetfleet. 2018, insteadof theoriginallyplanned2019.This the aircraft from theCommutAir fleetinearlyJanuary occurred inlate2017,andthecompany planstoretire The lastscheduledDash8flightoutof Newark, N.J., the pilots’MasterExecutive Council (MEC)chairman. deal of struggleearlyin2017,”saidCapt. EarlBlowers, Our expansion isfinallywell under wayafteragreat have to beachallenge.” but going to work to earn itshouldn’t improvements. Money isimportant, understand the need for quality-of-life “It’s difficult getting management to SENIOR COMMUNICATIONS SPECIALIST TIONS CHAIRMAN,ANDKATY ADAMS, ALPA MASTER EXECUTIVECOUNCIL COMMUNICA- BY CAPT. ANDREWLUPTAK (COMMUTAIR), UNITED REGIONALCARRIER GROWING GAINSFORTHE COMMUTAIR Attracting andretaining pilotsisthebiggest chal- The pilotsalsorecently maintainedanadjusted In October2017,theMECandCommutAir manage- fleet. “It’sbeenabusytimefor CommutAir. taking onthenew year flyinganall-jet fair share of upsanddowns in2017,are he pilotsof CommutAir, whohadtheir

- the airline,” observed Blowers. pate that2018willbeabusyyear for the pilotsand and improvements inthe upcoming year. “We antici- CommutAir pilots lookforward tocontinued growth Blowers. We’re really excited tomake thetransition,” said the electronic flightbagskept getting pushedback. great dealof resources over the pasttwo years, and for electronic 145stooka flightbagsin2018.“The pilot group hopestotrade inpaperchartsandcases a fleetof Embraer 145Regional Jets.Additionally, the purchase agreement withUnitedAirlinestooperate program, whichisaresult of thefive-year capacity to beachallenge,” Blowers acknowledged. important, butgoing towork toearnitshouldn’thave the needfor quality-of-life improvements. Money is tion. “It’sdifficultgetting management tounderstand improvements thatdon’tinvolve direct compensa- can onlygo sofar.” stay competitive. Management iswilling, butsaysit Blowers, “CommutAir willhave todowhatitcan to offer more lucrative payrates andbonuses,”said at United,whichhurtsstaffing.“As larger companies retention, butalsocausespilotstoleave for their slots sword becauseit’sauseful toolfor recruitment and Blowers explained. Theprogram isadouble-edged of pilotswholeave CommutAir beginning inJanuary,” sion program withUnitedincreases thepercentage the biggest challenge in2018.“Our career-progres- ting pilotstotheairlineandkeeping themwillremain Despite thechallenges facing allFFDcarriers, the Related projects onthehorizon includeaFOQA The pilotgroup isalsoseekingquality-of-life captain upgrade. before beginning jettraining and her lastDash8flightasafirst officer CommutAir pilotHannahSpeidelon

January-February 2018 Pilot Line Air FLEET: Canada and Northeast, west, Mid the in cities 30 than more to DESTINATIONS: Vt. ton, HEADQUARTERS: Va. Dulles, Washington and N.J., Newark, BASES: PILOT NUMBER OF PILOTS 2008 ALPA: JOINED PILOTS AT AGLANCE PILOT GROUP PROFILES GROUP PILOT 23 Embraer ERJ 145s ERJ Embraer 23 CommutAir flies flies CommutAir South Burling South : 278 :

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28 PILOT GROUP PROFILES GROUP PILOT 2018

FLEET: and Mexico Canada, U.S., the in destinations 50 than more to daily flights 300 and Eagle, American averaging annually for Delta Connection passengers million 6.5 than more OPERATIONS: GoJet and States Trans including Inc., Holdings, States Trans by owned airlines three of one is Compass Airlines, of Northwest subsidiary owned awholly as MANAGEMENT: Ariz. Phoenix, and Wash.; Seattle, Calif.; Los Angeles, BASES: PILOT mately 660 Approxi PILOTS: OF NUMBER 2007 ALPA: JOINED PILOTS AT AGLANCE » Holdings, Inc. carriers are owned by Trans States Va., offices inOctober2017.Both meeting heldatALPA’s Herndon, tive Councils strategize atajoint and Trans StatesMasterExecu- BELOW: Air Line Pilot January-February Pilot Line Air 2018 56 Embraer E175s Embraer 56

Members of theCompass Compass flies Compass flies Founded in 2007 -

O COMMUNICATIONS SPECIALIST BY RUSTYAYERS, ALPA SENIOR LOOKING TO THEWESTCOAST COMPASS since 2010. Compass hasbeenowned by Trans StatesHoldings for Deltathankstoaformer flow-through agreement. pilots originallyhired by Compass are now working the 2008merger of DeltaandNorthwest. Manyof the became astand-aloneMECin2010. MEC andthentheDeltaAirLines MEC.Compass the pilotswere represented by first theNorthwest Airlines, andfor thefirst three years of itsexistence cade ago asawhollyowned subsidiaryof Northwest been atransition for everyone,” saidWagenknecht. rate headquarters are stillbasedinMinneapolis.It’s the country, even thoughourMECoffice andcorpo- Council (MEC)chairman. Wagenknecht, theCompass pilots’MasterExecutive for DeltaandAmericanAirlines,according toCapt. Nik completing itstransformation toaWest Coast feeder Calif., andSeattle, Wash., domicilesthesamemonth, pilot baseinPhoenix,Ariz.,toitsexisting LosAngeles, Minn., domicileinDecember 2017andaddedanew Michigan, andTennessee closeditsMinneapolis, passengers toNorthwest AirlineshubsinMinnesota, West Coast airlinemarket. Like manyfee-for-departure carriers, theCompass Compass becameaDeltaConnection carrierafter The airlinewasoriginallycreated more thanade- “We flyalmostexclusively inthewestern halfof The carrierthatwascreated adecadeago tofeed seek new opportunities in the booming seek new opportunitiesinthebooming to betterserve itsmainlinepartners and Compass Airlinesmoved west in2017 nce awhollyMidwestern operation,

mutually beneficial resolutions, andwe hopeitwill.” it wantstowork together withthe pilotstoachieve lems,” saidWagenknecht. company “The hasindicated the growing numberof grievances andother prob- mediation session inlateJanuarytobegin addressing comply withthecontract. scheduling andpositionbiddingprograms thatdon’t captain qualificationprogram; andimplementing of December 2017 vacations;anannounced right-seat of 125percent, whichstillresulted inthecancellation pilots voluntarily give uptheirvacationatthepayrate pilot payments;avacationbuybackprogram inwhich with noinputfrom thepilots,includingnew first-year unilaterally change compensation and work conditions to recruit new hires asaconsequence. Delta Connection carrierEndeavor Airandisstruggling pay increases, theairlineisfalling behinditspeers like captain rates unchanged. Inspiteof thefirst officer for therest of thefirst officer payscalewhileleaving mum allowed by theagreement, triggering increases the company further increased the rates tothemaxi- raises have proven tobeshort-lived. InOctober2017, trigger toincrease theentire first officer payscale. year andhadtheoptiontofurtherincrease pay, witha company increased payfor first-year first officers last Through asettlementagreement withthepilots, implemented bonuses,whichtheMECchallenged. hire pilotstotheairline.Thecompany hadunilaterally carriers tousefirst-year payincentives toattract new- increasing workload. position in2016toassist theMECwithitsever- move on.” trained andready tostepupwhentheircolleagues so thatvice chairs andothercommittee volunteers are this by holdingregular committee summitseachyear staffed,” Wagenknecht noted.“We’ve triedtoaddress tion makes itdifficulttokeep ourcommittees fully tion of thestrong pilot-hiring market, butthesitua- leaving theairlinetofurthertheircareers. enced volunteers andelectedrepresentatives whoare MEC ischallenged by theconstant transition of experi- staffed.” difficult to keep our committees fully market, but the situation makes it an indication ofthe strong pilot-hiring “It’s agood problem to have because it’s “The pilots andthecompany“The have scheduleda Even more worrisome, management continues to Little more thanayear later, thebenefit of theinitial Compass wasoneof thefirst fee-for-departure The MECalsocreated anexecutive administrator “It’s agood problem tohave becauseit’sanindica-

Photo courtesy of the Delta Master Executive Council Photo courtesy of the Delta Master Executive Council F COMMUNICATIONS SPECIALIST BY KELLY REGUS,ALPA SENIOR BUILDING AFOUNDATION DELTA is accomplished through anagreement onproduction ensure thatthey maintaintheirshare of flying, which the goal of theDelta pilotsisalways thesame—to in Aeroméxico. Whileeachjointventure isunique, and topurchase uptoa49percent ownership stake plans toenterintoanagreement withKorean Airlines lantic, Aeroméxico, andVirgin Australia. Theairlinehas venture)(joint withAir France–KLM–Alitalia, Virgin At natural disasters have occurred. blog.deltamec.org; andactivatescallcenters after pilot engagement withonlineresources, including interact withtheirunionrepresentatives; encourages the Deltasystemwhere pilotsandtheirfamilies can The DPNalsohostspilotunity-buildingevents around as anentrance pointfor newer pilotsintoMECservice. than eightyears atDelta.TheDPNeffectively serves time ALPA volunteers withanaverage longevity of less support. Thecommittee includesmore than25first- 2017, withafocus onpilotunity, engagement, and group, theDeltaPilotNetwork (DPN)wasretooled in retirements expected over thenext decade. that numberquicklyescalates,with6,200scheduled year are scheduledtoretire in2018and2019—and 1,000 pilotsannually.Approximately 400pilotsper ments, analysissuggests Deltamusthire more than (56 percent) outnumbermilitarypilots(44percent). range inage from 23to56years old,andcivilianpilots pilots have joinedthesenioritylist.Newly hired pilots the airlineresumed hiringin2014,more than4,000 improvement over 2017margins. for 2018are of continued profitability, withaslight ownerships, andotherpartnerships. Earlyprojections vigorous globalgrowth includingjointventures, partial profit andgrowth trends. Thebusiness modelisoneof continued itssafety vigilance. partnerships, andtheCentral AirSafety Committee Planning Committees focused onjointventures and tion. TheNegotiating, Scope Compliance, andStrategic retooled tofocus onpilotengagement andunifica- Delta ispartof aprofit-/loss-sharing agreement To engage andunifythediverse andgrowing pilot Assuming modestgrowth andescalatingretire- Delta hired more than1,000pilotsin2017.Since Delta AirLines continues todemonstrate positive Network andMembership Committees were Contract 2019negotiations. TheDeltaPilot 2017 wasayear of foundation buildingfor or theDeltaMasterExecutive Council (MEC),

- The future bodeswell for DeltaAir Lines pilots. are engaged, andDeltaisprojecting record growth. flights latelastyear. fleet, includingtheAirbus350,which began revenue the iconic B-747andbrought new aircraft typestothe work inadvancingALPA’s safety andsecuritygoals. Honors ItsOwn,”August2017)for theirrelentless dential citationsatALPA’s AirSafety Forum (see“ALPA Security Committee chairman,were awarded presi- Committee chairman,andF/O MattClark,the Aviation Capt. Scott Hammond, thepilots’Central AirSafety MEC remains committed toairlinesafety. In2017, anced share of anypartnership flying. remains toprotect Deltapilotflyingandretain abal- joint venture production balance. are currently negotiating terms for theAeroméxico KLM–Alitalia, Virgin Atlantic,andVirgin Australia and ment withDeltamanagement regarding AirFrance– date, thepilotshave succeeded inreaching anagree- working agreement provides for baseprotections. To balance for eachjointventure. number military pilots (44percent).” old, andcivilian pilots (56percent) out pilots range inage to from 23 56years joined the seniority list. Newly hired in 2014, more than 4,000 pilots have 2017. Sincethe airline resumed hiring “Delta hired more than 1,000 pilots in The MECcommittee structure isrobust, thepilots At theendof 2017,DeltaAir Lines bidfarewell to In additiontoprotecting thepilots’careers, the As Delta’sbusiness modelchanges, theMEC’sgoal If anagreement can’tbereached, theDeltapilot from itsfleet. In 2017,Deltaretired theiconic B-747

- January-February 2018 Pilot Line Air MD-88s, and MD-90s and MD-88s, B-777s, B-767s, B-757s, B-737s, A320s, A321s, A330s, B-717s, includingairplanes A319s, FLEET: HEADQUARTERS: and Tokyo–Narita Wash.; Seattle, Utah; City, Lake Salt Gaulle; de Paris–Charles York–JFK; New York–LaGuardia; New Minn.; Paul, Minneapolis–St. Mex.; City, Mexico Heathrow; Los Angeles, Calif.; London– Mich.; Detroit, Mass.; Boston, Ga.; Atlanta, Amsterdam; CITIES: HUB Wash. Seattle, and Utah; City, Lake Salt N..Y.; City, York New Minn.; Paul, Calif.; Minneapolis–St. Angeles, Los Mich.; Detroit, Ohio; nati, Cincin Ga.; Atlanta, BASES: PILOT in 62 countries on six continents OPERATIONS: Aeroméxico and Atlantic, Virgin Australia, Virgin Alitalia, France–KLM– Air with ventures joint and ALLIANCES: JOINT AND VENTURES 14,375 NUMBER OF PILOTS: AT AGLANCE PILOT GROUP PROFILES GROUP PILOT More than 800 mainline mainline 800 than More SkyTeam Alliance 334 destinations 334 destinations Atlanta, Ga. Atlanta,

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30 PILOT GROUP PROFILES GROUP PILOT 2018

NextGens FLEET: DESTINATIONS: and Toronto, Ont. Alb., Calgary, BASES: PILOT Alb. HEADQUARTERS: 500 Nearly PILOTS: OF NUMBER 2017 ALPA: JOINED PILOTS AT AGLANCE » Labour Code.” ment under the Canada our firstcollective agree- to negotiate anddeliver work with management pilots’ union, to help us ALPA, the world’s largest and that that union be union representing us legally recognized trade clear that they wanted a “Encore pilots made it Air Line Pilot January-February Pilot Line Air 2018 41 Bombardier Q400 Q400 41 Bombardier 37 Calgary, Calgary,

A the success of ourcompany, andwe look forward to noted Petrie. “Encore pilotshave played avitalrole in gaining representative. investigation andauthorized ALPA asthepilots’bar- later onNovember 29thattheCIRBcompleted its (Bill C-4)—wasnotifiedapproximately four weeks newly passed legislation governing unionorganizing pilot group—armed withmembership cards and Canada IndustrialRelations Board (CIRB).TheEncore interim MasterExecutive Council (MEC)chairman. Labour Code,” saidF/O RyanPetrie, thepilotgroup’s liver ourfirst collective agreement undertheCanada help uswork withmanagement tonegotiate andde- that unionbeALPA, theworld’s largest pilots’union,to gally recognized trade unionrepresenting usandthat organizing drives inALPA history. a majorityof pilotsinoneof thefastest Canadian mittee, thepilotscollected membership cards from information andbuildingastrong Organizing Com- discuss unionrepresentation. After securingcontact of Encore pilotrepresentatives metwithALPA to Encore’s own sistercompany, earlierintheyear. Canadian carriers AirGeorgian andWestJet Airlines, Association inNovember, following thepathof fellow COMMUNICATIONS SPECIALIST BY KATY ADAMS, ALPA SENIOR NOW IT’STIMEFORTHEENCORE ENCORE “This wastheannouncement“This we were waitingfor,” On November 1,ALPA filedanapplicationwiththe “Encore pilotsmadeitclearthatthey wanted ale- The journey began over thesummerwhenagroup ALPA representation. Thepilotsjoinedthe the third Canadian pilotgroup toseek strong in2017,andWestJet Encore was LPA’s organizing efforts inCanada were

early 2018. permanent MECrepresentatives, whichwillbeheldin conditions,” saidPetrie. but notby degrading ourjobsecurityorworking profitable andsuccessful asthecompany forecasts endeavours—WestJet Link andSwoop—will be as a contract. We alsohopethatourcompany’s two new Canada LabourCode. employer toschedule bargaining meetingsunderthe triggers adutyfor boththelabourgroup andthe ALPA sentWestJet Encore anotice tobargain, which the real work isjustbeginning. Attheendof 2017, collective agreement.” MEC andcommittee structure andsecuringourfirst pilots, whichwe’ll achieve through awell-functioning a responsibility tocreate abetterfuture for allEncore stepped uptoserve asunionvolunteers thatwe have Petrie observed. “It’stheview of thepilotswhohave lective agreement thatmeetstheneedsof ourpilots,” by ourlonger-term goal for theyear of securingacol- membership andsecuringitsinvolvement, followed internal unionstructure. December membership buildingandestablishingtheir their temporary terms.They spenttheremainder of secretary-treasurer. Theofficers immediatelybegan as MECvice chairmanandCapt. Ted HebertasMEC Elected alongwithPetrie were Capt. Robert Bergeron MEC officers attheirfirst meetinginOttawa, Ont. to begin buildingrelationships andelectedtemporary Council representatives were introduced toALPA staff and collective future.” stronger voice inthedecisionsthatimpactourcareers ALPA’s abundantresources tousesothatwe gaina ing thegrowing painsof beingcertified, andputting building ourrelationship withmanagement, overcom- Immediately onthehorizon are electionsfor “In 2018,we hopetomake solid progress toward The MECundoubtedlyhasabusyyear ahead,and “Our immediategoal for 2018isincreasing our In December, thepilots’temporary LocalExecutive British Columbia. departs from Comox Airportin An Encore Q400NextGen

Photo: Stuart Sanders, Leading Edge Aviation Photography

Photo: Kimberly Seitz Photo: Stuart Sanders, Leading Edge Aviation Photography

Photo: Kimberly Seitz I industry average.” rates willbe20to percent 25 above and the majority ofour captain wage 50 percent above industry average, officers willseehourly rates 40to “Under this agreement, our first COMMUNICATIONS SPECIALIST BY KIMBERLY SEITZ,ALPA SENIORMEC UNPRECEDENTED GAINS PILOTS RAISETHEBARWITH ENDEAVOR AIR contract now. Ifthere’s adownturn, negotiating this seen, we wantedtocement favorable termsinour favorable financialenvironment theairlineshave ever reserve. 12 daysoff permonthandtherestoration of long-call and reserve quality-of-life improvements, including matching contributions andperdiem,sickaccrual, includes dramatically improved 401(k)company- paid atapremium of atleast150percent. pilots whopickupopentime, since allopentimeis higher rate; andgreatly increases theW-2earningsof ensures thatsick,vacation,andtraining are paidatthe the wage scalesincreases eligible401(k)deferrals; seat jetoperators. Putting theretention dollars into permanent wage scalessetsanew barfor 50-to76- The conversion of temporary retention bonusesinto to 25percent above industryaverage,” notedJohnson. and themajorityof ourcaptainwage rates willbe20 hourly rates 40to50percent above industryaverage, industry-average rates. into permanentwage scalesthatgreatly exceed try—convert whatwere temporary retention bonuses rates—unprecedented inthefee-for-departure indus- Executive Council (MEC)chairman. Thenew wage ing cycle,” saidCapt. JimJohnson,thepilots’Master initiative totake advantage of apositive bargain- the existing contract through Jan.1,2024. agreement, which tookeffect January1andextends pilots whovoted, 86percent voted infavor of the “Given thatwe’re currently experiencing themost The agreement doesn’tstopatwages. Italso “Under thisagreement, ourfirst officers willsee agreement“This istheculminationof astrategic from oneyear of interimnegotiations. Ofthe modification andextension dealthatresulted overwhelmingly ratified anunmatchedcontract n lateNovember 2017,theEndeavor Airpilots

at Deltafor allof ourpilots,”Johnsonsaid. for aguaranteed andcontractual pathway toacareer the termsatEndeavor, we’ll stillcontinue toadvocate progression atanycarrierthatismore favorable than progression. for amore robust andcontractual program for career interview program withDelta,theMECisadvocating sion. AlthoughEndeavor Airpilotshave aguaranteed pilots, includingonespertainingtocareer progres- on additionalinitiatives in2018thatwillbenefit the ruptcy in2013,andtheMECwillcontinue tofocus improve qualityof life since theairlineexited bank- cover awidevarietyof initiatives toincrease payand by summer. 2018, bringingEndeavor’s totalfleet to154aircraft modate delivery of 31CRJ700sand-900sby June Atlanta, Ga.,andbegan transitioning pilotstoaccom- amendable datetoJan.1,2026. the fleetcommitment by two years following the ment to10976-seataircraft (upfrom 81)andextends Air Lines andEndeavor—increases thefleetcommit the “Bridge Agreement,” whichwassignedby Delta provision like theonewe achieved.” Johnson. “We couldn’t dothatwithoutacontract include gainsfor ourexisting pilotsaswell,” observed because we mustensure thatanyfuture increases retain contractual control over new hire bonuses, must consent toanychange. “Itwasimportantto increased by $10,000,butbeyond that,thepilots bonuses tonew hires. Thenew-hire bonusmaybe limits management’s abilitytooffer additional classes with45–60pilotspermonth,thenew deal Johnson said. type of dealwould become muchmore challenging,” “While Deltacommits“While thatitwon’t offer career The MEChasnegotiated andratified 60LOAs that In 2017,theMECalsoreopened itspilotbasein In addition,aseparate letterof agreement (LOA)— While Endeavor Aircontinues tofillitsnew-hire

- January-February 2018 Pilot Line Air ratification ballot. agreement withthepilots priortothe Detroit, Mich.,todiscuss thetentative Committee conduct aroad show in Executive Council andNegotiating BELOW: CRJ900s FLEET: Canada and U.S. the across cities 125 than more to Connection Delta OPERATIONS: Airport) LaGuardia nedy International and Airport F. Ken (John York New and Minn.; Detroit, Mich.; Minneapolis, Ga.; Atlanta, DOMICILES: PILOT 2,000 PILOTS: OF NUMBER Mesaba Airlines in 2010 Colgan Air in 2007; purchased Endeavor Air in 2013); purchased and 2002 in Pinnacle to change name its lbefore Airlines Express ALPA: JOINED PILOTS AT AGLANCE PILOT GROUP PROFILES GROUP PILOT TheEndeavor AirMaster 46 CRJ200s and 97 97 and CRJ200s 46 700 daily flights as as flights daily 700 1988 (as (as 1988

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2018 PILOT GROUP PROFILES

ence can expect even quicker upgrades. AT A GLANCE ENVOY AIR Other improvements include a domicile proce- PILOTS FORGE AHEAD dures letter of agreement (LOA) that encourages the PILOTS JOINED ALPA: 1995 IN THE NEW YEAR company to open domiciles it might not otherwise (although Simmons had been an open, as well as letting new-hire pilots with previous BY KIMBERLY SEITZ, ALPA SENIOR MEC Part 121 experience have priority choice of initial ALPA member since 1986, after COMMUNICATIONS SPECIALIST the National Mediation Board’s domiciles and equipment. ruling that the four airlines In addition, the MEC and management worked serving American Airlines—Ex- jointly to develop the logistics to accommodate the ecutive, Flagship, Simmons, nvoy Air pilots have strived to regain airline’s pilot training at a facility in Morlaix, France, and Wings West—constituted a their footing after a one-two punch of which Pool credits with making the oversees training single airline, the American Eagle bankruptcy and post-bankruptcy economic appealing to the pilots and contributing to the suc- pilots established a single MEC). concessions and have now positioned cessful training completion rates. A newly acquired In 2014, the company name was Ethemselves for growth and additional gains in 2018— simulator will also be put on line in the first quarter changed from American Eagle to thanks to hard work and positive trends in the fee-for- of 2018, which will provide additional bandwidth for Envoy Air departure industry. training. “Envoy is hiring 60 to 80 pilots per month on “We’re constantly pushing for pilot-centric improve- NUMBER OF PILOTS: 1,801 average and even had a record-breaking 100 pilots in ments, but of course there is more work that needs to PILOT DOMICILES: Chicago, Ill.; two recent months,” said Capt. Sam Pool, the pilots’ be done,” observed Pool. “That said, it’s a good time to Dallas–Fort Worth, Tex.; Miami, Master Executive Council (MEC) chairman, “but there’s be an Envoy pilot.” Fla.; and New York, N.Y. (La Guar- still more to be done now that the Endeavor Air pilots And while the future of Envoy’s CRJ fleet is still be- dia Airport and John F. Kennedy have substantially raised the bar with their recent ing determined, Pool notes that Envoy pilots recently International Airport) contract.” learned that the airline would be reactivating all of HEADQUARTERS: Irving, Tex. Pool cited Envoy’s wide geographic footprint, the stored E140s and would also be receiving 10 FLEET: 90 ERJ 140/145s, 26 ERJ quick upgrade times, and favorable flow agreement more Embraer 175s starting in 2018, “which is a clear 175s, and 35 CRJ700s with American Airlines (part of parent company AAG) indicator that AAG trusts Envoy’s ability to get the job as key enticers for new hires—who can upgrade done.” from first officer to captain in as little as 18 months. In other positive news, the MEC grew in 2017 as Roughly 25 senior captains flow to American Airlines two former domiciles—New York City, N.Y. (La Guardia each month. New hires who meet federal aviation Airport and John F. Kennedy International Airport) and regulation requirements via previous Part 121 experi- Miami, Fla.—were reopened. And the company is eye- ing other major markets that could benefit from a crew base enabled by the domicile procedures LOA. With New York City and Miami, the MEC also increased the number of status representatives to 10, including the reps from the training facility in Dallas, Tex. According to Pool, Envoy management is satisfied with the status quo that, for the moment, continues to bring new hires to Envoy, but he insists the marketplace for new hires won’t tolerate stagnation or the status quo for long. He acknowledged that negotiations are needed to make additional changes to the pilots’ contract that enhance quality of life, especially for reserve pilots. “It’s one thing to get pilots in the door with fast-cash enticements, it’s another to have the complete package: good, durable economics; good working conditions; and good quality of life. That’s my goal, and the goal of the MEC.”

“Envoy is hiring 60 to 80 pilots per From left, F/O Vlad Gurevich month on average and even had a and Capt. Sam Pool prepare for a flight. record-breaking 100 pilots in two recent months.”

32 » Air Line Pilot January-February 2018

PILOT GROUP PROFILES 2018

EXPRESSJET LOOKING TO THE FUTURE BY F/O JAKE BELL (EXPRESSJET), MASTER EXECU- TIVE COUNCIL COMMUNICATIONS COMMITTEE

or the last few years, ExpressJet pilots have endured rather uncertain times. A sluggish merger, increased industry competition, and significant fleet and staffing reductions Ffueled by high pilot attrition have left the ExpressJet Master Executive Council (MEC) and ExpressJet pilots wondering what the future of their airline will look like. Although several major events in 2017 made that future a bit clearer, the ExpressJet MEC and its pilot group continue to proceed with caution. ment with United to fly as many as 126 ERJ 145s, an TOP: Due to a shortage of first officers, For the ExpressJet MEC, 2017 began quietly with increase from the current fleet size. This announce- Grady Huron (left) and Justin Demer, the group operating separately from merger partner ment, however, also came with the news that Atlantic friends and ExpressJet captains, fly Atlantic Southeast Airlines under a short-term contract Southeast’s contract with Delta Air Lines would a trip together out of Newark Liberty extension signed in early 2016. Although tempo- terminate by the end of 2018. To preserve as many International Airport. rarily relieved of the requirement to conduct joint Atlantic Southeast jobs as possible while also creating negotiations, both ExpressJet and Atlantic Southeast a pool of pilots to staff the new United agreement, the MEC leaders spent much of the year working closely ExpressJet and Atlantic Southeast MECs negotiated together to prepare for the groups’ upcoming chal- and implemented an integrated pilot seniority list, of- AT A GLANCE lenges, particularly staffing. ficially completing the merger of the two pilot groups As part of parent company SkyWest, Inc.’s financial that began in 2010. PILOTS JOINED ALPA: 2004 strategy, ExpressJet released nearly 70 aircraft in 2017 “History will show this as a tale of two pilot NUMBER OF ACTIVE PILOTS: that were operating under unprofitable contracts with groups…operated by a company that couldn’t make 1,318 major partner United Airlines. This large reduction was future plans because of the instability of the pilot OPERATIONS: Flying as United accompanied by massive pilot attrition, keeping staff- labor supply,” said Capt. Dave Allen, the former Ex- Express, ExpressJet serves ing roughly at required levels throughout the year. Any pressJet MEC chairman, and Capt. Chromer Smith, the destinations in the U.S., Mexico, plateau or increase in the fleet size, however, was ex- Atlantic Southeast MEC chairman, in a joint statement and Canada pected to create a unique challenge for the company. to their pilot groups following the announcement. The ExpressJet MEC received some help in June “Our two pilot groups have now become lifeboats for PILOT BASES: Chicago, Ill.; Cleve- when the company announced signing and retention each other. Lashed together, we will be a pilot force land, Ohio; Houston, Tex.; and bonuses for ExpressJet pilots. Capt. John Miclau, the 2,100 strong operated by a company that now has the Newark, N.J ExpressJet MEC chairman, was quick to point out that ability to look into the future to gain more flying for FLEET: 115 Embraer E145s/135s this was just the first piece of a multipart solution that all of us.” would be required to make ExpressJet a viable and at- Legacy Atlantic Southeast CRJ pilots flying in the tractive workplace for the pilot group moving forward. Delta operation began training on the ERJ 145 for “Although finances play a very important role in at- United operations in November. The transfer will tracting and retaining quality pilots, it’s only one piece continue throughout 2018 until the Delta operation is of the puzzle,” said Miclau. “Our airline desperately completely closed. needed a defined, long-term future and a stable fleet “The turn of events we saw in 2017 is clearly not plan in order to succeed.” part of the best-case scenario any ExpressJet pilot ExpressJet’s future, and the pilot groups’ long-de- had hoped for,” explained Miclau. “However, both the layed merger, gained some more definition in August, Atlantic Southeast and ExpressJet MECs are commit- when the company announced that it had signed a ted to working to best protect our pilots’ careers as new, profitable five-year capacity purchase agree- ExpressJet looks to the future.”

“Our two pilot groups have now become lifeboats for each other. Lashed together, we will be a pilot force 2,100 strong operated by a company that now has the ability to look into the future to gain more flying for all of us.”

January-February 2018 Air Line Pilot » 33 34 PILOT GROUP PROFILES GROUP PILOT 2018

MD-10s, MD-11s, and A300s and MD-11s, MD-10s, FLEET: HEADQUARTERS: MEMBERS: NUMBER OF FLIGHTCREW 2006 October CONTRACT: ALPA FIRST 2002 June in ALPA rejoined 1993–1996; June ALPA: JOINED PILOTS AT AGLANCE » during sunrise. during sunrise. ramp atOaklandInternationalAirport RIGHT: swing inGrand Forks, N.D. A FedEx Express A300doingagear Air Line Pilot January-February Pilot Line Air 2018 B-757s, B-767s, B-777s, B-777s, B-767s, B-757s, A FedEx Express B-777onthe 4,613 Memphis, Tenn. Memphis,

L program thatfocuses onfemale pilots.” immediately played acriticalrole indeveloping anew we’ve received. Infact, oneof the new volunteers chairman. “And we’re encouraged by theresponse acknowledged Capt. JohnCardaci, theMECvice more of aprioritytobolsterourvolunteer group,” volunteers over thenext several years makes iteven influx of new pilots andtheretirement of experienced ture,” saidCapt. ChuckDyer, thepilots’MECchairman. new generation of volunteers intoourcommittee struc retirements inthenearfuture, it’simportanttobringa at thedoor.Andaswe willseeasignificantnumberof attention. “We alsosaw theneedtomeetnew hires into 2017knowing thatretirement neededimmediate safety programs like ASAPandFOQA, theMECcame contract enforcement andparticipationincollaborative new program geared toward female pilots. a welcoming of new-hire pilots,andthecreation of a assessment of theFedEx pilots’defined-benefit plan, COMMUNICATIONS SPECIALIST BY COURTNEY BLAND, ALPA SENIOR BUILDING ONPAST SUCCESSES FEDEX EXPRESS program that focuses onfemale pilots.” critical role indeveloping anew volunteers immediately played a we’ve received. Infact, oneofthe new “We’re encouraged by the response “Although we’re always lookingfor volunteers, the In additiontothevery importantconstants of training new volunteers, acomprehensive committee structure through recruiting and of theMasterExecutive Council (MEC) ast year wasmarked by astrengthening

- in theUnitedStates. 220 countries andterritories,includingevery address varied fleet.FedEx delivers freight dailytomore than served worldwide, theairlinehasanextensive and and Cologne, Germany.With more than375airports as well aspilotsassigned toforeign dutyinHongKong the globe, witheightcouncils locatedinfour domiciles thank themfor whatthey dofor eachotherevery day.” Our pilotsare essential tothatdailyeffort, andwe enforcement of ouragreement remains paramount. should progress aswell,” saidDyer. “At thesametime, security-based collaborations withmanagement on theretirement project willcontinue. Safety- and committed tobuildingonpastsuccesses. “Our work union from thevery startof theircareers,” Dyer noted. vitally importantthatourpilotsare connected totheir ALPA wasvisibletoournew hires from theoutset.It’s Committee didanoutstandingjobof makingsure that on connecting thatcareer toALPA. “Our Membership 2017, andtheMECleaders are placingahighpriority aging questionsthroughout theprocess,” headded. upon thatinformation—seeking feedback andencour- man. “We’re beginning atsquare oneandwillbuild Capt. Pat May, thepilot’sNegotiating Committee chair- the educationprocess soonerrather thanlater,” said our retirement, andwe know how importantitistostart the challenge associated withmakinganychange to education materialtothecrew force. “We recognized MEC’s Negotiating Committee hasbeenbusyproviding duce thevariable-benefit planconcept. Since then,the began aneducationcampaign. on thevariable-benefit planmodelandimmediately search, theMECmadeaunanimousdecisiontofocus force,” saidDyer. After muchdebate andthorough re- families’ retirements andultimatelyunitesourcrew ority oneistobringourpilotsaplanthatimproves our able improvements thatwould benefit everyone. “Pri- retirement-industry experts toidentifypotentiallyvi- gotiating Committee tobegin consulting withvarious The 4,613FedEx Express pilotsare spread across As theMECleaders looktoward 2018,they remain More than300 pilotsstartedtheirFedEx career in By earlyfall, theMECmetwithmanagement tointro- Early intheyear, theMECalsoauthorized theNe-

Top photo: Capt. Mark Burckhard (FedEx Express) Bottom photo: Capt. D.J. Shaw (FedEx Express) Top photo: Capt. Mark Burckhard (FedEx Express) Bottom photo: Capt. D.J. Shaw (FedEx Express) F COMMUNICATIONS SPECIALIST BY KATY ADAMS, ALPA SENIOR CHANGE BRINGSOPPORTUNITY FIRST AIR is particularlyconcerned withlosingvaluableunion of theissue. Astheleaderof thepilotgroup, Hudy airline inanexit polltoget abetterunderstanding information from pilotsupontheirdeparture from the lenging atFirst Airthispastyear. TheMECgathered to findasolutionschedulingissues. Scheduling Committees have beenworking diligently with management, andthepilots’Negotiating and plans toaddress schedulingfor rotational ATR pilots union hasbuiltwiththecompany,” Hudynoted. in aneffort tocontinue theworking relationship the ing ournew management andbuildingadialogue safety culture atFirst Air.We’ve beenactively engag- Murray andChristocontinue tobuildonthepositive safety. MECisconfident “The thatwe canwork with its pilots,F/O ChrisDuggan,asthemanager of flight in Ottawa. InNovember, First Airalsohired oneof operations andparticipatedintheMEC’sfall meeting pany. Murray Balzer becamethenew director of flight pilot group’s MECchair. plan for thepilotgroup,” saidF/O CharleneHudy, the the fall theMECcreated andfinalized ourfirst strategic meetingswere“These extremely constructive, andin knife, N.W.T.,inthespringandOttawa, Ont.,inthefall. productive 2017,holdingMECmeetingsinYellow- the entire fleettransition withinthenext two years. the new livery, andthecompany planstocomplete colours. To date, two aircraft have beenrepainted in Pilot retention andengagement becamechal- Moving forward withthatrelationship, theMEC First Air’snew lookisn’ttheonlychange atthecom- The First AirMasterExecutive Council (MEC)hada the aircraft andanew company logo and October withthelaunchof anew livery for rebranding initiative thatculminatedin irst Airkicked off 2017withacompany

of theFirst Airpilotgroup.” we cancontinue tostrongly advocate for theconcerns strengthening of ourunioncommittees, I’mconfident “and through volunteer engagement andtheactive Air colours. also revamping itslogo tocoincide withthenew First which isintheworks andwilllaunchsoon.TheMECis Department todevelop anew website for theMEC, MEC vice chair, worked withALPA’s Communications coming negotiations. Meanwhile F/O Steve Bard, the survey togauge thepilots’needsanddesires for up- acknowledged Hudy. meetings, butit’sdifficulttokeep members engaged,” e-mail updatesandface-to-face conversations atour to communicate withourpilotsthrough biweekly with continued pilotengagement. “We continue new-hire ground schoolclasses, theMECstruggles welcoming new hires toALPA and presenting atallthe volunteer opportunities.” engage new hires sothatthey’re aware of alltheALPA and make adifference, ourgoal for 2018istoactively and whilewe have numerous peoplewillingtoserve arise. Ourunionisonlyasstrong asthevolunteers; members beingtrained tofillopenpositionsasthey unteers andensuringthatwe always have potential “Therefore theMECisfocusing onattracting new vol- ates avacancyoncommittee,” Hudypointedout. volunteers. “Typically whensomeoneleaves, itcre- operates. One of four B-737sthatFirst Air “With change,“With there’s opportunity,” saidHudy, Over thesummer, theMECconducted anall-pilot While unionrepresentatives have beenbusy

January-February 2018 Pilot Line Air positions asthey arise.” being trained to fillopen have potential members ensuring that we always new volunteers and focusing onattracting Therefore the MEC is vacancy ona committee, one leaves, itcreates a “Typically when some- MEC meeting in Ottawa, Ont. MEC meetinginOttawa, Ont. leads adiscussion atthepilotgroup’s Master Executive Council chair, right, LEFT: ATR 42-500s ATR 6 and 42-300s, 7ATR passenger), FLEET: west Territories and the North Nunavik, Nunavut, in communities 34 to services OPERATIONS: N.U. Iqaluit, and N.W.T.; lowknife, Yel Ont.; Ottawa, BASES: PILOT HEADQUARTERS: (including 16 on furlough) 120 PILOTS: OF NUMBER AT AGLANCE PILOT GROUP PROFILES GROUP PILOT F/O Charlene Hudy, thepilots’ 4 B-737-400s (3 combi, 1 1 combi, (3 4 B-737-400s First AirFirst operates Kanata, Ont. Kanata, Ont.

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November 2017 November in Show Air Dubai at announced purchase airplane billion a$49 of part as A321neos and A320neos other 134 as well as A321neos and A320s, A319s, 85 for options has also Frontier A321s. and FLEET: Dominican Republic, and Cuba Mexico, U.S., the in destinations 55 to daily 275 flights than more OPERATIONS: Nev. Vegas, Las and Fla.; Orlando, Ill.; cago, DOMICILES: HEADQUARTERS: mately 1,200 Approxi PILOTS: OF NUMBER 2016 1, June on ALPA with merged tion Associa Pilots Airlines Frontier The ALPA: JOINED PILOTS AT AGLANCE » Denver, Colo., onDec.7,2017. of Frontier corporate headquarters in participate ina“flashpicket” outside with 60pilotsandflightattendants RIGHT: Air Line Pilot January-February Pilot Line Air 2018 70 Airbus A319s, A320s, A320s, A319s, 70 Airbus Capt. Pete Lira (Frontier) along Denver, Colo.; Chi Frontier operates Denver, Colo. - - -

A Franke has referred toairline passengers as“spoiled ment teamsintheindustry.Indigo chairmanBill Indigo Partners, are amongthemostdifficultmanage- raising pilotwages. it claimed“business conditions” prevented itfrom saying theairlinewasnegotiating inbadfaith when began makingdouble-digitprofits in2015and2016. company tonegotiate new raises whentheairline ficed $55millioninpayandbenefits, expected the the pilotsapproved in2011.Thepilots,whosacri- bargaining pursuant toaconcessionary agreement over thecompany’s refusal toengage ingood-faith day cooling-off period,”Smithobserved. proffer arbitration, andthenallow ustoentera30- for thegovernment torelease usfrom mediation, mediation would notbehelpful. We believe it’stime to move thestallednegotiations forward. solicit helpfrom theNationalMediationBoard (NMB) is intolerable tous.” keep ourpayaslow asitcan,for aslongitcan.That company’s(MEC) chairman.“The goal seemstobe Tracy Smith,thepilots’MasterExecutive Council or offer payinlinewiththatof ourpeers,” saidCapt. refuses tounwind theconcessions pilotshave made ers andtoaward substantialmanagement bonuses,it millions of dollars inprofits toitsprivatesharehold- ment plancontribution of anymajorU.S.airline. airplanes. Theircompany alsohasthelowest retire- than pilotsflyingsimilarAirbusorBoeingnarrowbody every new pilotagreement. paid inNorthAmericaandfalling furtherbehindwith sions from apilotgroup thatisalready thelowest- company stillattemptingtowrest contract conces - Frontier pilotsare feeling left outinthecold, withthe day strike in2010. team thatforced theSpiritAirlinespilotsintoafive- COMMUNICATIONS SPECIALIST BY RUSTYAYERS, ALPA SENIOR OUT INTHECOLD FRONTIER Frontier anditsmajorityowner, investment firm A neutral arbitrator ruledinfavor of thepilots, Frontier pilotswon anarbitration caselastsummer “We’re makingourcasetotheNMBthatfurther At year’s end,theFrontier MECwasplanningto Frontier“While continues toupstream hundreds of On average, Frontier pilotsearn40percent less After more than18monthsof bargaining, the and management—the sameownership on acollision course withtheirowners pilots of Frontier Airlinesappeared tobe s 2017cametoaclose, thealmost1,200

new contract withindustry-standard pay.” growth planswon’t get off theground untilwe get a market rates for pilots,too,” saidSmith.“Frontier’s they needtoaccept thatthey’re going tohave topay rates. will attract new hires inlightof theirindustry-low pay in 2017,andpilotleaders questionhow theairline aircraft. However, planstotake Frontier public stalled placing orders for $19billionworth of new Airbus to more thantriplethesize of theairline, including attracted tensof thousandsof views, likes, andshares. animals inanodtotheairline’sdistinctive livery have campaigns featuring hawks, bears, owls, andother was alsoasuccess. Socialmediaandpaidadvertising ters duringtheairline’sBoard of Directors meeting picket, anda“flashpicket” outsideFrontier headquar- Those events attracted more than300pilotsateach in downtown Denver, Colo., lastAprilandDecember. formational pickets atDenver InternationalAirportand proval from thepilots,and thegroup heldmassive in- A strike authorization vote achieved 100percent ap- the pilotsinoppositiontomanagement’s stalltactics. squabbled withemployees andthenews media. low-cost airlines,andFrontier executives have openly brats” whoexpect mainlineamenitieseven from pay inlinewith that ofour peers.” concessions pilots have made oroffer bonuses, itrefuses to unwind the to award substantial management profits to its private shareholders and hundreds ofmillions ofdollars in “While Frontier continues to upstream “If ourowners canpaymarket rates for aircraft, Meanwhile, thecompany hasannounced boldplans The Frontier MEChasbeensuccessful inunifying

Photo: Lindsay Rasel Photo: Lindsay Rasel T gram, bringing all pilots under a single plan by 2022, gram, bringing allpilotsunderasingleplanby 2022, Hawaiian anattractive destinationfor new pilots.” class contract for aworld-class airlineandshouldmake Executive Council (MEC)vice chairman.“Itisaworld- worldwide,” saidCapt. DanielMoore, thepilots’Master parity withtheothermajorcarriers we compete with pilots have finallyachieved payrates thatbringusto into effect thisagreement, onApril1.“With Hawaiian cast ballotsinfavor of ratifying thedeal,whichwent aircraft type, andlengthof service. to 86percent dependingonanindividualpilot’sseat, the contract in2022,rates willhave increased by 36 raised pilotpayfrom 20to45percent. Bytheendof included payrates backdated toSeptember2015that the partiesreached adeal.Thetentative agreement of direct talksbetween thepilotsandmanagement, contract. Then inearlyFebruary, afterafew weeks helped focus attentiononthepilots’fightfor afair the company was launchedinDecember 2016and period. had yet torelease thepilotsintoa 30-daycooling-off management toconsider dispositionof thecaseand cessed furthermediatedtalksbetween the pilotsand because theNationalMediationBoard (NMB)hadre - However thepilotsfound themselves atastandstill had heldnumerous informational picketing events. million grant from ALPA’s MajorContingency Fundand established astrike operations center fundedby a$2 SENIOR AVIATION TECHNICALWRITER BY CHRISTOPHER FREEZE, ‘WORLD CLASS’ CONTRACT PILOTS ACHIEVE HAWAIIAN The agreement alsoaddressed theretirement pro- Of the97percent of pilots whovoted, 76percent A majorpaidsocialmediacampaigntargeting airline’s record profits. Thepilotgroup had that would give themafair share of the immersed inafightfor anew contract he pilotsof Hawaiian Airlinesbegan 2017

pilots,” Leeobserved. we mustcommunicate andstayengaged withour on Facebook. “To remain astrong andunifiedgroup, through itswebsite andactive social mediapresence date withthepilotgroup duringthecoming year port itduringgood andbadtimes,”saidLee. us toshow thatwe valuethecommunity andwillsup- during thepasttwo difficultyears, it’simportant for “After thesupportwe received from thecommunity gifts tochildren attheShriners Children’s Hospital. aviation. Thepilotsalsovolunteer theirtimeandbring to inspire children tothinkaboutcareer optionsin tion Committee conducted more than30schoolvisits active intheircommunity. In2017,theMEC’sEduca- on itsroute map. A321neos whileaddingflightstodestinationsalready its network thisspring, launchingnew routes using month’s new-hire class. Theairlinewillbeexpanding A321s andwillhave anaverage of 10pilotsineach management toresolve thissituation.” chairman. “Butwe’re hopingthatwe canwork with we’ve hadinthepast,”saidCapt. HoonLee, theMEC to have 20timestheamountof grievances than the new contract, someissues remain. “We continue changes hands. retiree healthbenefits willcontinue even iftheairline The pilot-run andlegally separate VEBAensures that vately administered by apilot-run board of directors. by Hawaiian tothetuneof $100millionandbepri- retiree health-care program. TheVEBAwillbefunded association (VEBA)tosupersede Hawaiian’s existing and formed anew voluntary employees beneficiary carriers we compete with worldwide.” bring usto parity with the other major have finally achieved pay rates that “With this agreement, Hawaiian pilots The MECwillcontinue toengage andkeep upto The pilotsof Hawaiian Airlinesfor years have been In 2018,Hawaiian isscheduledtoreceive nine Although manyissues have beenresolved with

January-February 2018 Pilot Line Air ton, Block4rep. secretary-treasurer, andF/O MarkLang- president; Capt. BenPeacock, theMEC chairman; Capt. TimCanoll, ALPA’s pilots’ MasterExecutive Council (MEC) ABOVE: 800neos, and 16 A321neos 16 A321neos and 800neos, 6A330- 1A330-200, order: On 72-212Fs. 2ATR and 42-500s, 3ATR A330-200s, 23 A321neos, B-767-300, 7 B-767-300ERs, 2 FLEET: China and Japan, Korea, South Zealand, New Australia, Tahiti, Samoa, American and mainland U.S. the on cities 11gateway to Hawaii from systemwide flights 200 than more and islands Hawaiian six connecting flights daily OPERATIONS: Hawaii HEADQUARTERS: 775 PILOTS: OF NUMBER AT AGLANCE PILOT GROUP PROFILES GROUP PILOT From left, Capt. HoonLee, the 20 B-717-200s, 1 B-717-200s,20 1 More than 160 160 than More Honolulu,

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PILOT GROUP PROFILES GROUP PILOT 2018 38

Dash 8-Q400s FLEET: ofisland Hawaii the on Airport Kona and Kauai, of island the on Airport Lihue Maui, of island the on Airport Kahului and nolulu Airport International Ho between flights 155 weekly than more operated Air Island largest and second-oldest airline, OPERATIONS: 65 PILOTS: OF NUMBER 1989 ALPA: JOINED PILOTS FOUNDED: AT AGLANCE » March 2013toSeptember2017. TOP: A ir Line Pilot January-February Pilot Line ir 2018 An ATR 72flown by IslandAirfrom ATR 72s and Bombardier Bombardier and 72s ATR 1980 Hawaii’s second- -

T abandoned virtually allof thecarrier’sother routes, the islandof Lanai. Unfortunately, Ellison’smanagers to shuttleguestsfrom Oahutohisupscaleresorts on billionaire LarryEllisonboughttheairlineprimarily went down asimilarfinancialpath whensoftware short of revenue expectations. In2013,theairline number of pilots;however, thecompany began tofall optimistic regarding plans to potentiallydoublethe remain unpaid. their 401(k)accounts, andwages earned inNovember date, IslandAiremployees are stillunabletotransfer to officially shutitsdoors onNovember 10.To this ganization toChapter7liquidation,forcing theairline financial liquidityquicklyledfrom Chapter11reor- bankruptcy filingonOct.15,2017.Lackof capitaland of three of theseitemsatanygiven time.” since therefleet started,we hadatbestonlytwo out ALPA’s fall Executive Board meeting.“Unfortunately, pilots’ MasterExecutive Council (MEC)chairman,at stream topayfor itall,”saidCapt. JimMorris,the aircraft, pilotstrained toflythem,andarevenue in latespring.“To besuccessful, thecompany needed forward toupgrades andtransitioning from ATR 72s. and pilotscurrently onthesenioritylistwere looking January. Pilotswere beinghired toflythoseairplanes, revenue. Thefirst of five new Dash8-Q400sarrived in the company to expand whilemaintainingnecessary management reached agreements thatwould allow COMMUNICATIONS SPECIALIST BY FANNY OLMO, ALPA AFTER 37YEARS AIRLINE SHUTS DOWN ISLAND AIR At thebeginning of 2017,employees were These problems culminatedinaChapter11 However, financialcircumstances startedtoworsen on apositive footing. Thepilotsand understatement. Theairlinestarted2017 has beentumultuouswould beagross o saythatthepastyear atIslandAir

develops. the potentialsaleof theairlineoperating certificate continue, and theirinterests remain paramount as to theairline’sshutdown, pilotplacement successes that thepilotsreceive thewages they earnedprior group’s custodian,are continuing towork toensure remains unwritten. went topress, andthefinalchapterinthislongsaga of theairline.Events continued tounfold asthisissue fund thebankruptcywhileitnegotiated thepurchase moment Hawaiian Airlinesagreed toprovide capitalto been amazing, andwe’re allextremely grateful.” to theentire Island Airfamily by localemployers has other carriers,” saidMorris.“Inaddition,theresponse from ALPA andairlinesingetting ourpilotsplaced at of thisistheoverwhelming supportwe’ve received and stafftoassist onebrightaspecttoall pilots.“The has remained engaged withALPA’s nationalofficers Air’s 37years despitethesadcircumstances. friends, andsupporters whochosetocelebrate Island the pilotsandotheremployees. Itwasmetby family, trip flightbetween OahuandMauiwasbittersweet for land Airclosingitsdoors inNovember. Thelastround- ployees, events outsidetheircontrol culminatedinIs- carriers operating inthe U.S. the fifth-higheststartingpayamong18regional all grievances andpendingarbitrations. IslandAirhad sion thatincreased pilotpaywhilefavorably settling relations withthecompany ledtoa contract exten- began mendingfences withemployees. Improved months later, CEODavid Uchiyamawashired and est intheairlinetoagroup of localinvestors. Three started topileup. the new aircraft ontotheproperty, andgrievances had promised intheletterof agreement thatbrought management triedtobackaway from thepayraises it the pilotshadalready beentrained toflythem.New unused inanArizona hangar, even thoughsomeof pair of new, custom-ordered Bombardier Q400ssitting airline’s fleetof ATR 72swasabandoned,leaving a and thecompany racked uphuge losses. fall of revenue short expectations.” pilots; however, the company began to potentially double the number of were optimistic regarding plans to “At the beginning of2017, employees ALPA’s Legal DepartmentandMorris,thepilot In yet anotherunexpected twist,atthelastpossible Since theannouncement of theshutdown, theMEC Despite Herculean efforts by thepilotsandallem- In January2016,Ellisonsoldamajorityinter- Former CEOPaul Casey’s plantoreplace the

Bottom photo: Jazz Aviation Bottom photo: Jazz Aviation I COMMUNICATIONS SPECIALIST BY KATY ADAMS, ALPA SENIOR A HISTORIC YEAR JAZZ AVIATION and protects allpilotsatBearskin andWasaya who purpose of biddingposition,schedule, andvacation flying for Jazz,”saidBuraglia. Thisseniorityisfor the to move toJazzseniority on ourlistpriortoactually pathways program. LOU “The gives pilotswhowish and Wasaya whoare hired through theJazzAviation concept of “seniorityportability”for pilotsatBearskin with JazzAviation management andintroduced the MEC signedahistoricletterof understanding (LOU) in thelast12monthscameSeptemberwhen forward,” Buraglia acknowledged. began toseetheopportunitymove thisinitiative pilot career progression, and2017istheyear thatwe pion of promoting astableandrespectful professional history toournewest members. TheMECisacham- also believe it’simportanttopass alongsomeof that Capt. ClaudeBuraglia, theJazzMECchairman.“We process we usetobestrepresent ourpilotgroup,” said collective agreement. both partiesreached agreement onastable, long-term ship withJazzAviation management, andin2015 Master Executive Council (MEC) builtastrong relation - modern JazzAviation. Through thatmerger, theJazz Regional Airlines,successfully merged tobecome the the four AirCanada regional airlines,includingCanada tion toform today’sALPA, International.Thenin2001, 60 years latermerged withtheAirLine PilotsAssocia- One of thepilotgroup’s biggest accomplishments “History isanimportantpartof thedecision-making nadian AirLine PilotsAssociation (CALPA), which the 80thanniversary of thefounding of theCa- Aviation, asallALPA pilotsinCanada celebrated t wasahallmarkyear for thepilotsof Jazz

pilots withintheAirCanada family,” Buraglia noted. resent, butitwillalsobenefit theotherprofessional only believe thatthiswillbenefit thepilotswe rep- group intheAirCanada Express operation. “We not brand asastable, respectful, andprofessional pilot offers itsmembers. zational structure, andthemanybenefits theunion ing theAssociation’s historyinCanada, itsorgani - work withALPA nationaltoproduce avideoexplain- Membership Committee new-hire presentation and forward in2018.” a waytobridge thisgapwillbeapriorityfor usgoing a localized issue for ourairlineorindustry.Finding of connection totheworkplace thatwe believe isnot of ourpilotgroup,” explained Buraglia. “There’s alack constant challenge duetothechangingdemographic works. “Communicating withourmembers hasbeena als,” aprivateFacebook page for members isinthe to engage withthegeneration known as“millenni- new, easy-to-navigate MECwebsite. Andinaneffort most notableresult of thecombined efforts isthe reach itsgoals andpromote pilotengagement. The and ALPA’s Communications Departmenttohelp worked closelywithitsCommunications Committee overhaul of itscommunications strategy. TheMEC wish tocome toJazzinthefuture.” The MECwillalsoexplore new waystoadvance its Looking ahead,theJazzMEChopestorefine its Another highpointfor thegroup includedan

January-February 2018 Pilot Line Air dier CRJ900s. LEFT: an MECmeetinginMontreal, Que. (MEC) discusses itsstrategic planduring TOP: our newest members.” some ofthat history to important to pass along group. We alsobelieve it’s best represent our pilot making process we useto part ofthe decision- “History isanimportant 16 Dash 8-100s 16 Dash and 8-300s, 26 Dash CRJ900s, dier 21 Bombar CRJ200s, Bombardier FLEET: HEADQUARTERS: Que. Montreal, Toronto, Alb.; Calgary, and Ont.; B.C.; Vancouver, BASES: PILOT 1,547 PILOTS: OF NUMBER 1997 ALPA: JOINED PILOTS AT AGLANCE TheJazzMasterExecutive Council PILOT GROUP PROFILES GROUP PILOT Oneof JazzAviation’s Bombar- 44 Bombardier Q400s, 10 10 Q400s, Bombardier 44 Dartmouth, N.S.

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40 PILOT GROUP PROFILES GROUP PILOT 2018

additional 24 on order an with E190s 60 and order, on A321neos 60 17 order, on tional addi an with 49 A321s order, on FLEET: N.Y. City, HEADQUARTERS: Calif. Beach, Long and Fla.; Orlando, and Boston, Mass.; Lauderdale Fort N.Y.; York, New BASES: PILOT MEMBERS: NUMBER OF FLIGHTCREW 2014 April ALPA: JOINED PILOTS AT AGLANCE » Air Line Pilot January-February Pilot Line Air 2018 30 A320s, 25 A320neos A320neos 25 A320s, 130 3,500 Long Island

O COMMUNICATIONS SPECIALIST BY JENLOFQUIST, ALPA SENIOR 1,000 DAYS ANDCOUNTING JETBLUE But they aren’t waitingquietly. the pastthree years, JetBluepilotsare stillwaiting. other groups have seensubstantial payraises over the pilotslagtheirpeers atcomparable airlines.As profits since thepilotsbegan negotiating. Meanwhile, ing profits andhasmademore than$2.5billionin success.” rate for itspilots—avitalpartof JetBlue’s continued to gates,itdoesn’tseemthinkhaspaymarket for every other aspectof itsoperations, from engines chairman. “Despitethecompany payingmarket rate Walsh, thepilots’MasterExecutive Council (MEC) peers atotherU.S.mainlinecarriers,” saidCapt. Patrick market-rate payscalesthatputusinlinewith our 3,500 JetBluepilots,andtheirpatience isrunningout. an agreement thatmeetstheneedsof themore than waiting for management tocome tothetablewith 2014. For almostthree years, thepilotgroup hasbeen In July2017,thepilot group heldaunity rally in The airlinehasenjoyed five years of industry-lead - “For thepast three years, we’ve beenaskingfor their first contract since joiningALPA in day marked 1,000daysof bargaining for served anunwelcomed anniversary. That n Dec.25,2017,theJetBluepilotsob- tember 2017. Above Allrally inBoston,Mass., inSep- JetBlue pilotsarrive for theContract

more than3,500strong, isn’t backingdown.” give usthecontract thatwe deserve. Thispilotgroup, question left iswhatwillittake for thiscompany to began negotiating more than1,000daysago. The only has accrued billionsof dollars inprofits justsince we “We know thatourcompany canafford it.Theairline the sameaircraft andthesameroutes,” Walsh said. level inpayandbenefits asourpeers whoare flying in linewithourpeers, onethatputsuson thesame pressure onmanagement. mobile billboards, asthepilotgroup continues toexert including anaggressive socialmediacampaignand As theyear closed,more actionswere ramping up, full-color adsinTheBostonGlobeandNewYorkPost. and LongBeach,Calif. Thepilotgroup alsopurchased tegically placed inFort Lauderdale andOrlando, Fla., International Airports,withadditionalbillboards stra- up around JohnF.Kennedy InternationalandLogan social media.Beginning inOctober, billboards went using several different platforms from billboards to message inevery JetBluebaseacross thecountry public-awareness campaign,whichechoedtheir for theirMECandNegotiating Committee. same—hundreds of pilotscametoshow theirsupport Though thevenue wasdifferent, theresult wasthe York rally withaBoston,Mass., event inSeptember. a meetingwithWalsh. Thepilotsfollowed uptheNew management referenced several quotesinthevideoat video beingdistributedtothepilotgroup, company video withhighlightsfrom therally. Withindaysof the Department, theJetBluepilotsproduced ahard-hitting force.” would get themessage across. Ourpilotscameoutin just acabrideaway from ourcompany headquarters, negotiators,” saidWalsh. “We decidedarally, held ment thatourpilotgroup isunifiedandsupportsour picket. received training onhow toexecute aninformational and Strike Committee (SPSC)chairman,thegroup Capt. BrianDawson, thepilots’Strategic Preparedness and ALPA’s Representation Department.Then,ledby a presentation from thepilots’Negotiating Committee Canoll, ALPA’s president, andWalsh speak,followed by New York, N.Y.Hundreds of pilots listenedtoCapt. Tim negotiators.” group isunified andsupports our show management that our pilot “We held avery successful event to “We know we deserve acontract thatbrings us The JetBluepilotsthenembarked onatargeted Afterward, withthehelpof ALPA’s Communications “We heldavery successful event toshow manage-

Bottom photo: ALPA photo archives Bottom photo: ALPA photo archives F TECHNICAL WRITER BY CHRISTOPHER FREEZE,SENIORAVIATION REBUILDING STRENGTH FLIGHTCRAFT KELOWNA pilots conduct regional flyingonbehalfof Canada fly diverse operations. TheVancouver, B.C.-based agreement thatrunsthrough March 31,2020. are scheduledtoopeninApril2018for a collective have abusy first year. Mid-termcontract negotiations slated tobegin theirterms onMarch 1,2018,and will to closeapproximately amonthlater.Theofficers are reps alsoopenedinmid-Januaryandwasscheduled tary-treasurer from amongthosenewly electedstatus to electthepilots’chairman,vice chairman,andsecre- scheduled tocloseasthisissue went topress. Voting representatives openedinmid-Januaryandwas ballot toelectcaptain,first officer, andsecond officer took place. exiting custodianship.Inmid-December, nominations was e-mailedtothepilots,whosupportedMEC MEC outof custodianship.Inmid-October, asurvey news, thepilotgroup began discussing bringingthe tives. However, withtheairline’srecent positive faced challenges maintainingelectedrepresenta- endured aturbulentlastfew years, thepilotshave Master Executive Council (MEC) custodian. Aviation), ALPA Canada president andthepilotgroup’s sent allKelowna pilots,”saidCapt. DanAdamus(Jazz and buildastrong unionstructure thatwillbestrepre- been mygoal tohelpthepilotgroup regain itsfooting way. however, electionsfor new officers are currently under year begins, thepilotgroup remains incustodianship; pilots intoasinglecouncil (Council 206).Asthenew a resolution to dissolve Council 212andputallof the October 2015whenALPA’s Executive Council passed their unionstructure. hope for thesuccess of theirairlineandfor rebuilding This positive news hasgiven thepilotsarenewed nity tohire new pilotsfor the first timeinmanyyears. Kelowna Flightcraft AirCharterLimited) theopportu- As withmanyCanadian aircarriers, Kelowna’s pilots Once nominationswere secured, arepresentation As oneof ALPA’s smallerpilotgroups andhaving Ienjoy“While working withtheKelowna pilots,it’s The pilotgroup wasplaced intocustodianship in in 2016allowed KFAerospace (formerly A renewed contract withSolarAirCargo pilot group hasbeeninALPA custodianship. or more thanayear, theKelowna Flightcraft dedication tosafety andefficiency.” to demonstrate theirprofessionalism withtheutmost and downs of the lastfew years, thepilotscontinue ly hasabigheart,”notedAdamus.“Despitetheups including thosenotemployed by KFAerospace. North America,isbeingusedby amultitudeof pilots, DC-10 simulator, theonlyoneof itskindoperating in to meettheincreased flyingdemand.Theairline’s to hire eightto10new pilotsinthecoming year more opportunitiesfor revenue flyingandintends for Kelowna pilots.Thecarrierisactively seeking come upfor renewal attheendof thisyear. stock, theairlinewillseeitscontract withSolarCargo flowers andpharmaceuticals toproduce andlive- cities inSouthAmerica.Flyinganythingfrom fresh freighters inMiami,Fla.,tooperate flightstovarious that places two of itsMcDonnellDouglasDC-10 ates acontract withtheU.S.divisionof SolarCargo limited schedule. Convair 580s,flyingpostalgoods andfreight ona Post andPurolator Courier inBritishColumbia using pilots.” that willbestrepresent allKelowna and build astrong union structure help the pilot group regain its footing Kelowna pilots, it’s beenmy goal to “While Ienjoy working with the “The pilot group“The maybesmallin size, butitcertain- Looking ahead,thefuture appears tobebrighter Based inwestern Canada, KFAerospace alsooper-

January-February 2018 Pilot Line Air cargo flight. BELOW: Miami, Fla. conducted inmid-December 2017in nomination ballotsataspecialmeeting arelli, andS/O JoshuaPetrolo count the Sean Whitehead,S/O DanielVecchi- TOP: McDonnell Douglas DC-10s FLEET: HEADQUARTERS: and Toronto, Ont. B.C., Vancouver, BASES: PILOTS NUMBER OF PILOTS: ALPA) with merged [CALPA] Association Pilots Line group when the Canadian Air came an pilot ALPA-represented 1 ALPA: JOINED PILOTS AT AGLANCE From left, Kelowna pilotsF/O PILOT GROUP PROFILES GROUP PILOT AKelowna DC-10landsaftera

3 Convair 580s and 2 2 and 580s 3 Convair Kelowna, B.C. Kelowna, 43 997 (be -

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and 60 ERJ 175s ERJ 60 and FLEET: states 39 and 117 to cities departures daily 600 with Mexico and Canada, U.S., the serves It Express. United operates as Eagle American and OPERATIONS: HEADQUARTERS: D.C. Washington, and Ariz.; Phoenix, Tex.; Houston, and Worth Dallas/Fort BASES: PILOT 1,225 PILOTS: OF NUMBER 1987 ALPA: JOINED PILOTS AT AGLANCE » ratification. votes tosubmititthepilotgroup for the company’s tentative agreement and 9, 2017,duringwhichtheMECaccepts attend aspecialMECmeetingonJune tions andRepresentation Departments and stafffrom ALPA’s Communica- reps, Negotiating Committee members, (MEC) officers, LocalExecutive Council TOP: Air Line Pilot January-February Pilot Line Air 2018 MesaMasterExecutive Council 20 CRJ700s, 64 CRJ900s, CRJ900s, 64 CRJ700s, 20 Mesa Air Group Phoenix, Ariz.

A ties—on bothsides of thetable—thatwere motivated unwavering support.Andnumberthree, we hadpar- rection from thepilots,alongwiththeirandMEC’s of bargaining objectives. Numbertwo, we hadcleardi- Department. “Numberone, we hadapared-down list Shostack, assistant director of ALPA’s Representation diation withthree key elements,” explained Andrew National MediationBoard (NMB).“We went intome- an applicationinMarch for mediationservices withthe pattern bargaining isallabout.” us inlinewiththerest of ourpeers, andthat’swhat provements inpay, vacation,andretirement, placing tion of thecontract. agreement “This delivers im- (MEC) chairman,onJuly12,2017,regarding ratifica- Andy Hughes,thepilots’MasterExecutive Council rang in2018withanew agreement. For thefirst timeinalmostadecade, theMesa pilots SPECIALIST BY FANNY OLMO, ALPA COMMUNICATIONS FINALLY, ANEWCONTRACT MESA After talkshadstalledgoing into2017,ALPA filed “We’re pleasedwithtoday’sresults,” saidCapt. ing, andalawsuit—ended withoptimism. Contingency Fund,informational picket included anallocationfrom ALPA’s Major year thatstartedwithpessimism—and - ALPA pilot flying for MesaAirlines.” and should onceagain be proud to bean worked to look out for their interests should know justhow hard everyone pensation going forward. Our pilots most allofour standards andtotal com “This isanagreement that raises al- good year for Mesapilots,”saidHughes. contract implementation, education,andenforcement. the pilotslooktoyear ahead,they’re focused on and hostnew-hire training events andluncheons.As conference room thatmakes iteasiertoholdmeetings company headquarters. Thenew floorplanhasalarger grievance process. tions, andifunable, theMECisprepared toutilize the management toclearupsomeof thebargaining posi- tiating Committee continues towork diligently with transition tothenew agreement. Thepilots’Nego- immediately began theimplementationprocess to flying for MesaAirlines.” and shouldonce againbeproud tobeanALPA pilot hard everyone worked tolookoutfor theirinterests knowledged Hughes.“Our pilotsshouldknow justhow standards andtotalcompensation going forward,” ac reserve rules. preferential biddingsystemtimeline, andimproved including more detailedhotellanguage, animproved improvements tothecontract affect qualityof life, minimum guarantee, the401(k)plan,andmore. Other vacation pay, training pay, longlayovers, sicktime, the paychecks, including improvements indeadheadpay, a numberof otherbenefits willenhance thepilots’ thousands of dollars inincreased annualearnings. And for compensating pilotsfor soft time, amountingto departure peers. in 2021,thepilotswillbelinewiththeirfee-for- for theentire pilotgroup. Bytheendof thecontract pilots—an overall average increase of 12.3percent reached anagreement. separated by aweek of language drafting, theparties two weeks of intensive negotiations withamediator, offering muchsmallertrade-offs inreturn. Andafter able toget thecompany tomove great distances while to, andcould, reach anagreement,” headded. “Thanks to ournew“Thanks contract, 2018shouldbea In 2017,theMECmoved toanew office closeto Once ratified, theMECandNegotiating Committee isanagreement“This thatraises almostallof our The agreement alsoeliminatedbasepayasameans The contract includespayincreases for allMesa The members of theNegotiating Committee were - -

Photo: Piedmont Airlines Photo: Piedmont Airlines A between thepilotsandmanagement in2015toad- ironed outinLetterof Agreement (LOA) 19,signed ent styleof operation.” with jets,”henoted,addingthat“it makes for adiffer - (MEC) chair.“It’smore aboutwhatPiedmontcando Freedman, thepilotgroup’s MasterExecutive Council we don’treally have more planes,”saidCapt. Bruce eastern UnitedStatesandCanada. new markets toitsroute structure, which covers the flights itcanoperate. Inaddition,theairlineisadding the numberof passengers itcanaccommodate and However, thenew E145senablePiedmonttoincrease fleet count isprojected toremain essentially thesame. moving forward isexpected tobemoderate. and otherdepartures, thegrowth of thepilotgroup rently flow uptoAmericaneachyear. Withretirements the pilotgroup size, roughly 55Piedmontpilotscur- ceiving. Basedonacontractual formula thatconsiders 20 pilotsamonth,althoughthisgrowth rate isabitde- last year. Theairlinecontinues tohire approximately lots—approximately 175more thanithadatthistime to asingle-council arrangement. the pilotgroup istransitioning from multiplecouncils Pennsylvania. Consequently, ALPA representation for base willbePhiladelphiaInternationalAirportin that domicile.Atpoint,thesolePiedmontpilot Virginia untilsometimethissummerwhenitcloses Roanoke-Blacksburg Regional Airportinsouthwestern of 2017.Thecarrierwilloperate Dash8-300soutof 2017 anditsSalisbury, Md.,pilotdomicileattheend opted tocloseitsHarrisburg, Pa., crew baseinspring Piedmont torethink itspilotbasestructure. Theairline later thisyear. 8-100s andplanstoretire itsremaining Dash8-300s turboprops. Since then,theairlinehasparked itsDash phasing outitsprevious fleetof Bombardier Dash8 ing Embraer E145swhileinitiatingtheprocess of Group subsidiary.In2016,Piedmontbegan acquir- of slow butsteadygrowth for theAmericanAirlines BY JOHNPERKINSON,SENIORSTAFF WRITER OPERATIONAL CHANGES FLEET SHIFTPROMPTS PIEDMONT Many of thedetailsof thistransformation were “Geographically, we’re becoming alarger airline, but Once thetransition tojetsiscomplete, theairline’s Despite thiscutback,Piedmonthasnearly650pi- This change infleetcomposition hascompelled management topursue abusiness plan carrier’s pilotscontinue working with tion toanall-jetfleetlaterthisyear, the s PiedmontAirlinescompletes itstransi-

industry,” headded. as partof AmericanAirlinesGroup andwithinthe our situationandplace intheschemeof things tion,” saidFreedman. “It’saconstant reassessment of adaptable rightnow tomeettheneedsof theopera- Ohio, whichwillbecome available laterthisyear. and St.Louis,Mo.,withafifthfacility inCincinnati, simulators inCharlotte, N.C.;DallasandHouston,Tex.; there. For training purposes,PiedmontusesE145 remain inSalisburydespitethepilotbaseclosure The carrier’sheadquarters andexecutive leadership phia pilotbasetoaddress locallaborrelations issues. Piedmont assigned two chief pilotstothePhiladel- compelled tomake someadministrative adjustments. differences through simplediscussions. because thetwo partieswere abletoresolve their that thepilotgroup filedvery few grievances lastyear to have more interaction withmanagement. Henoted as “cordial” and“respectful,” althoughhewould like Committee totake fulladvantage of thisopportunity. is working closelywiththepilotgroup’s Negotiating round of thesetalksbegan inJanuary, andtheMEC and eitherpartycanrequest afacilitator. Thefirst contract items.Thesemininegotiations last120days, to thebargaining tabletorevisit alimitednumberof in 2021—for thepilotsandmanagement toreturn it provides two opportunities—onein2018andone of thecurrent contract from 2018to2024.However, dress theshifttojets.TheLOA extended theduration “With all that is happening, our airline needs to be allthatishappening,“With ourairlineneedstobe With thedomicilerealignment, theairlinehasbeen Freedman describedlaborrelations atPiedmont Airport inMaryland. bury–Ocean City–Wicomico Regional An E145andaDash8-100atSalis-

January-February 2018 Pilot Line Air operation.” different style of jets. It makes for a Piedmont can dowith It’s more about what really have more planes. airline, but we don’t we’re becomingalarger “Geographically, 8-300s FLEET: destinations. 55+ to aday flights 400 mately approxi flying ayear, passengers 3million than more transports OPERATIONS: Va. Roanoke, and Pa., Philadelphia, BASES: PILOT HEADQUARTERS: 650 PILOTS: OF NUMBER 1984 ALPA: JOINED PILOTS AT AGLANCE PILOT GROUP PROFILES GROUP PILOT 36 E145s and 11 Dash 11Dash and E145s 36 Piedmont Piedmont Salisbury, Md. Salisbury,

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» pilots.” recruiting andretaining competitiveness in pay scale that maintains company to achieve a and working with the making positive changes “We look forward to and 54 CRJ900s CRJ900s 54 and FLEET: the Bahamas and Canada, states, 30 than more in destinations 80 than more Airlines Group,American serving of subsidiary owned awholly is OPERATIONS: Tenn. Knoxville, and D.C.; Washington, Ohio; Dayton, and Cincinnati N.C.; Charlotte, BASES: PILOT NUMBER OF PILOTS: AT AGLANCE offices inOctober2017. cil meetsinALPA’s Herndon,Va., The PSAMasterExecutive Coun- Air Line Pilot January-February Pilot Line Air 2018 35 CRJ200s, 35 CRJ700s, 35 CRJ700s, 35 CRJ200s, PSA Airlines, Inc. Inc. Airlines, PSA 1,500+

O COMMUNICATIONS SPECIALIST BY JULIEMAYES, ALPA SENIOR READY TO RAISETHEBAR PSA However, thecarrierhasslowly startedtoresume de- nearly 65percent doingsowithintheirfirst two years. pilots leaving before completing theirfirst year, and years toattrition—withmore than50percent of the airline haslostnearly600pilotsduring thelastthree ing thedelivery of additionalCRJ700sin2016.The to increase itspilotranks, whichresulted interminat resolution of cases. cally reduce outstandinggrievances andexpedite the management teamhave worked together todrasti- labor relations manager. Thepilotgroup andthenew company hired anew director of operations anda in response toconcerns raised by thepilots, management hasbecome more productive. Partly airline abetterplace towork.” improving daily, andwe’re committed tomakingour chairman. “Our relationship withmanagement is Ricks, thepilots’MasterExecutive Council (MEC) goals. pilots are optimisticthey’ll achieve theirbargaining low fee-for-departure carrier—recently obtained, PSA improvements thatthepilotsof Endeavor Air—afel- two years. Andwiththerecent substantialcontract ers hasresulted ingainsfor thepilotsover thelast parent company AmericanAirlines. improved schedulesandpilotcareer progression to pay increases andenhancingqualityof life through focus onturningtemporary bonusesintopermanent management in2018.Thegroup’s contract goals will Over thelastfew years, PSAhasbeenstruggling During thelastyear, thepilots’relationship with isagreat“This timetobeatPSA,”saidCapt. Travis The continued determinationof PSA’spilotlead- gotiations between thepilotsof PSAand will beakey elementof upcoming ne- ments tocompensation andwork rules btaining permanentcontractual improve-

- both thepilotgroup andthecompany,” Rickssaid. a regional airline. pilots, andinsightsintothework life of pilotsflyingfor the Unionpublication,updatesontopissues facing tive bargaining agreement, thegroup’s annualState of PSAPilotCareers.com developing anew website for thegeneral public. to attract new crewmembers, PSApilotleaders are tive bargaining agreement.” need tomake permanentimprovements toourcollec successful recruitment andretention theairlinewill continue advisingmanagement thatinorder tohave to American,”Ricksnoted.“Inthemeantime, we’ll eventually increase therate atwhichPSApilots flow American inapproximately sixtoseven years. current level, new hires canexpect toflow through to increase from five permonth.Ifattritionstaysatthe up toAmericanattherate of sixpermonth,arecent about nineyears of seniorityare currently moving helped toattract new hires totheairline.Pilotswith can AirlinesimplementedinSeptember2015has PSA, butalsoraise thebarfor theentire industry.” contractual improvements benefit notonlythepilotsof to attract andretain pilotsatPSA,”saidRicks.“Real to effectively combat attritionandimprove ourability er thanrelying ontemporary bonusesistheonlyway bargaining priorities. tion andwork ruleswillbeacore partof thegroup’s permanent contractual improvements tocompensa- Consequently, PSA’spilotleaders have indicated that bonuses willultimatelyfail tostoplong-termattrition. that thetemporary short-term solutionof offering three installmentsthroughout 2017.Thepilotsbelieve paid over two years. Captains received $7,500paidin trition. Thepackage for PSAfirst officers was$20,000 three of itswhollyowned carriers tohelpcurbpilotat pany of PSA,rolled outretention bonusprograms atall livery of CRJ700satareduced rate of onepermonth. “We’re hopeful that2018willbeagood year for To supportthecompany inseekingcreative ways “By attracting andretaining pilots,we hopeto The pilots’flow-through agreement withAmeri- “Making permanentcontractual improvements rath- In 2016,AmericanAirlinesGroup, theparent com- International Airport. A PSACRJ900atIndianapolis will offer detailsonPSA’scollec - - -

Bottom photo: Capt. Tim Le Van (PSA) Bottom photo: Capt. Tim Le Van (PSA) S previously statedthat theMECwould make every released themfrom collective bargaining. Morrison two partieswere toreach an impasse andtheNMB to authorize theMEC toconduct alegal strike ifthe group for aratification vote. the agreement shouldbeforwarded totheSpiritpilot evaluating theterms,MECwilldecidewhether to theMECfor formal consideration. Inadditionto Negotiating Committee willpresent theagreement officially approve thetentative agreement, thepilots’ able,” headded. attract andretain thehighestqualityof pilotsavail- should helptoensure thatourairlineisbetterableto represents apositive steptoward thisrecognition and pilot group’s agreement MECchair.“This inprinciple this commitment,” saidCapt. StuartMorrison,the its pilots,andwe deserve anew contract thatreflects in large parttothehard work andprofessionalism of incentive for reaching adeal. for theavailable poolof pilotcandidates—added a hostof othermajor, national,andall-cargo airlines this ambitiousexpansion, Spiritwillbecompeting with additional 1,200new pilotsneededtokeep upwith orders for 49new aircraft through 2021.To hire the accommodate thisaggressive growth, thecarrierhas more than125new routes over thenext five years. To brought onby HurricanesHarvey, Irma,andMaria. of 2016—despitemore than1,650flightcancellations increase of 10.6percent compared tothethird quarter 2017 totaloperating revenue of $687.2million—an profits. Infact, thecompany announced athird-quarter record revenues including29straight quarters of value of thepackage management offered lastfall. in principleaddedapproximately $56milliontothe pilot leaders were abletoreport thattheagreement Board (NMB)andcouldn’t divulge thedetails,Spirit was underagagorder from theNationalMediation principle onanew laborcontract. AlthoughtheMEC pilots andmanagement hadreached anagreement in ary thatafternearlythree years of bargaining, the BY JOHNPERKINSON,SENIORSTAFF WRITER BIG NEWSFORTHENEWYEAR SPIRIT Last September, 100percent of thepilotsvoted Once language iscomplete andthetwo parties “Spirit Airlinescontinues tobesuccessful thanks In addition,Spiritreported onplanstointroduce The airlinehasbeenhighlysuccessful, posting Council (MEC)announced inearlyJanu- print—the pilotgroup’s MasterExecutive news asthisissue of AirLinePilotwent to pirit Airlinespilotsreceived somewelcome collective future.” questions andmake informed decisionsaboutour and attenddomicileroad shows sothatthey canask pilots mustmake every effort toread the agreement tentative agreement. Ifwe decidetoproceed, Spirit the MECcanmake afinaldeterminationaboutthe professional work they do, eachand every day, until our members tocontinue todotheoutstanding agreement inprinciple.Intheinterim,we’re advising fair contract thatbringstheminlinewiththeirpeers. pilots andeducatethepublicabouttheirfightfor a ing socialmediacampaigntobuildunityamongthe and in Fort Lauderdale, Fla.;adsintheFloridaSun-Sentinel campaign withstrategically placed digitalbillboards cessful, well-attended informational picketing events. building effort, thepilotsengaged in aseriesof suc apprised of anydevelopments. Aspartof thisunity- its members abouttheirprioritiesandkeeping them conducted arobust educationcampaign,surveying earned.” effort tosecure “thecontract every Spiritpilothas “We lookforward tocompleting thedetailsof the The pilotsalsolaunchedamultiplatform ad Throughout thenegotiations, theSpiritMEC Detroit FreePress;press releases; and afar-reach-

- January-February 2018 Pilot Line Air this commitment.” contract that reflects and we deserve anew fessionalism ofits pilots, the hard work andpro- thanks inlarge part to continues to besuccessful “Spirit Airlines around. an earlymorningpreflight walk- A SpiritAirbusA319-132during 5 A320neos, and 25 A321-200s 25 and 5 A320neos, FLEET: Nev. Vegas, Las and Fla.; Lauderdale, Ft. Mich.; Detroit, Tex.; Dallas, Ill.; Chicago, N.J.; City, Atlantic BASES: PILOT HEADQUARTERS: 1,837 PILOTS: OF NUMBER 1996 ALPA: JOINED PILOTS AT AGLANCE PILOT GROUP PROFILES GROUP PILOT 31 A319s, 51 A320-200s, 5131 A319s, A320-200s, Miramar, Fla.

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aircraft leased seasonally FLEET: 2017 November in island the to flying to Cuba, stopped Sun Country service scheduled fly to airlines U.S. first the of One worldwide. locations numerous to flights charter operates also airline The which are operated year-round. 16 of Caribbean, the and Rica, Costa Mexico, U.S., the in nations desti 40 to Minn., Minneapolis, in hub its of out service uled sched flies SunMinn., Country OPERATIONS: Minn. Paul, St. Minneapolis– BASE: PILOT 300 Approximately NUMBER OF PILOTS: 1996 ALPA: JOINED PILOTS FOUNDED: AT AGLANCE » Chris Uribe. Born, Capt. JamesAarestad, andF/O Minneapolis, Minn.From left, Capt. Tom inAviationat the2017Girls Dayin TOP: Air Line Pilot January-February Pilot Line Air 2018 SunCountry pilotsvolunteer 28 B-737NGs, with more more with 28 B-737NGs, 1982 1982 Based in Eagan, Eagan, in Based

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F COMMUNICATIONS SPECIALIST BY RUSTYAYERS, ALPA SENIOR NEW BUSINESS STRATEGY NEW OWNERS ANDA SUN COUNTRY support growth plans,” Roseen said. to expand hiringeven furthertocover attrition andto group, probably becausetheairlineisstillplanning (MEC) chairman. Brian Roseen, the pilots’MasterExecutive Council buyouts tosomeemployee groups, according toCapt. improve efficiency andcutcosts, includingoffering airlines suchasAlaska andJetBlue. like Frontier andSpiritmore expensive mid-major airline between bare-bones ultra-low-cost carriers into alow-cost leisure carrier, seekingtopositionthe announced planstoexpand theairlineandtransition of budget carrierAllegiant Air, almostimmediately as CEO.Bricker, theformer chief operating officer July SunCountry’s former owner hired JudeBricker making somesignificantchanges. a new owner andanew CEOincharge, theairlineis customer baseandfriendly, personal service. Butwith “Management hasn’toffered buyouts tothepilot Bricker startedmakingimmediatechanges to Faced withadrop intheairline’srevenues, last and-sun carrier with a limited but loyal and-sun carrierwithalimitedbutloyal comfortable nicheasaMidwestern fun- Country Airlineshasenjoyed asmallbut or years, Minneapolis,Minn.-basedSun

tract new pilots,” Roseen said. Our compensation mustbecompetitive for ustoat shouldn’t mean‘low pay’where pilotsare concerned. can, aslongmanagement remembers that‘low cost’ competitive asothercarriers make contract gains. the airlineisalready seeingitspayrates become less growth plans;justtwo years intoitsfive-year contract, Competition for new pilotscould hamperthose carrier andgrow itbeyond itsnicheinMinnesota. add more seatstoitsall-B-737fleet. implement new fees for baggage andseating will extremely loyal customerbase.Thecarrierplansto of itspoliciestoincrease profits withoutlosingits explained. upper Midwest andhave deeproots here,” Roseen community becausethemajorityof uslive here inthe town airline.We tryvery hard togive backtothe inAviationneapolis’ annualGirls Day. drives, aswell assupportingfood charitiesandMin- community, sponsoringparkcleanupsandholidaytoy and thepilots.Theprogram hasbeenactive inthe munity Involvement Program, runjointlyby theairline program toimprove andupdatepilottraining. letter of agreement for anew advanced qualification pilots andmanagement are alsoworking tofinalize a ter successfully revamping itsFOQA program in2016, with thepilotsonsomeissues, particularlysafety. Af members before we plotacourse for anychanges.” pilot group tomake sure thatwe’re listeningtoour said Roseen. “Inthemeantime, we plantopollthe improve pilotpay, benefits, andourqualityof life,” common ground thatwillhelptheairlinegrow and with management todiscuss whetherwe canfind to thenew structure. pressed interest insomecontractual changes toadjust fewer than30aircraft currently ontheproperty. craft peryear, asignificantincrease for anairlinewith and announced planstoexpand thefleetby sixair- Apollo GlobalManagement, LLC boughtSunCountry Midwest andhave deeproots here.” the majority ofuslive here inthe upper to give back to the community because as ahometown airline. We try very hard “Sun Country hasalways beenknown “We’re willingtohelptheairlineasmuchwe Part of Bricker’s mandateistorapidly expand the The airlinehascautiouslybegun changingsome “Sun Country hasalways beenknown asahome- Another area of cooperation isSunCountry’s Com- The new management hasshown itcancollaborate “Our Negotiating Committee isprepared tomeet Roseen notedthatthecompany hasalready ex Then inDecember, Wall Street investment firm - - -

Photo: Capt. James Aarestad (Sun Country)

Photo: Kimberly Seitz Photo: Capt. James Aarestad (Sun Country)

Photo: Kimberly Seitz T can identifyandaddress operational riskissues. Both gregate information withtheFAA sothattheagency management have agreed toshare de-identified ag- sufficient sicktime.Regarding FOQA, theunionand protections for juniorpilotswhohave yet toaccrue lose flightpaybecauseof afatigue event andprovides program. Thefatigue LOA ensures thatapilotdoesn’t enhancements suchasafatigue LOA andanew FOQA day guarantee of four hours and15minutes. significant contractual improvements like aminimum- more daysoff,” saidButler.ThePBSLOA alsoprovided could increase theefficiency of theirtripsandachieve works. pilotssoonrealized “The thatby usingPBS,they allow thepilotstobetterunderstand how theprogram trials withparallel schedulebidsfor sixmonthsto purchased theNavBlue PBSandbegan runninglive a new preferential biddingsystem(PBS).Theairline a contract extension signedin2015andanLOA for important improvements. Chief amongthesewere for theupcoming talks,having achieved several recent expected tobegin sometimeinFebruary 2018. grievances andnegotiations strategies. Bargaining is convened latelastyear toreview new andongoing Negotiating Committee, and theGrievance Committee process andwhattoexpect. Inaddition,theMEC, ing afive-part newsletter highlightingthenegotiating conducting anextensive educationcampaign,includ- their prioritiesandpreferences. Thepilotleaders are coming bargaining sessions, surveying members about than later.” met, sowe lookforward toopeningtalkssoonerrather chair. “It’sclearthatneitherof thesedeadlineswillbe Neil Butler, thepilots’MasterExecutive Council (MEC) ment withamainlinepartnerfor theiruse,” saidCapt. by August2018orsignsacapacitypurchase agree- company takes delivery of new Mitsubishiregional jets tend thecontract amendabledatefor two years ifthe their trips andachieve more days off.” “The pilots soonrealized that by usingPBS, they could increase the efficiency of BY JOHNPERKINSON,SENIORSTAFF WRITER FOR PILOTS NEW OPPORTUNITIES TRANS STATES The pilotgroup alsosecured othercontractual The MECNegotiating Committee iswell prepared The MEChasbeenlayingthegroundwork for theup- ment [LOA] inourcontract allows ustoex contract negotiations. “A letterof agree- the new year by preparing for Section6 he pilotsof Trans StatesAirlineswelcome

- about more positive change for thepilotgroup. and anew collective bargaining agreement willbring 2017. Butlerremains hopeful thatcontinued growth to termsonnew-hire andretention bonusesinearly sion. Inaddition,thepilotsandmanagement came pening atthecarrier, includinghiringandfleetexpan- filed inthepast. the lastsixmonthsof 2017thanhave typicallybeen and theMECfiledagreater numberof grievances in ment willimprove. Butlernotedthatthepilotgroup work inprogress,” addingthathehopestheenviron- advocate. Hedescribedcurrent laborrelations as“a ture of thedirector of operations, whowasatruepilot some recent leadership changes, includingthedepar- pursuing agrievance toremedy thisproblem. a co-domicile situation,”remarked Butler.TheMECis adequately address theuniqueissues thatcanarisein ment bypassing theMEC,current contract doesn’t into aco-domicile lastfall. “Inadditiontomanage - States actedunilaterally by transforming Washington Rather thancontinuing thebargaining process, Trans include nearby Reagan Washington NationalAirport. Washington DullesInternationalAirportbaseto unable tocome totermsontheexpansion of the negotiators exchanged several proposals butwere ing pain.For example, management andtheMEC’s has beenaccompanied by theoccasional grow- the lasttwo years. Unfortunately, thistransformation group andaircraft fleethave nearlydoubledduring were approved lastyear. Still, Butlerpointedtothemanygood thingshap- Butler commented thattheairlinehaswitnessed Change hasbeenthenormatTSA where thepilot

January-February 2018 Pilot Line Air offices inDecember 2017. planning session atALPA’s Herndon, Va., resentation Department,for astrategic Betty Ginsburg, director of ALPA’s Rep- and Strike Committee member, and (Delta), ALPA’s Strategic Preparedness Committee meetwithCapt. Brad Caplan ter Executive Council andNegotiating TOP: FLEET: flights daily 240 than more with America North in cities 80 than more to service providing and Eagle American networks, Express United the both of part annually, Trans as States flies than 3.5 million passengers OPERATIONS: D.C. Washington, and Mo.; Louis, St. N.C.; Raleigh/Durham, Colo.; ver, Chicago, Den Ill.; BASES: PILOT HEADQUARTERS: 543 PILOTS: OF NUMBER 1994 ALPA: JOINED PILOTS AT AGLANCE Members of theTrans StatesMas- PILOT GROUP PROFILES GROUP PILOT 55 E145s Transporting more Bridgeton, Mo. Bridgeton, -

» 2018

2018 PILOT GROUP PROFILES

“Failure to compete in the marketplace should not be cause for some regional airlines to compromise airline safety in any way,” said Insler in a press release addressing Sen. John Thune’s FAA reauthorization amendment aimed at weakening safety standards. “These carriers must stop hiding behind this fake pilot shortage, and Congress must stop putting today’s hard-won safety record at risk.” The United MEC also advanced its advocacy efforts at ALPA’s Legislative Summit in June. A record number of United pilots joined their fellow ALPA members in urging legislators on Capitol Hill to protect first officer qualification and training standards in the FAA reauthorization. In addition to opening expedited negotiations and vigorous advocacy campaigns, the United pilot group made headlines for its humanitarian efforts. On October 4, United pilots came together with United AT A GLANCE UNITED Airlines, the AFL-CIO, the Association of Flight Atten- RAISING THE BAR dants, and the International Association of Machinists and Aerospace Workers to transport more than 300 PILOTS JOINED ALPA: 1932 BY KRISTEN MIANO, DIGITAL relief workers and union volunteers, including skilled NUMBER OF PILOTS: More than COMMUNICATIONS SPECIALIST craftsmen, first responders, and medical staff, to 12,700 provide aid and resources to their fellow Americans HEADQUARTERS: Chicago, Ill. severely impacted by Hurricane Maria. PILOT DOMICILES: Chicago, Ill.; uring 2017, the United pilot group The MEC chairman arranged for United Airlines Cleveland, Ohio; Denver, Colo.; continued its long history of fighting to to donate a B-777 for the trip from Newark Liberty Guam; Houston, Tex.; Los Ange- improve and protect the airline piloting Airport to Puerto Rico’s Luis Muñoz Marín International les, Calif.; New York City; N.Y.; San profession. After starting the year with Airport carrying 35,000 pounds of relief supplies (see Francisco, Calif.; and Washington Dcontract improvements resulting from the success- “Flying Heroes: ALPA Pilots Deliver Aid to Hurricane- Dulles, Va. ful application of pattern-bargaining strategies, the Ravaged Puerto Rico,” November 2017). The return FLEET: A319s, A320s, B-737s, B- United Master Executive Council (MEC) ended the flight from San Juan was filled with Puerto Rican 757s, B-767s, B-777s, and B-787s year with the announcement that the next round of evacuees, patients seeking medical attention not Section 6 contract negotiations would open early. As available on the island, and aid workers seeking to part of these discussions, the parties are addressing return to the mainland. TOP: A record number of United pilots outstanding implementation and grievance issues to “This is different. I’m taking supplies down to attend ALPA’s 2017 Legislative streamline the Section 6 process and allow negotia- people who need it, and I’m taking people from a dan- Summit in Washington, D.C. tors to focus on high-priority contractual improve- gerous situation to safety,” said F/O Mike Hamilton, an ments in 2018. ALPA executive vice president and one of the United The pilot group was also on the forefront of pilot- pilots who flew the trip. “It’s a unique opportunity to partisan legislative issues throughout 2017, including use my profession as an airline pilot to do something advocating in the news media and on Capitol Hill for that touches people directly; and for me, it’s probably an end to flag-of-convenience schemes, calling for a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity.” safer practices regarding lithium batteries, publicly The new year already proves to be promising. For denouncing the unfair practices of state-subsidized the first time in 15 years, the MEC leadership was airlines, and fighting to maintain the industry’s high elected unanimously. Todd Insler returns to his role “It’s a unique safety and training standards. as chairman and is joined by Capt. Tom Murphy as opportunity to use my MEC members were featured on Fox News in vice chairman, Capt. Bill Neveu as secretary, and Capt. February, calling for the enforcement of provisions Rick Cameron as treasurer. This was a powerful show profession as an airline in U.S. Open Skies agreements designed to protect of unity and support, and the pilot group moves into pilot to do something American aviation jobs. Capt. Todd Insler, the pilots’ 2018 stronger than ever. that touches people MEC chairman, and pilot spokesmen were also quoted With more than 12,700 pilots and a promising directly; and for me, it’s and featured in prominent news outlets, including The contract negotiation on the horizon, the United pilot Wall Street Journal, USA Today, Forbes, and TheStreet. group begins 2018 unified and determined to win probably a once-in-a- com, delivering their message to the flying public and all challenges and seize all opportunities during the lifetime opportunity.” representatives in Washington, D.C. coming year.

48 » Air Line Pilot January-February 2018

PILOT GROUP PROFILES 2018

VIRGIN AMERICA COMING TOGETHER WITH A CONTRACT BY KATY ADAMS, ALPA SENIOR COMMUNICATIONS SPECIALIST

ast year resulted in the first contract for the pilots of Virgin America, who are now working under a joint collective bargaining agreement. And while the path to get Lthere was tumultuous, it yielded improvements for the pilot group. When Alaska Air Group announced the purchase of Virgin America in 2016 and its intention to integrate Alaska Airlines and Virgin America, the Virgin America pilots—who at the time were in negotiations with their own airline for their first collective bargaining agreement—began the long and at times turbulent of their hard work and support. The award was not journey of a merger. everything we wanted, and we were denied the job- AT A GLANCE After a joint transition and process agreement was protection provisions we know are so important. The finally reached in December 2016, the next step was next round of negotiations will be regular Section 6 PILOTS JOINED ALPA: 2015 to negotiate a joint collective bargaining agreement full contract negotiations that will not have an arbitra- NUMBER OF PILOTS: 760 for the merged pilot group. tion mechanism built in. We’ll be looking for improve- PILOT BASES: Los Angeles, Calif.; Only three items of Alaska’s current contract were ments in the future,” noted Youngerman. San Francisco, Calif.; and New open for negotiations: compensation, 401(k)/retire- The joint collective bargaining agreement was York, N.Y. ment benefits, and scope/job security protections. “In implemented in early November 2017. As the Joint the beginning, Alaska management shared its vision Negotiating Committee moves into the contract HEADQUARTERS: Burlingame, for a smooth and successful transition. We were told implementation phase, the Virgin America Merger Calif. that management wanted to work with us to reach Committee is working to create an integrated pilot DESTINATIONS: 24 a joint collective bargaining agreement by focusing seniority list. FLEET: 10 A319-100s, 53 Airbus squarely on the process of merging the two airlines While it’s certainly been a challenging year for the A320-200s, and 3 A321neos into a single carrier as quickly as possible,” said Capt. Virgin America pilots, their unity, camaraderie, and Joe Youngerman, the Virgin America pilots’ Master professionalism have not wavered and continue to be Executive Council (MEC) chairman. their greatest strength. At the Virgin America regular Yet while the pilots of Virgin America continued to MEC meeting in November, all three MEC officers work without a contract or pay raises for more than along with the existing Negotiating Committee chair- two years, Alaska management dragged out a process man and members volunteered to continue to serve that could have been completed in a matter of days or and were reelected. Additionally, Capt. Shane Atkins, months. The delays and resistance to provide all pilots the Los Angeles, Calif., Local Executive Council rep, with a market-rate contract led to mediated negotia- joined the Negotiating Committee, further displaying tions, which failed, followed by an arbitrated award the unity, commitment, and dedication of the union that gave pilots an increase in pay and retirement ben- reps to the pilot group. efits, yet still leaves the pilots behind their industry “The support and professionalism from our pilots peers and excluded important scope provisions. throughout this difficult period has been tremen- “Our Joint Negotiating Committee and team of dous,” said Youngerman. “The joint collective bargain- attorneys did an incredible job, and we appreciate all ing agreement becomes amendable in 2020 with negotiations expected to begin in the second half of 2019. This will be an opportunity to address issues like scope and work rules that we’re still lacking. The “Our Joint Negotiating Committee next negotiations will be a test of our pilot group’s and team of attorneys did an incredible resolve, participation, and unity. There is much work TOP: The Virgin America Master to be done between now and then to be prepared. Executive Council (MEC) meets in its Las job, and we appreciate all of their hard We’ll get the contract that we are all willing to fight for Vegas, Nev., office for the last regular work and support.” and nothing less.” MEC meeting of 2017.

January-February 2018 Air Line Pilot » 49 50 PILOT GROUP PROFILES GROUP PILOT 2018

» Ontario. the tarmacatSiouxLookout Airportin RIGHT: First NationinFebruary 2017. hockey equipment,totheSandyLake along with5,000poundsof donated TOP: 748s, Pilatus PC-12s, and Dash 8s Dash PC-12s, and Pilatus 748s, Caravan 208Bs, Hawker Siddeley FLEET: HUB: HUB: Ont. Lake, Red and Lookout, Sioux Lake, Pickle Bay, Thunder DOMICILES: PILOT 92 PILOTS: OF NUMBER 2008 ALPA: JOINED PILOTS FOUNDED:AIRLINE 1989 AT AGLANCE Air Line Pilot January-February Pilot Line Air 2018 Wasaya pilotsflytheStanley Cup, Thunder Bay, Ont. Two Beechcraft 1900Dson Beech 1900Ds, Cessna Cessna 1900Ds, Beech

L increase recruitment efforts, includingreaching out erty. Thepilotgroup hasworked withmanagement to on growth andrecruiting new pilotsontotheprop- the nineyears thatit’sbeenpartof ALPA. group, whichhadseenitsshare of turbulence over fleet. Itwasanew beginning for Wasaya andthepilot destination, Winnipeg, Man.,andfour Dash8stothe creases invacationtime.Theairlinealsoaddedanew a reduction inwork schedules,andsubstantialin- negotiated injust11days,hadresulted inpayraises, COMMUNICATIONS SPECIALIST BY JENLOFQUIST, ALPA SENIOR A PATH TO GROWTH WASAYA As 2017cametoaclose, theairlinewasfocusing a new board of directors. Anew contract, pany hadbrought innew management and new territory.Arestructure attheircom- ast year, Wasaya pilotswere flyingthrough

Maybe we canget thatdown to10.” contract in2019.Ittookus11daysthelasttime. more new pilotstoWasaya andnegotiating ournext management. We’re lookingforward towelcoming company, andourproductive cooperation withour Harding noted. “We’re proud of ourgrowth, our at Wasaya andtorecruit new pilotstoourcockpits,” ment hasallowed ustocreate careers for ourpilots Wasaya, andit’swhatkeeps mehere aswell.” work-life balance. It’swhatkeeps manyof ourpilotsat the way),andI’matwork. Few airlinesoffer thiskindof 10-minute drive totheairport(12ifIhitbothlightson home mostnights.Iget upinthemorning, make my rarely found asapilot,”saidHarding. “Our pilotsare after ourrecent contract—but alsoaqualityof life Canada. airlines like Wasaya thentoJazzand,potentially, toAir that provides career progression from college to participates intheJazzAviation pathways program educational materialsandhandouts.Wasaya also ing withALPA’s Education Committee toprovide flying andpursuing acareer inaviation, coordinat (MEC) chairman,hasvisitedwithstudentstotalkabout James Harding, thepilots’MasterExecutive Council to colleges andtotheFirst Nationhighschools.Capt. keeps mehere aswell.” of our pilots at Wasaya, andit’s what work-life balance. It’s what keeps many work. Few airlines offer this kindof I hitboth lights onthe way), andI’m at 10-minute drive to the (12if airport I get up inthe morning,make my “Our pilots are homemostnights. “The relationship“The we’ve developed withmanage- “We notonlyoffer attractive payscales—especially

Bottom photo: Wikimedia

Top photo: Chris Weaver, bottom photo: F/O Kyle Davies (Jazz Aviation) Bottom photo: Wikimedia

Top photo: Chris Weaver, bottom photo: F/O Kyle Davies (Jazz Aviation) through acapacitypurchase agreement. Coastal AirlinesundertheWestJet Link moniker, announcement of additionaloutsourcing toPacific the airline’sultra-low-cost carrier, and therecent regarding thecompany’s establishmentof Swoop, McFadyen said. we needgeneral improvements toourworking rules,” expect compensation thatreflects ourtruevalue, and all WestJet flyingshouldbedoneby WestJet pilots,we pilot group’s three mainbargaining priorities. developed asolidstrategic plan,andidentifiedthe event, setupabargaining schedule withthecompany, ship training, helditsfirst-ever Family Awareness the skillsandworth we bringtoWestJet.” but we musthave acollective agreement thatreflects be aninvaluable asset inhelpingtogrow thisairline, par withourpeers,” McFadyen pointedout.“We can continue todosoaslongourcontract isnotupto prefer nottoleave WestJet. Butthey are andwill management tohelpgrow theairline. pilot group andsuccessfully partneringwithWestJet focused onobtainingamarket-rate contract for the Thomson, theMECsecretary-treasurer, are keenly Tim Perry, theMECvice chairman,andCapt. Christina Council (MEC)chairman.McFadyen, alongwithF/O McFadyen, theWestJet pilots’MasterExecutive ALPA’s guidance andsupport,”saidCapt. Rob agreement. tract negotiations for theairline’sfirst-ever collective improvements to our working rules.” our true value, and we needgeneral expect compensation that reflects should bedoneby WestJet pilots, we mandate isclear: allWestJet flying “Our pilots have spoken, andtheir W COMMUNICATIONS SPECIALIST BY FANNY OLMO, ALPA THE JOURNEYCONTINUES WESTJET The pilotshave alsomadecleartheirconcerns “Our pilotshave spoken, andtheirmandateisclear: Since joiningALPA, theMEChasundergone leader- “After investing timeinthisairline, pilotswould “So far, we have madetremendous progress with had already begun scheduledcon- last year, andjustafew monthslater group voted tojoinALPA inMayof estJet pilotsare makinghistory.The

Europe, Mexico, Central America,andtheCaribbean. to 150destinationsinCanada, theUnitedStates, operate anaverage of 425flightsperdaywithservice Ont., andheadquarters inCalgary. WestJet pilots hubs inVancouver, B.C.;Calgary, Alb.;andToronto, McFadyen said. that we reach adealhere atthebargaining table,” is ourjointresponsibility withmanagement toensure ful outcome for bothourpilotsandWestJet airlines.It the mutualtrustthatisrequired toachieve asuccess- “Through honestyandintegrity, we willwork toforge in good faith tomeettheMEC’srealistic objectives. ment willwork withtheWestJet pilotsandbargain However, theultimatequestioniswhethermanage- completing collective bargaining inatimelymanner. our contract ifwe cannotprotect ourcareers.” WestJet umbrella. Itdoesnotmatterwhatwe have in to work around whatshouldbeourflyingunderthe is certain: we willremain unitedagainstanyattempt families,” acknowledged McFadyen. “Butonething nouncement of Swoop willaffect ourpilots and their Alberta. at Calgary InternationalAirportin A WestJet B-737taxiestothegate WestJet, Canada’s second-largest majorairline, has Looking totheyear ahead,theMECisfocused on “There are manyquestionsabouthow thean- during whichtheWestJet pilotswere welcomed totheAssociation. center, receives astandingovation atALPA’s Executive Board meeting Capt. Rob McFadyen, theWestJet MasterExecutive Council chairman,

January-February 2018 Pilot Line Air AT AGLANCE B-767-300ERs and 8s, B-737-MAX B-737-800s, FLEET: countries 20 than more in destinations 150 than more to flies WestJet world, the of region major every senting airlines repre with partnerships and Europe.Caribbean, Through the America, Central America, North in destinations 100 than more to service scheduled offer airline,regional Encore, WestJet OPERATIONS: HEADQUARTERS: and Alb.; Calgary, Toronto, Ont. B.C.; Vancouver, BASES: PILOT 1,526 PILOTS: OF NUMBER ALPA: JOINED PILOTS

PILOT GROUP PROFILES GROUP PILOT B-737-600s, B-737-700s, B-737-700s, B-737-600s, WestJet and its its and WestJet Calgary, Alb. Calgary, 2017

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Air Line Pilot Feature Article » PER DIEM

pilot flying the line is always on business travel. Therefore, qualify- A ing travel expenses that the pilot incurs are deductible as ordinary and necessary business expenses, by either the airline or the pilot. ALPA’s Retirement & Insurance Department has put together the following information regarding travel expenses to assist you in preparing your taxes.

TAXATION OF PER DIEM Many of ALPA’s collective bargaining 17 agreements provide that the airline will pay each pilot a fixed amount, often called “per diem,” to cover meals and incidental expenses (M&IE) that pilots incur while on a trip. When an airline makes these per diem payments (or otherwise reimburses pilots for travel expenses), the airline may exclude all or a portion of these payments or reimbursements from a pilot’s taxable income reported on Form W-2. The amount generally excluded from a pilot’s income is the amount that does not exceed the federal per diem rates. Per diem payments paid for day or other nonovernight trips (trips that don’t require sleep or rest) and amounts paid in excess of the federal per diem rates are included in the pilot’s taxable income and are reported on the pilot’s Form W-2. Frequently, the amount Preparing of per diem the airline pays or reimburses isn’t enough to cover reasonable business travel expenses. In those cases, pilots may Your 2017 Taxes be entitled to claim an itemized deduction for the expenses not covered. By Dan White, Senior Benefits Attorney, ALPA Retirement & Insurance Department If a pilot receives no per diem payments or reimbursements, or receives per diem payments that the airline includes in tax- This article summarizes the federal rules for pilots regarding the taxa- able income, the pilot may be entitled to tion and deductibility of travel expenses for the 2017 tax year, for claim an itemized deduction for expenses incurred while on business travel. which individual tax returns are generally due by April 17, 2018. Please EXPENSES FOR note that the information in this article is only applicable to 2017. “OVERNIGHT TRIPS” Under the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act, which was signed into law by Presi- For travel expenses to be excluded from the dent Trump on Dec. 22, 2017, many of the tax rules discussed here will pilot’s taxable income change in 2018. The changes that are relevant to pilot business travel or to be claimed by the pilot as an itemized deduction, the pilot’s will be summarized in a separate article. expense must be incurred while on a

52 » Air Line Pilot January-February 2018 business trip that requires sleep or rest WHAT’S NOT INCLUDED business purpose of the business travel (an “overnight trip”). Expenses incurred IN M&IE RATES? through actual records, such as a pilot’s on trips that aren’t overnight trips don’t The “incidental ex- logbook. The amount of the business satisfy this requirement. For pilots, the pense” portion of the expense must also be substantiated using expenses at issue are usually M&IE M&IE rates doesn’t written records, with two exceptions. expenses, because the airline pays for include such expenses First, M&IE amounts may be deemed sub- lodging directly or reimburses the pilot as transportation between places of stantiated without the need for written for it separately. lodging or business and places where records. Second, if a particular business meals are taken, telephone calls, laundry, travel expense is less than $75, the IRS SUBSTANTIATING cleaning and pressing, the mailing costs of won’t require a receipt, unless the expense EXPENSES filing travel vouchers, and payments for is for lodging, in which case receipts are Recognizing the burden employer-sponsored credit card billings. necessary even if the expense is less than of substantiating These expenses, to the extent they con- $75. expenses, the IRS treats stitute reasonable business expenses, are Generally, a pilot’s itemized deduction a designated amount deductible by the payor (airline or pilot) as for M&IE is subject to an 80 percent limit of expenses relating to overnight trips business expenses (subject to applicable and a 2 percent threshold. Under a special as “deemed substantiated.” For amounts limits). rule that applies to pilots, 80 percent of deemed substantiated, pilots don’t need to the M&IE amount deemed substantiated maintain records of the amounts actually PRORATING is deductible in 2017. In addition, no item- spent while on the trip. THE M&IE LIMIT ized deduction for M&IE may be claimed If the employer pays for lodging The full M&IE amount unless the pilot’s aggregate miscellaneous separately, then the expenses that may be is available only for itemized deductions (including busi- deemed substantiated are those for M&IE. a full calendar day of ness expenses) exceed 2 percent of his or The amount that is deemed substantiated business travel, i.e., her adjusted gross income. Union dues is generally equal to the amount the fed- from 12:01 a.m. through midnight. For constitute deductible employee business eral government would pay its own em- a partial day of travel, the pilot must expenses and count toward the 2 percent ployees for M&IE when they travel to the prorate the applicable M&IE amount at threshold. same locality or the amount determined 75 percent. Assume, for example, that a under special M&IE rates applicable to pilot’s trip begins at 11:55 p.m. on Monday APPLYING THE FED- transportation industry employees. and ends at 12:05 a.m. on Wednesday and ERAL M&IE RATES The federal government publishes that the pilot’s required rest occurred in USING THE STANDARD standard M&IE rates for every locality in cities with an applicable M&IE per diem M&IE RATES the world. The M&IE rates for CONUS (for rate of $51. Applying the IRS’s allowed For an example of how Continental United States) can be found at method of proration, the amount deemed the federal M&IE rates www.gsa.gov, and M&IE rates for OCO- substantiated would be $38.25 (.75 x $51) are applied, assume a collective bargain- NUS (for Outside CONUS) can be found at for Monday, $51 for Tuesday, and $38.25 ing agreement entitles a pilot to per diem www.state.gov. For 2017, the daily M&IE (.75 x $51) for Wednesday. payments equal to $3.50 per hour. Assume rates ranged from $51 to $74 for CONUS, also that a pilot covered by the agreement and from $1 to $299 for OCONUS. These ITEMIZED DEDUCTIONS flew a two-day trip in 2017, with report rates may change on a monthly basis. As mentioned earlier, for duty at 12:01 a.m. on the first day, an The IRS also provides special trans- if a pilot has business overnight stay in Chicago, Ill., and release portation industry M&IE rates. For 2017, travel expenses that from duty at midnight on the second day. the transportation industry M&IE rate is the employer didn’t The 2017 federal M&IE rate for Chi- unchanged from last year and remains reimburse, then the cago is $74, so the maximum excludable $63 for CONUS and $68 for OCONUS. pilot may be able to claim an itemized amount for this trip is $148 ($74 x 2 days). Pilots may use either the standard deduction on his or her tax return. In The pilot is actually paid per diem of M&IE rates or the special transporta- order to claim this deduction, the pilot $168 ($3.50/hour x 48 hours), so $148 is tion industry M&IE rates to determine must complete IRS Form 2106, “Employee excluded from the pilot’s taxable income the amount deemed substantiated for Business Expenses.” This form, and all and is shown on the pilot’s Form W-2, Box claiming itemized tax deductions. For any other IRS forms and publications, may be 12, Code L. The remaining $20 is included calendar year, a pilot must use either the obtained at www.irs.gov or by calling the in the pilot’s taxable income and reported standard M&IE rates for all CONUS travel IRS at 1-800-TAXFORM. on Form W-2 in Box 1 (and Boxes 3 and 5, or the special transportation industry To claim any business travel expense as applicable) as taxable wages. M&IE rates for all CONUS travel, and the as an itemized deduction, a pilot must be Alternatively, assume the collective same applies for all OCONUS travel. able to substantiate the time, place, and bargaining agreement entitles the pilot to

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

per diem payments equal to only $1.00 per of $148). tation industry M&IE rates, the deduction hour, and the pilot made the same two-day For example, if the airline paid the pilot may be less than if the standard M&IE trip in 2017. In this scenario, the entire per excluded (nontaxable) per diem payments rates are used, especially if the pilot usu- diem payment of $48 ($1.00 x 48 hours) of $48, but the pilot’s actual, reasonable ally travels to higher-cost destinations. would be excluded from the pilot’s taxable M&IE were $200, the pilot could claim an income because this amount is less than itemized deduction of $152 ($200 minus WHAT IF A PILOT the maximum excludable amount of $148. $48), but only if the pilot could actually REGULARLY TRAVELS However, in this case, the pilot may claim substantiate the entire $200 in expenses. OUTSIDE THE U.S.? an itemized deduction of $100 for the Alternatively, the pilot could claim an If a pilot generally trav- difference between the excluded payment itemized deduction of $100 ($148 minus els to high-cost areas of of $48 and the federal M&IE rate of $148 $48) without substantiating any expenses, the world away from without needing to substantiate the M&IE since all expenses up to $148 are deemed home on business outside the U.S., he or expenses actually incurred (subject to the substantiated. (All of the pilot’s itemized she may be entitled to a larger deduc- 80 percent limit and 2 percent threshold deductions would be subject to the 80 tion using the M&IE rates for the specific already discussed). percent limit and 2 percent threshold.) location of travel. Assume, for example, What if this pilot’s M&IE exceed $148? that the airline pays per diem at the rate Regardless of the amount excluded from USING THE SPECIAL of $68 per day for an overseas trip that the pilot’s income, if the pilot’s actual TRANSPORTATION is excluded for income tax purposes. If expenses exceed the federal M&IE rate of INDUSTRY M&IE RATES the pilot uses the special transportation $148, an itemized deduction is available Assume a pilot travels industry M&IE rate to calculate the item- for all reasonable amounts spent (less the away from home on ized deductions for OCONUS for 2017, he amount excluded from the pilot’s taxable business within CONUS. or she won’t be entitled to any itemized income), but only if the pilot can actually The airline pays the pilot a standard deduction since the special transportation substantiate all expenses (both above and taxable per diem allowance of $2.00 for industry M&IE rate for OCONUS is $68 below the deemed substantiated amount each hour the pilot is away from his or per day. However, by using the standard her domicile. The pilot leaves the domi- M&IE rates for all OCONUS travel that cile at 9:00 a.m. on Monday and returns year, this pilot may be able to claim an to the domicile at 9:00 a.m. on Tuesday itemized deduction for tax purposes. Tax Advice with an overnight stay. The pilot receives Assume the pilot traveled to Narita, Japan, As with most matters concerning taxes, $48 ($2.00 x 24) in taxable per diem. The in January 2017; the standard OCONUS the federal law governing the taxation of CONUS special transportation industry M&IE rate for Narita at that time was pilots’ expenses and per diem payments M&IE rate is $63 per day, so the amount $87 per day. Using the standard OCONUS is complex. All pilots are urged to obtain deemed substantiated using the special M&IE rates, the pilot generally would be competent tax advice about applying the transportation industry rate for these days able to claim an itemized deduction of $19 information in this article to their own is $94.50 ($63 x 2 x .75), i.e., the total per ($87 minus $68) for each full day of a trip situation. diem allowance under the special CONUS to Narita without substantiation (subject rates for the transportation industry, to the 80 percent limit and the 2 percent prorated as previously discussed. The threshold). pilot could claim an itemized deduction of $94.50 (subject to the 80 percent limit and Note: The examples in this article are for illustra- 2 percent threshold). If the pilot uses the tive purposes only. special CONUS rates for the transportation industry to calculate his or her deduction for any CONUS trips in 2017, he or she must use the special CONUS M&IE rate for Available Documents all CONUS trips in 2017. For the benefit of your tax advisers, In this example, if the airline had the official IRS rules for the 2017 tax excluded the pilot’s $48 per diem payment year are found in IRS Notices 2016-58 from his or her income, rather than in- and 2017–54. General information is cluding it as a taxable per diem allowance, also contained in IRS Publication 463, he or she would be entitled to take an Travel, Entertainment, Gift, and Car itemized M&IE deduction of $46.50 ($94.50 Expenses; IRS Publication 1542, Per minus $48) without substantiation, using Diem Rates; and Revenue Procedure the special transportation industry M&IE 2011–47. These documents are avail- rates (subject to the 80 percent limit and 2 able at www.irs.gov. percent threshold). When a pilot uses the special transpor-

54 » Air Line Pilot January-February 2018 Air Line Pilot Feature Article » CANADIAN STRATEGIC PLAN

The Future Looks Bright For ALPA Canada Members

By Rob Lynch, ALPA Senior Communications Coordinator Andrew Shostack, assistant director of ALPA’s Rep- resentation Department, front, leads the ALPA Canada Board in a thorough review of the governing body’s o close out 2017, leaders from ALPA strategic plan. Canada’s 11 pilot groups made their From left, Capt. Dan Adamus (Jazz Aviation), ALPA T way to Ottawa, Ont., for the 15th an- Canada president; Capt. Tim Canoll, ALPA president; and Jim Facette, president and CEO of the Canadian Business nual ALPA holiday reception and a special and Aviation Association, attend the recent ALPA Canada ALPA Canada Board meeting to discuss holiday reception in Ottawa, Ont. strategic planning. “Fifteen years ago, there were approximately 1,500 Canadian members and begin charting a new course for its tions now that were completely unheard who flew for five airlines,” said Capt. Dan ever-increasing members. of even just a few years ago, and this is Adamus (Jazz Aviation), ALPA Canada To start the meeting, Adamus; Capt. what’s best for the profession. For far too president. “Today, with the pilots from Brian Shury (Jazz Aviation), ALPA Canada long, pilot groups worked in individual Air Georgian, Encore, and WestJet who vice president; and Capt. Rod Lypchuk silos, which ultimately has been a major joined in 2017, ALPA now represents (Jazz Aviation), ALPA Canada vice contributing factor in the degrading of more than 5,000 pilots in Canada who fly president administration and finance, our profession.” for 11 airlines. And I’m confident that the discussed the work ALPA’s Canada Board In reviewing the strategic plan, mem- number will continue to grow in 2018.” has been conducting on behalf of its bers discussed the role and purpose of The reception, held in early December, members. They highlighted the Safer the Canada Board, focusing on how it’s provided pilots with an opportunity Skies initiative—a joint effort of more perceived by members and the work it to network with fellow pilot leaders, than 9,000 pilots belonging to the Safer does for its members. government officials, and other indus- Skies Coalition—which has focused on A positive growth trend has reinforced try stakeholders, including Members of the serious safety concerns regarding fa- ALPA’s increased strength within the Parliament, senators, and representa- tigue risk management systems (FRMS) airline industry and has allowed the Can- tives from Canada’s aviation sector and as proposed by Transport Canada. ALPA’s ada Board to identify opportunities for several airline managements. recent lobbying efforts have included collaboration and to advance the careers Capt. Tim Canoll, ALPA’s president, engaging with Members of Parliament of Canadian ALPA members. addressed the group, reflecting on his and the tabling of a petition with almost “It’s an exciting time in Canada as trip to Calgary, Alb., a year ago to kick 10,000 signatures in the House of Com- more pilot groups continue to recognize off the card collection campaign with mons. The petition called on the govern- that whether they’re unrepresented or WestJet pilots and echoing Adamus’ mes- ment to further address the issues of pilot independent, we as professional pilots sage of ALPA’s growth in 2018. Discuss- fatigue and FRMS. These efforts dove- are stronger and safer when we work col- ing the importance of working together, tailed with the Canada Board’s increased laboratively and speak with one voice,” Canoll noted, “If you think about your news media outreach and revamped acknowledged Adamus. individual roles in the Canadian avia- social media efforts. With the Canada Board’s new and im- tion industry, be it with an airport, as During the meeting, a member of the proved methods of communication, and a legislator, or as a regulator or as some Air Canada Pilots Association’s (ACPA) a plan to advance its mission “to work other element of the industry, combined Master Elected Council discussed with collectively as the leading advocate and we are much mightier together than we participants the collaboration between representative for the Canadian profes- are individually.” ALPA and ACPA and ongoing efforts to sional pilot, with a focus on safety”—the The following day, ALPA’s Canada build on that relationship. centerpiece of its strategic plan—ALPA’s Board—the master executive council “Collaboration like this is great for the Canada Board is well positioned in 2018 chairs of ALPA’s 11 Canadian pilot groups pilot community,” noted Adamus. “While to achieve increased safety, security, and and three officers—took part in a special there is still an incredible amount of viability for the Canadian aviation indus-

Bottom photo: Sarah Bradley, www.ishootevents.ca Bradley, Sarah Bottom photo: meeting to conduct strategic planning work to be done, we’re having conversa- try and the piloting profession.

January-February Air Line Pilot » 55 Advancing the ALPA Profession… @work Pilots & Staff

Adapting to Change to Enhance Negotiations Support he atmosphere was full of energy as nearly 75 T pilot volunteers from 18 different pilot groups gathered for ALPA’s Strategic Preparedness and Strike Com- mittee (SPSC) Workshop, held recently at the Association’s Herndon, Va., Conference Cen- ter to organize and train SPSC volunteers. The theme, “Charting Course in Changing Skies,” focused discussions on adapting to the aviation industry’s evolving environment. Key to this effort is rigorous and thorough strategic planning to build, maintain, and leverage pilot unity for effective F/O Joe Mauro (ExpressJet), left, and contract negotiations and F/O Joe Maurer (Spirit) chat between managing other large-scale, presentations and exercises. support work, and shared benefit from the experiences decision-making opportuni- their perspectives and recom- of their more senior peers. ties. Workshop participants remarks. He observed that by mendations on how ALPA and Reed stressed that from the learned how to perform their incorporating these time-test- its members can continue to largest to the smallest ALPA SPSC roles more effectively ed programs and sharing best strengthen the program and pilot groups, SPSC provides a through new practices and practices, SPSC offers ALPA chart new, effective paths to blueprint for success. technologies while network- pilot groups a competitive success. Dovetailing with these ing with their peers and shar- edge over their counterparts comments, Capt. Brain ing experiences. at other North American Florence (United), an SPSC “ENGAGE, PARTICIPATE, SPSC enables ALPA pilot airlines. member and a former com- QUESTION, DISCUSS” groups to maintain a con- Throughout the interac- mittee chair, reviewed how tinued state of readiness to tive two-day training session, This was the mantra Capt. the program has evolved. “We respond to company and workshop participants heard Wes Reed (FedEx Express), do a lot more than strike and industry actions that could presentations highlighting ALPA’s SPSC chair, encour- strike prep,” he said, adding affect their working condi- the Association’s bargaining aged committee volunteers to that today’s SPSC helps ALPA tions by applying community mission and the importance live by. He outlined the three pilot groups “work smarter, support networks to supple- of pilot group strategic cornerstones of an effective not harder.” ment traditional outreach planning. SPSC team, including com- efforts. Components of this Attendees engaged in a munications: “The messages OFFERING INSIGHTS program include strategic mock pilot unity-building you put out to your members preparedness, communica- event to better understand are critical to your success,” Workshop attendees heard tions, Family Awareness, and how these social functions he said, emphasizing that from staff members of the As- Pilot-to-Pilot®. provide educational op- this information needs to sociation’s Economic & Finan- “The strength of our portunities and augment be “pertinent, informative, cial Analysis and Representa- union lies in our collabora- two-way communications. and cohesive.” The two other tion Departments who talked tive efforts,” said Capt. Tim They also participated in a elements consist of strong about recent trends in airline Canoll, ALPA’s president, who series of breakout sessions, leadership to provide direction pilot collective bargaining and stressed the value of unity some specific to their areas and motivation and mentor- highlighted how important

building during his opening of expertise in negotiations ing to ensure new members external factors, such as the Photos: Chris Weaver

56 » Air Line Pilot January-February 2018 We’re jumpstarting our SPSC and trying to better align “ ourselves with pilots from other airlines. CAPT. ERIN JACKSON (PSA) ”

economy and the price of impact lawmakers have on align ourselves with pilots fuel, can influence collective the collective bargaining pro- from other airlines,” said bargaining. cess and how pilot advocacy Capt. Erin Jackson (PSA), her Understanding what you can influence national and in- pilot group’s executive ad- can and can’t do as a pilot ternational policy decisions. ministrator and communica- group is imperative, and Participating pilots learned tions officer. Jackson said she representatives from ALPA’s about computer-based tools wanted to better understand Legal Department explained like SPACS, which allows pilot how to reorganize the SPSC how that department serves groups to determine where functions within her pilot as the Association’s law firm. members are concentrated. group. Many of the previous George Atallah, the NFL Players They also outlined common- In addition, they heard a SPSC leaders at PSA have Association assistant executive di- sense rules SPSC volunteers panel discussion featuring either retired or moved on to rector of external affairs, discusses what football players have in com- should follow to protect them- ALPA members involved in larger airlines. mon with airline pilots. selves and their pilots. the latest Hawaiian and Mesa Capt. Mark Gaudet (Jazz Any kind of large-scale de- contract negotiations and Aviation), his pilot group’s cision-making requires a pilot the Alaska–Virgin America new Communications Com- WHAT DO group to use a wide variety arbitration. mittee chair, is hoping to of communications tools to raise the level of engagement PILOTS HAVE share information and access of his fellow members. He IN COMMON TAKING NOTES needed feedback. A panel of noted that many of the SPSC WITH FOOTBALL Communications Department Assessing the workshop, pilots resources he learned about staff members explained that who attended offered their will be helpful in achieving PLAYERS? successful media relations, take on its true value. Capt. An- this goal. “Plus, I’ve never In a special presentation, pilot group communications, drew Ross (Envoy Air), his pilot been to the home office of George Atallah, assistant web and digital support, and group’s Pilot-to-Pilot chair, the Association before to see executive director of exter- social media efforts require previously attended SPSC what’s here, so I jumped at the nal affairs for the National coordination. From the use training in 2015. He said he re- opportunity,” he added. Football League Players of Thunderclap message turned because he particularly F/O Jason Barton (Fron- Association (NFLPA), spoke campaigns to third-party enjoyed the camaraderie at the tier) and his pilot group are at ALPA’s Strategic Prepared- ad placements, the panel event and the motivational new to ALPA. A member of ness and Strike Committee showcased the variety of tools tenor of the training segments. the Frontier pilots’ newly Workshop about challenges employed in recent contract “This year’s presenters did a established SPSC, Barton his union is facing and the negotiations at Air Wisconsin, great job pumping everyone wanted “an overview of how issues ALPA and the NFLPA Frontier, Hawaiian, JetBlue, up and making sure we under- ALPA works and to look at have in common, like the and Spirit. stand how to utilize ALPA to what we can take away as need for ongoing strategic Representatives from its fullest.” a pilot group.” He said he communications. ALPA’s Government Affairs “We’re jumpstarting our was particularly interested Atallah observed that in Department examined the SPSC and trying to better in duplicating some of the both the NFL and the airline strategies outlined during the industry, incremental gains Capt. Wes Reed (FedEx Express), Communications Depart- in contract negotiations help ALPA’s Strategic Preparedness and ment’s presentation. generations of workers in Strike Committee chair, reviews the Capt. Dustin McGrath ways they often don’t real- summit’s two-day agenda. (Spirit), also a member of his ize. He discussed how both pilot group’s SPSC, noted that organizations are working to he was flying for Atlantic advance safety where they Southeast Airlines at the work. Talking specifically time the Spirit pilots were on about airline pilots, Atallah strike. He acknowledged that noted, “I know when I get he attended the workshop on a plane that I think about to get “an overview of all the the skills and education you resources available and to have to get me where I need network with pilots from to go. Harnessing that with other airlines.” unity is a powerful tool.”

—John Perkinson, Senior Staff Writer

January-February 2018 Air Line Pilot » 57 Advancing the ALPA Profession… @work Pilots & Staff

This program ‘Made in Canada’ provided“ excellent ALPA Canada Hosts Negotiations Training Seminar tools for pilot negotiators and leaders to take back to our respective groups and help us in our various projects. F/O RANDY ELLISTON (JAZZ” AVIATION)

excellent tools for pilot negotiators and leaders to take back to our respective groups and help us in our various projects,” said F/O Randy El- liston (Jazz Aviation), his pilot group’s Negotiating Commit- tee chairman. “Of course, the best part of the program is the opportunity for ALPA pilots Andrew Shostack, assistant director of to come together and discuss ALPA’s Representation Department, what has worked and what leads a discussion at ALPA’s Canada hasn’t worked for our airlines n late November 2017, by welcoming the negotiating Negotiations Training Seminar. at the bargaining table.” more than 20 negotiators committee members. He then On the final day of the I from almost all of ALPA’s provided an overview of the direct support to all pilot seminar, negotiators took part Canadian pilot groups stepped Canadian pilot groups in ne- groups. We’re tasked to help in a full collective bargaining back from the bargaining table gotiations and spoke about the negotiators better understand simulation to apply what they or preparing for bargaining ongoing organizing efforts in their leadership team and learned. “Having been on the and into the classroom for a Canada. “Whether it’s bargain- assist pilots in constructive bargaining side for the pilots refresher course on the best ing a full collective agreement decision-making,” explained in the past, participating on negotiating tools and tactics or settling a grievance, the Otis. the management side was a available at the “Made in education our pilots receive Seminar attendees learned particularly valuable opportu- Canada” Negotiations Training here will help them in all of about a number of issues that nity, and I took full advantage Seminar in Ottawa, Ont. The their endeavours,” he said. affect bargaining—how to of role-playing,” said Capt. seminar was coordinated and Capt. Phil Otis (United), build the structure and frame- Klaus Petak (First Air), his presented by the Association’s ALPA’s national Collective work for negotiations, ways pilot group’s Negotiating Com- national Collective Bargain- Bargaining Committee chair- to gain leverage in the current mittee chairman. ing Committee and ALPA’s man, and Capt. Paul Peace bargaining environment, the In closing the seminar Representation Department. (Jazz Aviation), a committee importance of team building, Adamus noted, “The best part Association staff members member, discussed the role and how to create and execute of a meeting like this is the from various departments, that the Collective Bargaining plans and share them with common theme in all our including Representation, Committee plays in assisting their pilots. discussions that we operate Communications, and Eco- ALPA negotiating committees During the first two days as a ‘pilot community’ within nomic & Financial Analysis, that are preparing for contract of the meeting, negotiating ALPA, sharing our collective joined members of the Collec- negotiations during their committee members teamed knowledge and successes with tive Bargaining Committee to presentation. “The committee up and participated in several each other. This is what’s best give presentations during the offers negotiations-related hands-on bargaining exer- for our profession and what three-day seminar. assistance and resources, cises. These exercises were will keep us climbing.” Capt. Dan Adamus (Jazz ensures that contract enforce- instrumental in helping them Aviation), ALPA Canada presi- ment and grievance efforts prepare for real-life negotia- —Katy Adams, ALPA Senior

dent, kicked off the meeting are coordinated, and provides tions. “This program provided Communications Specialist Photo: Katy Adams

58 » Air Line Pilot January-February 2018 www.alpa.org/ourstories Stories Our Photos courtesy of Capt. Chirs Orr (JetBlue) A been flying together for many years. “We years. for many together flying been have pilots of the most that and squadron anaval like organized is group the that noted Orr training. spring and school ground with year new each begins team since. ever shows at air aregular who’s Orr, been promoted lead officer/flight commanding the of weather, kinds all in aircraft the flying confident felt he Once years. for several shows air to SNJ-2s the ferried Orr traits, aircraft. tailwheel with experience previous no had Orr Plus, separation. some maintain airplanes the that require lence turbu to response the and arc prop the near rolling and for yawing potential The loop.” for ground areputation “It has ing, add Orr, said handful,” areal is SNJ-2 “The cakewalk. no is aircraft the fly to learning that but acknowledged enlisted soon pilot JetBlue The Island. on home Long Orr’s N.Y., from far not Farmingdale, in based it’s that noted and team for the flying was who airman Navy afellow from typers Sky GEICO out the about found Orr pilot, Orr. said history,” that of all flying blast “It’s areal War planes. II World vintage flying while all passes, head head-to- and fights dog simulated with audiences show air thrill pilots fellow his and Orr ’n Sun Fun, and Oshkosh Venture Air EAA like at events Performing Texan). T-6 familiar more of the version (a Navy SNJ-2s American North six using typing sky and maneuvers tactical of low-level avariety executes Team, which Show Air Skytypers GEICO for the pilot aslot also available—the sky. they postitinthemostvisiblelocation team have somethingthey want toconvey, other membersofhisprecisionaerobatics So when Capt.ChrisOrr(JetBlue) andthe By John Perkinson, Senior Staff Writer Staff Senior Perkinson, John By Signals Smoke Via Communicates Pilot JetBlue Formed in 1977, the GEICO Skytyper 1977, Skytyper GEICO in the Formed plane’s the with acquainted To better get F-14 Skyhawk TomcatA former A-4 and is York-based aNew Orr, E190 captain,

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RecentlyRetired

Fellow ALPA Members, F/O Carl D. Striler Atlantic Southeast September Capt. Geoffrey B. Barker Delta October Capt. Gary J. Gaddy Delta November Capt. Thomas R. Adrian Delta September Capt. Jay T. Barnes Delta October Capt. Dennis R. Hibler Delta November Every year we say good-bye to many Capt. Michael Baca Delta September Capt. Karl M. Bennett Delta October Capt. Allen T. Judge Delta November proud airline pilots who retire from Capt. Jeff R. Balan Delta September Capt. Michael J. Bezzeg Delta October Capt. Danny L. Mason Delta November the ranks of airline flying. They have Capt. Lewis M. Beck Delta September Capt. R.D. Boardman Delta October Capt. Douglas C. McMaster Delta November served the profession during some of Capt. Jeffrey G. Boyette Delta September Capt. John R. Bryden Delta October Capt. Warnie F. our industry’s most turbulent times. Capt. Gordon L. Bradley Delta September Capt. James T. Campbell Delta October Meisetschleager Delta November We would like to recognize their Capt. Kim F. Callahan Delta September Capt. Karl E. Clough Delta October Capt. John J. O’Connor Delta November service in Air Line Pilot. Capt. Robert L. Conover Delta September Capt. James E. Fischer Delta October Capt. William M. Odom Delta November Capt. Rodney C. Partlo Delta November Capt. Tim Canoll Capt. Charles M. Evans Delta September Capt. Christopher V. Gaddis Delta October ALPA President Capt. David L. Feiner Delta September Capt. Bruce F. Heuke Delta October Capt. William C. Pomerenke Delta November Capt. Gregory D. Hale Delta September Capt. Michael J. Hitesman Delta October Capt. Robert E. Reed Delta November Capt. Ken Binder Capt. Gene M. Herzig Delta September Capt. Michael L. Hunter Delta October Capt. Kenneth L. Silas Delta November ALPA R&I Committee Chairman Capt. Jeffrey S. Huskins Delta September Capt. William K. Jansson Delta October Capt. Danny M. Slemmons Delta November Capt. Jerome A. Ilioff Delta September Capt. Dale A. Jensen Delta October Capt. Robert M. Ver Schure Delta November 2017 Capt. Stephen D. Jones Delta September F/O Larry P. Keyes Delta October Capt. Dwight W. Pitman Envoy Air November Capt. Edward R. Carney FedEx Express November Capt. Michael F. Grasby Kelowna Flightcraft April Capt. David S. Kostek Delta September Capt. Charles W. Lavelle Delta October Capt. Steve W. Dee FedEx Express November Capt. Hector F. Cintron Envoy Air May Capt. Mark A. Lawler Delta September Capt. Jeffrey W. Loud Delta October F/O Steven E. Foster FedEx Express November Capt. Myron C. Hope Envoy Air May Capt. Mark P. Lennon Delta September Capt. James H. McCord Delta October Capt. Raymon H. Gilbert FedEx Express November Capt. Michael R. Kusick United May Capt. Charles R. Lipe Delta September Capt. Lynn G. Melin Delta October Capt. Guy S. Lopez FedEx Express November Capt. Marcel Beauchemin Air Transat June Capt. Wesley J. Lundquist Delta September Capt. K.I. Middleton Delta October Capt. Valerie J. Thal-Slocum FedEx Express November F/O Michel Abran Air Transat July Capt. Christopher D. Capt. John R. Mohr Delta October McCart Delta September Capt. Hoyt Wills FedEx Express November Capt. Teresa Reed FedEx Express July Capt. Randal M. Capt. Edward D. McCulley Delta September Nierstheimer Delta October Capt. Henry S. Anthony Mesa November Capt. Jesse A. Rondestvedt FedEx Express July Capt. Patrick T. McHugh Delta September F/O Richard A. Peters Delta October Capt. Donald E. Barry United November Capt. Jeffrey T. Bost United July Capt. Joel Palandro Delta September Capt. Russell J. Poole Delta October Capt. Gregory D. Black United November Capt. Hall B. Fisketjon United July F/O Norman K. Risner Delta September Capt. David K. Ralston Delta October Capt. William P. Brady United November F/O Yves Hupee Air Transat August Capt. Dennis L. Robbins Delta September Capt. Kenneth G. Schramm Delta October Capt. David A. Campbell United November Capt. Martin D. Propst Atlantic Southeast August Capt. Kerry D. Schrader Delta September F/O James F. Slaton Delta October Capt. Charles T. Castelli United November Capt. Steven Bulwicz Delta August Capt. Brian W. Scott Delta September Capt. Mark C. Walton Delta October Capt. James C. Dickerson United November Capt. Marshall K. Gibson Delta August Capt. Stephen M. Strack Delta September Capt. Diane Myers ExpressJet October Capt. Darrel L. Dilley United November Capt. Paul A. Mondor Delta August Capt. John A. Valine Delta September Capt. John Fisher FedEx Express October Capt. Jon R. Ecker United November Capt. Joseph K. Nawrocki Delta August F/O Kathleen E. Vietoris Delta September Capt. Gary W. Hathaway FedEx Express October Capt. James D. Engels United November Capt. Matthew G. Pearson Delta August Capt. Amos S. Watkins Delta September Capt. Gary A. Janelli FedEx Express October Capt. William P. Ferrato United November Capt. Jill E. Stephenson Delta August Capt. Herbert Mark Envoy Air September Capt. Mark Newsome FedEx Express October F/O Leslie R. Ford United November Capt. Steven R. Wright Delta August Capt. Claude M. Erving FedEx Express September Capt. James R. Ormsby FedEx Express October Capt. Michael W. Gill United November Capt. David G. Cole Envoy Air August Capt. Walter Kuemmerle FedEx Express September Capt. Karen B. Parker FedEx Express October Capt. Arthur N. Gratas United November Capt. Harry S. Miller Envoy Air August Capt. Larry E. Springer FedEx Express September Capt. Orie O. Pierce FedEx Express October Capt. Jeffrey W. Greco United November Capt. Ronald Brown FedEx Express August Capt. Richard A. Farrell Frontier September F/O Edward Reed FedEx Express October Capt. Richard S. Hill United November Capt. Stuart L. Cummings FedEx Express August Capt. Robert Schoppe Frontier September Capt. David R. Barninger Spirit October Capt. James R. Hogue United November Capt. Mark W. Danielson FedEx Express August Capt. Robert L. Hood Hawaiian September Capt. James E. Brown Sun Country October Capt. Bernard S. Hummel United November Capt. Dan L. Delane FedEx Express August Capt. Gerry M. Davis Jazz Aviation September Capt. Gary P. Peak Sun Country October Capt. Robert G. Hunter United November F/O Colleen R. Hensley FedEx Express August Capt. Patrick C. Fynes Jazz Aviation September Capt. Stephen R. Allen United October Capt. Brian Keating United November Capt. Henry H. House FedEx Express August Capt. Simon V. La France Jazz Aviation September Capt. Russell A. Ballard United October Capt. John M. Kesner United November Capt. Kathleen M. Morton FedEx Express August Capt. Randy L. Umscheid Jazz Aviation September F/O Craig A. Boyer United October Capt. John E. Lind United November Capt. Mick J. O’Connor FedEx Express August Capt. David S. Wills JetBlue September Capt. John K. Bradley United October Capt. Michael D. Martin United November Capt. James R. Peterson FedEx Express August Capt. Robert B. Barber PSA September Capt. James R. Camphouse United October Capt. Steve H. McNeill United November Capt. Albert B. Robinson FedEx Express August Capt. David M. Burns Sun Country September Capt. Robert S. Casey United October Capt. Manuel Montes United November Capt. Andrew J. Pick Jazz Aviation August Capt. Greg W. Bassett United September F/O Clifford H. Chandler United October Capt. Karen C. Nathan United November Capt. Albert P. Martina Piedmont August Capt. Samuel A. Biondo United September Capt. Lawrence J. Cushing United October Capt. Joseph D. Payne United November Capt. Dale M. Andrew United August Capt. Urban E. Dishart United September Capt. Michael R. Diaz United October Capt. Michael D. Roark United November Capt. Robert M. Ballard United August Capt. William A. Duus United September Capt. Jeffrey B. Harris United October Capt. Bradley S. Schrott United November Capt. Leroy G. Barr United August Capt. John A. Fitzpatrick United September Capt. Frank A. Haugh United October Capt. William E. Smith United November Capt. Al J. Bertulli United August Capt. Gary J. Gilbert United September Capt. Stuart D. Lyman United October Capt. Michael S. Tirone United November Capt. Gary L. Buis United August Capt. Steven E. Gwilliam United September Capt. James J. Meyers United October Capt. John W. Turner United November Capt. Harvey J. Copsey United August Capt. Scott E. Herman United September Capt. Donald F. Novak United October Capt. Thomas S. Vathally United November Capt. Wayne G. Dennis United August Capt. Michael T. Houlton United September Capt. Steven B. Pascoe United October Capt. William V. Gamble Alaska December F/O John A. Eddins United August F/O Deborah L. Jesewitz United September Capt. Mark L. Pinkul United October Capt. Robert W. Hill Alaska December Capt. Ray K. Faddis United August Capt. Alfonzo F. McCullough United September Capt. Gary W. Robinson United October Capt. James P. Pearson Alaska December Capt. James G. Glenn United August F/O David A. Murray United September Capt. Konrad E. Stapler United October F/O Gary L. Powell Alaska December Capt. Michael S. Ingram United August Capt. Michael J. Nywening United September Capt. Kenneth C. Swain United October F/O Bruce C. Stinar Atlantic Southeast December Capt. Thomas K. Jondahl United August Capt. R. Pickron United September Capt. Wesley C. Dawson Alaska November Capt. Charley O. Aars Delta December Capt. John S. Kalota United August Capt. Jay E. Rickles United September Capt. David P. Fenn Alaska November Capt. John M. Barden Delta December Capt. Gary L. Koenig United August Capt. Rudy P. Schubert United September Capt. Thomas O. Hamblen Alaska November Capt. David M. Garramone Delta December F/O David W. Ledford United August Capt. William H. Sleeper United September F/O Charles R. Layman Alaska November Capt. Edward A. Gore Delta December Capt. Gerald J. Liggett United August Capt. Hans G. Stoll United September Capt. David S. Linn Alaska November Capt. Michael L. Capt. Timothy A. Patton United August Capt. Dean P. Taylor United September Capt. Stephen T. Parshall Alaska November Gudmundson Delta December Capt. Calvin L. Roberts United August Capt. William S. Tergerson United September Capt. Martin A. Potter Alaska November Capt. Chris E. Kostamo Delta December Capt. Ronald L. Smith United August Capt. Terry C. Thomason United September Capt. Wallace S. Powelson Alaska November F/O Jeffrey T. Love Delta December Capt. Robert R. Wien United August Capt. Wayne D. Van Andel United September Capt. Joseph A. Salmon Alaska November Capt. Eric J. Newman Delta December Capt. Kenneth A. Wilson United August F/O James M. Warren United September Capt. Jonathan R. Capt. Wendell L. Nissing Delta December Capt. Willy H. Drow Virgin America August Capt. James S. Colby Virgin America September Simmonds Alaska November Capt. Brenda A. Thompson Delta December Capt. Gilles D Astous Air Transat September Capt. Robert J. Hammond Air Wisconsin October Capt. Calvin L. Allen Delta November F/O Thomas Montgomery FedEx Express December Capt. Gilles M. Turmel Air Transat September Capt. John G. Callender Alaska October Capt. Robert C. Brown Delta November Capt. Mike W. Redfield FedEx Express December Capt. Michael K. Rinehart Alaska September Capt. Mark H. Allison Delta October Capt. William H. Dorna Delta November F/O Mark Rogers FedEx Express December Capt. James Weemhoff Alaska September Capt. Stephen S. Fowler Delta November Capt. Kerry S. Hart Atlantic Southeast September Compiled from information provided by ALPA’s Membership Administration Department. Names only appear once in the print version.

60 » Air Line Pilot January-February 2018 2018!To some, New Year’s resolutions are simply loose guidelines that easily fall by the wayside as willpower starts to dwindle. Not with ALPA pilots. Resolutions become a way of life. Below is a compilation of a few resolutions from ALPA pilot groups for the coming year.

1. The pilots of Air Transat will ensure 9. In 2018, FedEx Express pilots vow to 17. It’s a great time to be at PSA! Along they continue to be recognized for their get to their destinations safely overnight, with making contract improvements, in hard work, dedication, and professional- positively impacting the world’s com- 2018 the pilot group is helping the airline ism. merce with professionalism and integrity. retain pilots and maintain competitiveness in recruiting by launching a new pilot-pow- 2. 2018: A year of turbulence, transition, 10. In 2018, First Air pilots would love to ered website, PSAPilotCareers.com. and rebirth for Atlantic Southeast pilots. have a fully functioning electronic flight bag program. Then the pilot group can 18. Spirit pilots resolve to reach a contract 3. The pilots of Calm Air will be well return to being First Air and not last air in 2018. prepared for upcoming contract negotia- since they’re the only ones who still seem tions in 2018. to use paper charts! 19. Sun Country pilots welcomed the new year with a new owner. Here’s to contin- 4. In 2018, the Canadian North Master Ex- 11. The Frontier pilots resolve to enter ued safety and success! ecutive Council will continue to strive for the pattern of their fellow aviators with a open communication and participation. new industry-standard contract in 2018! 20. In 2018, Trans States pilots are work- #frontierdealnow ing to achieve contract improvements that 5. The pilots of CommutAir will focus reflect their commitment to professional- on the growth of their all-jet fleet and 12. In the new year, the Hawaiian pilots ism and safe operations in an increasingly pilot retention. It’s a great time to join will build a stronger and more solid positive-trending environment. CommutAir and be part of a fast-growing relationship with their members and their team of aviation professionals. families. 21. The United Master Executive Council will continue working with fellow ALPA 6. Compass pilots resolve to be the best 13. The pilot representatives of Jazz pilots to enhance unionism and unity fee-for-departure carrier on the West Aviation resolve to improve collective across the aviation industry and ensure Coast in 2018. agreement education in 2018. that labor’s contributions toward achieving and improving the world’s safest mode of 7. In 2018, #ScopeMatters to Delta pilots, 14. Three years is too long! It’s time for travel are fully recognized. who will strenuously oppose internal and JetBlue pilots to get the contract these external outsourcing threats, including professional pilots deserve. 22. Wasaya pilots will continue to focus on Middle East carriers Emirates, Qatar, and recruitment and retention in 2018. Etihad; attacks on scope; and inequitable 15. In 2018, Kelowna Flightcraft pilots distribution of joint-venture flying and look forward to seeing their company se- 23. In 2018, WestJet pilots want to come growth. cure a long-term contract that will provide together in unity and work together for for future job stability. their common goals and for the better- 8. 2018 will be a year in which Express- ment of the entire profession. Jet pilots will say they’re proud to work 16. Mesa pilots’ collective focus this year for ExpressJet Airlines again. centers around contract implementation, education, and enforcement. Photo: Gettyimages.comPhoto:

January-February 2018 Air Line Pilot » 61 ALPA Resources & Contact Numbers National Executive Vice Presidents For more information on which pilot groups executive vice presidents represent, visit Officers 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 Capt. Richard Capt. Sean Capt. Dan Hamilton Massey Sklenka McMackin Meier Creed Adamus (United) (Delta) (FedEx Express) (JetBlue) (ExpressJet) (Spirit) (Jazz Aviation) Endeavor Air, Atlantic South- Air Wisconsin, Air Georgian, Air Envoy Air, Frontier, east, Compass, Alaska, Commut- Transat, Bearskin, Capt. Tim Capt. Joe Hawaiian, JetBlue, ExpressJet, PSA, Air, Mesa, Spirit, Calm Air, Canadian Piedmont, Air Sun Country, Virgin Trans States North, Encore, First Canoll DePete Transport America Air, Jazz Aviation, President First Vice International Kelowna Flightcraft, President Wasaya, WestJet

ALPA Sudoku (http://download.cnet.com/Sudoku-Generator/3000-2111_4-10733911.html) Complete the sudoku puzzle so that each The solution to this month’s ALPA sudoku can column, each row, and each of the nine 3×3 be found on page 15. sub-grids that compose the grid contain all the Prefer other puzzle types? Tell us what you digits from 1 to 9. think. E-mail [email protected]. Capt. William Capt. Randy Couette Helling Vice Presi- Vice Presi- dent–Admin- dent–Finance/ istration/ Treasurer Secretary 2 7 6 3 5 2 3 5

Capt. Rick Capt. Paul Ryder 5 6 1 Dominguez (ExpressJet) (Delta) National Executive Resource Adminis- Coordinator 2 7 9 trator

1 4 9 4

Photos: Chris Weaver 6 8 3 7

62 » Air Line Pilot January-February 2018

4 2 5 3 7 6 1 9 8 3 8 1 9 4 5 7 6 2 6 9 7 2 8 1 3 4 5 9 5 3 6 2 4 8 1 7 2 6 8 1 3 7 9 5 4 7 1 4 5 9 8 6 2 3 5 3 2 7 1 9 4 8 6 8 7 9 4 6 2 5 3 1 1 4 6 8 5 3 2 7 9 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 number listed below. However, the ALPA main number, ASPEN, Member Insurance, and Membership Senior Advocacy Writer Linda Shotwell Administration numbers need to be dialed directly. Senior Aviation Technical Writer Christopher Freeze Accident Investigation Discipline and Discharge Membership Administration Magazine/Graphic Designer Dit Rutland ([email protected]) ([email protected]) ([email protected]) 703-689-4312 703-689-4226 1-888-359-2572 Web Coordinators Chris Weaver, Suzi Fenton (1-888-FLY-ALPA), option 3 Accounting and Finance Economic and Financial Analysis Supervisor, Multimedia Productions Eric Davis ([email protected]) ([email protected]) IT Operations and Services Contributing Writers Kevin Cuddihy, 703-689-4144 703-689-4289 ([email protected]) Corey Kuhn 703-689-4245 Air Line Pilot Election Dates LEC/MEC ePublishing Coordinator Mary Kennedy ([email protected]) 703-689-4212 Organizing 703-481-4460 ([email protected]) Director of Communications David Weaver Engineering and Air Safety 703-689-4179 ALPA Aeromedical Office ([email protected]) General Manager Lori Garver 303-341-4435 703-689-4200 Publishing and Design Services ([email protected]) ALPA Main Number FAA Enforcement or Medical Air Line Pilot is not responsible for unsolicited 703-481-4441 703-689-2270 Certificate Action manuscripts, photographs, or other materials. Unso- ([email protected]) Purchasing ([email protected]) licited materials will be returned only if submitted ALPA Memorabilia 703-689-4226 703-689-4319 with a self-addressed, stamped envelope. Opinions ([email protected]) expressed by authors do not necessarily represent 703-481-4458 Government Affairs Representation ([email protected]) official ALPA position or policy. ([email protected]) 703-689-4235 ALPA-PAC 202-797-4033 202-797-4033 Real Estate Subscriptions: Subscription rate for pilot members, ASPEN 703-689-4220 Human Resources ([email protected]) $27.50, included in ALPA membership dues; for Balloting ([email protected]) ([email protected]) 703-689-4105 students, $41; for U.S. nonmembers, $55; for foreign, 703-689-4173 703-689-4262 $71.50. Residents of the state of Washington must Retirement and Insurance add 8.8 percent sales tax. To subscribe go to Cashiering Information Technology ([email protected]) www.alpa.org/subscriptions or call 703-481-4460. ([email protected]) and Services 703-689-4114 703-689-4385 ([email protected]) Advertising: Any advertising appearing in Air Line Strategic Member Development Pilot cannot be construed as being an endorsement Communications 703-689-4134 and Resources by the Air Line Pilots Association, International or its ([email protected]) Legal ([email protected]) ([email protected]) members. The publisher reserves the right to reject, 703-481-4440 202-797-4096 703-481-4467 discontinue, or edit any advertisement. For advertis- 703-689-4326 Computer Help Line System Board of Adjustment ing information, contact [email protected]. ([email protected]) Member Insurance ([email protected]) Address Changes: To report address changes, contact 703-689-4357 ([email protected]) 703-689-4226 [email protected] or call 1-888-359-2572 1-800-746-2572 Council Services ([email protected]) (1-888-FLY-ALPA) and choose menu option 3, 3. 703-689-4173 Air Line Pilot is printed in the United States and published for professional airline pilots in the Membership Administration United States and Canada who are members of the To obtain membership account information or to update your records or your postal or e-mail address via the Air Line Pilots Association, International. Internet, go to the My ALPA area of www.alpa.org/memberaccount; or dial the toll-free number 1-888-359- ALPA Headquarters: 1625 Massachusetts Ave., NW, 2572 (1-888-FLY-ALPA) and choose menu option 3,3. Listed below are the telephone numbers of MEC offices. Washington, DC 20036 Postmaster: Send address changes to Air Line Pilot, Air Georgian–GGN MEC Compass–CPZ MEC JetBlue–JBU MEC 535 Herndon Parkway, Herndon, VA 20170-5226. 204-997-1732 952-853-2373 603-303-2195 Air Transat–TSC MEC Delta–DAL MEC *Kelowna Flightcraft–KFC MEC Other Organizations 1-888-337-2033 404-763-4925 877-373-3131, ext. 6225 ALPA Aeromedical Office 303-341-4435 Connexus Credit Union 1-800-845-5025 Air Transport International– Encore–WEN MEC Mesa–MAG MEC ATI MEC 867-445-1756 602-306-1116 505-263-8838 ALPA Accident/Serious Incident Hotline Endeavor Air–EDV MEC Piedmont–PDT MEC If you are involved in an accident, incident, or alleged Air Wisconsin–ARW MEC 1-833-EDV-ALPA 339-987-1277 violation of a federal aviation regulation, contact your 1-800-ALPA-ARW Envoy Air–ENY MEC PSA–PSA MEC local or central air safety chairman, regional safety Alaska–ALA MEC 206-241-3138 817-685-7474 703-481-4444 chairman, or the worldwide ALPA accident/serious incident hotline at 202-797-4180 (collect calls are ac- Atlantic Southeast–ASA MEC ExpressJet–XJT MEC Spirit–SPA MEC cepted) for an immediate response 24 hours per day. 404-209-8566 281-987-3636 1-855-SPA-ALPA As a backup number, call 703-892-4180. Bearskin–BRS MEC FedEx Express–FDX MEC Sun Country–SCA MEC To report a safety problem or airspace system 807-628-5683 901-752-8749 952-853-2393 deficiency, call 1-800-424-2470 or e-mail [email protected]. Calm Air–CMA MEC First Air–FAB MEC Trans States–TSA MEC 204-471-1000 1-877-459-3272 412-780-9036 2018 EBCB Schedule Canadian North–CNP MEC Frontier–FFT MEC United–UAL MEC The Association’s Election and Ballot Certification 780-718-6012 720-245-7364 847-292-1700 Board’s schedule for counting ballots is February *CanJet–CJA MEC Hawaiian–HAL MEC Virgin America–VRD MEC 9, March 9, April 10, May 10, June 8, July 10, 1-800-959-1751 808-836-2572 435-962-0951 August 10, September 10, October 10, November 9, and December 10. CommutAir–CMT MEC *Island Air–AIS MEC Wasaya–WSG MEC Any ALPA member in good standing may be pres- 518-332-7494 808-838-0188 807-624-7270 ent as an observer during any meeting. Contact the Jazz Aviation–JAZ MEC WestJet–WJA MEC Association’s Membership and Council Services 1-800-561-9576 403-464-3599 Department for scheduling. *Pilot group in custodianship

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