The 1,500- Hour Rule: What You New Agreements Need for Alaska, Calm Air To Page 9
A Preview KnowPage 24 of the Upcoming Air Safety Forum Page 26 did we meet with your member of congress? Page 20
July 2013 Air Line Pilot 1 PRINTED IN THE U.S.A. PRINTED IN
JULY 2013 • Volume 82, Number 7 T he 1,500-Hour Rule:
17 About the Cover An Alaska B-737 during a sunrise preflight inspection in Palm Springs, Calif. Photo by F/O Steve Pifer (Alaska). Download a QR T he True Skinny24 reader to your smartphone, scan the code, and read the magazine.
COMMENTARY Air Line Pilot (ISSN 0002-242X) is published monthly by the Air Line Pilots Association, 4 Take Note International, affiliated with AFL-CIO, Cultivating a Pro-Pilot CLC. Editorial Offices: 535 Herndon Parkway, PO Box 1169, Herndon, VA Landscape 20172-1169. Telephone: 703-481-4460. Fax: 703-464-2114. Copyright © 2013—Air 29 Line Pilots Association, International, all 5 Aviation Matters rights reserved. Publication in any form Every ALPA Pilot in the Arena 29 Cleared to Dream without permission is prohibited. Air Line Pilot and the ALPA logo Reg. U.S. Pat. ALPA, Industry Respond to and T.M. Office. Federal I.D. 36-0710830. Auburn’s Proposed Flight Periodicals postage paid at Herndon, VA 6 Weighing In 20172, and additional offices. Fulfilling Our Responsibilities Degree Phaseout Postmaster: Send address changes to as the Union’s Financial Air Line Pilot, PO Box 1169, Herndon, VA 30 ALPA Represents 20172-1169. Stewards Canadian Publications Mail Agreement Engineering & Air Safety #40620579: Return undeliverable maga- zines sent to Canadian addresses to 2835 FEATURES 37 32 ALPA@Work Kew Drive, Windsor, ON, Canada N8T 3B7. 20 Welcome to the DEPARTMENTS ALPA Hosts First Remote Arena Ops Conference; Delta 7 Preflight Connection Carrier Training 24 The 1,500-Hour Facts, Figures, and Info Forum Rule: The True Skinny 27 ALPA Toolbox 37 The Landing 26 ALPA: By Your ALPA’s Financial Gatekeepers Boeing’s Aviation Market Side Brush Up on Policies, Forecast 2013–2032 Practices 38 We Are ALPA 28 Health Watch ALPA Resources and Important Contact Numbers FAA Medical Certification Developments Ta ke HOT TOPICS Note In This Issue Cultivating A Pro-Pilot Landscape What you need to know about the Each summer when I drive to the Jersey shore, the bumper-to-bumper traffic inch- ing along the back roads leading to the 1,500-Hour ocean gives my family plenty of opportunity to (www.alpa.org/1500rule) stop and look at fresh Rule. fruit and vegetables Page 24
Members on offer at the Garden 106 of Congress 61Reps 45Senators 28 Democrats 25 Democrats State’s roadside stands. 33 Republicans 20 Republicans While no one knows
We met with more than 100 Rep. Bob Gibbs (R) for certain, New Jersey Ohio, 7th District Sen. Ted Cruz (R) Texas
Rep. Tulsi Gabbard (D) Sen. Mark Warner (D) reportedly was given the “Garden State” Hawaii, 2nd District Virginia Rep. John Boehner (R) Ohio, 8th District Sen. Saxby Chambliss (R) Georgia Rep. Rick Larsen (D) moniker by Abraham Browning, New Washington, 2nd District Sen. Bill Nelson (D) Florida
Rep. Blake Farenthold (R) Jersey’s first attorney general, who coined Texas, 27th District Sen. Orrin Hatch (R) Members of Utah Rep. John Lewis (D) Sen. Mazie Hirono (D) the term in 1876 referring to the fresh Georgia, 5th District Hawaii
Rep. Tom Marino (R) Sen. Ron Johnson (R) produce New Jersey farms provided to New Pennsylvania, 10th District Wisconsin Rep. Gerry Connolly (D) Sen. Barbara Boxer (D) Virginia, 11th District California Sen. Don Young (R) York and Philadelphia. Sen. Lisa Murkowski (R) Alaska, At Large Congress. Alaska
Rep. Andre Carson (D) Indiana, 7th District Rep. Brian Schatz (D) Whether you are a gardener yourself or Hawaii simply enjoy the fresh produce served by Is yours on the list? a local restaurant, it’s difficult this time of Page 20 year not to be aware of the requirements and rewards of cultivating the land. Good cultivation means thinking days, months, and even years ahead and Negotiating new agreements carefully investing time and energy long before you hope your efforts will bear fruit. The sentiment holds equally true for the pilots of for our union as we seek to cultivate a landscape in which the U.S. airline indus- try can compete and prevail in the global Alaska and Calm Air. marketplace. Page 9 During ALPA’s Legislative Summit, we heard the story of a congressman who said he would always make time to meet with an ALPA pilot because ALPA had sup- An infographic that ported his first election campaign decades ago. At ALPA’s upcoming Air Safety Forum, will make you say we’ll illustrate again how this union—your union—has cultivated for more than 80 years the groundwork necessary to ensure that the safety aspects of our industry remain a priority. WOW! Page 37 Every opportunity you have to cultivate a new contact—or continue to develop one that you’ve already made—helps our union realize our potential to change the Which university landscape for North American airlines and their workers; and cultivating strong relationships with all those who influence is in danger of the airline industry is essential to our union’s success—today and even decades losing its down the road.
Marie Schwartz aviation Director, ALPA Communications [email protected] program? Page 29
4 Air Line Pilot July 2013 AviationMatters Every ALPA Pilot In the Arena
pressing for ALPA safety priorities such as NextGen. .S. President Theodore Roosevelt said, “It is not the Our union’s representatives are drawing attention to the fact critic who counts; not the man who points out how the that U.S. airlines are actually taxed twice for modernization— Ustrong man stumbles, or where the doer of deeds could once through ticket taxes and again as they are required to pay have done them better. The credit belongs to the man who is to install technologies mandatory to participate in NextGen. actually in the arena, whose face is marred by dust and sweat and blood.” Although our union’s roots reach f we are to ensure the safety, back more than 80 years, today ALPA security, and economic pilots are in the arena as never before competitiveness of the North in our history to drive progress in the I North American airline industry and American airline industry, every defend U.S. and Canadian airline pilots’ single ALPA pilot must truly be an careers against unfair competition. Each time I witness the enterprise all-in participant in our union’s that ALPA applies toward achieving the effort.… ALPA will not prevail highest standards on virtually every issue that affects our indus- unless every pilot stands strong try, I appreciate again the results our union has delivered over the decades to make air transportation safer and more secure, in the arena. to assist fellow pilots, and to advance pilots’ careers. Yet, when I consider the sheer unprecedented scale of the ALPA pilots are also in the arena elsewhere in Washington, competitive threat posed by heavily state-backed foreign as the government undertakes new regulatory action affecting airlines, I am acutely aware of how it is incumbent upon many sectors of our industry, including safety. For example, on ALPA—upon every one of our members—to contribute even Aug. 1, 2013, all airline first officers will be required to hold an more to our cause. air transport pilot airman certificate to serve as a flightcrew It is profoundly unfortunate for the U.S. airline industry— member in FAR Part 121 operations (see page 24). Designed to and for the domestic economic growth it fuels—that the U.S. enhance safety, the new requirement should also add value to government persists in helping foreign state-backed airlines pilots’ airman certificates. ALPA was fully engaged in the FAA grow while straitjacketing U.S. airlines and U.S. workers in their Aviation Rulemaking Committee to make recommendations effort to compete on the world economic stage. about pilot qualifications, and we anticipate that the rules will Prime examples of this harmful U.S. policy are, and I’ve incorporate such ALPA concepts as creating a “restricted ATP” mentioned both before, the U.S. Export-Import Bank’s granting to reflect that not all flight training is equal. to foreign airlines below-market financing not available to U.S. As you’ll see on the Engineering & Air Safety Department airlines and the administration’s plan to build a U.S. Customs infographic (see page 30), ALPA’s determination to fully engage and Border Protection preclearance facility at Abu Dhabi in every aspect of aviation safety and security often makes International Airport, an airport that no U.S. airline currently headlines when we hold events such as the 59th Air Safety serves. Forum (see page 26), but our union’s commitment is evident I have felt gratified in the past weeks to see that ALPA mem- every day and on every flight. bers not only understand the risk but have also recognized If we are to ensure the safety, security, and economic com- ALPA’s call as their own and are engaging in our union’s efforts petitiveness of the North American airline industry, every single as never before. ALPA pilot must truly be an all-in participant in our union’s A clear indication of this was the level of engagement of effort. Whether you become an August District Advocate (see our members during ALPA’s first Legislative Summit (see page page 22) and visit your member of Congress during the August 20). ALPA members rallied to help get passed in the House recess, contribute your safety expertise as an ALPA airport language to block U.S. taxpayer funding for the Abu Dhabi safety liaison, or take another action to support our drive, ALPA facility as well as helped to successfully secure in the House full will not prevail unless every pilot stands strong in the arena. funding for the Federal Flight Deck Officer program. More work remains in the Senate on both these important areas and other important policy recommendations to enhance the U.S. airline industry’s economic competitiveness and security, as well as Capt. Lee Moak, ALPA President
July 2013 Air Line Pilot 5 WeighingIn Fulfilling Our Responsibilities as The Union’s Financial Stewards
bodies, ALPA pilot representatives have For example, our budget for 2013 reflects By Capt. Randy Helling, ALPA Vice discussed and debated a number of pro- a 2.7 percent increase in dues revenue President–Finance/Treasurer posed amendments to our Constitution over the 2012 budget. Furthermore, year- LPA is often described as an and By-Laws and Administrative Manual over-year improvements in our operating “organization of pilots, run by related to the Association’s finances, income are a good indication that we are Apilots for pilots.” Combine this heard from staff and pilot subject-matter trending in the right direction. democratic model with the unmatched experts, voiced their pilot groups’ view- Our measures to protect and enhance expertise and points, made alternative recommenda- the Major Contingency Fund—one experience of tions, and, ultimately, voted on the of ALPA’s most important strategic our staff, and proposed changes. assets—have led to a balance of $43 it is clear what Also during the conference, secretary- million through the first quarter of makes our union treasurers learned about ALPA’s recently 2013, which is in line with the forecast so unique and so presented last fall. We are also rebuild- effective. ing our Operating Contingency Fund, Collaboration and the balance in 2013 continues to between ALPA’s As the voice for trend in a positive direction. Thanks dedicated pilot to MECs’ continued focus on financial volunteers and what many agree is the professional pilots discipline, our current balance is ap- best staff in the business is critical to proaching levels that we had back in the our success—especially when it comes in the U.S. and early 2000s. This ensures that resources to the sound management of our will be available to help our pilots members’ hard-earned dues dollars. One Canada, ALPA must achieve progressive contracts. of our main responsibilities as a union Looking to the future, we will continue is to provide our pilot groups and ALPA continue to adapt to work closely with the MEC secretary- committees and departments with vital treasurers to further stabilize our resources and support as they advance and evolve—for finances, build our reserves, and practice the Association’s and our master execu- the benefit of our financial discipline—all to advance tive councils’ (MECs) collective goals. our goals for the Association and our But it doesn’t end there. ALPA also profession and, members. provides MEC secretary-treasurers with Acclaimed science fiction writer H.G. the training and tools they need to fulfill most importantly, Wells once said, “Adapt or perish, now as these fiduciary responsibilities. As the ever, is nature’s inexorable imperative.” union’s financial stewards, they hold the pilots we ALPA has embraced this philosophy in a unique position of trust—trust that our distinctive approach to facing chal- pilots’ dues money is being spent wisely represent each lenges. You can see it in the way that our and prudently. To better prepare them pilot volunteers and staff work together for this position, ALPA hosts the annual and every day. and employ the wealth of resources MEC Secretary-Treasurers Conference available through the Association to cre- (see page 27). created Resources Planning Team, which ate solutions and effect positive change. The agenda for the two-and-a-half-day helps MECs make the most of ALPA’s As the voice for professional pilots conference, which took place in the programs, resources, services, and profes- in the U.S. and Canada, ALPA must Association’s Herndon, Va., Conference sional expertise. Tailored to each pilot continue to adapt and evolve—for the Center in late May, included an update group, the team was developed to guide benefit of our profession and, most of new policies and practices ALPA has MECs in how to maximize the resources importantly, the pilots we represent each adopted over the past several years to available to them in the areas of finance, and every day. The combination of well- benefit our members and strengthen representation, communications, and trained pilot volunteers and knowledge- the Association’s financial position. collective bargaining. able staff, backed by the support of their These policy changes are the result of a A review of ALPA’s improving financial 50,000-member-strong union, will ensure rigorous democratic process. At meetings condition is proof that our collective that we are well positioned to meet the of the Association’s various governing efforts are making a positive difference. challenges of the future.
6 Air Line Pilot July 2013 Facts, Figures, and Info n Airline Industry Update Domestic News and security,” said the State Runway 15–33 does not minutes matter when you Department. meet FAA safety standards, have 1,700 flights a day like Per The Hill’s global affairs According to the and the agency is requiring at DIA,” said Joseph Burns, blog, the United States and Washington Business the airports authority to managing director of technol- Saudi Arabia have signed Journal, the Metropolitan make improvements. The ogy and flight testing for an Open Skies agreement Washington Airports project will include shorten- United Airlines. that will allow unrestricted Authority has hired a ing the runway 270 feet at The first United B-787 air travel between the two contractor to fill in a the northwest end, adding Dreamliner to fly in months countries. The agreement portion of the Potomac in-pavement edge lighting, landed safely in Chicago, will benefit “U.S. and Saudi River and move a runway and installing an Engineered Ill., on May 20, reported Arabian businesses and at Washington Reagan Materials Arresting System at the Los Angeles Times. travelers by expanding op- National Airport to the end of the runway. On board were W. James portunities for air services bring it up to federal The Denver Post reported McNerney, Jr., Boeing’s chief and encouraging vigorous safety guidelines. that Denver International executive, and Jeff Smisek, price competition by airlines, The 5,204-foot-long Airport (DIA) has started chief executive of United while preserv- using NextGen technology Continental Holdings, Inc. ing our com- for its arrival and departure In April, the FAA approved mitments to procedures. “It may only be the Dreamliners’ return to
aviation safety ERIC DAVIS a difference of minutes, but service. MarketWatch Airlines Parent Company Stock Symbol 5/31/2012 5/31/2013 % Chg. American Eagle AMR Corp.1 OTC: AAMR.Q $0.47 $5.00 963.8% Atlantic Southeast, ExpressJet SkyWest, Inc. NASDAQ: SKYW $7.05 $14.02 98.9% Alaska Alaska Holdings, Inc. NSYE: ALK $34.30 $56.82 65.7% AirTran Southwest Airlines NSYE: LUV $9.03 $14.13 56.5% Continental, United United Continental Holdings, Inc. NSYE: UAL $21.50 $32.46 51.0% Delta, Pinnacle Delta Air Lines2 NYSE: DAL $12.10 $18.01 48.8% Spirit Spirit Airlines, Inc. NASDAQ: SAVE $20.61 $30.43 47.6% Piedmont, PSA US Airways Group, Inc.3 NYSE: LCC $13.22 $17.57 32.9% Air Transport Int’l, Capital Cargo Int’l Air Transport Services Group, Inc. NASDAQ: ATSG $5.07 $6.05 19.3% Bearskin, Calm Air Exchange Income Corporation TSX: EIF $23.90 $26.82 12.2% Air Transat Transat A.T., Inc. TSX: TRZ.B $4.84 $5.31 9.7% FedEx Express FedEx Corporation NYSE: FDX $89.14 $96.34 8.1% Hawaiian Hawaiian Holdings, Inc. NASDAQ: HA $5.78 $5.96 3.1% Jazz Chorus Aviation TSX: CHR.B $3.01 $2.43 -19.3%
1 AMR stock is no longer traded on the NYSE. The price shown is the over-the-counter traded value. See also the footnote for US Airways. Holders of existing AMR equity interests will receive an aggregate initial distribution of 3.5 percent of the common stock of the combined airline on the effec- tive date of the plan, with the potential to receive additional shares if the value of common stock received by holders of prepetition unsecured claims would satisfy their claims in full. 2 Pinnacle emerged from Chapter 11 on May 1. Pursuant to the plan of reorganization approved by the Bankruptcy Court, Delta now owns 100 percent of the equity, and the former Pinnacle shares have been canceled. Pinnacle disclosed on January 3 in an SEC filing, and the news media reported, that all outstanding shares of Pinnacle stock would be canceled upon emergence. As of May 2, Pinnacle stock is no longer being traded. 3 US Airways and American announced a merger on Feb. 14, 2013. Under the terms of the merger agreement, US Airways stockholders will receive one share of common stock of the combined airline for each share of US Airways common stock then held. The aggregate number of shares of common stock of the combined airline issuable to holders of US Airways equity instruments (including stockholders, holders of convertible notes, optionees, and holders of restricted stock units) will represent 28 percent of the diluted equity of the combined airline. The remaining 72 percent di- luted equity ownership of the combined airline will be issuable to stakeholders of AMR and its debtor subsidiaries that filed for relief under Chapter 11 (the “debtors”), American’s labor unions, and current AMR employees.
July 2013 Air Line Pilot 7 n Airline Industry Update (continued) . com otolia reported CNN. It’s added According to The investigated the airline and Washington Post, Airlines for several subsidiaries for al- flights between Baghdad and America (A4A) estimates leged safety violations. The —F © jagodka London, Frankfurt, Dusseldorf, that U.S. airlines will carry FAA had originally filed claims nel features 28 temperature- and Kuwait. Iraq’s Ministry 208.7 million passengers of more than $156 million controlled enclosures, and of Transport is investing this summer, a 1 percent but negotiated the smaller dogs can be walked, groomed, heavily in its airports. Plans increase from last year. A amount with American, which or bathed at the facility. Pets are currently under way to record 27 million travelers are did not admit any fault in are transported between the add three new terminals to expected to fly on U.S. airlines agreeing to the settlement. kennel and their flight by cus- Baghdad Airport, doubling its this summer to international American spokesman Paul tom vans. The airline also has annual capacity to 15 million destinations. A4A estimates Flaningan said the settlement kennels at its hubs in Newark, passengers. that airplanes will be nearly allows the airline to “take N.J., and Houston, Tex. Per Reuters, Heathrow 87 percent full this summer. another step toward a more Houston’s William P. Airport, Europe’s busiest, reported that it plans to The Dallas Morning seamless integration with US Hobby Airport plans to News reported that U.S. Airways.” begin construction on a “significantly increase” the fines it imposes on airlines Bankruptcy Judge Sean Per the Chicago Tribune, new international terminal Lane approved a $24.9 United Airlines has opened in September, reported that break its day and night million settlement between a kennel at Chicago O’Hare the Houston Chronicle. The noise limits, part of its efforts American Airlines, Inc. International Airport for airport has posted on its to gain approval for expan- and the FAA, which had dogs flying in cargo. The ken- website 14 renderings of what sion. The airport plans to the airport will look like by rank the 80 airlines that use the time construction is com- the airport according to how pleted in 2015. Construction much noise their airplanes of the terminal will create make during takeoff and New ALPA Reps 10,000 jobs and inject $1.6 publish a table every three At a Calm Air 205 meeting held on May 14, billion into the local economy, months, starting later this 2013, Capt. Matthew Tinker was elected according to airport officials. summer. as the interim captain representative for The Los Angeles Times the remainder of the term of office. International News reported that passengers on At an American Eagle 126 meeting European airlines are start- F/O Richard held on May 30, 2013, According to Aviation ing to pay extra charges for Thompson II was elected as the interim baggage, meals, and other first officer representative for the remain- Today, Air China has commit- der of the term of office. ted to purchasing 100 A320 services. Passenger fees on family airplanes, a $9.6 Air France, British Airways, As of June 10, 2013, the Election Ballot and KLM, and other airlines come Certification Board certified election results for the billion order according to following local councils: current Airbus list prices. The as the European economy order includes 60 airplanes continues to struggle, and Canadian North 222 F/O Olivier Goudreau, Vice experts predict that long-haul Chairman (F/O Rep) for Air China, 27 of which are A320CEOs and 33 are flights will increasingly feature Mesa 87 F/O Kaori Paris, Vice Chairman (F/O Rep) A320NEOs, Airbus confirmed. the extra fees. l For the names and e-mail addresses of your elected Shenzen Airlines, a subsidiary master executive council and local council officials, of Air China, will receive the log on to Crewroom.ALPA.org/memberaccount and remaining 40 airplanes, in- l click on the Representative tab. cluding 13 A320CEOs and 27 A320NEOs. Scan the QR code and read “Who’s Earlier this year Iraqi Your Rep & Why it Matters” from the Airways, Iraq’s national March 2013 issue. airline, began expanding its route network for the
first time in 23 years, . com / groveb © istockphoto
8 Air Line Pilot July 2013 n FrontLines n Alaska Pilots Reach the prohibited items list for security have been added ALPA’s president, and Tentative Agreement on a carry-on baggage.” Following to protect aviation,” noted Veda Shook, president of New Contract that announcement, ALPA’s Moak. “These layers include the Association of Flight Alaska Airlines pilots reached president, Capt. Lee Moak Known Crewmember—an Attendants-CWA (AFA-CWA), a tentative agreement on stated, “The Association RBS program for the alternate sent a joint letter to FAA June 5 for a new five-year maintains its full support for screening of pilots and flight Administrator Michael contract that improves wages, Administrator Pistole. We attendants; the use of pas- Huerta urging that the FAA job security, and work rules recognize that his willingness senger watch lists, which find funding to continue two and protects benefits. The to incorporate a multitude of includes a passenger no-fly important programs for the pilots have been in contract stakeholder views and then negotiations since last sum- make often tough decisions is Federal Appeals Court Upholds mer. The current contract the type of leadership needed became amendable April 1. to ensure the safety of our ALPA’s Challenge to Ex-Im Bank “It is common for airline skies, airports, and cargo On June 18, ALPA hailed a federal appeals court decision to uphold a legal negotiations to last for years facilities. We applaud the challenge by the Association and Delta Air Lines maintaining that the U.S. Export-Import Bank had failed to meet its legal obligation to evaluate the beyond the contract amend- thorough vetting of the issues potential effect on U.S. airlines and U.S. jobs before making loan guarantees able date. The fact that we and the agency’s dedication to Air India for the purchase of widebody aircraft. were able to reach an agree- to ensuring that new security ALPA and Delta argued that the bank, in its decision to provide financing ment so close to our amend- programs will improve the to Air India for 30 long-range, widebody B-787s and B-777s, had failed to able date is indicative of the security of our nation’s skies. consider the negative effect these loans would have on U.S. airline jobs and U.S. airlines. In its ruling, the D.C. Circuit Court of Appeals ordered that the commitment of both parties “As a key stakeholder in bank either explain why the review required by governing statute was not to reaching an agreement that enhancing the security of necessary or fulfill its duty to evaluate the effect on U.S. industry and U.S. recognizes the role the pilots commercial aviation, and employees before granting financing to Air India. l play in the success of Alaska longtime proponent of risk- Airlines and that allows Alaska based security (RBS), ALPA list; the PreCheck program, remainder of FY2013. Both Airlines to continue to pros- has consistently advocated which employs RBS principles the Human Intervention per,” said Capt. Chris Notaro, that the TSA incorporate by confirming the identity and Motivation Study (HIMS) and the pilots’ Master Executive all stakeholder views in the expediting the screening of Flight Attendant Drug and Council (MEC) chairman. The development of future ap- low-risk individuals; enhanced Alcohol Program (FADAP) MEC voted unanimously to plications of the RBS concept passenger and baggage have contracts that expire recommend that the contract to include any proposed screening technology/equip- in July and September, re- be ratified. modifications to this list,” ment; self-defense training spectively, and are in danger Pilots began voting on the Moak added. of flightcrew members; and during this austere budget new agreement on June 14. “ALPA fully supports RBS the use of federal flight deck period. HIMS and FADAP are Voting concludes on July 10. because it is a philosophical officers who, along with on the front lines to detect shift away from the older, federal air marshals, protect and assess pilots and flight at- n ALPA Comments on traditional one-size-fits-all our flights. All have led to tendants in need of recovery TSA Policy Change on security practice of screening significant improvements and programs and facilitate their Prohibited Items List only for threat objects. While increases in the level of avia- return to On June 5, Transportation there is still a role for object tion security. the line. Security Administration screening, it is imperative that “ALPA will continue to work To read (TSA) Administrator John the security in this country with the TSA to maintain the the letter, Pistole announced that he provides screening that also safe skies above the United scan the had decided to “continue to includes detection of harmful States of America and be- QR code. enforce the current prohib- intent and makes the most ef- yond,” Moak concluded. ited item list. Small knives, ficient and effective use of our n Calm Air Pilots Ratify novelty-sized and toy bats, security resources resulting in n ALPA and AFA-CWA Stand New Contract billiard cues, ski poles, hockey safer, more secure, flights. Together to Support HIMS/ Calm Air pilots overwhelm- sticks, lacrosse sticks, and “Since Sept. 11, 2001, FADAP Programs ingly ratified a new five-year golf clubs will remain on many additional layers of On June 3, Capt. Lee Moak, contract on June 14 that will
July 2013 Air Line Pilot 9 n FrontLines (continued)
boost pay, improve work rules, fleet of small jets and turbo- have not used IBN during n Pilots Needed for and give the airline’s 80 pilot props to far-flung northern past negotiations, the MEC Carcinoma Research members better quality of destinations in Manitoba believes IBN can benefit The ALPA Aeromedical Office life. The new deal becomes and the Nunuvut Territory the pilots as they enter into has been asked to help recruit effective Aug. 1, 2013, with from bases in Winnipeg and early negotiations for their pilots who have had skin the higher pay rates retroac- Thompson, Man. fourth collective bargaining cancers and may be willing tive to May 1, 2013. Of the 87 agreement. The MEC and to assist with a research percent of eligible voters who n Kelowna Pilots to Open Negotiating Committee mem- study on basal cell carcinoma cast ballots, 86 percent sup- Negotiations Early bers, along with company (BCC), the most common ported the agreement. The Kelowna Flightcraft pilots’ representatives, attended of all human cancers. This In the new agreement, Master Executive Council an IBN workshop in June, study, which Dr. Ervin Epstein pilot negotiators negotiated (MEC) was asked by manage- after which the two sides of the Children’s Hospital of preferential seniority language ment to begin negotiations began negotiating. The MEC Oakland, Calif., is conducting, for the pilot group. Pilots who early due to the request for Contract Study Committee is is focused on the incidence of have left the direct employ proposal from the Canada developing a pilot survey with mutations in BCCs. or have been furloughed and Post Group of Companies ALPA’s assistance that will be BCCs are abnormal, uncon- not recalled by other airlines for which Kelowna provides distributed to the pilots. Pilot trolled growths or lesions that owned by Calm Air’s holding dedicated cargo service. The leaders and negotiators will arise in the skin’s basal cells, company, or by a company MEC is investigating interest- meet with ALPA staff in July which line the deepest layer whose pilots were represented based negotiations (IBN), to develop a strategic plan to of the epidermis (i.e., the out- by ALPA at that time, will be which Bearskin, Calm Air, support negotiations. ermost layer of the skin). The the first in their class to draw and Wasaya pilots have suc- research is designed to study for seniority when starting at cessfully used to attain new n ALPA-PAC President’s the incidence of a certain Calm Air. contracts. Circle Reaches Milestone type of mutation Calm Air flies a mixed While Kelowna pilots In early June, in BCCs presumed the ALPA-PAC to be caused, in President’s Circle part, by ionizing AERF Ready to Help Members gained its 500th radiation. Pilots are Affected by Recent member. This of interest in this achievement study because of Tornadoes and Wildfires shows a renewed their exposure to With the devastation of the recent torna- interest in the PAC atmospheric radia- does in Oklahoma, the wildfires in California, and its mission to build a tion, which is a normal part of Colorado, and New Mexico, and a hurricane pilot-partisan Congress. their work environment. season predicted to be more active than usual President’s Circle mem- Pilots who have, or have rapidly approaching, ALPA wants to ensure that bers are leading by example, had, BCC and are interested those pilots who need assistance are helped. contributing more than $40 in assisting with this research If you and your family have been affected, you can turn to each month to the PAC. should contact Epstein for further information through the ALPA Emergency Relief Fund (AERF) for immediate financial Collectively, the group gives his clinical study coordinator assistance that can help you make it through this difficult time. more than $250,000 each at [email protected], or Complete an online emergency relief application. If you have any year to the PAC. All of that money goes toward educat- by calling 510-450-7639 or questions about the process, please send an e-mail to Relief@ ing members of Congress 866-513-0501. ALPA.org. If you know pilots in need of assistance as a result of about pilot issues and Participation in this these disasters, please encourage them to apply to the fund. building the relationships research does not generate To ensure that those pilots who need assistance are taken that ALPA needs to win in any FAA reporting require- care of, ALPA is asking for contributions. AERF funds are being Washington. ment for pilots, and any depleted, and your financial help makes a difference in times of Follow the great example publication will deidentify any crisis. For more information about AERF, to complete an online being set by these 500 participants. Results will be relief application, or to make a donation, please visit www.ALPA. members by going to www. made available to the ALPA org/relief. Contributions to AERF are tax-deductible in the U.S. l ALPA.org/ALPAPAC and Aeromedical Office at a later joining the PAC today. date. l
10 Air Line Pilot July 2013 Canada n ALPA Urges Canadian urge members of the Senate would cost Canadian taxpay- ALPA has adamantly Senate to Oppose C-377 to oppose this legislation, ers substantial funds…to fix a fought against the pas- ALPA continues to work which would impose onerous problem that does not exist,” sage of C-377 since it to defeat Bill C-377—An and administratively expen- he said. was introduced as a Act to Amend the Income sive reporting requirements During the hearing, private member’s bill by Tax Act (Requirements for on labour organizations. Dawood challenged the Conservative MP Russ Labour Organizations)—leg- Speaking on behalf of stated purpose of the bill—to Hiebert in December 2011. islation that is now being ALPA’s 2,800 Canadian mem- provide accountability The legislation has passed considered by the Senate of bers, Dawood detailed the through transparency—and in the House of Commons Canada. negative effect that the bill underscored ALPA’s concerns and had its second reading Capt. Georges Dawood would have if it were enacted. related to confidentiality and in the Senate in May, when (Jazz), secretary-treasurer “The bill is discriminatory privacy. Representatives from it was referred to the Senate of ALPA’s Canada Board, against members of labour several other labour unions committee. appeared before the organizations, its reporting across Canada also expressed ALPA will continue to Standing Senate Committee functions are contrary to the their staunch opposition to oppose this affront to pilots on Banking, Trade, and privacy policy of the Income the legislation, citing similar and union workers across Commerce on June 5 to Tax Act, and its enactment concerns. Canada. l
Your Story Is Our History The ALPA offices in Herndon, Va., and Washington, D.C., We’re looking to you, as members of this great union, to have been redesigned to provide a more cohesive look and assist us. We are looking for ALPA memorabilia—uniforms, professional appearance to ALPA members, special guests, hats, pins, pictures, photographs, model planes, ALPA- and visiting dignitaries. The renovations—the first in more branded items, etc.—that we can use to personalize the space. than 30 years—are nearly complete, but we are missing the We’ve received some terrific historical items already—but we necessary accessories to distinguish the space as the home still have room for yours! We will attribute the items to you as of the Air Line Pilots Association, International. We are the they are displayed in the buildings. world’s largest pilots union with a rich history that spans If you have any items you’d like us to exhibit, please more than 80 years. We want to recognize that history in our contact Marie Schwartz, director of ALPA’s Communications national offices. Department, at 703-481-4445 or [email protected].
A member service of Air Line Pilot.
A member service of Air Line Pilot.
July 2013 Air Line Pilot 11 To read the latest On Investing magazine from Charles Schwab, go to www.schwab.com/oninvesting. It’s an added benefit for mem- bers through ALPA’s partnership with Charles Schwab & Co., Inc., as the Association’s preferred financial services provider. l n Block Hours
According to the Bureau of Transportation Statistics Block Hours by Aircraft Type (BTS), total block hours for widebody airplanes were up 1.2 percent in 2012, compared to a year earlier. Of the four major groups of airplane types, only widebodies had an increase in block hours in 2012. More than five million widebody block hours were recorded by U.S. airlines in 2012. Narrowbody airplanes still posted the most block hours of any aircraft type, with more than 9.2 million hours in 2012. However, this was down 1.3 percent from 2011. The decline in the number of 50-seat regional jets may explain Source: BTS, T2, and E&FA Analysis why the overall regional jet category saw a 1.6 per- cent drop in block hours Year-Over-Year Change in Block Hours by Aircraft Type in 2012. Still, regional jets are flying just as many hours as widebody jets. Turboprop block hours continued to decline last year, falling more than 14 percent. Shown at right are the aircraft types that had the biggest declines in block hours in 2012, as reported by the BTS. The CRJ100 posted the largest decline, nearly 65 percent. And while not shown, the CRJ200, which had nearly 1.5 million block hours in 2012, showed a 4.1 percent decline. l Source: BTS, T2, and E&FA Analysis
12 Air Line Pilot July 2013 LegislativeUpdate n ALPA Praises Passage the Department of Homeland of Representatives on Of Meehan Amendment to Security and the CBP recently June 5 for passing an Stop Taxpayer Funding of reached an agreement with amendment to the Abu Dhabi CBP Facility the government of the UAE Homeland Security ALPA strongly supports an to establish a CBP preclear- appropriations bill that amendment by Rep. Pat ance facility at Abu Dhabi would continue funding Meehan (R-Pa.), Rep. Peter International Airport at a time for the Federal Flight DeFazio (D-Ore.), and Rep. when no U.S. airline provides Deck Officer (FFDO) Candice Miller (R-Mich.) that service to Abu Dhabi. Under program, which would would prohibit funding for the agreement, U.S. taxpayer be eliminated under the a U.S. Customs and Border dollars would partially fund administration’s current Protection (CBP) preclear- the opening of the facility, budget proposal. ance facility at Abu Dhabi and U.S. government security In a letter sent to all International Airport in the workers will staff it. 435 House members, United Arab Emirates (UAE). “This diversion of tax- Capt. Lee Moak, ALPA’s The amendment passed payer dollars to assist wealthy president, said that the on June 6 by voice vote as foreign airlines cannot be program is a proven success part of the Department of justified, especially in a budget and has provided a strong, would restore $12.5 million Homeland Security appro- environment in which U.S. ongoing deterrent against for the FFDO program priations bill. airports have been under- potential hijackings at a cost by reallocating resources “Congressman Meehan staffed for years, causing our of just $17 per flight segment. within the Transportation has a clear grasp of the passengers to wait in long “Today, many thousands Security Administration’s fundamental issue at play,” customs lines,” Moak said. of FFDOs protect the flight aviation security account. said Capt. Lee Moak, ALPA’s “The notion of building a decks of our nation’s airliners The amendment is revenue- president, in a letter to facility and staffing it with U.S. at a very minimal cost to the neutral and has broad members of Congress. “The government security workers U.S. government and the bipartisan support. proposed CBP preclearance in a foreign country where no American taxpayer,” Moak “For the past 10 years, site in Abu Dhabi unfairly U.S. airline flies is not only bad said. FFDOs have protected benefits the state-sponsored policy, but a poor use of our “Because the FFDO pro- millions upon millions of air carrier of the United Arab fiscal resources.” gram is comprised of volun- commercial airline flights at Emirates, Etihad Airways, ALPA has launched an teer airline pilots who have very little cost to the taxpay- at the expense of our U.S. informational website, www. been trained and deputized ers, adding a valuable layer airlines and threatens ALPA.org/drawthelinehere, to protect the flight deck and of security in our transporta- American jobs. We urge as part of a collaborative who pay for much of their tion system that comple- Congress to stand up for education campaign with program costs out of their ments both object-based our U.S. airline industry and Airlines for America, Airports own pockets, the program screening and risk-based support this commonsense Council International–North offers an unprecedented security,” Moak noted. “We amendment.” America, Consumer Travel value for the critical service know of no other aviation Preclearance facilities Alliance, Global Business provided,” noted Moak. security program that can are designed to facilitate Travel Association, and the The FFDO program was compare to the FFDO pro- the ease of travel at a Regional Airline Association created in 2003 and has had gram in terms of effective- passenger’s point of de- to raise the awareness of the an annual budget of just ness and efficiency.” parture. ALPA supports the harmful long-term effect of $25 million per year. Moak It is critically important preclearance program at the proposed facility. urged House members to that ALPA members com- places where it makes sense, support an amendment municate the value of the including the locations of the n ALPA Lauds U.S. House sponsored by representa- FFDO program to their current 15 sites in Canada, For Passing Amendment to tives John Mica (R-Fla.), elected representatives. Go the Caribbean, and Shannon Continue FFDO Funding Peter DeFazio (D-Ore.), and to www.ALPA.org/Issues to and Dublin, Ireland. However, ALPA praised the U.S. House Richard Hudson (R-N.C.) that take action. l
July 2013 Air Line Pilot 13 Education Committee Update
n ALPA Honors Student ticipated. They prepared a Pilots at 2013 NIFA presentation with examples SAFECON of resumes and included a ALPA continues to be a discussion on how to stand proud sponsor of the an- out during the application nual National Intercollegiate and interview process. The Flying Association’s Safety students had a chance to and Flight Evaluation ask questions and edit their Conference (NIFA resumes for mock inter- SAFECON). This year’s week- views the next day. long competition was hosted On April 18, Adams and by Ohio State University Allison were joined by Capt. (OSU) in Columbus, Ohio, Deanna Kimball (Compass), May 6–11. F/O Marta Lommel ALPA pilot volunteers (Compass), Capt. Andy alley U niversity ) staffed a booth at the Philbin (Air Wisconsin), and hangar part of the week to Capt. Karen Ruth (Delta) provide the collegiate pilots to give the students an
with educational materials V (U tah A dam E vans opportunity to participate and offer them guidance on From left to right, F/O David Rowe (Delta) poses with the top in two-on-one mock the airline piloting profes- three national pilots—Jacob Lange from the University of North interviews. sion. Education Committee Dakota (third place), Aaron Barthol from Minnesota State Each participant had volunteers F/O Stanley University–Mankato (second place), Carl Black of Embry-Riddle more than 30 minutes Adams (Compass), F/O Alice Aeronautical University–Prescott (first place)—and F/O Stanley with a recruiter to answer McCormack (ExpressJet), Adams (Compass) after the NIFA SAFECON awards banquet. questions about their back- F/O David Rowe (Delta), grounds and career goals. and Capt. Daniel Schultz took the National Top Pilot and ALPA’s history and The feedback from the (Compass) also hosted a Award, receiving $1,000 for strength within the aviation students was very positive. pizza forum that nearly himself as well as his school. community. Couette also From one of these mock 250 students attended. The The 11 regional top pilots spoke about the state of interviews, one student was group discussed the new also received $500 awards the airline industry, ALPA’s offered a summer intern- rules going into effect in from ALPA. Education Committee and ship with Compass. August for first officers at Next year’s SAFECON will how the union influences On April 19, Adams and Part 121 airlines and how again be hosted by OSU. future aviators, and what the Ruth staffed a booth at the the rules and requirements graduates could look forward annual career fair. There will affect up-and-coming n Couette Keynote Speaker to upon commencement with was a pilots. At Saint Cloud State respect to hiring. constant On behalf of ALPA, University flow of Adams and Rowe attended On April 27, Capt. Bill Couette, n Committee Visits students the awards banquet that ALPA’s vice president–ad- University of North Dakota through- concluded the week and ministration/secretary, gave On April 17, the Education out the presented the cash award the keynote speech at this Committee hosted a day who stopped by to scholarships to the top na- year’s aviation banquet at resume-writing seminar for say hello and to thank the tional pilot and his school, Saint Cloud State University, approximately 30 students committee members for and the 11 regional top his alma mater. He provided a at the University of North their efforts. pilot winners. Student pilot look back at his airline career, Dakota. F/O Stanley Adams For more information Carl Black from the Prescott the influences in his life that (Compass), F/O Jared Allison about the Education campus of Embry-Riddle led him to value being a (Atlantic Southeast), and F/O Committee or to volunteer, Aeronautical University member of the Association, Joe Nemec (Continental) par- scan the QR code. l
14 Air Line Pilot July 2013 nOntheRecord
The following quotes are compiled from congressional testimony, speeches, news clips, and other public documents. ALPA does not necessarily endorse these views but rather is informing members of recent statements by significant industry stakeholders. “I need answers from the FAA regarding their “You see, what’s happening in Abu Dhabi is readiness to comply with new safety mandates there is no American airline that flies from Abu and inspections, and a clear and prompt Dhabi to the United States. This is solely being response to concerns from the NTSB and the done for the benefit of an airline [that] is solely Transportation Inspector General,” commented Sen. Chuck Schumer (D-N.Y.) in supported by the United Arab Emirates, and it Politico Pro regarding the upcoming pilot training is going to have a disparate impact on the and qualifications rule. ability for our American airlines to be competi- tive for the very simple reason that what will “The Open Skies arrangement that the UAE [United Arab happen is many people will say, ‘Well, I’m going Emirates] has with the U.S. allows us to take passengers to get to New York, and I’ve got a 3- or 4-hour on a fifth-freedom basis from theW est Coast and central wait in order to get through that line. I’m going points in the U.S. to points in Asia,” Emirates President Tim Clark said in a Bloomberg article. to go to Abu Dhabi, and I’m going to fly through there on the foreign carrier.’ I don’t “Ensuring that our transportation system is the want to see our Customs and Border Patrol be safest in the world will be my top priority, as it for sale to the highest bidder, and that seems to has been for Secretary LaHood, the dedicated be what one of the concerns is here,” DOT workforce, and this committee,” said Rep. Pat Meehan (R-Pa.) in a said Anthony Foxx, soon-to-be Department of Transportation U.S. House of Representatives floor speech on an secretary, at his U.S. Senate Commerce Committee amendment to prohibit funds for a Customs and Border confirmation hearing. Patrol preclearance facility in Abu Dhabi. n ALPANegotiationsUpdate
The following is a summary Calm Air—A notice to bargain under the supervision of the Mesa—A Section 6 notice of the status of ALPA contract was filed on Dec. 31, 2012. National Mediation Board. was filed on Sept. 10, 2010. negotiations by airline as of June After 10 days of interest-based ExpressJet—A Section 6 notice Negotiations continue July 14, 2013: negotiations facilitated by the was received on May 28, 2010. 9–11. Alaska—A Section 6 notice Canadian Federal Mediation and A joint Section 6 notice was Sun Country—A Section 6 was filed on Jan. 17, 2013. The Conciliation Services, a tentative filed on March 28, 2011. Atlantic notice was sent on Feb. 23, parties reached a tentative agreement was reached on May Southeast/ExpressJet joint nego- 2010. Sun Country filed for agreement on June 5. The 17, 2013. The pilots ratified the tiations are under way. mediation on May 9, 2012. pilots are currently voting on agreement on June 14. FedEx Express—A Section Mediation continues. l the agreement. CanJet—A notice to bargain was 6 notice was filed on Jan. 22, Air Wisconsin—A Section filed on Dec. 1, 2011. A tentative 2013. Negotiations continue *Editor’s note: ALPA negotiators 6 notice was filed on Oct. 1, agreement was reached on May July 9–10 and 12; August 6–7, at this Canadian airline have 2010. Negotiations continue 2, 2013. The pilots ratified the 9, 27–28, and 30; September experienced many delays in bar- June 25–27, July 8–10, August agreement on May 20. 17–18 and 20; October 8–9 and gaining because of management 6–9, September 23–25, and Compass—A Section 6 notice 11; November 5–6 and 8; and shakeups and the loss of Flight October 28–November 1. was filed on Nov. 19, 2012. December 10–11 and 13. 6560. Since bargaining opened Atlantic Southeast—A Section Negotiations continue June *First Air—A notice to bargain in 2010, the pilot group has had 6 notice was filed on May 20, 26–28, July 9–11 and 23–25, was filed on Oct. 1, 2010. two CEOs, three vice presidents 2010. A joint Section 6 notice and August 13–15 and 28–29. The parties are currently in of flight operations, and four was filed on March 28, 2011. Evergreen—The pilots voted facilitated negotiations and are company lead negotiators. Atlantic Southeast/ExpressJet down a tentative agreement in preparing for interest arbitra- However, the team members joint negotiations are under late November 2012. Bargaining tion. Negotiations continue July remain confident they will make way. between the parties remains 17–19. progress in the coming sessions.
July 2013 Air Line Pilot 15 Have You Read? Beyond the Checklist By F/O Patrick Mendenhall (Delta), Suzanne Gordon, and Bonnie Blair O’Connor
In 1989, Patrick Mendenhall left School, to publish Beyond the Checklist: What Else Health active duty in the U.S. Navy, where Care Can Learn from Aviation Teamwork and Safety (Cornell he flew A-7s, and joined Northwest University Press, 2013; http://beyondthechecklist.com). Airlines. Confronted with crew An excellent account of the history of CRM, its virtues, resource management (CRM) dur- and how it’s supposed to work, the book also delivers an ing his initial training, Mendenhall, eye-popping look beyond the supposedly sterile drapes like many other airline pilots at the in some of the United States’ most prestigious hospitals. time, rolled his eyes and dismissed Approximately 100,000 patients die in the U.S. every year as CRM training as “charm school.” a result of medical mistakes, and some of the behavior that But the “toxic hierarchy” of the goes on in the U.S. health-care system, as described in the pre-CRM cockpit, with its “the book, is appalling. captain is God” culture, was a factor in many “Health care needs…a radical cultural transformation, fatal airline accidents. A number of high-profile accidents like the one that has taken place in aviation over the past since United Airlines launched the first CRM program in 30 years,” the authors argue persuasively. Three positive 1981 have proven the lifesaving benefits of making CRM an case studies show that it can be done. integral part of training and life on the line. Reading this pitch for CRM in the health-care system Today, F/O Mendenhall (Delta) is an active A330 line pilot might make you nervous about having surgery (“surgeons and a principal in a company that teaches CRM to corpo- comprise one of the most hierarchical groups in medicine, rate flight departments. Now long a believer in CRM, he and the operating room can be the locus of one of its recently teamed up with award-winning health-care journal- most toxic hierarchies”) or being a hospital patient—but it ist Suzanne Gordon and Bonnie Blair O’Connor, a professor certainly should make you feel proud to be an airline pilot. of clinical pediatrics at Brown University’s Alpert Medical —Reviewed by Jan W. Steenblik, Technical Editor
Flying Too Close to the Sun By F/O George Jehn (US Airways, Ret.)
Three people. Three personal stories. One common prob- spanning more 30 years, creates an lem: money. Christine Shepard is a highly regarded captain interesting, suspenseful, and robust with Shuttle Air who learns she has epilepsy. With a career- story in Flying Too Close to the Sun ending diagnosis such as this, she has a secret to keep. (Ring of Fire Publishing, 2012) With her finances in such a terrible state, career-ending is with a sophisticated plot in which not an option. the reader becomes invested in New to Shuttle Air is S/O Erik Preis, a young and enthu- these lives, and in the possibility siastic pilot, ready to launch his career so that he can come of this group succeeding. If you out from under his burden of debt. He is still living with were desperate enough, you his parents and desperately wants out of his extremely might even wonder, “Why didn’t dysfunctional family situation. I think of that!” It seems logical, Juni Rosario is living under a tremendous amount of easy enough, a possible escape from the strain. Though no fault of his own, he can’t make ends troubles that weigh them all down. meet and his business is on the verge of collapse. These Does their scheme pan out for them? You’ll enjoy the three hapless people, at one time unknown to each other, discovery with each turned page, and you’ll certainly hope get together and hatch a get-rich-quick plan. The risks are that the author shares more of his writing talents with high, but the payoff is sweet. us.—Reviewed by Kari Cantrell, ALPA Communications Author George Jehn, with an airline piloting career Department
16 Air Line Pilot July 2013 n In Memoriam “To fly west, my friend, is a flight we all must take for a final check.”—Author unknown
2008 Capt. Charles E. Brandes Eastern May Capt. C.E. “Ed” MacArthur Braniff March Capt. W.A. Brett Eastern May Capt. J.E. “John” Cerisano United May 2011 Capt. J.E. “Jim” Coombes United May Capt. G.K. Holth Pan American June Capt. Don G. Cutcomb FedEx May Capt. J.J. Donoghue Pan American May 2012 Capt. J.L. Estes Delta May Capt. Edward P. Krieger United March Capt. Keith E. Finneseth Northwest May Capt. R.J. Ceronsky Northwest April Capt. James W. Freeman Northwest May Capt. Robert E. Gorman US Airways May 2013 Capt. George A. Griffiths United May Capt. Paul M. Marschalk US Airways January F/O V.N. Haglund Pan American May Capt. Donald V. Blackburn United February Capt. Brent A. Johnson Comair May Capt. Paul G. Dalton Canadian February Capt. Maxwell L. Jones FedEx May Capt. James H. Fischley ATA/Eastern March Capt. Ed P. McGarvey Eastern May Capt. Joseph E. Martin Northwest March Capt. Ralph E. Mikulich United May Capt. Lyle S. Palmateer Northwest March Capt. H.D. Miner Eastern May Capt. Marvin H. Wollf TWA March Capt. Thomas J. Morrison Delta May S/O Leroy R. Allen TWA April Capt. F.L. Prettner Delta May Capt. James D. Batson Eastern April F/O Armond James J. Renzi Eastern May F/O Andy J. Bodenbender Canadian April S/O Lewis H. Richards ATA May Capt. J.E. Combs Eastern April Capt. Ronald R. Sisca Northwest May Capt. Glendon W. Hanson TWA April Capt. Bob V. Tharp Flying Tigers May F/O John T. McCann Eastern April F/O J.L. Vadeboncoeur Delta May Capt. Clarence L. Musgrove Hawaiian April Capt. Andy D. Yates, Jr. United May Capt. Orson T. Smith TWA April F/O Rinku Summan Mesa April n Compiled from information provided by ALPA’s Membership Capt. Roy Van Treuren Seaboard/Flying Tigers April and Council Services Department
July 2013 Air Line Pilot 17
Mailbag “Dress the part” black denim jeans. I’ve seen Hershey Bar, does it really a pilot should “at all times I wholeheartedly concur black tennis shoes. I’ve seen matter if you have a hat on? keep his personal appear- with Capt. Shores’ letter uniform shirts that were obvi- 2. If you are grossly over- ance and conduct above regarding appearance ously balled up in a suitcase weight and the buttons on reproach.” (“Dress the part,” May prior to wear. I’ve seen pilots your shirt are begging for 2013 “Mailbag”). I, too, check in at high-end hotels mercy and you have a hat on, Correction have become increasingly with their ties already off and does it really make you look “Depression: When Your dismayed at the generally their shirttails out. I’ve even professional? Mood Goes Night IMC” slovenly standards of our seen a pilot waiting for a van 3. If your tie is tied 3–4 inch- in the June 2013 issue industry as a whole. I dis- wearing an off-colored golf es short and your belly sticks contained an error: Paxil tinctly recall walking the pullover embroidered to say out between it and your belt was listed as one of the four humid, late-summer picket “will fly for tips.” At the rate buckle, does it really matter if prescription antidepressant line during the Northwest we’re going, that’s what it will you have a hat on? medications that the FAA will strike of 1998. Print and come to. 4. If your hairstyle looks approve pilots to use, if they television media were not These, mind you, are the like you just came from meet certain other require- lacking, and I saw myself same pilots who express dis- Woodstock or a Grateful Dead ments. In fact, Paxil is not and my fellow pilots on may when management says concert, does it really matter approved; however, Zoloft many reprinted photos and from across the negotiating if you have a hat on? is approved, as are Celexa, videos, all of us with freshly table, “You want what? Heck, 5. If you are wearing the Lexapro, and Prozac. pressed uniforms, replete ya’ll ain’t nothin’ but a bunch proper uniform coat but you with blindingly white shirts, of glorified truck drivers.” can’t button it because it’s Letters to the editor may spit-shined shoes, and Hard to argue; we sure look too small or you’ve gotten be submitted via regular authoritative-looking hats. the part. too big, does it really matter mail to Air Line Pilot, Let- The class, military bearing, Capt. Chris Forrest (Delta) if you have the proper jacket ters to the Editor, 535 Hern- and professionalism were on? don Parkway, P.O. Box 1169, impressive, but naturally In response to Capt. Thomas My point—if we’re gonna Herndon, VA 20172-1169, begged the question, “Why Shores’ letter in “Mailbag,” “enforce the code,” let’s do or by e-mail to Magazine@ don’t we look like that ALL May 2013, I’d like to go be- it all the way, properly and ALPA.org. the time?” yond his comment and state professionally. If not, Today, pilots are often that just “dressing the part” don’t sweat the small difficult to differentiate doesn’t necessarily in and of stuff. from the traveling public. itself give an airline pilot a F/O Gary Spruill Whether it’s a stubborn “professional appearance” any (United) resistance to wear a hat, more than wearing a white a ridiculous-looking tie to coat makes a doctor a better Editor’s note: We commemorate Halloween, a doctor. The “Appearance constantly work to “bomber” jacket that looks above reproach” section of enhance the image passé even in Manhattan, or the ALPA Code of Ethics that of airline pilots. green backpacks carelessly he cites is a very broad and Establishing a stan- slung over the shoulder, strong statement and goes dard in uniform is it boggles the mind that well beyond wearing a hat or challenging, as air- these same pilots have a jacket. lines differ in their the audacity to demand What about uniform policy. Yet respect for our profession. 1. If your shoes look like as ALPA’s Code I’ve seen pilots wearing jet they’ve been shined with a of Ethics states,
18 Air Line Pilot July 2013 FREEFREE ALPAALPA IPHONEIPHONE && ANDROIDANDROID APPSAPPS
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July 2013 Air Line Pilot 19 ‘Welcome
to the Members Arena’ 106 of Congress (See “Every ALPA Pilot in the Arena,” page 5.) 61Reps 45Senators 28 Democrats 25 Democrats n June 6, 2013, nearly 100 ALPA pilots blitzed Capitol Hill as the 33 Republicans 20 Republicans culminating event of the Association’s first-ever Legislative Summit, which featured one-on-one time with members of Congress, Osenior Hill staff, and legislative representatives from other airline industry organizations. The event gave ALPA volunteers the opportunity to learn firsthand lawmakers’ and other stakeholders’ perspectives on a broad range of aviation issues. Armed with ALPA’s solutions to “level the playing field” (see page 23) for the airline Rep. Bob Gibbs (R) industry, pilots used the hands-on training from just the Ohio, 7th District Sen. Ted Cruz (R) Texas day before to lobby key members of Congress on ALPA’s pilot-partisan agenda. Rep. Tulsi Gabbard (D) Sen. Mark Warner (D) Hawaii, 2nd District Virginia
Rep. John Boehner (R) Ohio, 8th District Sen. Saxby Chambliss (R) Georgia Rep. Rick Larsen (D) Washington, 2nd District Sen. Bill Nelson (D) Florida
Rep. Blake Farenthold (R) Texas, 27th District Sen. Orrin Hatch (R) Utah
Rep. John Lewis (D) Sen. Mazie Hirono (D) Georgia, 5th District Hawaii
Rep. Tom Marino (R) Sen. Ron Johnson (R) Pennsylvania, 10th District Wisconsin
Rep. Gerry Connolly (D) Sen. Barbara Boxer (D) Virginia, 11th District California
Sen. Don Young (R) Alaska, At Large Sen. Lisa Murkowski (R) Alaska
Rep. Andre Carson (D) Indiana, 7th District Rep. Brian Schatz (D) Hawaii
20 Air Line Pilot JulyJuly 20132013
Members 106 of Congress 61Reps 45Senators 28 Democrats 25 Democrats 33 Republicans 20 Republicans
Rep. Bob Gibbs (R) Ohio, 7th District Sen. Ted Cruz (R) Texas To view a list Rep. Tulsi Gabbard (D) Sen. Mark Warner (D) of members of Hawaii, 2nd District Virginia Congress ALPA pilots visited, scan the QR code. Rep. John Boehner (R) Ohio, 8th District Sen. Saxby Chambliss (R) Georgia Rep. Rick Larsen (D) Washington, 2nd District Sen. Bill Nelson (D) Florida
Rep. Blake Farenthold (R) Texas, 27th District Sen. Orrin Hatch (R) Utah
Rep. John Lewis (D) Sen. Mazie Hirono (D) Georgia, 5th District Hawaii
Rep. Tom Marino (R) Sen. Ron Johnson (R) Pennsylvania, 10th District Wisconsin
Rep. Gerry Connolly (D) Sen. Barbara Boxer (D) Virginia, 11th District California
Sen. Don Young (R) Alaska, At Large Sen. Lisa Murkowski (R) Alaska
Rep. Andre Carson (D) Indiana, 7th District Rep. Brian Schatz (D) Hawaii
View the slideshow of the meeting and pilots on the Hill at flickr.com/photos/airlinepilotsassociation.
JulyJuly 2013 2013 AirAir LineLine Pilot 21 Now Recruiting: Be an August District ALPA Pilots on Advocate! ALPA is looking for volunteers who are interested in promoting ALPA’s legislative agenda and want to serve Capitol Hill as pilot-partisan representatives By ALPA Staff to their local congressional office. Volunteers should be available to early 100 ALPA members met practices for Hill visits, and equipped participate in advocacy visits during with more than 100 mem- participants with the latest information the month of August. To learn more Nbers of Congress and their on ALPA’s top pilot-partisan legislative and sign up for training, visit www. staff during the union’s first Legislative and regulatory issues with the release ALPA.org/issues. Summit, held June 5–6 in Washington, of the updated version of “Leveling the D.C. Representing 15 pilot groups, ALPA Playing Field for U.S. Airlines and Their members called for redirecting U.S. laws Employees” (see “ALPA’s Solutions to and regulations to give U.S. airlines a Global Industry Challenges,” page 23). fair opportunity to compete with heavily “This first Legislative Summit marks www.ALPA.org/drawthelinehere state-backed foreign airlines in the global the latest step in our effort to enhance economy. our union’s already strong presence on One of the many initiatives of ALPA’s Capt. Lee Moak, ALPA’s president, Capitol Hill and to empower every ALPA policy recommendation white paper described for the summit participants member in what must be a full-court includes asking the U.S. government the union’s legislative goals and what press to advance legislation and regula- to allocate resources that promote it will take to achieve them. “I ask two tion that strengthens U.S. airlines’ com- the nation’s economic viability. The things of each of you. We need you to be petitiveness in the global marketplace,” Department of Homeland Security’s resolute in your determination to prevail said Carly Hepola, ALPA’s grassroots (DHS) proposal to build a Customs and in Washington, and we need you to bring coordinator. Border Protection (CBP) preclearance 10 more of you to ALPA’s next legislative On the second day of the summit, facility at Abu Dhabi International summit,” he said. the union’s pilots fanned out across Airport does the exact opposite. Rather, A packed two-day program, ALPA’s Capitol Hill to express in the strongest the facility will generate positive gains Legislative Summit featured interac- possible terms their call to Congress to for only Etihad Airways, as no U.S. airline tive discussions with key members of level the playing field for U.S. airlines. flies to Abu Dhabi. Etihad is a state- Congress who influence the airline indus- During the summit with ALPA pilots on owned, national airline in the United try, as well as senior Capitol Hill staff and the Hill pushing hard for action, the U.S. Arab Emirates (UAE) and has been legislative representatives from other House of Representatives passed ALPA- named the fastest-growing airline in airline industry organizations. The dy- supported amendments to fully fund the world. namic panel discussions afforded ALPA the Federal Fight Deck Officer (FFDO) ALPA recommends that the DHS volunteers an unparalleled opportunity program and to restrict any govern- abandon any plans to open a preclear- to learn firsthand lawmakers’ and other ment funding of a Customs and Border ance facility in the UAE, or any country stakeholders’ perspectives on a broad Protection preclearance facility in Abu where U.S. airlines do not do at least a range of aviation issues. Dhabi. majority of the flying. Congress should In addition, ALPA’s Government Affairs Commenting on ALPA’s commitment prohibit the DHS from spending any pilot volunteers and staff led detailed to pursue a pro-pilot agenda on the Hill, funds on preclearance facilities where how-to sessions, demonstrated best Moak proclaimed, “Fight’s on!” U.S. airlines have a minor presence and should prohibit the DHS from accepting independent funding of preclearance facilities from any third parties, including cities, countries, and airlines. The U.S. should also prioritize adequate resources to fully and appropriately staff domestic CBP operations. This graphic depicts the number of Republican and Democratic Support the cause. representatives and senators. The dark red and blue boxes show the members Let your voice be heard. Visit www.ALPA.org/drawthelinehere. of Congress ALPA pilots visited.
22 Air Line Pilot July 2013 ALPA’s Solutions to Global Industry Challenges
The U.S. airline industry and its employ- the United States has signed with other • Enhance international aviation ees operate in a hypercompetitive inter- nations allowing virtually unlimited safety and security regulations. national marketplace, and within the last access to the U.S. market. Among the topics that will be 12 years, the industry has seen its fair As a result, U.S. airlines and their discussed more thoroughly in future share of significant financial challenges: employees find themselves in survival issues of Air Line Pilot: • Since 2000, the industry has lost $48.1 mode, adapting to a global marketplace • Foreign control and billion, and that for them is an unlevel playing field. ownership, • Of the last 12 years, only 5 have been ALPA has developed viable, com- • Cabotage, profitable. monsense solutions to readjust the • Open Skies, And a new set of challenges erodes scales and allow the U.S. to compete. • Export-Import U.S. market share in our own back yard: Within the pages of ALPA’s newest white Bank, • The rapid growth and intense com- paper, “Leveling the Playing Field for • Aviation taxes, petitive pressure from foreign airlines U.S. Airlines and Their Employees,” the • Fuel price stability, that are Association calls upon the U.S. govern- • NextGen, and —often state-owned or heavily state- ment to focus on three areas: • Safety and sponsored and vertically integrated, and • Promote the U.S. aviation business security. —operate from countries with low or environment, To read the nonexistent tax and regulatory burdens. • Defend U.S. aviation jobs in the inter- entire report, visit www. • More than 100 Open Skies agreements national marketplace, and levelingtheplayingfield.ALPA.org.
A Pilot’s Perspective By Capt. Mark Harrison (FedEx)
We had just been seated for dinner at chairman of the FedEx Legislative Affairs Partnership, and a host of others that the Capitol Hill Club when a gentleman Committee and ALPA National Aviation are of great importance to all U.S. airline nearby recognized my hosts and jokingly Security chair, and Capt. Mike Coffield, pilots and the future of our careers. asked, “Is that the pilots’ table now?”—a Continental’s Legislative Affairs chair- Finally, after a day and a half of presen- testament to how recognizable the man, had been at the forefront of the tations and lectures about these issues, it airline pilot presence has become on FFDO lobbying effort for the past five was time to head to the Hill to meet our Capitol Hill. weeks. After we ordered, Mike explained respective federal legislators. Just before I’d arrived only hours earlier to attend to me the process of establishing we headed out, an announcement was a kickoff reception given by Capt. Lee relationships in the two chambers of made: The FFDO funding amendment Moak for the President’s Club Political Congress, and how vital ALPA’s PAC is had passed the House. “What you have Action Committee (PAC) contributors to that effort. “Without the access the to understand is that the budget for the attending the first-ever ALPA Legislative PAC gives us, we wouldn’t have as many FFDO program coming out of the White Summit. It promised to be two jam- opportunities to educate lawmakers on House stood at zero dollars,” Eissler packed days of learning issues currently issues like the FFDO program,” Mike ex- explained. “We managed to get it out of affecting U.S. airline pilots, understand- plained. “Most people don’t understand committee at $12.5 million, then per- ing the legislative process, and visiting that we support members of Congress suaded members of the House to sponsor my congressman and senators. The from both political parties and that the an amendment to restore it to last year’s timing of the summit was fortuitous, PAC is simply a way to level the playing budget of $25 million. We absolutely since an amendment to fund the Federal field and get our issues heard.” couldn’t have done it without the PAC.” As Fight Deck Officer (FFDO) program was And, as I would learn the next day, we it turned out, my first assignment upon scheduled for a vote on the House floor have plenty of issues: FFDO, the Abu meeting my legislators would be to thank at any time that week. Dhabi preclearance facility, Safe Skies, them for their vote in favor of the FFDO My dinner partners, Capt. Fred Eissler, the Transatlantic Trade and Investment amendment.
July 2013 Air Line Pilot 23 The short version The 1,500-Hour Rule: Beginning Aug. 1, 2013, to be a copilot for a U.S. FAR Part 121 airline, you’ll have to hold an ATP or a “restricted” ATP certifi- cate. All airline pilots may have to hold a first-class airman medical certifi- cate (but ALPA has filed ) a Petition for Exemption with the FAA to allow first officers to continue to fly
E xpress J et formerly , on a second-class airman medical certificate). First officers also will be type- rated in the aircraft they
(S pirit F/O J oe C ostanza intend to fly in FAR Part The True Skinny 121 service. ALPA has played a key role in command of an FAR Part 121 flight included 4 an air transport pilot (ATP) airman certifi- developing sensible ways to keep cate, which requires at least 1,500 hours of new-hire first officers in the cockpit. total flight time, among other requirements, 4 By Jan W. Steenblik, Technical Editor a multiengine rating, and 4 a first-class airman medical certificate in ug. 1, 2013, will be a historic day in order to exercise the privileges of an ATP What You the U.S. airline industry: As the cal- certificate. Need to Know endar page turns, all U.S. airline first However, Congress found that the minimum About the 1,500- officers will have to meet much more certification requirements for an FAR Part 121 Hour Rule rigorous minimum qualifications first officer are considerably less rigorous: ALPA has launched a new than have been in place for decades. The new 4 a commercial pilot certificate, which nor- A site for members to get requirements for airline copilots are intended mally can be obtained with only 250 hours of the most up-to-date infor to improve the safety of the U.S. airline indus- total flight time, reduced to 190 hours for pilots mation about the new try and should also add value to pilots’ airman attending an FAA-approved FAR Part 142 flight 1,500-hour rule that will certificates. school, go into effect on Aug. Why will this happen, and what does it mean 4 instrument and multiengine ratings, and 1, 2013. For more infor- for ALPA’s most junior members—and future 4 a second-class medical certificate. mation, go to www.ALPA. members? org/1500Rule. PL 111-216 Congressional focus The result of Congress’s focus on these ac- A series of four fatal accidents involving U.S. cidents and related issues was Public Law regional airlines during a period of a few years 111–216, the Airline Safety and FAA Extension stimulated the U.S. Congress to address the is- Act of 2010, signed into law by President sue of minimum qualifications for airline pilots. Obama on Aug. 1, 2010. The legislation man- Of the eight pilots in the cockpits of these dates, among other things, that airplanes, five had relatively low experience 4 effective Aug. 1, 2013, a pilot must possess and/or documented training deficiencies. an ATP airman certificate to serve as a flight- Congress noted that the minimum qualifica- crew member in FAR Part 121 airline flight tions for airline captains serving as pilot in operations,
24 Air Line Pilot July 2013 4 because a first officer must possess an ATP certificate, the FAA may consider that the first officer is exercising the privileges of an ATP holder, thus the first officer must also hold a first-class airman medical certificate, and Logging Right-Seat PIC Time 4 the FAA must review and update the require- Low-time copilots who need to log more pilot-in-command (PIC) time toward ments for obtaining an ATP certificate. the ATP requirement of 250 hours of PIC time have an option available to PL 111–216 gave the FAA some flexibility; them for logging PIC time from the right seat. however, the agency can give flight-hour credit FAR 61.51(e) states, in part, that a commercial pilot “may log pilot-in- for “specific academic training” that improves command flight time for flights…[w]hen the pilot is the sole manipulator of the safety of the pilot. As a result, the FAA the controls of an aircraft for which the pilot is rated,” or “[w]hen the pilot… created an Aviation Rulemaking Committee acts as pilot in command of an aircraft for which more than one pilot is (ARC)—a group of government and industry required under the type certification of the aircraft or the regulations under experts—to recommend a definition of “spe- which the flight is conducted.” cific academic training” and the amount of FAR 61.51(e) also permits logging PIC time from the right seat “[w]hen flight-time credit that would be given for such the pilot performs the duties of pilot in command while under the supervi- training. ALPA had a strong presence on the sion of a qualified pilot in command provided (A) The pilot performing the ARC. duties of pilot in command holds a commercial…pilot certificate and aircraft rating that is appropriate to the category and class of aircraft being flown, if Different paths to three stripes a class rating is appropriate; (B) The pilot performing the duties of pilot in In response to PL 111–216 and the ARC rec- command is undergoing an approved pilot-in-command training program…; ommendations, the FAA is expected to release (C) The supervising pilot in command holds…(2) An airline transport pilot new regulations setting minimum qualification certificate and aircraft rating that is appropriate to the category, class, and standards for FAR Part 121 copilots this month. type of aircraft being flown, if a class or type rating is required; and (D) The The anticipated regulations acknowledge supervising pilot in command logs the pilot-in-command training in the that not all flight training is equal. pilot’s logbook, certifies the pilot-in-command training in the pilot’s logbook, Four main paths to a career as an airline and attests to the certification with his or her signature, and flight pilot currently exist: instructor certificate number.” 4 General aviation unstructured training, 4 General aviation structured training (i.e., stricted” ATP), flight schools), —specific 4 College/university professional pilot degree minimum flight experience programs (e.g., Embry-Riddle Aeronautical • 750 hours for former University, University of North Dakota, military-trained and qualified pilots, Southern Illinois University), and • 1,000 hours for pilots who have completed 4 Military aviation. a professional pilot curriculum from an accredited college or university, or What to expect • 1,500 hours for general aviation pilots The FAA had not yet released the new (either structured or unstructured training). minimum first officer requirements as this was 4 requiring, per ALPA’s recommendation, that being written; however, ALPA expects that they first officers be type-rated in the aircraft they will include fly in FAR Part 121 operations. 4 adding, per ALPA’s recommendation, a multi- 4 requiring 750 hours of FAR Part 121 flight engine-airplane flight-time requirement (50 experience before a pilot can fly as a captain in hours) to the ATP certificate (the existing ATP Part 121 airline service (that Part 121 experi- requirements set no minimum multi time). ence does not have to be at the pilot’s current 4 creating, per ALPA’s recommendation, a Part 121 airline). “restricted” ATP certificate that will require the As soon as the FAA issues the actual final pilot to have regulations, ALPA will convey them to members —reached age 21 (versus age 23 for an “unre- via multiple communications media.
July 2013 Air Line Pilot 25 Upcoming Air Safety Forum to Focus on ALPA’s Influence and Participation to Improve Safety and Security. ALPA: By Your Side t’s no coincidence that ALPA’s founders chose as the union’s motto “Schedule with Safety” and that ALPA is by your side to advocate for and advance your most press- ing aviation safety and security priorities. Later this month, the Association will Icontinue this charge by once again bringing together safety and security subject- matter experts from government and all walks of the aviation industry for ALPA’s 59th Air Safety Forum. Complementing ALPA’s very productive Pilot Assistance Forum earlier this year, the Air Safety Forum will be held July 15–18 at the Washington Hilton in Washington, D.C. The agenda features two days of ALPA-only sessions featuring Air Safety The 59th ALPA Organization (ASO) interdisciplinary workshops and meetings, followed by two days of public discussions and presentations. In addition, the Association will honor a select Air Safety Forum group of members for their hard work on behalf of ALPA members and for demon- WHO: ALPA leaders; safety, security, and strating superior airmanship. jumpseat reps; and government and indus- As the world’s largest nongovernmental aviation safety organization, ALPA spon- try stakeholders sors this annual event to showcase aviation safety, security, and jumpseat issues. WHERE: The Washington Hilton located at The forum raises awareness and promotes partnerships among aviation’s many 1919 Connecticut Ave., Washington, D.C. stakeholders to ensure that North America remains the gold standard for safe, secure WHEN: July 15–18 airline operations. For more information and to register, visit Hot topics safetyforum.ALPA.org. Questions? Contact The Air Safety Forum’s public days promise something for everyone. Each of the [email protected] or call 1-800-424- scheduled presentations features thought-provoking insights from key players and 2470. decision-makers who help define today’s aviation safety and security environment. These presentations are sure to generate questions and feedback from the audience. U.S. Rep. Frank LoBiondo (R-N.J.), chairman of the House Aviation Subcommittee, will join Capt. Lee Moak, ALPA’s president, in setting the stage for the event’s discus- ASO at the Forefront sions. Legislative issues remain a top priority for the Association, and Capt. Charles ALPA’s Air Safety Organization (ASO) Hogeman (United), ALPA’s Air Safety chairman, will moderate a panel discussion provides knowledge and expertise to titled “ALPA by Your Side on ‘The Hill,’” featuring comments from congressional staff, the airline industry and government by representatives from the FAA and Transport Canada, and one of ALPA’s master execu- participating in a wide variety of projects tive council Government Affairs specialists. to make air travel as safe and secure as The Association continues to work with regulators to establish “One Level of possible. The ASO consists of hundreds Safety” for passenger and cargo operations, and Capt. Aaron Hagan (FedEx Express), of Association members, backed by the chair of the ALPA President’s Committee for Cargo, will facilitate a conversation professional staff of Engineering & Air examining what ALPA has achieved in attaining its One Level of Safety goal as well as Safety and other ALPA departments, who what challenges remain. serve their fellow airline pilots and the Years ago, ALPA initiated dialogue with government and industry stakeholders to public in their roles as ALPA safety and establish threatened airspace management communications protocols in an effort to security representatives. These line pilots improve air traffic control procedures and flight deck communications during security- work as Association liaisons, interacting related events. A panel led by Capt. Robert Hamilton (PSA), ALPA’s Security Council directly with airports, airlines, aircraft chair, will discuss the status of the initiative, while another group will survey the dynam- manufacturers, the FAA, Transport ics that allow pilots and controllers to work together to safely manage air traffic. Canada, the NTSB, the Transportation At the center of any discussion about safety and security is the topic of risk, and Safety Board of Canada, Congress and panelists from ALPA, the National Air Traffic Controllers Association, the Flight Safety Parliament, and a host of other govern- Foundation, the FAA Office of Runway Safety, and the FAA will revisit the obvious and ment and industry groups. not-so-obvious risks associated with safely traversing an airport surface. And Capt. Sean Cassidy, ALPA’s first vice president and national safety coordinator, will lead a dialogue on risk-based security and its future direction. By John Perkinson, Staff Writer Other public presentations will address the critical importance of pilot monitoring on today’s modern flight deck and the 3 Cs required for any emergency response: coordination, communications, and compassion.
26 Air Line Pilot July 2013 ALPAToolbox ALPA’s Financial Gatekeepers Brush Up on Policies, Practices
curriculum, which featured By John Perkinson instructive segments from Staff Writer Pilot Talk national officers and the Capt. Sean McDonald (FedEx Express), a Memphis- n the recent era of airline Association’s professional based B-727 pilot, stressed the value of networking consolidation and slow staff about fiduciary respon- with his professional peers at the conference, “plus Igrowth, managing ALPA’s sibility, accountability, and seeing the new guys and trying to help throw a little financial welfare has become the full extent of what the experience their way about how we operate,” he more important than ever. secretary-treasurer’s job McDonald said. Member dues dollars are the entails. Capt. Bren Fries (Delta) is five months into his first Association’s operational Dovetailing on Helling’s elected term as treasurer for his pilot group, having lifeline, and accounting for remarks, Capt. Bill Couette, served in an interim role for the year before that. them requires a core group ALPA’s vice president– The B-767 pilot agreed with McDonald about the of knowledgeable, dedicated administration/secretary, importance of networking, adding, “I think the best briefed the pilots on quorums, Fries Dues Reduction thing about the conference, like so many other ALPA proxies, and what it takes to events, is meeting the people from the other airlines and getting ALPA secretary-treasurers run an MEC meeting—func- were reminded that the their perspectives.” 2012 Board of Directors tions these elected officials Capt. Christopher Wolfe (Island Air), who traveled delegates took action to need to perform their secre- from Honolulu to attend the conference, had a reduce the member dues tarial responsibilities. He also slightly different perspective about his motivation rate from 1.95 percent to talked about the Association’s for attending. “I’m looking for the knowledge to 1.90 percent, effective membership functions and the Jan. 1, 2014. do my duty, especially regarding the expense ALPA Emergency Relief Fund, Wolfe programs. I want to make sure that we’re using our individuals from each pilot both of which he oversees. budget responsibly,” he said. group’s master executive To effectively serve their “It’s been a great experience,” commented Wolfe about the council (MEC) who under- pilot groups, ALPA MEC conference. “It’s great to see the resources at work here.” stand the organization’s secretary-treasurers need fiscal policies and the various to be able to develop and government reporting, local emphasized the special resources at their disposal. To manage budgets, oversee executive council accounts, responsibility that comes ensure they are sufficiently specialty funds, and monitor and other monetary concerns. with the job, saying, “Keep prepared for this charge, ALPA and report on pilot group ALPA secretary-treasurers in mind as you serve your hosts an annual MEC Secre- expenses. Performing also heard briefings from Ana fellow pilots in this capacity tary-Treasurers Conference. these tasks requires an McAhron-Schulz, director of that you’re managing their “As secretary-treasurers, you intimate understanding of the Economic & Financial hard-earned dues dollars, and hold a unique position of trust the Association’s system of Analysis Department, about we need to make sure that within the Association—the checks and balances, and the state of the airline we’re using that money to trust that our pilots’ dues conference attendees heard industry and discussions represent their interests as money is being spent wisely detailed presentations from from other ALPA staff from efficiently and prudently and prudently,” Capt. Randy Margarita Lorenzetti, director the Communications, Legal, as possible.” Helling, ALPA’s vice president– of the Finance Department, Membership, Finance, finance/treasurer, told the and members of her staff. Representation, IT, Purchasing, Solution to this month’s attendees at this year’s event. Secretary-treasurers reviewed Human Resources, Govern- ALPA sudoku on page 38 He added, “I want to…thank with ALPA staff members poli- ment Affairs, and Member- 1 9 3 5 4 7 6 8 2 you for choosing to serve your cies addressing flight pay loss, ship Departments about the 4 8 5 6 9 2 3 1 7 fellow pilots. We only succeed Association’s other prod- 6 2 7 3 8 1 9 5 4 when we have a common MEC Secretary-Treasurers ucts and services as well 8 7 2 4 5 3 1 9 6 Conference 9 4 6 2 1 8 5 7 3 focus, a common goal, and we WHO: Nearly two-thirds of as recent union activities work together. And now you ALPA’s MEC secretary-treasurers and accomplishments. 5 3 1 7 6 9 2 4 8 are a part of that effort.” WHERE: ALPA’s Herndon, Va., Overseeing the fiscal 7 6 9 1 3 4 8 2 5 Helling served as modera- Conference Center health of the Association 3 1 4 8 2 5 7 6 9 WHEN: May 21–23 2 5 8 9 7 6 4 3 1 tor for the two-and-a-half-day is a tall order, and Helling
July 2013 Air Line Pilot 27 HealthWatch Important FAA Medical Certification Developments
servation period” following new pacemaker worksheet certificate and comment By Dr. Quay Snyder a procedure—during which for pilots’ cardiologists on the medical certificate ALPA Aeromedical Advisor they could not hold a Special to complete every 6–12 application submitted to the he FAA airman medical Issuance Authorization— months. Rather than sending FAA Aeromedical Certification certification process is shortened from six months numerous sheets of reports Division or the regional flight Tbecoming easier and to three months. This applies and narrative summaries, surgeon. This change should faster for some pilots while to all classes of airman medi- the cardiologist need only help pilots significantly and becoming more stringent for cal certificates and includes submit a single page of key reduce the burden on the FAA others. The FAA is trying to angioplasty, coronary stenting, pacemaker parameters, thus medical certification staff. streamline the certification and arthrectomies. The AME does not have process while facing poten- Some exceptions exist: Among other things, to submit the pilot’s medical tially devastating budget and All bypass grafting, car- the FAA is putting records with the electronic personnel cuts. These cuts diac valve replacement more emphasis MedXPress application but have put stress on the FAA surgery, and procedures on controlling should use the specific medical certification process involving the left main risk factors in phraseology outline in each and lengthened the review coronary artery still require a making airman decision protocol in the FAA’s time required for information six-month observation period medical certification Guide for Aviation submitted to support peti- before favorable consider- decisions about pilots Medical Examiners. tions for medical clearances. ation for medical certification with heart disease. The AME guide is The ongoing budget reduc- is possible. available online tions have had some unfortu- Also, the FAA is putting making the task of providing under the medical nate effects on aviation safety more emphasis on controlling required data to the FAA certification section and FAA employees and risk factors in making airman much simpler and faster. of the FAA website. For more information on aeromedical issues, contractors. Additionally, the medical certification decisions Pilots should retain scan the QR code. FAA Aeromedical Certification about pilots with heart disease. More good news: copies of the re- Division’s recent conversion Primary controllable risk fac- Increased AME cords provided to the AME in to a web-based certifica- tors include smoking, obesity, authority case any questions arise later. tion system with a new IT control of serum cholesterol Another positive develop- Previously, pilots with these contractor supporting that and triglycerides, hyperten- ment on the horizon is the conditions had to obtain and system has sion, and sleep apnea. Pilots FAA’s decision to delegate hold a special issuance letter. ALPA members can created some with poor control of some of authority to aviation medical Because these conditions are contact the Aeromedical temporary these risk factors are less likely examiners (AMEs) to issue not disqualifying if all of the Office at 303-341-4435, Monday to Friday, 8:30 challenges to be certified, or may have to medical certificates for com- FAA’s criteria are met, pilots a.m. to 4:00 p.m. moun- regarding wait a full six months before mon conditions that previ- will not receive further corre- tain time, or at www. throughput the FAA will consider their ously required review by FAA spondence from the FAA and AviationMedicine.com. of nonstan- case for special issuance. physicians before approval. will simply hold an airman dard medical Pilots having pacemaker Currently, 11 medical medical certificate with time applications. Some pilots are generator replacement with- diagnoses have protocols for limitations. facing longer delays in certi- out lead replacement no testing and documentation More conditions may be fication decisions than previ- longer have to wait 60 days for that the pilot must provide to added soon, including colon ously experienced, though medical clearance, but may be the AME. These conditions are cancer, bladder cancer, chronic the FAA Office of Aerospace considered once the generator arthritis, asthma, glaucoma, gastrointestinal diseases Medicine has made resolving pouch has healed and is func- hepatitis C (chronic), hyperten- (irritable bowel syndrome, these issues a high priority. tioning normally. Pacemaker sion, hypothyroidism, migraine Crohn’s disease, ulcerative lead replacement still requires headaches, pre-diabetes, colitis), solitary kidney stones Good news: Shorter a two-month observation prostate cancer, renal cancer, without retained stones, cardiac wait times period before petitioning the and testicular cancer. carotid artery disease, and The good news is that pilots FAA to reinstate the pilot’s With the policy change, some leukemias and lympho- undergoing various cardiac airman medical certificate. if the diagnosis is favorable, mas. Updates will be posted procedures have had the “ob- The FAA has designed a the AME may issue a medical via ALPA’s FastRead.
28 Air Line Pilot July 2013 ALPA, Industry Respond to Auburn’s Proposed Flight Degree Phaseout To read more about the campaign By John Perkinson, Staff Writer to keep Auburn’s professional flight t used to be that most airline pilots developed their flying degree program intact, visit www. skills in the military, but the current paradigm has many flyauburn.org. Iyoung aviators earning their wings through degree programs at collegiate flight schools. That’s why it’s so alarming to learn The bigger picture that Auburn University earlier this year announced plans to News of the potential flight degree phaseout is phase out its professional flight degree program. particularly troubling as it comes just in time for the implemen- The school publicized plans to continue its aviation manage- tation of the Airline Safety and Federal Aviation Administration ment program, which prepares students for careers in manag- Extension Act of 2010. On Aug. 1, 2013, an FAR Part 121 pilot ing airports and other aviation positions. must have at least 1,500 hours of flight time and hold an air However, those who had hoped to transport pilot (ATP) certificate, in addition to the previously become pilots through Auburn will required ratings (see “The 1,500-Hour Rule: The True Skinny,” soon have to go elsewhere to earn page 24). Auburn’s announcement is significant because the their professional flight degrees. FAA is expected to provide an exemption for collegiate aviation Many in the aviation industry programs, like Auburn’s, which would allow graduates to obtain have responded, imploring Auburn to ATPs with only 1,000 flight hours. reconsider its plans. Capt. Lee Moak, ALPA’s president, wrote to With the anticipated retirement of many baby-boom–era the president of the university, Dr. Jay Gouge, observing, “Our pilots and numerous regional airlines reporting that they interest primarily stems from the fact that there is a continuing are having trouble finding qualified pilots, the closure of and growing need within our industry for the kinds of aviation the Auburn program could make finding future airline pilot professionals that Auburn and other aviation schools provide.” candidates problematic. However, Auburn isn’t the only school Moak acknowledged ALPA members who are Auburn contemplating this kind of move. University alumni and pointed out that the Boeing Company At the Association’s Executive Board meeting on May 15, has forecast that between now and 2031 the world’s airlines Capt. Bill Couette, ALPA’s vice president–administration/ will need to hire 460,000 pilots, 69,000 of those will be needed secretary, acknowledged that his alma mater, St. Cloud State in North America alone. University (SCSU), plans to close its flight degree program in 2014. Other collegiate aviation programs on the prospective Auburn alum sound off chopping block include those at the University of Illinois– Concerned alumni, including ALPA members F/O Jason Champaign and Daniel Webster College. Mohrman (Continental), class of 1997, and F/O Lee Mills (FedEx SCSU professor emeritus Dr. Patrick Mattson, in a Midwest Express), class of 1998, issued a 17-page Flyer article, noted that the challenge of white paper, discussing the history of the keeping collegiate aviation programs ac- university’s aviation program, the eco- tive is a question of public awareness. He nomic impact of aviation, and the value of stated that on May 25, 1961, “President maintaining the flight degree program. John F. Kennedy declared that we should The white paper states, “We, the alumni of the program, feel send an American to the moon, and a younger generation that it is being eliminated based on the university’s failure to got excited about aviation and aerospace. That spark is comply with AABI [Aviation Accreditation Board International] needed again.” accreditation requirements, failure to hire faculty to support the Educating the public about the existence of collegiate program, failure to address flight education facilities, and failure aviation is part of the challenge and a primary reason ALPA to be given the leadership, resources, and support that is needed directed its Education Committee to work with schools and for this program to continue to excel.” AABI accreditation assures students. Mattson poses the question, “What happens to all of students and prospective employers that an educational degree this effort if we get kids excited about an aviation career, but program has sufficiently met aviation industry standards. there are few options at the next level?” C opyright 2013 L ee M ills photos
July 2013 Air Line Pilot 29 ALPARepresents ENGINEERING & AIR SAFETY
ABOUT E&AS ALPA’s Engineering & Air Safety Department (E&AS), which KNOWN comprises 23 professionals with backgrounds in aviation CREWMEMBER safety, security, pilot health, accident investigation, flight operations, and air traffic control, collaborates with government and industry to represent the interest It operates at 29 airports of ALPA members worldwide. E&AS also provides a with 78 access points, 38 support network for pilot representatives working on airlines participate in it, and the safety, security, and pilot health issues on the local, master crewmembers who have used it executive council, and international level. and makes 50+ more than 7 million times, nearly liaison calls a day to 208,000 times each week, the FAA and other love it. It’s Known Crewmember agencies. Seven aviation or KCM, the alternative security professionals medical professionals screening program that takes pilots with expertise in staff the office, and 23 a short 10 seconds to navigate and usually respond to Accident/Incident Proactive Safety Reporting saved passengers 52,000 Programs—ASAP/FOQA a pilot’s call within Investigation 1–4 hours. hours of standing in line. Professional FFDO Airport Standards Standards HIMS Post-Traumatic Stress ALPA is the world’s Aviation Weather Human Factors Airspace System largest nongovernmental Flightcrew Training Modernization aviation safety and Airport Screening Carriage of Standards/Procedures Hazardous Materials security organization. Aircraft Operating Aircraft Design Procedures & Certification Air Traffic Control ICAO CIRP Aviation Security Aeromedical
Just Culture—Safety winner of Charting & Management Systems Instrument Procedures Collier Trophies Jumpseat Safety & Security back to back, in 2007 and 2008, with ADS-B and the Commercial Access Training/Seminars Aviation Safety Team (CAST), respectively. And the initial win in 1995, for being part of the team that designed the world’s most advanced airliner, the Boeing 777.
ALPA spends thousands of hours and dollars E&AS is your liasion to officials from the following 13 organizations training its dedicated ALPA pilot representatives in safety, security, and pilot assistance initiatives. Transport Canada Transportation Safety Board of Canada Check out some of the training courses National Research Council Canada available and contact your pilot group for more Canadian Air Transport Security Authority information on how you can get involved in Royal Canadian Mounted Police ALPA’s Air Safety Organization. NAV CANADA
30 Air Line Pilot July 2013 ENGINEERING & AIR SAFETY ALPA devotes approximately $8,000,000 a year to supporting the union’s safety, security, and pilot assistance initiatives.
Encourages government regulators to require the same high FFDO safety standards on all Program airline flights—regardless of the 2 4–7 Many thousands of FFDOs size of the aircraft, the number of protect the flight decks of passengers, or the cargo load. hotline U.S. airliners on more than 1.5 million flight segments After an incident or accident, per year, at a cost of $17 help for ALPA flightcrew per flight segment, Next members is only a phone all within a budget of call away via the ALPA approximately $25 Worldwide Accident/ ALPA engineers and pilot representatives develop million a year (see Incident Hotline. more on ALPA’s fight The E&AS Department to secure FFDO responds to about 800 funding on page 22). calls per year.
for 291 airports across the country, which will potentially save 5 million gallons of fuel at one major airport in one year.
ALPA is heavily involved in developing new
To learn more about the E&AS Department and its representatives’ work, check out the “Everything Matters” video on youtube.com/wearealpa.
in the U.S., Canada, and internationally. E&AS is your liasion to officials from the following 13 organizations Department of Homeland Security Department of Transportation Federal Aviation Administration International Civil National Aeronautics and Space Administration Aviation Organization National Transportation Safety Board Transportation Security Administration
July 2013 Air Line Pilot 31 ALPA Hosts First Remote Ops Conference n May 29, several hundred Canadian and U.S. ALPA operations; and pilots are facing limited instrument approach members, representatives of government agencies, capability in most areas. It comes down to one’s perspective Oairline and airport managements, international avia- about what is ‘normal.’” tion safety organizations, and labor unions, plus members of Capt. Tanice Steiner (Calm Air), a highly experienced Arctic Parliament and representatives from Canada’s Department pilot and member of the PCRO, described in detail one of her of National Defence and the Royal Canadian Mounted Police, most recent trips as an ATR 42 captain. attended ALPA’s Operations at Remote Airports Conference in “Everyone associates flying in the north with cold, blizzards, Ottawa and via live webcast. The conference focused on the and lots of snow,” she noted, “but in my opinion, the change of challenges and opportunities related to operating at remote seasons is always the most challenging time in the Arctic—the airports in Canada and the U.S., especially in the Canadian weather can change instantly.” Arctic and similarly remote areas. Steiner’s riveting account of a few days on the line was filled Capt. Sean Cassidy, ALPA’s first vice president and national with bad weather, nonprecision approaches, limited airport safety coordinator; Capt. Dan Adamus (Jazz), president of the services and facilities, and tough decisions. ALPA Canada Board; and Capt. Peter Black (First Air), chairman “This trip experience isn’t a one-off,” she stressed. “These of the ALPA President’s Committee for Remote Operations sorts of weather events occur much more often in the north…. (PCRO), welcomed attendees to the conference. None of these communities have airport deicing equipment. “All of you are the critical stakeholders,” Cassidy acknowl- If the company you work for doesn’t have the proper deicing edged, “and through collaboration and cooperation we gain equipment there, you must execute a missed approach and strength, network important relationships, and understand the head to somewhere that is better equipped.” value of facing those unique challenges ahead, together.” John McKenna, president and CEO, Air Transport Association Black said in describing the charge of his committee, of Canada, explained that in the Canadian north, 0.3 percent established in June 2012 by Capt. Lee Moak, ALPA’s president of the nation’s people are spread across 39 percent of its land (see sidebar, page 34), “We are all privileged to be in the airline mass, leading to higher costs and nonflexible pricing. industry at a time when it is the safest form of transportation “Southern policies should not be forced on the north,” in history. This is an enviable standard, and one which we must McKenna argued. Imposing competition in the Canadian Arctic, be vigilant to continue as the operating environment continues he said, doesn’t lower ticket prices—it only diffuses the limited to change and grow.” revenue to be obtained from such a small, spread-out market. In fact, McKenna said, “High market share increases safety.” Operational safety challenges Russ Williams, president, Canadian Airline Dispatchers Adamus observed, “It’s almost June, and spring has finally ar- Association, and a dispatcher at Air Canada since 1995, rived. Winter is letting go its grip and flying in southern Canada explained that dispatchers deal not only with weather informa- has returned to normal operations. However, at our most re- tion, NOTAMs, MELs, flight planning, and ATC clearances—in mote airports…, the Canadian north, they also become involved with ETOPs on ALPA Operations at temperatures are polar routes and such issues as airport rescue and firefighting Remote Airports Conference still well below response levels at Russian airports. In the Canadian north, he said, alternate airports “have had to do some out-of-the-box WHO: Several hundred Canadian and freezing; snow thinking, such as using a belt loader to get a disabled passenger U.S. ALPA members plus reps from is still in the off an airplane where there was no jetway or stairs.” government agencies, airline and forecast; runways Chuck Montgomery, director, AIS, Flight Operations and CNS airport managements, international are gravel, not Operations, NAV CANADA, discussed several NAV CANADA aviation safety organizations, labor paved; airport technology initiatives aimed at improving operations in north- unions, Canada’s Department of and navigation ern domestic airspace. These include satellite-based datalink National Defence and the Royal infrastructure and surveillance, FMS coding, testing required navigational Canadian Mounted Police in some places performance (RNP) procedures to determine the issues with WHERE: Ottawa, Ont. remains near the certified leg types, and the regional GNSS program. WHEN: May 29 bare minimum to ensure safe “CPDLC [controller-pilot datalink communications] is a big
32 Air Line Pilot July 2013 initiative for us,” Montgomery said. “Economic opportunities in the north depend on a robust On the airports side, NAV CANADA continues work on air transportation system.” But “there simply are not enough improving airport lighting and mandatory runway friction resources in the north to do everything,” requiring prioritiza- measurement. For weather reporting, expanding use of AWOS tion of projects. “There simply has to be more federal money (Automated Weather Observation System) and HWOS (Human injected into the system to bring it up to expectations.” Weather Observation System) installations and on-airport Nourse said that NATA wants runway paving because only weather cameras is in the works. 10 runways in the three northern territories are paved (versus 61 in Alaska), and “no jet has been approved for gravel in 30 Prioritizing airport infrastructure development years.” Nourse also called for GPS and WAAS approaches, “and Capt. Robert Perkins (Jazz), ALPA’s Canada Air Safety coordina- not just overlays of circling approaches.” tor, moderated a panel on airport development in remote parts He said NATA is not opposed to RESAs, but sees other, of Canada. better uses for limited funds. Similarly, NATA “supports SMS Aaron McCrorie, director of Standards, Civil Aviation, completely,” Nourse declared, “but not the complexity proposed Transport Canada, put these issues in a context—namely, for smaller airports.” modernizing the Canadian Aviation Regulation Advisory Daniel Auger, assistant deputy minister, government of the Council (CARAC) process and reducing the Notice of Proposed Northwest Territories, graded the air transportation infrastruc- Amendment (NPA) backlog. ture in NWT as “good but aging, requiring constant vigilance.” He added that Transport Canada is He warned that “climate change is expected to increase at l conducting a detailed runway and safety area (RESA) risk rates exceeding southern locations” and thus increase the costs assessment, of maintaining and operating northern airports. l trying to implement safety management systems (SMS) at Auger questioned whether installing RESAs would be the airports, best use of limited resources, saying that the cost for 11 air- l improving surveillance of aviation safety, and ports would be $40 million. “One-size-fits-all regulations do not l pursuing other safety initiatives, including developing regula- work in the north,” he argued. tions for winter maintenance, standards, and recommended Fred Fast, manager, Standards and Program Development, procedures for airports and more advisory circulars. Nunavut Airports, government of Nunavut, explained that Stephen Nourse, executive director, Northern Air Transport Nunavut has 24 airports but only two paved runways. Half the Association (NATA), said,of his member airlines, “We are approaches in Nunavut are circling or NDB approaches. the bus, the grocery truck, and the ambulance.” He added, Fast joined the call for improved instrument approaches,
A member service of Air Line Pilot.
July 2013 Air Line Pilot 33 better weather services (AWOS at all airports), and improved approach lighting (“at least ODALS” at all airports). The ALPA PCRO Northern Airports Usability Study is under way, he said. In June 2012, Capt. Lee Moak, ALPA’s president, created the President’s Committee for Remote Operations (PCRO) to ad- Legislative and regulatory considerations dress the challenges that ALPA members face on a daily basis In a panel moderated by Al Ogilvie, an ALPA Government during flight operations in remote areas such as the Northwest Affairs representative, the Honourable Dennis Dawson, a mem- Territories, Nunavut, and Alaskan locations at the outer fringes ber of the Senate of Canada, gave an impassioned critique of of the North American continent. Launching the PCRO was, the Canadian government’s history with the nation’s airports. Moak noted, “an effort to further support ALPA’s One Level During the 1990s, Canada privatized airports to reduce costs to of Safety and Security concept.” With appropriate support and the government, but since then has seen airports as a revenue input from ALPA’s Engineering & Air Safety Department and source, Dawson charged. The airports must pass their heavy tax Air Safety Organization, the PCRO has been evaluating what burden on to airlines and, ultimately, passengers and shippers, needs to be done and developing the strategy for doing it. driving away business and thus revenue—which would con- tribute to maintenance, upgrades, and new construction—in a pilots might have to use them. “I would join the chorus of vicious cycle. those who say, let’s get rid of the NDBs and replace them with “Five and a half million Canadians per year now cross the performance-based precision approaches,” he added. border to fly from U.S. airports,” Dawson pointed out. “Canada Martin Eley, director general, Civil Aviation, Transport Canada, went from the 9th to 17th most visited country for tourism. We quipped, “There are a lot more gaps than there are places to go” are pricing ourselves out of the tourism market.” in Canada. On a more serious note, he said, “I’m not sure we John Allen, director, FAA Flight Standards Division, declared know how to define ‘the north’ and ‘remote operations.’ Where that the “ABC” challenges for the FAA are that “aviation is do we draw the line? No matter where we draw the line, some- changing, budgets are shrinking, and Congress is engaged.” one’s going to tell you you’re on the wrong side of that.” Allen focused on four key aspects of his agency’s evolving role No matter where the line is drawn, however, Eley acknowl- as a regulator: SMS, use of designees, enforcement posture edged, “We’re not complying with ICAO standards” in regard (working toward a “just culture”), and consistency and to runway end safety areas. Eley credited NAV CANADA for “a standardization. lot of progress in implementing new technology.” He acknowl- Capt. Chris Glaeser, director, Global Safety for the International edged, however, “We face some real physical challenges at Air Transport Association (IATA), was blunt: “I can’t believe that some of these airports.” we’re still flying NDB approaches in 2013.” He recommended Black summarized, “Ensuring safe operations in remote “shutting down these archaic procedures” and developing “a regions of Canada and the United States affects thousands of performance-based GPS approach into every airport.” flights, and potentially hundreds of thousands of travelers from On the need for much better harmonization of aviation every corner of the globe. It’s neither a local issue nor an issue regulations, Glaeser noted, “A Cessna 172 pilot can have an of limited scope.” iPad with a Bluetooth connection and, for $2,000, have much He continued, “As the predicted growth in the north is begin- better nav information than the pilots of a B-767 or A330. This ning, now is the time to use our best application of SMS to is a certification problem.” ensure safety is as high as it can be. From a pilot standpoint, I’d He also cautioned, “We need to make sure these remote like to have the very best precision guidance available to every fields are equipped to handle aircraft that might land there.” runway end I might use. I’d like RNP/RNAV procedures in and out of every airport, and I’d like to see long, dry runways with Future considerations and challenges extensive safety areas. Adamus moderated the final panel, a look ahead. “ALPA also realizes that we operate in the real world with fi- Louis Theriault, manager, Operational and Regulatory, nite resources, so identifying all the risks and working together National Airlines Council of Canada, talked about ETOPS diver- to get the best bang for our mitigation buck is key.” sion airports in the Canadian north. He drew a clear distinction In closing the conference, Adamus noted, “Throughout the between adequate ETOPs airports (6,000 feet of runway as a conference today, our panelists have shown that they have bare minimum, plus criteria for weather minima, instrument maintained a high level of safety with very limited resources. approaches, and support facilities) and ETOPS emergency We have seen the need for improved and longer runways, airports. Only eight airports in Alaska and northern Canada are better approaches, and better weather reporting, too. ETOPs-adequate; meanwhile, 35,000 flights per year transit the “We have heard of many communities that rely exclusively airspace in the Hudson Bay area. on aviation for 100 percent of their access to the rest of their Dan Elwell, senior vice president, Safety, Security, and country. Part of our charge in moving forward is continuing to Operations, Airlines for America, said, “We can do a lot of cre- work together to improve the infrastructure that is required ative arrangements under the FAA’s ETOPs rules,” but warned to safely meet the growth of flight operations and services to that the physical requirements of ETOPs diversion airports remote areas. To do so, we must find the necessary funding.” are determined by the characteristics of the aircraft whose —Jan W. Steenblik, Technical Editor
34 Air Line Pilot July 2013 before that. We’ve been invited to the Training Forum ever since it began meeting in 2009.” Delta Connection While the majority of the presentations at the Training Forum have been given by Delta mainline management, Harris Carrier Training was asked to present the recommendations of a Delta manage- ment–ALPA Training Optimization Team that met weekly for Forum several weeks to deal with various training issues. During the last few years, Delta has created short-term joint management- he fatal crash of Colgan Air Flight 3407, a Bombardier line pilot optimization teams in a number of areas, including Dash 8 Q400 turboprop operating as a Continental Con- scheduling, crew rest, and international flying. Tnection flight, near Buffalo, N.Y., on Feb. 12, 2009, led to The most recent Training Forum, held April 11 at Delta many changes in the U.S. airline industry. corporate headquarters in Atlanta, Ga., was all about AQP. Ken Hylander, Delta Air Lines’ senior vice president for Because Harris was on vacation, Capt. Dan Coogan, the Delta corporate safety, security, and compliance, recalls, “The Colgan MEC Training Committee vice chairman, represented ALPA, as [Flight 3407] accident in 2009 made all the airlines revisit their did Capt. Troy Lesmeister, the Pinnacle MEC Training chairman. strategy of how to strive for the highest level of safety, including Capt. Jon Tovani, the Delta managing director of flight train- coordination with their regional partners. “Going back to 2002, there’d been routine meetings between “In 2009 we made it a priority to develop Delta and its regional partners to share safety information. I was commonality among the [Northwest] Airlink at Northwest then, and at about the same time, we began hold- and Delta Connection carriers. At the time, ing a regular safety forum with the Northwest Airlink carriers. we had nine different regional airlines under We started a program in which everyone used the same safety the merged Delta Connection code.” metrics and tried to move closer to the same safety practices.” When the Colgan crash occurred, “We were going through ing, welcomed attendees to the four-hour meeting, noting that, the integration of Delta and Northwest,” Hylander explains, “so because the subject matter for the day was entirely about AQP, in 2009 we made it a priority to develop commonality among this meeting was unusual in that all the presentations were the [Northwest] Airlink and Delta Connection carriers. At the being made by Delta mainline managers. time, we had nine different regional airlines under the merged —Capt. Mike Hayes, a check airman, discussed research on Delta Connection code. pilot monitoring and industry efforts under way to improve “In May 2009, we kicked off the current version of the Delta monitoring. Connection Safety Alliance,” Hylander continues. “Through —David Cropper, manager, Instructional Systems Design, talked the alliance, we have a monthly conference call with all of the about measuring training effectiveness. Delta Connection FAR Part 119 directors of safety. We also have —Pete Moates, manager, AQP and Training Compliance, de- a quarterly face-to-face meeting. We discuss safety program scribed how Delta handles the FAA requirement to provide an enhancements and share best practices that lead to strong annual review of its AQP. safety programs. —Steve Wilson, the Delta B-737NG/A320 fleet captain, ex- “We use the exact same set of safety metrics, not for plained how his airline conducts special training and checking. comparison but for consistent safety focus. We also want —Chuck Schramek, general manager, Quality Assurance and comprehensive pilot ASAP and FOQA programs at our partner Compliance, talked about Delta’s data management process for airlines. We’ve also asked our Delta Connection carriers to be creating and maintaining electronic training records. IOSA-registered and to move toward AQP implementation. —Ira Jacobson, portfolio specialist II, described the airline’s We’re trying to make sure that all of these programs are robust methods for measuring training efficiency. and providing real safety value.” While the Training Forum packed a lot into four hours, Capt. Hylander stresses, “We use our alliance safety meetings to Bryan Freeman (Atlantic Southeast) describes another benefit stimulate conversation among members of the group, getting of the forum: “When I first went to the Training Forum, I went them to consider possibilities. We’re trying to provide an oppor- with my airline’s Training Program manager and assistant man- tunity and a place for the discussion—we provide the agendas ager. It gave us an opportunity to get to know each other better; and the structure for productive facilitated discussions.” a few days later, we had lunch and talked about what was discussed at the Training Forum. We have a very good working Training Forum relationship; Connection Carrier Training Forum As part of the broader Delta Connection Safety Alliance, the the forum WHO: Two ALPA line pilot safety reps, three airline also hosts a quarterly Delta Connection Carrier Training cemented FAA reps, and 17 airline management reps Forum. that.”—Jan WHERE: Delta Airlines corporate Capt. Huey Harris recalls, “I’ve been the Delta Master W. Steenblik, headquarters, Atlanta, Ga. Executive Council [MEC] Training Committee chairman since Technical WHEN: April 11 September 2010. I served as vice chairman for three years Editor
July 2013 Air Line Pilot 35 A member service of Air Line Pilot.
36 Air Line Pilot July 2013 Since the beginning of the jet age, Boeing has produced a long-term market outlook that was first shared publicly in the early 1960s. The Current Market Outlook is the longest running com- plete worldwide jet airliner forecast and is regarded as the most respected and comprehensive analysis of the airline industry. Based on key data such as economic growth, the expansion of low-cost airlines, environmental issues, and the volatility of fuel prices, the company’s annual forecast reflects the strength of the airline market. AND COURTESY OF THE B oeing COMPANY AND COURTESY by PREPARED
July 2013 Air Line Pilot 37 ALPA Resources and Contact Numbers
National OfficersFor complete biographical information on ALPA’s national officers, visit www.ALPA.org or scan the QR code below.
Capt. William Couette Capt. Randy Helling Capt. Lee Moak Capt. Sean Cassidy Vice President– Vice President– President First Vice President Administration/Secretary Finance/Treasurer
Executive Vice Presidents For more information on which pilot groups executive vice presidents represent, visit www.ALPA.org/evp.
Capt. Dan Adamus F/O Michael Hamilton Capt. Tim Canoll Air Transat, Bearskin, Calm Air, United Executive Administrator F/O Scott Smetana F/O William Hanna Canadian North, CanJet, First Air, Jazz Capt. Thomas Maxwell Air Wisconsin, CommutAir, Delta Aviation, Kelowna Flightcraft, Wasaya F/O Todd Ortscheid American Eagle, Atlantic ExpressJet, Hawaiian, Capt. Mark Nagel AirTran, Air Transport Southeast, Compass, Island Air, Trans States Capt. Larry Beck Alaska, Evergreen, Capt. Joe DePete International, Mesa Air Group, Sun Continental Piedmont, Pinnacle, FedEx Express North American, PSA Country Spirit
Want to know more about ALPA’s EVPs? Scan the QR code.
ALPA Sudoku (© paulspages.co.uk) 1 9 3 5 4 7 6 8 2
Complete the sudoku puzzle so that each column, each row, and each of the nine 4 8 5 6 9 2 3 1 7 3×3 sub-grids that compose the grid contain all the digits from 1 to 9. The solution to this month’s ALPA 6 2 7 3 8 1 9 5 4 sudoku can be found on page 27. Too easy, too difficult? Tell us what you 8 7 2 4 5 3 1 9 6 think. E-mail [email protected].
9 4 6 2 1 8 5 7 3 Have You Moved? Please call Membership Services at 1-888-359-2572, then press 3; e-mail your new address to Membership@ALPA. org; or clip out this form—along with the mailing 5 3 1 7 6 9 2 4 8 label on the back cover—and send it to ALPA Membership Services PO Box 1169, Herndon, VA 20172-1169
Name______7 6 9 1 3 4 8 2 5
Member #______Airline______3 1 4 8 2 5 7 6 9 New address______
Apt.______City______State______Zip______2 5 8 9 7 6 4 3 1
38 Air Line Pilot July 2013 ALPA Information Numbers
The following ALPA resources may be Communications ([email protected]) Membership Insurance (Insurance@ALPA. reached by e-mail or by dialing, toll-free, 703-481-4440 org) 1-800-746-2572 1-888-359-2572 (1-888-FLY-ALPA). Once Computer Help Line ([email protected]) Membership Services connected, press the # key on your phone 703-689-4357 ([email protected]) and dial the last four digits of the num- Council Services ([email protected]) 1-888-359-2572 (1-888-FLY-ALPA), ber listed below. However, the ALPA Main 703-689-4311 option 3 Number, ASPEN, the Membership and Discipline and Discharge ([email protected]) IT Operations and Services ([email protected]) Insurance toll-free number, and Member- 703-689-4245 ship Services numbers need to be dialed 703-689-4226 directly. Economic and Financial Analysis Organizing ([email protected]) 703-689-4179 Accident Investigation ([email protected]) ([email protected]) 703-689-4289 703-689-4312 Election dates LEC/MEC 703-689-4212 Publishing and Design Services ([email protected]) 703-481-4441 Accounting and Finance ([email protected]) Engineering and Air Safety ([email protected]) 703-689-4144 703-689-4200 Purchasing ([email protected]) 703-689-4319 Air Line Pilot ([email protected]) FAA Enforcement or Medical Certificate 703-481-4460 Action ([email protected]) 703-689-4226 Representation ([email protected]) 703-689-4375 ALPA Main Number 703-689-2270 Government Affairs ([email protected]) 202-797-4033 Real Estate ([email protected]) ALPA‑PAC 202-797-4033 703-689-4105 ASPEN 703-689-4220 Human Resources ([email protected]) 703-689-4262 Retirement and Insurance ([email protected]) Capt. Tim Canoll Balloting ([email protected]) 703-689-4115 Executive Administrator 703-689-4173 Information Technology and Services ([email protected]) 703-689-4223 System Board of Adjustment Cashiering ([email protected]) ([email protected]) 703-689-4226 703-689-4385 Legal ([email protected]) 202-797-4096 703-689-4326
Membership Services
To obtain membership account information Jazz Aviation–JAZ MEC 1-800-561-9576 *Ryan–RYN MEC 703-481-5585 or to update your records or your postal or Kelowna Flightcraft–KFC MEC Spirit–SPA MEC 765-481-9033 e-mail address via the Internet, go to the My 250-878-7950 ALPA area of Crewroom.ALPA.org; or dial the Sun Country–SCA MEC 952-853-2393 toll-free number 1-888-359-2572 (1-888-FLY- Mesa–MAG MEC 602-306-1116 Trans States–TSA MEC 610-805-5387 ALPA) and choose menu option 3. North American–NAA MEC 505-975-1126 United–UAL MEC 847-292-1700 Listed below are the telephone numbers Piedmont–PDT MEC 339-987-1277 Wasaya–WSG MEC 807-624-7270 of MEC offices. Pinnacle–PCL MEC 952-854-4484 AirTran–ATN MEC 404-763-5165 PSA–PSA MEC 616-405-3962 *Pilot group in custodianship Air Transat–TSC MEC 1-888-337-2033
Air Transport International–ATI MEC Air Line Pilot is printed in the United States and published 505-263-8838 for professional airline pilots in the United States and Canada who are members of the Air Line Pilots Associa- Air Wisconsin–ARW MEC 1-800-ALPA-ARW tion, International. Director of Communications Alaska–ALA MEC 206-241-3138 Marie Schwartz ALPA Headquarters: 1625 Massachusetts Ave., NW, Washington, DC 20036 American Eagle–EGL MEC 817-685-7474 Editor Sharon B. Vereb Postmaster: Send address changes to Air Line Pilot, PO *ASTAR Air Cargo–DHL MEC Technical Editor Jan W. Steenblik Box 1169, Herndon, VA 20172-1169. 703-481-5590 Associate Managing Editor Susan Fager Canadian Publications Mail Agreement #40620579: Design and Production Editor William A. Ford Return undeliverable magazines sent to Canadian ad- Atlantic Southeast–ASA MEC Staff Writer John Perkinson dresses to 2835 Kew Drive, Windsor, ON, Canada N8T 3B7. 404-209-8566 Senior Advocacy Writer Linda Shotwell Bearskin–BRS MEC 807-628-5683 Special Projects Molly Martin Other Organizations Calm Air–CMA MEC 204-471-1000 Motion Graphics Specialist Eric Davis ALPA Aeromedical Office 303-341-4435 ePublishing Editor Jesica Ferry ALPA Federal Credit Union 1-800-747-2349 Canadian North–CNP MEC 780-718-6012 Contributing Graphic Artists CanJet–CJA MEC 1-800-959-1751 Kim Agnew, Kelly Barrett, Mary Ann Walsh ALPA Accident/Incident Hotline *Comair–CMR MEC 703-481-5560 Web Coordinators Cicely Jenkins, If you are involved in an accident, incident, or alleged Chris Weaver violation of a federal aviation regulation, contact your CommutAir–CMT MEC 440-985-8579 local or central air safety chairman, regional safety Compass–CPZ MEC 952-853-2373 Air Line Pilot is not responsible for unsolicited manu chairman, or the worldwide ALPA accident/incident scripts, photographs, or other materials. Unsolicited hotline at 202-797-4180 (collect calls are accepted) for Continental–CAL MEC 281-987-3636 materials will be returned only if submitted with a self- an immediate response 24 hours per day. As a backup addressed, stamped envelope. Opinions expressed by number, call 703-892-4180. Delta–DAL MEC 404-763-4925 authors do not necessarily represent official ALPA To report a safety problem or airspace system defi Evergreen–EIA MEC 503-474-3880 position or policy. ciency, call 1-800-424-2470 or e-mail [email protected]. Subscriptions: Subscription rate for pilot members, –XJT MEC 281-987-3636 ExpressJet $25, included in ALPA membership dues; for students, 2013 EBCB Schedule FedEx Express–FDX MEC 901-752-8749 $37; for U.S. nonmembers, $50; for foreign, $65. Residents of the state of Washington The Association’s Election and Ballot Certification First Air–FAB MEC 1-877-459-3272 must add 8.8 percent sales tax. To Board’s schedule for counting ballots is July 10, August subscribe online go to www.ALPA. 12, September 10, October 10, November 11, and Freedom–MAG MEC 602-306-1116 org/subscriptions or call 703-481-4460. To report address December 10. changes, call 703-689-4311. Any ALPA member in good standing may be present Hawaiian–HAL MEC 808-836-2572 as an observer during any meeting. Contact the Associa- Address Changes for Members Only: E-mail to Mem- tion’s Membership and Council Services Department Island Air–AIS MEC 808-838-0188 [email protected]. for scheduling.
July 2013 Air Line Pilot 39 images istock.com (Mailbox © Captainflash / envelope © kyoshino / Waiter © Nastcoa) Don’t you deserve a reward? We think you do! Our way of saying thanks to our loyal Loss of License customers is through a brand new annual “step up” enrollment. If you have been enrolled in an eligible program for 12 months or more, you are eligible to step up to the next level of coverage with no medical underwriting!
Watch your mailbox—program information should have arrived in late June. It’s time to step up!
Eligible programs: Monthly Loss of License, Loss of License-Plus, and Lump Sum Loss of License. Applications must be received by mail at ALPA’s Herndon, Va., offices no later than Sept. 15, 2013. All plans are underwritten by Air line pilots association, Int’l The Guardian Life Insurance Company of America. A member service of Air Line Pilot.
40 Air Line Pilot July 2013