August 2010 Air Line Pilot 1 PROFESSIONALISM ALPA HOSTS 56th AIR SAFETY FORUM AUGUST 30–31, 2010 CAPITAL HILTON WASHINGTON, D.C. http://safetyforum.alpa.org

SAFETY

SECURITY

JUMPSEAT pILOT ASSISTANCE

CARGO S AUGUST 2010 • Volume 79, Number 6

Capt. Prater addresses ALPA’s committee chairmen during their meeting in Herndon (see article on page 29).

WILLIAM A. FORD

36 Cleared to Dream COMMENTARY DEPARTMENTS ALPA’s Valued Role as SAFECON Supporter 4 Mailbag 6 Front Lines ALPA in the News 37 History Lessons 5 Pilot to Pilot ALPA Pilots Stand Their Ground Strategic Planning Defines 12 As We Go to Press Late-Breaking ALPA News 38 We Are ALPA Our Union ALPA Resources and 8 Weighing In 25 ALPA@Work Contact Numbers ALPA: The Next Generation PCFC Chair Reflects on ALPA’s All-Cargo Agenda; Mock Accident 9 Pilot Commentary About the Cover Investigation Tweaks ALPA’s ALPA’s president, Capt. John Prater (left), Be Prepared Tin-Kickers; ALPA Presents Trust- and F/O Linden Hillman, the AirTran pilots’ Based Security Concept to TRAP; Strategically Breaking Down Master Executive Council chairman, FEATURES Barriers talk to reporters outside the AirTran 16 Spirit Strikes shareholders’ meeting in Milwaukee, 31 From the Hill Wisc. Photo by Dustin Safranek. 19 Jazz Pilots Ratify TA ALPA Acts on Wall Street Reform; ALPA Urges White House to Push Air Line Pilot (ISSN 0002-242X) is pub­lished monthly, 20 One Step Closer FAA Reauthorization, Flight-Time/ except for the combined January/February and June/July issues, by the Air Line Pilots Association, Inter­national, To ADS-B Duty-Time Rulemaking; UAL, CAL affiliated with AFL-CIO, CLC. Editorial Offices: 535 Herndon Parkway, PO Box 1169, Herndon, VA 20172- 22 Dunlop II Makes MEC Chairs Testify on Proposed 1169. Telephone: 703-481-4460. Fax: 703-464-2114. Merger; Congressmen Call for Copyright © 2010—Air Line Pilots Association, Inter­ Recommendations national, all rights reserved. Publication­ in any form Lithium Battery Final Rule without permission is prohibited. Air Line Pilot and the ALPA logo Reg. U.S. Pat. and T.M. Office. Federal I.D. 35 ALPA Toolbox 36-0710830. Periodicals postage paid at Herndon, VA 20172, and additional offices. Clipping Your Way to Financial Security MAILBAG

 Letters to the editor may be submitted via regular mail to Air Line Pilot, Letters to the Editor, 535 Herndon Parkway, P.O. Box 1169, Herndon, VA 20172-1169, or by e-mail to [email protected].

Editor’s note: The following two letters cross the picket line merely enticed Each month we invite profession- are a sampling of the many we received management to try to win the strike. als from various aviation organiza- regarding the Spirit pilots’ successful This dragged out the strike for a month tions to visit our operation to observe 5-day strike, which ended June 16 when and cost tens of millions of dollars. our students in a classroom or labora- the pilots reached a tentative agreement With Spirit, no one crossed the line, tory environment and to make pre- with management. so management lost coming out of the sentations about their careers. I want gate. This saved the company huge to highly commend F/O Hillman for Kudos to Spirit pilots amounts of money…and likely saved a presentation that was well-prepared I want to comment on the actions some management jobs, too. With the and enthusiastically received by our taken by the Spirit pilots during their United strike, shortly after the pilots students. They asked many very recent strike. I think that they did returned to work, the chief pilot was pertinent questions, and his answers fired and then the Board of Directors were well received. He is extremely fired Chief Executive Officer Richard dedicated to mentoring and exposing Ferris…. our youths to careers in the aviation Spirit pilots set a high standard for industry…. future negotiations and strikes. I hope F/O Hillman was able to convey we all remember it well. [to our students] a philosophy not Capt. Jerry Bradley (United, Ret.) only to live by daily but one that will also enable the students to compete I just wanted to say congrats and in the real world later if attempting thanks to the Spirit pilots. They’re to get a job in corporate America. F/O leading the way, and I only hope we Hillman’s presentation to our stu- are allowed to strike and can do as well. dents will serve as a compass to allow Best of luck to them all. I’ll be keeping them to navigate through life during up with the news via my APA website. I their journey to find that ideal career. know all the guys I fly with are behind Thank you for the community them and hoping for their success. service support ALPA has provided Capt. Frank Rodrick (American) through F/O Hillman’s presentation. Julius Alexander, President, Aviation

JEN LOFQUIST Thanks ALPA Career Enrichment, Inc. This letter is to express deep ap- their ALPA colleagues proud in every preciation on behalf of the students, I’m writing to express my thanks respect. parents, and staff of Aviation Career for supporting the regional top pilot I read in the newspapers here in Enrichment for the outstanding award at the National Intercollegiate south Florida as management tried presentation made by F/O Linden Flying Association’s flight competi- to scare everyone to death, i.e., if the Hillman, AirTran Airways Master tion. The $500 gift I received from pilots strike we will fold the airline Executive Council chairman, during ALPA was greatly appreciated and and everyone will be without a job. this school year. helped me add instrument instructor Management showed how the pilots’ Aviation Career Enrichment is a qualifications to my flight instructor pay scale would increase incredibly, nonprofit organization dedicated to certificate. forgetting to mention that it was encouraging metro-Atlanta youths I’m looking forward to joining you over 5 years and assuming a 90-hour ages 9 to 18 to consider the oppor- all in the airline industry soon! month.... My main point, though, is tunities in choosing aviation careers. Sincerely, that [not one pilot] crossed the picket We have been in existence since 1980, John Lazzi line. and many of our graduates have gone I was in the 1985 strike at United on to become professionals in the Editor’s note: For coverage of the Nation­ Airlines in which somewhere near 4 aviation industry while others have al Intercollegiate Flying Association’s percent of the pilots crossed the line…. gone on to be gainfully employed in flying competition, see “Cleared to Getting that percentage of pilots to corporate America. Dream,” page 36.

4 Air Line Pilot August 2010 PI LOTTOPILOT Strategic Planning Defines Our Union

Now when mergers are announced, we are prepared with By Capt. John Prater, ALPA President action plans and messages, echoing the solidarity among We are facing many challenges our pilot groups. Take the recent news regarding Pinnacle ahead of us, and one of the most and Trans States. As you might have read in the pilot groups’ daunting is mergers. We knew this coordinated press releases responding to these announce- challenge would confront us—it was ments, “Our union leaders remain optimistic that these only a matter of time. But instead of transactions will translate into increased financial stability wishing it away, we have fortified our and greater job security.” (See “As We Go To Press,” page 13.) arsenal with a new tool: our strategic Our plans also ensure that we won’t allow managements to plan. And since taking office as your pit pilots against each other. I am proud of these ALPA lead- president, I have expanded our strategic planning efforts, ers. They have acted thoughtfully and swiftly to prepare for which have become the very foundation of our union. the hard work ahead regarding these corporate transactions. Our Board of Directors, Executive Board, Executive Council, pilot subject-matter experts, and key staff have all participated in this union-wide endeavor. At every strategic At every strategic planning planning session, we have taken on difficult and sometimes session, we have taken on divisive issues, including airline mergers. We have planned, and planned well, for this challenge by methodically and difficult and sometimes dispassionately analyzing each scenario to propose changes divisive issues, including to strengthen ALPA’s policies. We have planned, We have experienced everything from four-way corporate airline mergers. mergers at regional airlines to the mega-merger at Delta/ and planned well, for this challenge Northwest. Each time, we have taken the lessons learned by methodically and dispassionately and have applied them to our constantly evolving strategic plan. And while our union leaders have learned from the analyzing each scenario to propose past, they must be prepared to take advantage of every changes to strengthen ALPA’s policies. opportunity to improve contracts and emerge with a strengthened union—as opposed to retreating to individual corners to battle for years while management continues to This is the kind of action that defines our union, validates enjoy cheap pilot labor. There’s no denying that mergers will our strategic plan, and illustrates why being an ALPA mem- change the landscape of the airline industry, but we have ber definitely has its privileges. adapted and thrived during these changing times, and we And our union proudly, and without hesitation, will continue to do so. continues to help furloughed members and those whose Today, United and Continental are knee-deep in merger airlines have shut down or have severely decreased in size, discussions. And the breaking news that Pinnacle is buy- like Aloha, ASTAR, ATA, Independence Air, Midwest, and ing Mesaba and Trans States is purchasing Compass has Skyway. confirmed that our instincts about industry consolidation By working together, we can overcome any obstacles that are correct. We have opened lines of communication and we encounter. Don’t get me wrong, I know we still face great have built unity within our ranks to stay the course during challenges in the airline industry, but I know that our pilot the merger process. I believe that it’s working. I have told groups, both large and small, will be successful. We’ve pro- our managements, Wall Street, and members of Congress vided a good start for them so they can continue working and Parliament that pilots demand respect in future mergers, together through whatever the future may hold. I also know that pilots must be involved up front if a merger is to suc- that these pilots will not walk that path alone. We have the ceed, and that those managements that work with us will support of 53,000 pilots across the U.S. and Canada. And do better than those that fight us. together, We Are ALPA! That message applies to each of us as well. As evidenced through the success of the Delta/Northwest merger and the Fee-for-Departure Carrier MEC Working Group, our U.S. and Canadian pilots are working together to secure their futures.

August 2010 Air Line Pilot 5 F RO NTLINES ALPA in the News

ALPA Reps Talk with DHS Secretary Napolitano

ALPA’s president, Capt. John Prater, had what he later installed secondary barriers in some of its passenger fleet at described as a “very positive” hour-long meeting with Janet a very modest cost. An RTCA Special Committee (SC)—a Napolitano, secretary of the U.S. Department of Homeland government-industry group that develops technical standards Security (DHS), at DHS headquarters in Washington, D.C., for the FAA—is developing standards for all airlines to use on June 29. Joining Prater were Capt. Robb Powers (Alaska), regarding installing these barriers. RTCA SC-221 is working chairman of ALPA’s National Security Committee, and to establish minimum operational performance standards Jim Andresakes, supervisor of aviation security in ALPA’s (MOPS) for the hardware and accompanying crew procedures. Engineering and Air Safety Department. Noah Kroloff, DHS Prater and Powers briefed Napolitano on ALPA’s proposal chief of staff for policy, and Art Macias, chief of staff, office to change the current U.S. airport security screening system of the administrator, Transportation Security Administration from one that focuses primarily on so-called threat objects (TSA), also participated in the discussions. to a “trust-based” screening system that streamlines the The ALPA reps talked about the Association’s four greatest passage of vetted passengers and employees through screen- concerns regarding airline and airport security: the need for ing and focuses on detecting persons with malicious intent. (1) improvements in the Federal Flight Deck Officer (FFDO) Napolitano agreed in principle, “acknowledging value in program, (2) secondary cockpit barriers on passenger and what we had to say,” Powers reported. She also cited efforts all-cargo airliners, (3) transition to a trust-based aviation along these lines already used at some foreign airports to security screening system, and (4) improvements to security screen passengers bound for the United States. in the all-cargo domain that will achieve one level of safety Regarding needed improvements in all-cargo security, the and security equal to that of passenger airlines. ALPA reps thanked Napolitano for improvements that the Regarding the FFDO program, Prater pointed out that the DHS has made in cargo security. However, the bulk of those program needs more money (ALPA has asked Congress to improvements have been made regarding belly freight on double the program’s budget). He said the size and organiza- passenger airliners. Though some improvements have been tion of the inadequately staffed managerial structure that administers the FFDO program also needs an over- haul. One measure of the program’s budgetary woes is a recent slowdown in the rate of acceptance of FFDO candidates into the program. As for secondary cockpit barriers, Prater reiterated ALPA’s strong support for this equipment, noting, “We believe they add much to the security equation.” Secondary barriers force a would-be hijacker to reveal

his or her intent and slow y B ahler , SENIOR P hotographer DHS down the hijacker, thus B arr giving the flight crew time Capt. John Prater, center, met with Janet Napolitano, secretary of the U.S. Department to take appropriate defensive of Homeland Security, in June. Also at the meeting was Capt. Robb Powers (Alaska), actions. United Airlines has chairman of ALPA’s National Security Committee.

6 Air Line Pilot August 2010

made in the all-cargo domain, work remains to be done to • under the Administrative Procedure Act and the RLA, the achieve one level of safety and security for passenger and Board provided a rational and acceptable basis for its deci- all-cargo airlines. sion to change the long-standing balloting rule; The ALPA reps pointed specifically to the need for (1) rein-­ • the RLA is at least ambiguous as to what the term “major- forced cockpit doors on all-cargo airliners, as is required on ity” means in context—thus the NMB’s interpretation of the passenger airliners—both for retrofits and new freighter de- statute that it is entrusted to interpret and apply is clearly signs, and (2) better security training for all-cargo flight crews. authorized and permissible; Training on the “Common Strategy” to thwart terrorism • the Board permissibly concluded that changed circum- is mandatory for pilots and flight attendants who work for stances since the adoption of the original outright majority passenger airlines, but is voluntary in the all-cargo world. balloting rule more than 75 years ago made the rule change The conversation briefly touched on the lack of require- essential today in the Board’s view; ments for a security identification display area (SIDA) on • the agency was justified in concluding that the new ballot cargo ramps. Cargo operations are not afforded the protec- rule, which would no longer presume that all nonpartici- tions that passenger airlines, with SIDA restrictions, have pants are voting against all representation, would more fairly had for some time. and accurately discern voter intent; and • the Board’s decision was otherwise supported by other al- Court Upholds New lowable reasons, and was the product of a permissible, open administrative process. NMB Election Rule The Court also rejected the notion that the Board violated On June 28, U.S. District Judge Paul Friedman of the its obligations by declining to issue new decertification rules U.S. District Court for the District of and found that the Board’s decision to aggregate the votes of Columbia denied a request by the Air unions that did not receive a majority in run-off elections is Transport Association (ATA) for a pre- a permissible judgment that is left to the agency’s discretion. liminary injunction to temporarily block Finally, the Court reiterated an earlier ruling concluding a new balloting rule change issued by that the Board did not act in an impermissibly close-minded the National Mediation Board (NMB) on or prejudged manner in adopting the rule, and that any po- May 10 and originally scheduled to take effect June 10. litical disagreements between the three Board members about Judge Friedman’s decision cleared the way for the major the new rule did not undermine its validity. At press time, rule change, which makes it easier for airline employees to ATA had not yet decided whether to seek an appeal of Judge organize. The change went into effect July 1. The new rule Friedman’s ruling to the U.S. Court of Appeals for the District says that the NMB will allow union elections in the rail and of Columbia Circuit. Absent an unusual stay pending any airline industries, which are governed by the Railway Labor such appeal, however, the new rule will remain in effect. Act (RLA), to be decided by a simple majority of the ballots cast, no longer requiring an outright majority of all eligible An issue of fairness employees, and no longer counting nonparticipants as ALPA has long favored removing the fundamental bias of “no” votes. ALPA and other unions have heralded the the previous rule, which was unique to U.S. railroad and change as an important reform, more in tune with basic airline employees governed by the RLA. No other group of democratic standards. U.S. private-sector employees votes for union representation The ATA suit argued that the NMB does not have the under such anti-representational assumptions. authority to bring its rules in line with practices long used Most unionized American workers are covered by the in public elections and labor elections under the National NLRA, whose balloting rules have long authorized establish- Labor Relations Act (NLRA). ment of a union as long as the majority of the votes cast are in favor of collective bargaining. As has long been the case in Court decision elections for public officials, non-votes do not count in the In a 30-page decision, however, Friedman explained why NLRA election process. he denied ATA’s request for a preliminary injunction and granted the NMB summary judgment on ATA’s claims seek- Labor has its say ing to overturn the new majority voting balloting rule. He The NMB announced a notice of proposed rulemaking concluded that (NPRM) on Nov. 3, 2009, to solicit feedback from industry

August 2010 Air Line Pilot 7 FRONTLINES ALPA in the News

stakeholders. On December 7, ALPA and other member ments toward changes in the U.S. ownership and control unions of the AFL-CIO’s Transportation Trades Department rules. Any actual amendment of the ownership and control testified at a public hearing in Washington, D.C., support- rules continue to be left to Congress. ing the proposed rule change. ALPA’s president, Capt. John The new article on labor recognizes the value of high la- Prater, told the Board, “It’s a realistic but important update bor standards and notes that the Joint Committee is to regu- that ensures basic fairness and recognizes that conditions larly consider the effects of the agreement on airline workers for voting have changed since the 1930s,” when the original and develop responses to those concerns where appropriate. NMB balloting rules were adopted. ALPA maintains that the principles in this article must be a The NMB issued the NPRM after receiving a petition fundamental part of future air services agreements, including from the AFL-CIO. The request came shortly after President any accord with China. Obama appointed Linda Puchala, a former senior media- ALPA participated as a member of the U.S. delegation and tor, to the Board. Puchala joined Capt. Harry Hoglander, worked with the U.S. negotiators, the Obama administra- a former ALPA executive vice-president and TWA master tion, and the Transportation Trades Department of the AFL- executive council chairman, who was first appointed to the CIO throughout the 2 years of negotiations to advance the NMB in 2002 and reconfirmed in 2009. interests of the Association’s members and U.S. airline work- The NMB voted in a 2-to-1 decision to modify the 76- ers. The union continues to be involved in the early stages year-­old rule; both Puchala and Hoglander supported the new of air services talks between the United States and China as a “majority of votes cast” election rule while the third NMB member of the U.S. delegation. member, Elizabeth Dougherty, opposed the rule change. Dolan Heads Hong Kong U.S. and EU Sign Pilots Union Open Skies Protocol The Hong Kong Aircrew Officers Association, The United States and the European Union signed a second- which represents the more than 1,400 stage Open Skies agreement in Luxembourg on June 24 that, flight crewmembers of Cathay Pacific, for the first time in an air transport agreement, includes a announced recently that Capt. Dennis stand-alone article that underscores the value of high labor Dolan (Delta, Ret.), a former ALPA first vice- standards. In addition, the agreement does not include president, is the organization’s new general language sought by the European Union to allow foreign secretary. cabotage or foreign control of U.S. airlines. During his extensive aviation career, In March 2010, the United States and the European Dolan has served as president of IFALPA for two terms and Union initialed a protocol amending the 2007 “first-stage” chairman of the Delta Master Executive Council. Before air transport agreement. Now that the protocol has been flying for Delta, he was a pilot for Western Airlines and a ratified, it completed the obligation contained in the first- Vietnam veteran, flying F-4s for the U.S. Marine Corps. stage agreement for the two sides to engage in “second-stage negotiations,” which include the discussion of further liber- alization of traffic rights, wet lease of European airline air- ALPA Lauds Senate craft to U.S. airlines on U.S. domestic routes, and additional Confirmation of Safety, foreign investment opportunities. During the negotiations Security Appointments leading up to the initialed protocol in March and now the final signed agreement in late June, the European Union Capt. John Prater, ALPA’s president, in late June hailed the sought the right for its airlines to carry U.S. foreign cabotage U.S. Senate’s confirmation of four appointments by the traffic and conduct domestic wet-lease operations on domes- Obama administration to important U.S. government posi- tic routes, as well as the elimination of restrictions on foreign tions that deal directly with aviation safety and security. investment in U.S. airlines. Commenting on the Senate confirmation of Michael P. The United States did not agree to any of these requests. Huerta as FAA deputy administrator, Prater observed, “The The two sides did agree to have the Joint Committee (the U.S. airline industry has before it a wide range of opportuni- body established to monitor developments under the ties to enhance safety for all who rely on our nation’s air agreement) undertake an annual review of any new develop- transportation system. We are pleased that this important

8 Air Line Pilot August 2010 position at the FAA has been filled and that another critical an extraordinary level of security in our nation’s air trans- step has been taken in ensuring that the regulator is poised portation system.” to act on these opportunities.” The Senate’s confirmation of Dr. Earl F. Weener and Dr. Huerta headed up his own consulting firm, which advised Mark Rosekind as the newest members of the National clients on transportation policy, technology, and financing. Transportation Safety Board restores the NTSB to five From 1993 to 1998, he served in two senior positions at the members. Prater said, “The pilots of ALPA are pleased that, Department of Transportation during the Clinton admin- with the confirmations of Dr. Earl F. Weener and Dr. Mark istration. He also held senior positions in the cities of San Rosekind by the U.S. Senate, the NTSB stands at its full Francisco and New York. complement of transportation safety professionals.” Prater said, “Mr. Huerta brings to the post in-depth experi- Prater pointed to Dr. Weener’s noteworthy achievements ence in transportation policy. We look forward to working in creating solutions for some of aviation’s most serious together with Mr. Huerta and his colleagues throughout the safety issues, including reducing runway incursions, ad- FAA to swiftly take on pressing issues such as modernizing dressing controlled flight into terrain, and working toward pilot flight- and duty-time regulations and to continue to eliminating factors leading to accidents during approach achieve the highest safety standards for our nation’s airline and landing. passengers, crews, and cargo.” In describing Dr. Rosekind’s professional background The Senate also confirmed John S. Pistole as assistant in pilot fatigue, Prater underscored that his expertise will secretary of the Department of Homeland Security serve the industry well as the Safety Board pursues its long- (Transportation Security Administration). standing goal of modern flight- and duty-time regulations Pistole practiced law for 2 years before beginning his and minimum rest requirements for pilots that are based on career in law enforcement as an FBI special agent in 1983. science. “Transportation worker fatigue has been featured He rose through a variety of positions of increasing responsi- on the NTSB’s Most Wanted List of Transportation Safety bility and sensitivity within the Bureau. Improvements since its inception in 1990,” Prater added. After 9/11, the FBI director appointed Pistole to the coun- “We are eager to work with Dr. Rosekind to address the criti- terterrorism division, first as deputy assistant director for cal issue of pilot fatigue. operations, then as assistant director. Pistole then was ap- “ALPA has supported the extremely important work of the pointed executive assistant director for counterterrorism and NTSB for decades,” Prater concluded. “We look forward to counterintelligence. In October 2004 he was promoted to our continued partnership with the Safety Board now at full deputy director, the No. 2 position in the FBI. He is a recipi- strength, under the leadership of Chairman Deborah A.P. ent of the 2005 Presidential Rank Award for Distinguished Hersman, to pursue the highest possible standard of safety Executive. In 2007, Pistole received the Edward H. Levy for our industry.” Award for Outstanding Professionalism and Exemplary Integrity. deGroh Elected “The U.S. airline industry cannot rest in pursuing ever greater security for airline passengers, crews, and cargo,” IFALPA Vice-Chair Prater declared. “The confirmation of John Pistole to lead Capt. Bill deGroh (American Eagle) was the Transportation Security Administration is a promising elected vice-chairman of Operations by and long-awaited action in creating a full leadership team at IFALPA’s Aircraft Design and Operations the Administration. Committee at its meeting in Berlin in June. “Mr. Pistole’s solid qualifications and extensive back- In addition to his IFALPA responsibilities, ground will position him for success in leading the TSA deGroh holds the positions of the ADO and our country toward what must become a trust-based Group chair in ALPA’s Executive Air Safety aviation security system,” Prater continued. “Such a sys- Committee and vice-chair of the Eagle tem would allow well-vetted passengers to move quickly Central Air Safety Committee. He flies the ERJ-145 and through airport security while focusing greater resources has been active in ADO work both with ALPA and IFALPA on those about whom less is known or whose motivations for many years, including representing ALPA on an FAA are unknown or in doubt. The pilots of ALPA look forward Aviation Rulemaking Committee, and several aircraft to continuing our excellent partnership with the TSA to performance analysis groups. He also heads ALPA’s aircraft ensure that our passengers, crews, and cargo benefit from manufacturer liaison efforts.

August 2010 Air Line Pilot 9 W EIGHINGIN ALPA: The Next Generation

executive councils and local councils? Are they structured By Capt. Paul Rice, ALPA First Vice-President correctly to best serve our members? Although many Recently I read an article in a changes have been made over the last 10 years, it’s time to European pilot union’s magazine see through the eyes of the next generation of leaders and lamenting the fact that few prepare ALPA for its—and our—future. European airlines sponsor (pay What about our financial infrastructure? It must be for) the initial training of their “air changed to be more efficient, more transparent, more user- cadets.” Although this kind of sponsor- friendly, and more supportive of our members. The Special ship existed in the U.S. for a few short Committee for Finance, Structure, and Services—a new ALPA years in the mid-1960s, the primary sup- committee—will carry out that mission. ply of airline pilots in North America came from our armed forces back when I made the deliberate career decision to become an airline pilot. While I didn’t have the opportunity Your ALPA leaders are to train as a military pilot, I am proud to have been a part of keenly aware of the the first generation of pilots who went to college specifically to become an airline pilot. need for change, and But that was nearly 35 years ago. And what did we expect many opportunities for back then? We expected the same career as that of our pre- change exist. In ALPA’s nearly decessors. But as new airline pilots in the late 1970s, we were the generation that began our careers at the dawn of deregu- 80 years of existence, it has evolved. lation. We weren’t ready for it, and neither was our union. And it’s up to all of us to keep it But we survived, emerging stronger and smarter in the end. moving—and in the right direction! We paved the way for all airline pilots in the areas of safety, advocacy, and contract negotiations in the then-new era. Throughout my career, I’ve had the opportunity to work What about other areas of our profession? Pilot training, with many of our pilot members and future union leaders. for instance? How do we continue to set the standard? The I’m proud to say that another strong, engaged generation stakeholders in our industry are well aware that when it of airline pilots has emerged. Together, our two generations comes to airline safety, we are unmatched in our perspec- are ready to make a positive difference for our profession. So tive, knowledge, and expertise—not to mention devotion. how will our union best support our leaders and members? Through our newly formed Professional Development First, we need to involve everyone in the process, and that Group, we have established a gateway to reach future airline means effective communication. Yet our generations com- pilots, and we’ve created an opportunity to get involved municate a little differently! Within ALPA, we’ve established with university training programs. Should we seize the op- several social media tools in addition to more-traditional portunity and get involved by working with pilot training means to keep our members up-to-date. And it’s working. universities, government regulators, and the International Feedback from our members indicates our efforts have been Civil Aviation Organization? Yes, we must, at every level, if well-received. However, that’s the easy part. we are to reshape our profession into something we can all The next step will be more difficult. It involves looking be proud of. inward…at our union’s organizational and financial infra­ Your ALPA leaders are keenly aware of the need for structure and determining how we prepare ALPA for the change, and many opportunities for change exist. In ALPA’s future. Some might suggest that by exposing any weaknesses nearly 80 years of existence, it has evolved. And it’s up to ALPA’s structure might have, we’re making our union all of us to keep it moving—and in the right direction! We vulnerable—but they’re wrong. We’re doing what must be know we need to break down the barriers within our union. done—we’re evolving. To do so, we need to improve and increase our information The Special Representational Structure Review Committee exchange with each other, with other unions, and with is tasked with addressing the need to look at ALPA’s current regulators—both domestically and internationally. By doing organizational structure. With industry consolidation a so, we will create a better union. A union that is more re- reality, do our various governing bodies still work? Should sponsive to our members, our profession, our industry, and the Executive Council be modified? What about master most importantly, our next generation of airline pilots.

10 Air Line Pilot August 2010 PILOTCOMMENTARY Be Prepared

However, I like to think that I learned picketing line every chance I could By Capt. Sam Hatchwell from this experience. and worked in our Ft. Lauderdale strike Spirit Local Council 109 Secretary- When the National Mediation center to make sure that I was doing my Treasurer and MEC Grievance Committee Co-chair Board released the Spirit pilots and part. I put my finances in order so that I management into a 30-day cooing-off could endure a lengthy work stoppage, It’s difficult to period in May, I didn’t blink an eye. if one became necessary. I prepared refute the need As a local council officer for my pilot myself mentally and also talked to my to be prepared to group, I knew that the Spirit Master wife about what could happen if we meet life’s chal- Executive Council was in regular con- declared a strike so that she could be lenges. In fact, tact with ALPA’s president, Capt. John ready. As a father and husband, as a preparation is often Prater, and the Association’s Strategic pilot of Spirit Airlines, and as an ALPA the key to success. Preparedness and Strike Committee. member, I completed my checklist. During my years These resources were invaluable as they We have yet to ratify our tentative as an ALPA member, I have flown for two airlines and have endured a strike at each—most recently the 5-day work I have flown for two airlines stoppage at Spirit. That’s something and have endured a strike I’m proud of, but not some­thing that at each—most recently the I wish to repeat for a third time. For those of you who have not had to 5-day work stoppage at Spirit…. experience a strike, count your bless-­ This second time around, I also ings. They are difficult, stressful situations that should not be taken did my homework…. As a father lightly. When you read statements and husband, as a pilot of Spirit in your ALPA communications from pilot leaders who say that our goal Airlines, and as an ALPA member, regarding collec­tive bargaining is a I completed my checklist. negotiated settlement,­ take my advice and believe them. In early 1997, I was an Air Alliance helped us ramp up our infrastructure agreement, but I’m confident that we pilot, flying as part of the Air Canada and prepare for all possible scenarios. will. Our pilot leaders are conducting Jazz network, and my pilot group was I knew that the Spirit pilot leaders road shows to explain the details of on strike. I toed the line like my fellow were keeping us informed about the the deal so that our members can members, and together we met this status of negotiations and what to make an educated decision…just as challenge by standing up for what we expect if we were compelled to strike. we planned. knew was right and by supporting each I also knew that we were working to The Boy Scout motto, “Be Prepared,” other. In my mind, that is what being solicit the support of other pilot groups is one that we should all take to heart. part of a union is all about. to send a message to management that ALPA conducts strategic planning Although our strike was a success, I Spirit pilots were fighting a just cause at the Board of Directors level, and wasn’t prepared for it; I wasn’t person- and that others were ready to back us individual pilot groups prepare plans ally ready. I had read the material ALPA up. And, sure enough, when June 12 to support their collective bargaining circulated and had talked with my rolled around, we were joined on the efforts so that all contingencies are local council officers, but the messages picket line by a cross-section of ALPA considered. The rest is up to us. hadn’t sunk in. I didn’t think about members, wishing us well and lending I want to thank everyone who what our pilot group needed to do to their time and energy to make our supported us throughout our entire sustain this kind of effort. I didn’t ready campaign a success. negotiations process, including those myself in the way that we, as pilots, This second time around, I also did 5 critical days in June, and I want you prepare for the potentially difficult my homework. Before the strike was to know now that, if the need arises situations we can face in the cockpit. declared, I walked the informational again, I plan to return the favor.

August 2010 Air Line Pilot 11 AirTran Pilots Approach End of the Line

On July 1, AirTran Master Executive Council officers and mational picketing in Milwaukee, Wisc., to deliver their ALPA staff met with the National Mediation Board (NMB) demands to company shareholders. AirTran management to share their views of negotiations and to offer a roadmap did not allow ALPA’s president, Capt. John Prater, into the for bringing closure to more than 5 years of contract talks. meeting, so instead he delivered the pilots’ message to the After the meeting, the NMB encouraged the Association and public through televised interviews outside the meeting. management to meet outside of mediation in an effort to narrow the list of open contract items. The NMB indicated that it would decide the next steps after examining the Adamus to Co-chair CARAC results of those sessions. Fatigue Management ALPA had proposed conducting marathon negotiating ses- Working Group sions with the goal of providing an environment conducive to productive talks, allowing the parties to find common Efforts to reform and update Canadian flight- and duty-time ground on the most difficult issues remaining, including limits and minimum rest requirements took a step forward scope, scheduling, retirement, insurance, and compensation. in late June with the first meeting of the Canadian Aviation “We have said all along that we want a deal that is good Regulation Advisory Council (CARAC) Technical Committee for our pilots and good for the company,” said F/O Linden in Ottawa to establish terms of reference for the Fatigue Hillman, the pilot’s MEC chairman. “These items are not Management Working Group and to select the members of mutually exclusive, and we believe that our pilots need to be the Working Group. treated as an asset and ally in the success of our company.” Capt. Dan Adamus (Jazz), president of ALPA’s Canada While the MEC pursues more time to talk with manage- Board, was nominated by the Technical ment, it is also ramping up its Strategic Preparedness and Committee’s executive chairman, Don Strike Committee (SPSC) activities. Efforts are under way Sherritt of Transport Canada, to serve as to secure space for a strike center near the airport. “We’ve the co-chair of the Working Group. The learned a lot from visiting the Spirit pilots’ strike center other co-chair will be Transport Canada’s and from spending time with our brothers at Jazz. We plan Jacqueline Booth. The Technical Committee on applying what we’ve learned back in Atlanta,” said F/O confirmed both nominations. Daren Black, the pilot group’s SPSC chairman. “We want our Capt. Adamus Capt. Martin Gauthier (Air Transat), strike center to be a hub from which we can coordinate our chairman of the ALPA Flight Time/Duty members, events, and news media outreach.” Time (FT/DT) Committee for Canada, will be ALPA’s mem- Family Awareness events are also planned, including a ber on the Working Group. The Association will be allowed family night at an upcoming Atlanta Braves game. two technical advisors—Capt. Percy Wadia (Jazz), his Master “We’re rapidly approaching the end of the line,” said Hill­ Executive Council’s FT/DT chairman, and legal and govern- man. “Our pilots demonstrated their unity with almost 98 per­- ment affairs representative Al Ogilvie. cent of them authorizing a strike. Now it’s time to close the deal. Other ALPA representatives who attended the June 28–30 Only by standing firm will we be successful at attaining our meeting included Wadia; Capt. Bob Perkins (Jazz), a member goals and making AirTran an airline that we can be proud of.” of his pilot group’s Airport Standards Committee; senior staff Earlier this summer, AirTran pilots conducted infor- engineer Real Levasseur; and Ogilvie.

12 Air Line Pilot August 2010 Atlantic Southeast Recalls All Furloughed Pilots Heads Up! Data The first and only pilot furlough in the 31-year history Verification Required of Atlantic Southeast Airlines has come to an end. All furloughed Atlantic Southeast pilots have received recall As of July 7, when you log on to the members-only notices to return to work. site of www.alpa.org, you will first be prompted to verify Because of the declining economy, Atlantic Southeast opt- your contact information, classification, seat position, ed to furlough 136 pilots in 2009. With assigned block hours and local council assignment. All you need to do is from Delta increasing, additional pilots are now needed. either confirm or update your information using a Capt. David Nieuwenhuis, the pilot group’s Master simple process that takes only seconds to complete. Executive Council chairman, said, “We’ve been working This will help keep ALPA’s records up-to-date. toward and hoping for this positive news for months. Speaking on behalf of all the Atlantic Southeast pilots cur- rently on the line, we are glad to have our coworkers and “I’m pleased to see Pinnacle pursue additional opportuni- friends back on the job.” ties to grow the airline and augment its ability to compete in a tough economic environment,” said Capt. Scott Erickson, the Pinnacle pilots’ Master Executive Council chairman. ALPA Commends “With the addition of Mesaba to the Pinnacle-Colgan fam- Administration’s Intent ily, I’m hopeful Pinnacle management will move swiftly to To Nominate Woerth as resolve pilot labor issues and streamline the workforce to maximize our competitive edge. We are committed to work- Ambassador to ICAO ing together to ensure positive results for employees of all “ALPA applauds the administration’s intent three airlines and the shareholders.” to nominate Capt. Duane E. Woerth as the Pinnacle, which flies as Delta Connection, purchased U.S. ambassador to the International Civil Colgan Air in 2007. Colgan Air operates as Continental Aviation Organization [ICAO],” said ALPA’s Connection, United Express, and US Airways Express. president, Capt. John Prater, following Presi­ Mesaba had been a wholly owned subsidiary of Delta Air dent Barack Obama’s announcement of his Lines, Inc., and flew as Delta Connection. intent to nominate Woerth to the position. “Mesaba pilots have a long history of working closely “Capt. Woerth brings to this important post a deep under- with Pinnacle pilots on a number of issues we share as standing of the global airline industry, garnered through his Delta Connection partners,” said Capt. Mark Nagel, the experience as an airline pilot, international union president, Mesaba pilot group’s MEC chairman. “As our two airlines expert representative on government and industry advisory carry out this joint venture, we are confident that our con- committees, and member of airline boards of directors. tinued coordination will result in a positive outcome for “The airlines in the United States and Canada operate in our pilot groups.” a global air transportation system. While North America has “Ever since Pinnacle purchased our airline and Colgan maintained an extremely high standard of aviation safety pilots joined ALPA, our two pilot groups have built a strong and security, the airline passengers, crews, and cargo on this relationship,” said Capt. Mark Segaloff, the Colgan pilots’ continent are engaged more than ever with air transportation MEC chairman. “We look forward to a similar relationship operations around the globe. As a result, the efforts of ICAO with Mesaba pilots as we all work to achieve our mutual to enhance aviation safety and security the world over and to goals for our pilots and our airlines.” address issues such as environmental protection through the “ALPA’s 53,000 members will continue to support the international community could not be more vital. Pinnacle, Mesaba, and Colgan pilots as this transaction “The pilots of ALPA stand ready to continue to contribute progresses,” said Capt. John Prater, ALPA’s president. “The to ICAO’s indispensible work. We hold complete confidence decades of experience and vast resources of ALPA will sup- that Capt. Woerth will provide the outstanding leadership port our members as they work with their management necessary to promote the very highest standards in air teams to protect and enhance their careers.” transportation here in the United States and around the globe. We urge the U.S. Senate to swiftly hold a hearing and confirm Capt. Woerth as ambassador to ICAO.” Trans States and Compass Pilot Leaders Respond to Pilot Leaders Optimistic Announced Sale About Pinnacle Purchase Trans States and Compass pilot leaders in early July ad- dressed Trans States Holdings’ purchase of Compass Airlines. Of Mesaba “The announced acquisition of Compass Airlines by Trans In early July, pilot leaders at Pinnacle, Mesaba, and Colgan States Holdings (TSH) comes as little surprise to a segment responded to the announcement of Pinnacle Airline Corpor­ of the industry that was likely to begin consolidating as its ation’s purchase of Mesaba Airlines for $62 million. network partners continue to do the same,” said Capt. Jason

August 2010 Air Line Pilot 13 “The Trans States and Compass pilots have at their dispos- al the far-reaching resources of their 53,000-member-strong international union behind them,” said ALPA’s president, Capt. John Prater. “We will continue to support them as they work their way through the integration process to improve and enhance our members’ careers and job security.”

ALPA Members Participate In AFL-CIO ‘Next Up’ Ruszin, the Trans States pilots’ Master Executive Council Young Workers Summit chairman. “While TSH plans to operate Compass Airlines as a separate, wholly owned airline, we remain optimistic F/O John Schumacher, ALPA’s Membership Committee that the addition of Compass under the TSH umbrella not chair, and Capt. Mark Segaloff, the Colgan pilots’ Master only will prove to be a benefit to the bottom line of THS, but Executive Council chairman, recently took part in the will also provide greater economic and job security benefits first-ever AFL-CIO “Next Up” Young Workers Summit in equally to all Compass and Trans States pilots.” Washington, D.C. This conference brought together TSH is acquiring Compass Airlines for $20.5 million. AFL-CIO union leaders, primarily in the 18-to-35-year-old Compass flies under the Delta Connection banner and, until age range, for a chance to share common issues. being purchased by TSH, was a wholly owned subsidiary of The Spirit Airlines pilots’ then-potential strike took center Delta Air Lines, Inc. stage at one point in the conference, capturing the atten- “I remain cautiously optimistic about the news, as there tion of the conference delegates and the AFL-CIO national are still many questions that need to be answered,” said Capt. officers. ALPA’s AFL-CIO brothers and sisters gave a roaring Vince Barnhart, the Compass pilot group’s MEC chairman. ovation to support the Spirit pilots’ fight. “Regardless, I look forward to working with our fellow ALPA Delegates of the National Air Traffic Controllers brothers and sisters at Trans States as we move forward.” Association (NATCA), the Association of Flight Attendants

Continental and United Express Pilots Plot New Course

Pilot leaders from United Express and Continental Express beginning stages of the United/Continental merger. We have airlines, including Atlantic Southeast, Colgan, CommutAir, a singular opportunity, if we can speak with one voice and ExpressJet, Mesa, and Trans States, met recently in Houston, unity of purpose, to influence how management and ALPA- Tex., as part of a new joint standing committee to discuss represented pilot groups will work in the new system. We and develop plans in the event that the proposed merger of see this as the potential to significantly advance the airline Continental and United takes place. The pilots focused on piloting profession, bring much-needed stability to airline developing strategies to reshape the fee-for-departure system jobs, and open up an expanded range of career options for for both airlines’ networks and on helping to bring about posi- pilots, throughout all levels of the mainline and regional airline tive change for both regional and mainline pilots. networks.” Among the topics the group discussed were coordinating safety and training initiatives (ASAP, FOQA, and AQP) and enhancing pilot career options across airlines and networks. The pilots developed work groups to explore specified topics, develop solutions, and report back to the joint standing committee at future meetings. After the meeting, members of the committee commented: “We are at an extraordinary crossroads for the future of fee-for-departure airlines.

While we learned from watching STAFF ALPA the developments in the airline Pilot leaders from United Express and Continental Express airlines, network that occurred after the Delta/ including Atlantic Southeast, Colgan, CommutAir, ExpressJet, Mesa, and Northwest merger, we are still at the Trans States, meet in Houston, Tex.

14 Air Line Pilot August 2010

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

2005 Capt. Frank J. Mihalic United April F/O Christopher A. Hammer US Airways March S/O Norman H. Nordlund TWA April Capt. Leslie C. Raatz North Central April 2008 Capt. H.J. Renker Delta April Capt. Arthur H. Lindstrom, Jr. United August Capt. Lyle T. Shelton TWA April Capt. John F. Stephens American Eagle April 2009 Capt. Douglas H. Waddell Northwest April Capt. Richard R. Reilly Eastern September Capt. Burleigh B. Wood United April Capt. E.E. Stendahl Northwest October Capt. John T. Barrett, Jr. Northwest May Capt. R.A. Boutilier Eastern December Capt. Louis M. Belisle Eastern May Capt. Frederick M. Buesser FedEx May 2010 S/O Donald T. Dorman TWA May Capt. D. Max Diehl Eastern January Capt. P.C. Gallagher US Airways May S/O Charles W. Moore United January Capt. Robert P. Gauss Eastern May Capt. Philip G. Karafilis, Jr. TWA February Capt. Paul W. Gilliland, Jr. Delta May Capt. John R. Ladd United February Capt. E.R. “Ed” Grimm United May S/O R.A. Zopfi Flying Tigers February F/O Jack E. Harden Delta May Capt. William C. Chamberlin, Jr. TWA March F/O Paul J. Hendrickson United May Capt. R.J. Hayes, Jr. Eastern March Capt. James E. Klein Transamerica May Capt. Michael A. Minsch MarkAir March Capt. William P. McDonald Braniff May F/E Richard D. Dahse ATA April Capt. James M. McNulty Continental May Capt. C.W. Davenport Alaska April Capt. J.A. Murphy, Jr. Pan American May Capt. N.L. Edwards Eastern April F/O David H. Richmond FedEx May Capt. Donald S. Evans TWA April Capt. Edwin L. Shaw, Jr. Eastern May Capt. F.H. Evans, Jr. Eastern April S/O Frank A. Smith TWA May Capt. Leroy W. “Shag” Fetterman Delta April Capt. J.J. Stumpf Delta May S/O Frederick R. Gentry TWA April Capt. C.W. Tinsley, Jr. Eastern May Capt. Joseph Wade Grant TWA April S/O Kenneth C. Waring TWA May Capt. A.R. Hall, Jr. Frontier April Capt. Russell C. Younce TWA May Capt. James L. Harmon Delta April Capt. Hulcy L. “Lynn” Delorme, Jr. Pinnacle June Capt. H.L. Harrell Delta April Capt. Hank E. Kiley, Jr. Delta June Capt. R.B. Hyde, Jr. Eastern April F/O James B. Jones, Jr. Braniff April Compiled from information provided by ALPA’s Membership Capt. H.A. McGregor Airlift April and Council Services Department

(AFA), and the Transport Workers Union (TWU) also attend- sized that non-motion devices have their role, but that they ed the conference, which gave the ALPA reps an opportunity cannot replace motion devices when it comes to helping to strengthen the union’s working relationship with these pilots achieve proficiency in high-level aeronautical tasks. other unions. Hogeman called on airlines to maximize the use of line- oriented flight training and the highest-fidelity motion ALPA Touts Pilot simulators for training on recovery from unusual attitudes and airplane upsets. Professionalism, Need for Highest-Fidelity Simulator U.S. and EC Agree on Training Civil Aviation R&D Capt. Rory Kay (United), ALPA’s Executive Air Safety The FAA and the European Commission have concluded Chairman, led a contingent of pilots and Engineering talks “for the establishment of a memorandum of coopera- and Air Safety Department staff to the 2010 U.S./Europe tion in civil aviation research and development,” specifi- International Aviation Safety Conference, which was held cally addressing the modernization of their respective recently in New Orleans, La. air traffic management (ATM) systems. The agreement The 3-day Conference, whose theme was “Global Safety will enable both parties “to jointly pursue their common Management: Evolving a Common Culture,” drew hundreds objective to develop and deploy greener and more efficient of industry, government, and labor attendees from around air transport systems through a legally binding coopera- the globe. Kay challenged the recent singular focus of some tion framework, based on commonly agreed reciprocity government and industry representatives on pilot profes- principles.” sionalism and cockpit discipline, noting that these are prin- In a statement issued by the EC, the memorandum ciples that pilots put into practice every day. He emphasized “will be able to address through cooperative activities any the importance of a professional corporate environment, research and development issues in civil aviation such as pointing out that the commitment to professionalism must safety, security, environment, performance, alternative start at the top. Kay urged airlines to adopt a strong code of fuels, aircraft design, unmanned aircraft systems, suborbital ethics commensurate with ALPA’s Code of Ethics, which was airplanes, satellite-based communications, and related ATM adopted in 1956. applications.” Through this agreement, “the EU and the U.S. Capt. Chuck Hogeman (United), chairman of ALPA’s will coordinate their technical efforts in support of global Human Factors/Training Group, addressed the Conference standardization of ATM systems through the International about the use of simulation for flight training. He empha- Civil Aviation Organization.”

August 2010 Air Line Pilot 15 By Molly Martin Contributing Writer ALPA PUBLIC RELATIONS STAFF PUBLIC RELATIONS PHOTOS B Y ALPA

16 Air Line Pilot August 2010 une 12, 2010, 5:01 a.m.: Dawn breaks. After twice extending the strike deadline, manage- ment’s final-hour offer attempts to pit the Spirit J pilot group against itself and that’s the last straw. Following 4 years of fruitless negotiations, Spirit pilots make their stand, calling for a lawful strike that would span 5 days. What follows is the chain of events that convinced a recalci- trant management to change its tune.

Solidarity Spirit pilots, no longer flying the line, reported for strike duty, taking up posts on the picket line, in the call center, or at computers, tracking down their fellow pilots to spread the news and operating procedures. Strike centers buzzed with activity in prepara- tion for daily demon- strations, news media interviews, and constant Pilot-to-Pilot® communi- cations that permeated the 450-strong Spirit pilot com- munity to the core and transcended pilot group lines throughout ALPA and across the industry. F/O Mark Bailey, DTW strike center coordinator, recognized the untold number of pilots nationwide, both union and non-union, who made it clear to their managements that they would honor Spirit’s picket lines and not fly struck work. “There were a lot of guys we never met who were not ALPA members, who may not have had any union representa- tion at all, who stood behind us,” Bailey said. “They weren’t carrying a picket sign, but they Main photo: Spirit pilots on were there, too.” the picket line at Atlantic City From the sultry streets and sidewalks of Fort Lauderdale International Airport on the and Atlantic City to a fenced-in area quickly dubbed the first day of the strike. Above: “Dog Pen” in Detroit, hundreds walked picket lines that F/O Carlos Cueto, DTW pilot snaked beside busy roadways and empty Spirit gates. rep, is interviewed by the Numbers grew exponentially as the strike progressed, as press. Top: Spirit aircraft sit Spirit pilots and their families, other ALPA pilots, flight parked during the strike. attendants, and various workers from the labor movement braved the heat to send managements around the nation a

August 2010 Air Line Pilot 17 uring the strike, not one ALPA- represented pilot at Spirit crossed D the picket line to fly.

Above: Saturday night, Day 1—Spirit pilots and supporters gather in Detroit as the strike begins to show their solidarity. Below: A huge group of picketers in Fort Lauderdale on Day 3 of the strike. Right: Pilots in Florida get briefed at the end of the strike.

there’s an ALPA national agenda influencing these negotia- tions?” By Day 4 of the Spirit strike, management decided to furlough its flight attendants, an action that somewhat back- clear message: this is our stand, and we will not fall. In fact, fired as they showed up at the Spirit picket lines in droves to during the Spirit strike, not one ALPA-represented pilot at Spirit support the pilots’ determination to Visit www.alpa.org/spiritstrike crossed the picket line to fly. And aside from a single charter secure a fair and equitable contract. for complete strike coverage flight, management was unable to convince any other air- and to view pictures and videos line to do any flying for Spirit during the strike. Success and read day-by-day strike On June 15, at the request of the stories and letters of support. Scare tactics National Mediation Board, the par- Faced with such staunch industrywide solidarity, Spirit ties headed back to the negotiating table in Fort Lauderdale management resorted to typical scare tactics in a failed at- and reached a tentative agreement just one day later. “We’re tempt to divide and conquer. Attempting to sway the pilots’ pleased to have a tentative agreement that acknowledges the resolve, President and CEO Ben Baldanza sent a series of sacrifices that each of us has made to ensure the success of e-mails throughout the strike. The first message detailed Spirit Airlines,” said Capt. Sean Creed, the Spirit pilots’ Master management’s version of the last-ditch-effort proposed Executive Council chairman. “This agreement provides contract, peppered with phrases to instill doubt, such as “IS increases in pay and retirement benefits, protects our work YOUR CAREER BEING SACRIFICED FOR THE BENEFIT OF rules, and ensures our job security at Spirit. After 5 days on the LARGER ALPA CARRIERS?” and “Do not be bullied by picket line, this agreement also gets this pilot group and this a national agenda to help AirTran, Jazz, Pinnacle, airline back where it belongs—in the air.” Trans States, Continental/United, and others.” As this issue of Air Line Pilot goes to press, Spirit MEC lead- (Emphasis as shown in the original message.) ers are still preparing their pilots for a major decision. This When that didn’t work, Baldanza sent a “Message from time, it’s by holding road shows in domiciles throughout Ben,” with answers to a series of invented “frequently asked their network so that every Spirit pilot can cast an educated questions,” one of which included “Why do you think vote on the contract ratification ballot.

18 Air Line Pilot August 2010 Unity and Perseverance Help Jazz Pilots Achieve Their Goals By Lynn Konwin, ALPA Senior Communications Specialist

n July 9, after almost 2 years of planning and The pilots were working under a collective bargaining coordination between the Jazz Master Executive agreement that had an expiry date of June 30, 2009. They Council and the Negotiating Committee, the were seeking what they called a “career contract” that would O pilots ratified a new collective bargaining agree- provide stability and recognize their contributions of more ment. Of the eligible pilots, 90 percent voted. Of those, 86 than a decade to the success of the airline. percent voted in favor of ratifying the agreement, which has The new agreement reflects the hard work and endur- an expiry date of June 30, 2015. ing solidarity of the Jazz pilot group. During 2000–2001, “Jazz pilots have spoken with a unified voice, and we expect management to deal responsibly and expeditiously “The support of our with the implementation of the new agreement,” said Capt. Brian Shury, the pilots’ MEC chairman. pilot volunteers, Jazz negotiators sought and achieved a contract that the pilots and reflects improvements in critical areas. “I applaud all Jazz pilots for giving the Negotiating Committee the support and their families, power to do what we needed to do at the bargaining table,” and the resources said Capt. Paul Peace, the pilots’ Negotiating Committee chairman. “With their help, we were able to make enormous of ALPA were gains in the contract, including major improvements in critical components in pension, benefits expenses, per diem, and pay rates.” “We essentially rewrote all 28 sections of our agreement reaching our contract goals in to reflect our new reality as [pilots of] a large, growing, and this round of bargaining.” diverse airline—at the same time providing enough flexibili- ty for the airline to grow and meet the contract expectations —Capt. Brian Shury, Jazz of our very diverse, experienced, and talented plot group,” MEC chairman said Shury. Details of the new agreement were presented to the Jazz the merger of four regional airlines—AirBC, Air Nova, Air pilots in five separate road shows across Canada, including Ontario, and Canadian Regional—resulted in the forma- Vancouver, Calgary, Toronto, Montreal, and Halifax. tion of Air Canada Regional. The consolidation process was The pilots’ Negotiating Committee undertook more than completed in 2002, and the airline became Air Canada Jazz. 13 months of intense discussions at the bargaining table The pilots’ solidarity continues to play an important role in while having the backing of Pilot to Pilot® volunteers, who their success. “We learned during the restructuring process executed an effective communications campaign under of 2003–2004 that working together as a unified group puts the direction of the Jazz Strategic Preparedness and Strike us in the strongest possible position to achieve the outcome Committee (SPSC). “It is the first time that our MEC used the we all seek—a viable, profitable, and sustainable airline that full resources of the Jazz SPSC, and we were impressed with recognizes the pilots’ contributions,” Shury said. the results,” said Shury. “The support of our pilot volunteers, Reaching the agreement, however, was made more dif- the pilots and their families, and the resources of ALPA were ficult when the federal government inserted itself in the critical components in reaching our contract goals in this negotiations, raising the threat of back-to-work legislation round of bargaining.” in the event of a lawful strike. “In the face of a govern- Jazz pilots received a $5 million Major Contingency ment that effectively tried to limit our ability to bargain Fund grant in May 2009 that provided the resources to freely, we regained control of the process and demon- set up an effective SPSC from which their P2P initiatives strated our commitment to a free collective bargaining evolved to create a support network at all five Jazz pilot process and achieving a fair agreement for our members,” bases across Canada. noted Shury.

August 2010 Air Line Pilot 19 PS, the U.S. Department of applications, because it will involve NPRM to final rule Defense global positioning onboard ADS-B equipment receiving In October 2007, the FAA issued a system, has revolution- data from ground stations and other notice of proposed rulemaking (NPRM) Gized navigation, both on equipped aircraft. setting forth the agency’s plans for and above Earth’s surface. And soon— When cockpits are properly ADS-B Out standards and a schedule though perhaps not soon enough— equipped with ADS-B, pilots and for implementation and mandated use. GPS will also revolutionize aircraft controllers will, for the very first time, ALPA representatives partici- surveillance and air traffic manage- see the same real-time displays of air pated in an FAA Aviation Rulemaking ment. An FAA final rule issued in May traffic, thus substantially increasing Committee (ARC) that developed rec- sets the stage for this vital upgrade to flight crews’ situational awareness of ommendations submitted to the agency the U.S. air transportation system. ALPA has long been a proponent of upgrading the nation’s air transporta- tion system in order to increase safety, One Step Closer to efficiency, and capacity.

Secondary surveillance radar The current system of air traffic surveil- lance relies on a combination of pri- mary and secondary surveillance radar (SSR). Primary radar, invented during World War II, relies on electronic radiation emitted by a radar antenna and reflected back to the antenna from the aircraft’s metal skin. SSR requires a transponder on the aircraft to respond ADS-B to an interrogating signal from the SSR ground equipment, which is collocated ALPA’s input preserved important safety protections with the primary radar. Neither primary radar nor SSR in the FAA’s new rule mandating standards and schedule has the accuracy, reliability, or other for the next-generation ATC surveillance system attributes needed to support current By Jan W. Steenblik, Technical Editor aircraft capabilities, much less the air transportation system of the future. Moreover, because radar relies on traffic and enabling air traffic control- to use in creating the final rule, which line-of-sight transmissions to and from lers to provide more precise spacing requires aircraft flying in certain airspace ground-based antennae, vast regions of aircraft. The ADS-B In applica- to broadcast their position via ADS-B. of oceanic, polar, and desert airspace tions envisioned for airline cockpits The rule also mandates that the broad- offer no ATC surveillance coverage at include enhanced visual acquisition, cast signal meet specific requirements all. Even in domestic airspace, moun- enhanced visual approaches, final regarding accuracy, integrity, power, tainous terrain often means no radar approach and runway occupancy and latency (i.e., time elapsed between coverage at lower altitudes. awareness, and airport surface situ- calculating and broadcasting position).

ADS-B Automatic dependent surveillance- broadcast (ADS-B) is the answer to radar’s intrinsic shortcomings. A “cornerstone” technology for the Next Generation Air Transportation System (NextGen), ADS-B transmits GPS-derived position and other important flight information to ATC ground receivers, which then transmit that information to air traffic controller radar screens; this function is ational awareness. Improved accuracy The ground equipment to support called ADS-B Out. of aircraft position information and ADS-B Out must be in place by the In the future, aircraft equipped with increased situational awareness will end of 2013; the appropriate equip- what is referred to as ADS-B In will be lead to increased airspace and airport ment on aircraft, and use mandated, able to receive this same information efficiency, reduced fuel burn and by Jan. 1, 2020. That’s not as soon and provide it on cockpit displays. emissions, and greater operational as ALPA would like—the Association ADS-B In offers a host of potential flexibility. called for setting that deadline 5 years

20 Air Line Pilot August 2010 earlier—but it does set a date certain airspace, as ALPA urged, and in Class B adequately replace TCAS as a stand- for this important change to occur. and C airspace, which is where ALPA alone, independent collision avoidance The final rule makes the U.S. the members would obtain most of the system. ‘Conflict detection’ is a very only nation to permit dual-link (and advantages of ADS-B In. rudimentary ADS-B application that dual-equipage) ADS-B. General avia- Responding to the ADS-B Out NPRM, would serve the same function as tion interests prevailed in their desire general aviation interests also argued today’s ATC traffic advisories—i.e., to have the final rule written so as to that, with the advent of ADS-B and a ‘based on what I know now, this traffic permit GA pilots to meet the ADS-B requirement for aircraft owners and could present a conflict’—but it won’t Out requirements by equipping with operators to equip aircraft with ADS-B give you an RA [resolution advisory] or a universal access transceiver (UAT), Out transmitters, the FAA should drop otherwise resolve your conflict.”

ALPA, Industry to One Step Closer to Develop Recommended Standards for ADS-B In

A new FAA Aviation Rulemaking Opening the kickoff meeting, FAA Committee (ARC) chartered to Administrator Randy Babbitt lauded the develop recommended standards expertise of the participants returning for ADS-B In met for the first time at from the ADS-B Out ARC that developed FAA headquarters in Washington, recommendations that the agency con- D.C., on July 1. Capt. Tim Flaherty sidered in writing its final rule on ADS-B (Delta), chairman of ALPA’s Air Traffic Out. Babbitt, a former Eastern Airlines ADS-B Services Group, is the Associa­tion’s captain and past ALPA president, char- representative to this important acterized ADS-B In as “game-changing” ALPA’s input preserved important safety protections group of aviation stakeholders. He technology that the United States needs is supported by ALPA staff engineer to implement. in the FAA’s new rule mandating standards and schedule Mark Reed and other resources in The ADS-B In ARC is scheduled to for the next-generation ATC surveillance system the Association’s Engineering and Air meet 2 days each month for the next 2 Safety Department. years.—JWS By Jan W. Steenblik, Technical Editor

which uses 978 MHz, versus the more Capt. Paul Nelson (Comair), ALPA’s expensive but more capable 1090ES 2018 ESTIMATES ADS-B Project Team leader, offers a very broadcast link, which operates on the personal line pilot perspective on the Reduce 1090 MHz frequency. (The two systems Delays importance of preserving TCAS: “TCAS cannot talk to each other, so the 21% has saved my life. We were in the soup ground-based part of the system will and missed an altitude assignment. The have to “translate” and relay informa- controller wanted us to descend and tion on the appropriate frequency to Reduce Reduce maintain FL290; the first officer and I CO2 Emissions Fuel Use each type of ADS-B avionics.) The final 14M Tons 1.8M Gallons thought he said FL250. We got the RA Cumulative Cumulative rule declares that airlines will have and followed it. A few months later, I to equip with 1090ES, which will be got a call from [an] FAA [representative] required to demonstrate navigational about the altitude bust. He said the accuracy performance (the “hockey radar data showed we came within 400 puck” of airspace that can be said to CHART FAA feet of the other airplane.” contain the aircraft) with a radius of the requirement for Mode A/C or S ALPA is working with government 0.05 nautical miles, or about 300 feet. transponders in specified airspace. and industry, through RTCA Special “The problem with that is, TCAS Committee 147, to develop standards for Protecting Class A doesn’t see ADS-B, so we opposed that a next-generation collision avoidance airspace and TCAS proposal,” explains Capt. Tim Flaherty system—i.e., one that will incorporate The NPRM proposed requiring 1090ES (Delta), chairman of ALPA’s Air Traffic Mode S and the much more accurate ADS-B equipment above FL240, which Services Group, “and we prevailed. The ADS-B position signal. Flaherty notes, is the floor for requiring DME. ALPA, final rule continues the requirement “Developing the logic is the big issue.” however, made the case for protecting for transponders and TCAS. Meanwhile, TCAS is very much alive all Class A airspace by setting the floor “We fought long and hard for TCAS, —and helping to keep tens of thou- for 1090ES ADS-B at FL180. The final and no ADS-B applications—even sands of flightcrew members and their rule requires ADS-B Out in all Class A those on the drawing board—would millions of passengers that way.

August 2010 Air Line Pilot 21 Dunlop II Makes Recommendations By Seth Rosen, Director of ALPA’s International Pilot Services Corporation

n the January/February issue of Air Line Pilot, I re- On a broader scale, The Economic Impact of Civil Aviation on ported that on Sept. 11, 2009, the National Media- the U.S. Economy, an FAA 2009 report, estimated that the tion Board (NMB) created a joint airline and railroad industry was responsible for 12 million jobs and $1.3 trillion industry committee to review the overall performance in economic activity. and effectiveness of the agency in delivering media- At the same time, the economic shocks of the past decade tion services and to make recommendations to im- have significantly affected employees and employment Iprove the delivery of this “core function.” On April 16, 2010, levels. During the last decade, more than 170,000 airline em- Dunlop II transmitted its final report to the NMB. What ployees lost their jobs while many others suffered substantial follows is a summary of that report. reductions in wages, working conditions, benefits, and job The Committee (known as Dunlop II) was comprised security. Contracts negotiated during the last decade are now of Robert DeLucia from the Airline Industrial Relations being renegotiated with many already in mediation. Conference; Kenneth Gradia from the National Carriers’ The Committee concluded that the Board needs to Conference Committee; Joel Parker from the Transportation maintain a delicate balance between attempting to prevent Communications Union/IAM; and me. Joshua Javits, a for- or minimize disruptions of service and helping to promptly mer NMB member and currently an arbitrator and mediator, settle negotiations. was appointed facilitator. The first thing Dunlop II did was to reach out to industry Delivery of mediation services users of the NMB’s services to understand their concerns Dunlop II concluded that the NMB should make every and perspectives across a broad spectrum. The Committee effort to ensure that its mediation services are designed and solicited the views of labor and management representatives, used to foster stable labor relations and promote timely, independent observers and experts working in these indus- peaceful, and effective resolutions of negotiations. We tries, and Board members and senior staff. Bruce York, direc- focused on improvements that would not require changes tor of ALPA’s Representation Department, and Arthur Luby, to the Railway Labor Act (RLA), that the Board could effec- assistant director, were among those who spent substantial tively implement, and that would have broad support from time with the Committee sharing the Association’s views the stakeholders. and suggestions. The last decade was marked by very difficult rounds of negotiations in both the airline and railway industries. The industry and the economy Many stakeholders expressed concern and frustration with The effect that the airline industry has on the U.S. economy the Board’s delivery of mediation services. The overarching can’t be overstated. In 2008, the airline industry moved criticism voiced to the Committee was that the mediation 741 million passengers (more than 2 million per day), process—in too many cases—is insufficiently focused, coor- transported 18 million tons of cargo, operated more than dinated, and managed. In some instances, these shortcom- 11 million flights, and generated $185 billion in revenues. ings start with the parties’ actions or inactions.

22 Air Line Pilot August 2010 Specifically, the greatest criticism was the lack of real and timely progress made in mediation. Many parties, particular- The Committee (known as ly unions and their members, commonly perceive that the process is inordinately long. The Board can do many things Dunlop II) concluded that the to structure its services to facilitate a more constructive and effective collective bargaining process. However, when variations and distinctions available resources are not optimally used, then negotiations between bargaining disputes that unnecessarily drift and stall, and frustration and uncertainty take hold. This was evident during the last decade when come before the Board make it labor unions concluded there was little credible threat of a release from mediation by the NMB. impractical to establish We also addressed the contentious issue that some parties hard-and-fast rules on how long raised that explicit time limits for mediation should be estab- lished and put in place. The Committee concluded that the a mediation should last. variations and distinctions between bargaining disputes that come before the Board make it impractical to establish hard- and-fast rules on how long a mediation should last. Any ber involvement in the process. At the “end” stage of media- such rule may encourage the parties to surface bargaining or tion, a member’s judicious involvement is vital to providing employ other delaying tactics if they perceive advantage in maximum leverage to successfully complete the negotiation. not reaching agreement before the known end date. At this point, the Board’s ultimate weapon remains the However, the Committee agreed that the RLA acknowl- parties’ doubt and uncertainty as to whether the Board will edges that the Board may use its power to conclude that an release them from mediation. impasse exists and a release from mediation is warranted: “Mediation was not envisioned to be an endless process, Mediation and the role of the mediator with one more meeting always on the horizon. The Board Many of the parties were concerned with how to make needs to maintain and enforce guidelines on the length of mediation sessions more productive and more effective. the case and the number of mediation sessions to be used The mediator is the linchpin and needs to actively control in the evaluation of the case, balanced by due consider- the process. The mediator’s central task is to ensure that the ation for the specific facts and circumstances involved in parties make steady progress and adhere to the mediation that dispute and the impact on the public. At the end of plan. Making sure that the parties are ready and prepared the day, the judicious threat (or use) of a proffer is essential at the outset of each session, minimizing the effect of travel to maintaining the integrity and effectiveness of the media- on time spent in mediation, and scheduling extended tion process. The Board must be seen as able and willing sessions at the right time could produce real results and to use all available tools in its arsenal to accomplish its expedite the process. mission of enabling the parties to reach resolution of their disputes.” (Dunlop II Report) A more flexible use of NMB resources Stakeholders were also concerned about the amount of A new case-management system Board resources devoted to mediation. Only 20 percent of One area the Committee considered ripe for improvement the Board’s staff is devoted to mediation, yet mediation is was the current case-management system. We recom- the Board’s core function. The number, quality, and avail- mended that a new case-management system be developed ability of mediators determine the agency’s effectiveness. that included a specific plan for each mediation and would One staffing problem that the NMB grapples with is that address issues in a timely and methodical manner. The par- the number of mediation cases can vary widely over time ties, as well as all levels of the Board, should be involved in even though the number of mediators is fixed. We recom- developing and implementing each mediation plan. Each mended several alternatives to meet the fluctuating demand case is different, and the Board needs to analyze the case for mediators without locking the Board into overstaffing concerning its complexity, impact, and staffing require- and potential inefficiency: (1) senior mediators should be ments. Finally, reestablishing a chief of staff position should assigned to handle their own cases in times of great demand; improve coordination within the NMB. (2) the Board should encourage voluntary use of private Dunlop II also recognized the importance of Board mem- mediators; (3) the Board should use other qualified NMB

August 2010 Air Line Pilot 23 parties play in the process and believes that the parties can The steps that the NMB is now contribute to making mediation more effective in the same basic ways that Dunlop I recommended 15 years ago: (1) taking and will take in the future invoke mediation services only when the dispute is genu- inely ripe; (2) send negotiators to the negotiating table who should result in more promptly are empowered to make agreements (subject to ratification); and successfully resolving and (3) provide regular and accurate critiques of a mediator’s performance. mediation cases. An outreach program The Committee also believed that the Board should staff; and (4) the NMB needs to increase the average number establish more effective lines of communication to all the of days per month that mediators are expected to actively stakeholders. Continued industry outreach is necessary, mediate cases. and the Board is uniquely situated to take the lead role in creating meetings and conferences in which the parties can Mediation training address issues and concerns outside the negotiations setting. Dunlop II concluded that the mediators would benefit Such an initiative would provide a much-needed forum for greatly from more standardized, comprehensive, and regular the stakeholders to engage in a constructive dialogue that training. Currently, new mediators receive an overview from could facilitate improved labor-management relations in each NMB department about their functions. New media- these essential industries. tors may “second seat” experienced mediators and may be informally mentored by them. In addition, mediators annu- Moving forward ally take at least two training or educational courses of their There is nothing earth-shattering about the Committee’s choosing to meet the agency’s educational requirements. report or its conclusions and recommendations. There is The current level of initial and recurring training is a fundamental need to make the mediation process more inadequate. The Committee recommended that when new efficient and expeditious. Implementing the Committee’s mediators are hired, they be provided with comprehensive recommendations should provide the foundation for a more training in mediation skills. Virtually all mediators have had focused and effective mediation process. airline or railroad labor relations experience as advocates. On June 23, the NMB updated the Committee regarding But they are rarely prepared for their new role as mediators. the status of some of our suggestions and recommendations Mediators need to learn about mediation and all the tech- as follows: (1) On June 7, the job announcement for the niques available to help them move the parties when stuck chief of staff position recommended in our interim report or deal with “push back” from the parties. closed, and the Board is now selecting possible candidates; The Committee also believed the NMB members would (2) the Board has instituted a more-stringent process for benefit from mediator training. Many Board members come reviewing case progression; (3) the Board will be budgeting to the NMB without prior exposure to negotiations in either funds for an initial mediator training program as well as an the airline or railway industries and clearly would benefit annual multiday training program for mediators; and (4) the from such training. director of mediation will be allocating time at future media- tor staff meetings to special subject education. The role of the bargaining parties The steps that the NMB is now taking and will take in Case management depends to a significant degree on the the future should result in more promptly and successfully conduct of the parties. Therefore, it’s important for them to resolving mediation cases. understand the mediation process and the legal and policy framework within which it operates. The Committee sug- gested that the NMB standardize and provide the necessary Editor’s note: This article on the Railway Labor Act is the education about the RLA to the parties at the outset of me- last in a series that Air Line Pilot has published to keep diation. The process is intricate, and the lack of understand- members informed about legislative, regulatory, and ing often leads to misperceptions and frustration aimed at administrative changes that have been considered to the Board, the parties, and the process. improve the NMB’s mediation process under the RLA. The Committee emphasized the important role that the

24 Air Line Pilot August 2010 PCFC Chair Reflects on LA PA’s All-Cargo Agenda

he ALPA President’s Committee for Cargo (PCFC), working with other Association committees and Capt. Bill McReynolds Tstaff, has significantly improved air freight operations through education campaigns and collaborative efforts with other industry stakeholders. Air Line Pilot staff recently sat In addition to his President’s down with Capt. Bill McReynolds (FedEx Express), PCFC Committee for Cargo chair chairman, to talk about the unique challenges facing the all- responsibilities, Capt. Bill cargo segment of air transportation and the ongoing activi- McReynolds is a B-757 pilot, ties of this important ALPA specialty group. having flown for FedEx Express since 1996. He serves as Security Q. Air Line Pilot: Why was the PCFC created? Committee chair for the FedEx McReynolds: The PCFC was created in 2002 to serve as the pilot group and as ALPA’s repre- air cargo operations advocate within the Association. The sentative to the Aviation Security Committee manages projects and campaigns and advises Advisory Committee’s (ASAC) ALPA’s president, offering safety, security, and regulatory Air Cargo Working Group. McReynolds worked on the expertise for this industry segment. “All-Cargo Common Strategy” guidance that is currently Despite periodic fluctuations in revenue and capacity, the in use and also served on the Transportation Security cargo segment of the airline industry has taken off in the last Administration’s Freight Assessment System and Air two decades and is projected to grow through the middle of Cargo Risk-Based Targeting working groups. He is the 21st century. Air freight has become a vital segment of also the director of cargo for the Association’s National our global economy and an increasingly central partner in Security Committee.—JWP the airline industry. Yet when it comes to rules and regula- tions defining appropriate safety and security levels, air cargo takes a back seat to its passenger-carrying counterpart. Ground personnel with unescorted access to security This second-tier status creates a wide range of unnecessary identification display areas (SIDA) are typically required to problems for cargo flightcrew members, and ALPA has long undergo fingerprint-based criminal history records checks pressed for one level of safety and security for both air freight (CHRC). However, air cargo sorters, loaders, and handlers do and passenger operations. As air cargo’s market continues to not have to have this vetting. Aside from researching previ- grow, this difference will become even more pronounced, ous criminal activity, a biometric-based CHRC may help making the Association’s call for parity even more crucial. to verify an employee’s identity. Without it, an air freight operation is unable to positively determine the identity of Q. What kinds of differences in safety and security an employee. are you talking about? The pilots and flight attendants of passenger airlines are A. Let me give you two examples. required to undergo security training to protect themselves

August 2010 Air Line Pilot 25 Q. What can the PCFC do to bring about change? A. Recognizing that the situation will not change overnight, the Committee and the Association continue to chip away at specific concerns. During its brief existence, the PCFC has launched tremendously successful public awareness campaigns, issuing white papers, lobbying public officials, providing congressional testimony, circulating press releases, working through coalitions, and—most importantly— opening lines of communication By the Numbers among other indus- try stakeholders. ALPA’s President’s Committee for against terrorism and other criminal attacks. As part of For example, Cargo represents more than a quar- their security training, both groups are required by the ALPA has worked ter of the Association’s pilots, includ- Transportation Security Administration [TSA] regulations to aggressively with ing those who fly for Air Transport be schooled in the protocols of a guidance document known airport rescue and International, Alaska Air, ASTAR, as the “Common Strategy.” Cargo pilots receive some secu- firefighting groups to Capital Cargo, Calm Air, Evergreen, rity instruction, but it’s not as substantive or standardized raise awareness that FedEx, First Air, Kelowna Flightcraft, as the training passenger-carrying crewmembers receive, airport fire depart- and Wasaya.—JWP despite the fact that all-cargo aircraft are just as vulnerable to ments need to have these kinds of attacks. Even though an “All-Cargo Common access to aircraft configurations to better understand how Strategy” guidance document has been provided to all-cargo they can contain and extinguish onboard cargo fires. ALPA operators by the TSA, there is no requirement for the train- efforts have led to two recent FAA advisory circulars that ing to be administered. address this concern. The unrestricted shipping of lithium batteries continues Q. Why do these differences exist? to be another concern. Although the U.S. Department of A. Ultimately, legislators and regulators are responsible, as Transportation (DOT) banned shipments of lithium metal air freight companies have conducted aggressive lobbying batteries as cargo on passenger flights in 2004, cargo aircraft campaigns to carve out their own set of less-stringent rules continue to transport this volatile commodity in large and regulations, usually for financial reasons. Adequate quantities with few restrictions. In the current environment, safety and security protections are expensive to implement, packaging requirements need to be improved, shipments and these organizations—as they see it—are in business to need to be properly accounted for, and main deck fire sup- make money, not spend it. pression systems need to be mandated for all-cargo aircraft. On a more subtle level, air cargo carriers tend to operate In short, lithium batteries need to be treated as fully regulat- at remote locations of airports and at private airparks, away ed dangerous goods. Dozens of aircraft incidents during the from the public eye. Because they don’t have the same vis- last decade point to the very real threat that the unrestricted ibility as passenger-carrying airlines, they are not subject to shipping of lithium batteries poses. the same level of public scrutiny. However, there appears to be a light at the end of the However, the real crux of the problem reveals a shortcom- tunnel. Responding to concerns raised by ALPA, the DOT’s ing in what has been our security strategy. Our government Pipeline and Hazardous Materials Safety Administration in has reacted to previous terrorist events by establishing January published a notice of proposed rulemaking that, security procedures that thwart the specific tactic used in the when enacted, should significantly strengthen the rules last attack. For example, after 9/11, airport screeners began regarding the air shipment of lithium batteries. [See “On the looking more closely for sharp-edged weapons. After Richard Hill,” page 34.] Reid attempted to ignite a shoe bomb, passengers began In another example, the PCFC has responded to ALPA having to remove their shoes at airport security screening pilot complaints about cargo ramp conditions at several areas. Likewise, after Umar Farouk Abdulmutallab concealed locations, including facilities at the former Airborne Airpark a bomb in his underwear on the Christmas day attack, the in Wilmington, Ohio, and Cincinnati and Toledo airports. government began deploying whole-body scanners to more The PCFC has chaired “user group” meetings with air freight thoroughly screen passengers. stakeholders—management, local law enforcement, facility My point is that since our efforts are directed at previously operators, firefighters, etc.—at these locations to discuss the used and specific tactics, terrorists simply need to shift their strengths and weaknesses of the operations, and what could approach to sidestep what have been traditional, predictable be done to improve efficiency. We talked about dangerous- countermeasures. Security strategy must be proactive to be goods carriage, first response to accidents and incidents, truly effective. So far, air freighters have not been used in the appropriate airport markings, security, and other concerns. more notable terrorist acts on aircraft, but this status could The results have been phenomenal, and we’ll continue to change. The PCFC continues to fight for one level of safety conduct these valuable meetings. and security before terrorists or other criminals give us a more obvious reason why safety and security measures need Q. What is the PCFC currently pursuing? to be consistent throughout the airline industry. A. The Committee has established a list of specific priorities

26 Air Line Pilot August 2010 for 2010 that shape our current workload. The priorities in- safety and security expertise and resources to pilots of all-cargo struct our members to continue advocating for adequate ARFF carriers including organizing and conducting training and protection and training for all Part 121 all-cargo operations; educational forums. stronger regulations concerning the packaging, accepting, These priorities are posted on the PCFC page of the handling, and transporting of lithium batteries; intrusion- members-only site of www.alpa.org. resistant cockpit doors on all-cargo aircraft; requiring main deck fire suppression for all-cargo aircraft; participating with Q: Speaking of the PCFC website, wasn’t it the TSA-sponsored Aviation Security Advisory Committee recently updated? on cargo security-related issues; mandating cargo Common A. Yes. Our updated web page provides a number of new Strategy training for all-cargo crewmembers; requiring resources including the Gouge Container, which provides fingerprint-based 10-year criminal history checks for persons discrete, exclusive information for ALPA pilots flying over- with unescorted access to cargo airplanes, cargo, and cargo seas. The PCFC created this tool with the goal of gathering facilities; one level of safety and security for passenger and intelligence about airport security, crew entry points and all-cargo airlines with respect to flight-time/duty-time legisla- screening procedures, locations of embassies, and other tion; development and implementation of threat-based risk useful information that members can use as they prepare for assessment for all cargo shipments; and offering continued trips.—John Perkinson, Staff Writer

Mock Accident Investigation Tweaks ALPA’s Tin-Kickers

n the evening of June 7, Capt. Bill Emmanuel experience that no ALPA member desires—previous partici- (North American Airlines) checked into a hotel in pation in an actual NTSB or TSBC investigation. The next OGrand Forks, N.D. The desk clerk handed him a best preparation is a dress rehearsal in which team members message from Chad Balentine, an ALPA senior staff engineer: step into the role of ALPA coordinator, NTSB group member, “The NTSB and all the parties are getting their people into or TSBC observer. That’s what AI3 provides.” Grand Forks this evening. The NTSB will hold an organiza- Emmanuel was one of 19 pilots from 10 pilot groups, plus tional meeting tomorrow at 8:15 a.m. at the airport. Plan on 3 UND students, who gathered for the 7:00 a.m. Tuesday meeting in the lobby at 7:00 a.m. There will be a short brief- mock NTSB organizational meeting, led by Capt. Paul Brady ing before we go to the airport. Plan on spending the day on (American Eagle), ALPA training programs coordinator, play- site and returning to the hotel after completion of the day’s ing the role of the NTSB investigator-in-charge (IIC). F/O Jeff activities. If you need breakfast, plan on eating and being Mee (Continental), the AI3 course director, played the NTSB ready to go by 7:00 a.m. deputy IIC. Balentine served as ALPA party coordinator. “Please have all the gear you feel you will need for the day Capt. Bob Slowik (Delta), ALPA assistant training programs with you when we meet. Be prepared for fieldwork.” coordinator, impersonated an FAA representative. So began Emmanuel’s fourth ALPA training course: AI3 students logged full days, from 7 a.m. to 8 p.m. Basic Safety School in February, Accident Investigation in March, training on blood- borne pathogens in March, and now the Advanced Accident Investigation Course (AI3), a time-compressed mock accident investigation conducted in partnership with the University of North Dakota (UND) on UND’s Grand Forks campus. The earlier training, plus his Master Executive Council’s approval, were prerequisites for attending AI3.

Preparing for the unexpected “Every MEC Central Air Safety Committee, and especially the MEC chief accident investigators, must be ready to participate in an NTSB or TSBC [Transportation Safety

Board of Canada] aircraft accident investiga- . T odd C arpenter (F e DEX express )

tion at a moment’s notice,” says Capt. Mike C apt Bender (FedEx Express), chairman of ALPA’s Capt. John Gabriele (FedEx Express), right, tries his hand at working Accident Investigation Board. “The most traffic in the University of North Dakota’s sophisticated ATC radar class­ effective preparation for that is the very room after completing ALPA’s Advanced Accident Investigation Course.

August 2010 Air Line Pilot 27 Pilot Reports on AI3

Capt. Robert Keller (Jazz): “Very informative, very well taught. The course brought together everything we learned in [Basic Safety and Accident Investigation (AI-2)]. “You’re not being catered to; if you don’t bring the right equipment or supplies to the scene, you aren’t going to have them. “As a Canadian pilot, I was glad the instructors covered the differences between an NTSB and a TSB investigation.”

F/O Philip VanTiem (Piedmont): “I was very impressed by on Tuesday and Wednesday, ending at about 2 p.m. on the course—especially how realistic it was! They worked us Thursday. They donned biohazard suits and spent a few hours really hard, for long hours, rain or shine, just like a real field examining the scattered wreckage of a real airplane. Then investigation.” they rotated among six technical groups led by ALPA pilot accident investigators—Structures (Capt. Mike Schilz [Delta]), Capt. Bill Emmanuel (North American): “Even though we Operations (Capt. Laszlo Preysz [Delta]), Survival Factors only spent 2 hours examining the wreckage, we got the hint (Capt. Bill Meachem [Atlantic Southeast]), ATC (Capt. Ray of what the on-site field investigation is like. The instructors Gelinas [Jazz]), CVR (Capt. Jeff Perin [Spirit]), and Mainten­ did such an outstanding job—we are now able to see the ance Records (Capts. Ben Tudor [Delta] and Mike Wickboldt story behind the bent metal. [Colgan]). Along the way were mock ALPA and NTSB meet- “That moment when we pieced it all together was the ings modeled on the instructors’ considerable experience. pinnacle of the training. I left feeling proud and confident.” After the course ended, four of the students took an —JWS instructive ride in UND’s altitude chamber. Another five toured UND’s ATC radar classroom, plus the UND ATC tower simulator, and had the eye-opening experience of deliver a world-class course for our accident investigators. controlling virtual traffic. We’ve held AI3 every summer since 2003, and it’s prepared Dana Siewert, director of flight safety, UND, and Frank many of our current accident investigators to go afield with Argenziano, Siewert’s deputy, “do a phenomenal job,” says confidence when they get that call in the middle of the Brady. “They provide all the logistical support. They help us night.”—Jan W. Steenblik, Technical Editor

ALPA Presents Trust-Based Security Concept to TRAP

ollowing the Dec. 25, 2009, bomb- to present the paper at a conference of the Terrorism ing attempt of Northwest Flight Research and Analysis Project (TRAP) F253 and the subsequent release of consortium. an ALPA white paper about enhancing The TRAP consortium, security, ALPA’s National Security Com- which the FBI sponsored, mittee (NSC) has pursued the trust- was held June 15–18 in based aviation security concept—a new Wilmington, N.C., and fea- approach to enhance aviation security tured subject-matter experts and improve travelers’ experience by from the Federal Air Marshal allowing trustworthy passengers to Service, the FBI, the TSA, and be promptly cleared through security numerous universities. while focusing much greater re- As a result of the NSC’s pre- sources on those whose trustworthi- sentation, the TRAP consortium ness is unknown or in doubt—with agreed to consider the issue as the government and industry. subject of an independent research Following productive meetings paper. The paper will provide an with Department of Homeland independent analysis of the validity Security and Transportation of the trust-based security approach Security Administration (TSA) based upon scientific evaluation and leaders and other government data collection. law enforcement and intel- —ALPA Communications Department ligence agencies, the NSC was invited Staff

28 Air Line Pilot August 2010 Strategically Breaking Down Barriers

unning the largest pilots union in the world requires setbacks. Both these national committees plan to update and coordination across all fronts. Just ask the union’s improve pay and benefits benchmarking reports this fall. Rnational committee chairmen, subject-matter experts While this illustrates one success story, all of ALPA’s national in all-things-airline-pilot—from negotiating contracts and committee chairmen agreed that the union can benefit from protecting members’ interests in Congress and Parliament to further coordination in this arena, starting with the Strategic keeping pilots safe and secure on the job and even providing Planning Committee. a jumpseat on the way home. Here at ALPA, these leaders are With the Executive Board’s recent enactment of policy pilots just like other ALPA members, and their ultimate goal that requires pilot groups to have a strategic plan in place is to help when it’s needed most—no matter what the situa- before tapping into the Major Contingency Fund to advance tion is. end-game negotiations, it’s a natural fit. Other crossovers So what happens when the union pools all of these included writing safety program specifics into contract ALPA resources into a Herndon, Va., conference room for language through coordination with ALPA’s Executive Air 2 days? For starters, communication lines open, common Safety Committee and promoting consistent and favorable issues emerge, and the union’s leaders break down the furlough language in pilots’ contracts, through the Furlough barriers of individual committee projects to coordinate the Pilot Support Network—a subdivision of the Membership Association’s services and resources in the most efficient Committee, now part of the Association’s Professional manner possible. This translates into enhanced and stream- Development Group (PDG). lined benefits for all ALPA pilots and allows for the “suc- cess” measurement and recalibration of major objectives Through tough times laid out in the union’s strategic plan. Not everything, of course, goes as planned. When ALPA combined the Education, Leadership, and Membership Stepping up programs under the PDG umbrella, few could have pre- Need proof? Look no further than the recent return of dicted the role it would play in the aftermath of the Colgan pattern bargaining. At the direction of the Association’s Flight 3407 accident. With airline pilots’ professionalism, 2008 Board of Directors, ALPA’s Collective Bargaining and qualifications, and standards in the national spotlight, these Retirement and Insurance Committees joined forces to help resources worked in tandem during center-stage events, improve cornerstone contract provisions. Now, with several coordinating messages and appearances with precision and new contracts and tentative agreements that meet this further positioning ALPA as the authoritative voice of the goal, ALPA pilots are stair-stepping their way back up the airline piloting profession. pay and benefits scales following bankruptcy-era contract “The Colgan accident and its aftermath made us deter- WILLIAM A. FORD ALPA’s national committee chairmen met in the union’s Herndon, Va., offices June 30–July 1 to coordinate the Association’s services and activities to better serve its members’ needs.

August 2010 Air Line Pilot 29 IFALPA, and multiple speaking opportunities at the NTSB’s Professionalism in Aviation Symposium in May.

Reaching the goal The national committee chairmen also discussed how the increased coordination across pilot group lines, and among ALPA “families,” has brought the union closer to its goal of building unity within ALPA’s ranks. Take, for example, the recent press release from ALPA union leaders regarding Pinnacle Airline Corporation’s purchase of Mesaba Airlines, which also includes the Colgan pilots’ perspective on the purchase. mined to break down committee barriers,” said Capt. John Solidarity shined through during Spirit pilots’ demonstra- Sluys (Alaska), the PDG chair. “We’ve done a better job tions (see “Spirit Strikes,” page 16), too, as ALPA pilots and of working together than we ever have before.” Both he other devoted trade unionists walked the picket line to show and Capt. Rory Kay (United), ALPA’s Executive Air Safety their support, thanks in part to ALPA’s Strategic Preparedness Chairman, agreed that combining manpower enabled ALPA and Strike Committee’s efforts to break down barriers to secure influential positions, such as a seat at ICAO’s Next within ALPA and across the airline industry.—Molly Martin, Generation of Aviation Professionals Task Force through Contributing Writer

Clockwise from above: President John Prater; F/O Rich Odbert, Jumpseat; First Vice-President Paul Rice, left, and Capt. Robb Powers, Security; and Capt. Mike Donatelli, SPSC. PHOTOS: WILLIAM A. FORD

30 Air Line Pilot August 2010 FROMTHEHILL ALPA Acts on Wall Street Reform

freeing up capital for other needs. expand the definition of ‘end-users’ to Staff Writer By John Perkinson, “In the end,” said Prater, “We main- include their derivatives trading desks.” tained this pricing tool for the airlines President Obama has vowed to LPA is closely monitoring prog- and beat back Wall Street’s efforts to quickly sign this bill into law. ress of the Wall Street Reform Aand Consumer Protection Act, H.R. 4173, which has been passed by the U.S. House of Representatives but ALPA Urges White awaits a final vote in the Senate. After more than a year of debate, the House recently agreed to final legislative lan- House to Push FAA guage. The bill is intended to prevent a repeat of the recent financial crisis that Reauthorization, left the U.S. economy in a deep reces- sion and compelled the government to Flight-Time/Duty-Time finance major bank bailouts. The Association has lobbied aggres- Rulemaking sively to make certain that provisions are included that protect both airlines operations of the FAA and our nation’s By Jan W. Steenblik and airline employees. ALPA pressed airspace system, the pending FAA re- Technical Editor for two particular issues in this legisla- authorization provides a critical down tion. The first was greater transparency n June 8, ALPA’s president, payment toward modernization,” he in the derivatives market. Without this Capt. John Prater, sent U.S. added. “Long-term stable funding of expanded level of transparency, the O President Barack Obama a the nation’s airspace and air traffic U.S. airline industry would remain at letter on behalf of the nearly 53,000 control infrastructure is essential to risk from shortsighted investors who pilots the Association represents at enhance safety and reduce greenhouse gamble on oil futures and drive up the 38 airlines, asking Obama to “ad- gases as well as to make gains in system price of oil with no regard to the effect dress two outstanding safety issues capacity and efficiency. this practice could have on airline in the airline industry.” Those two “Moreover, myriad aviation safety employment stability. issues are the need for (1) the U.S. programs will be strengthened by this “We worked hard to ensure that Congress to pass legislation reautho- legislation. Notably, the bill includes rampant oil speculation is not allowed rizing (i.e., funding) the FAA, and (2) significant improvements for pilot under these sweeping new market the FAA to publish its long-awaited screening and training. It also includes reforms, and our efforts were success- and overdue notice of proposed strategic plans for runway safety and ful,” said ALPA’s president, Capt. John rulemaking (NPRM) to update flight- for critical aviation research on wake Prater, in his weekly message to the time and duty-time limits and mini- turbulence and the impact of weath- Association’s Board of Directors. mum rest requirements for airline er—such as volcanic ash and icing—on The second concern involved flightcrew members. aircraft operations.” ensuring that U.S. airlines are permit- ted to continue to hedge their fuel FAA reauthorization Flight- and duty-time rules costs through the legitimate use “For more than 2 years, the FAA Regarding the second issue, the action of derivatives. Unlike speculation reauthorization legislation has lan- needed to update flight-time and duty- traders, airlines aren’t gambling on guished in Congress,” Prater noted. time limits and minimum rest require- short-term cost fluctuations; they’re “I am, of course, keenly aware that ments for airline flightcrew members, legitimate end-users of the product Congress dictates its own schedule; Prater reiterated the fundamental truth they are purchasing. Hedging their however, I urge you to make clear the that the best and most important fuel needs through the derivatives critical need to pass this legislation safety feature on any airplane is a market allows airlines to predict their expeditiously. well-trained, highly motivated, and future fuel costs with more certainty, “In addition to funding day-to-day professional flight crew supported by

August 2010 Air Line Pilot 31 FROMTHEHILL effective fatigue mitigation regulations. mon goal of a new, updated set of those that apply to scheduled airlines. However, he declared, “The regula- regulations based on science, I fail to “Allowing this disparity to continue is tions currently in place are grossly understand why a final rule—or even a outrageous and action must be taken,” inadequate, outdated, and not based proposed rule—has not been published he asserted. on science.” as repeatedly promised by your ad- “A strong FAA reauthorization Addressing the current situation in ministration. Reports that the Office of law and updated fatigue regulations plain language, he continued, “Pilot Management and Budget has directed are essential to ensure the safety of fatigue is a serious issue in our industry these FAA-proposed safety regulations airline operations,” Prater concluded. and [one] that our pilots and custom- to be rewritten due to complaints by “I respectfully urge you to expedite ers deserve to have addressed by your industry of associated expense are meaningful solutions to improve avia- administration. Given the cooperation extremely troubling.” tion safety.” among ALPA, government, and indus- Prater noted that the current out- That’s the perspective of ALPA’s try partners through the formation and dated regulations permit supplemental members—the front-line experts on work of the Flight/Duty Time Aviation airlines, which transport the vast airline safety—who have thus told Mr. Rulemaking Committee (ARC) and majority of U.S. troops, to operate Obama whom to motivate with his the progress made toward the com- under rules that are even more lax than presidential wingtips. UAL, CAL MEC Chairs Testify On Proposed Merger territory,” Morse pointed out. “The “Today, we find ourselves at a By Jan W. Steenblik obvious path to success, should it crossroad,” Morse observed. “Through Technical Editor be selected, has already been estab- the extended Chapter 11 bankruptcy apt. Wendy Morse (United) lished….The Delta/Northwest merger, process, United Airlines management and Capt. Jay Pierce (Conti- in which the company worked out a stripped significant scope protections, Cnental), the Master Executive mutually satis­factory contract with thereby allowing them to outsource Council chairs of their respective pilot the pilots, has been a resounding suc- flying, and eliminate jobs as they groups, addressed two panels in the U.S. House of Representatives on June “We are not traveling uncharted territory. The obvious path to 16 regarding the proposed merger of success, should it be selected, has already been established…. United and Continental. The two pilot The Delta/Northwest merger, in which the company worked out a leaders testified first before the Trans- mutually satisfactory­ contract with the pilots, has been a resounding portation and Infrastructure Subcom- success.”—Capt. Wendy Morse, United MEC Chairman mittee on Aviation and then later in the day at a hearing held by the Com- cess. It has exceeded initial estimates deemed fit. The process allowed United mittee on the Judiciary. for financial synergies, which led to Airlines to outsource approximately 50 Their statements were designed to a more viable company that provides percent of its domestic flying to low- ensure that line pilots’ concerns are greater service for the flying public and cost, subcontracted, often unknown considered in the merger process and provides greater employment certainty carriers. This has resulted in savings to remind the parties involved that pi- for its employees.” through costs being cut in the area of lots are the key to a successful merger. In stark contrast to the Delta/ wages, benefits, and work rules. These Capts. Morse and Pierce submitted Northwest success story, she said, “The are causative factors that ultimately written testimony to the Committees in America West/US Airways merger, in affect safety.” addition to making 5-minute oral state- which management failed to negotiate She added, “We have 1,437 pilots on ments and answering questions from contract terms in advance, is still run furlough while United Airlines contin- members of Congress. To watch video as two separate companies. Mired in ues to outsource to low-cost, subcon- of the hearings, go to http://transporta- lawsuits, America West/US Airways has tracted carriers and foreign airlines.” tion.house.gov/hearings/hearingDetail. failed to realize the advertized syner- Therefore, Morse warned, the United aspx?NewsID=1202 and http://judiciary. gies, even though the merger took pilots “would stand in opposition to house.gov/hearings/hear_100616.html. place more than 5 years ago and con- this merger if it is to be used as a tool to tinues to have its share of unresolved continue the outsourcing of American UAL MEC perspective labor issues, which benefits neither the jobs on a grander scale, and we are “We are not traveling uncharted company nor the consumer. hopeful that will not be the case.

32 Air Line Pilot August 2010 Outsourcing has become the ultimate made the sacrifices. It is now time we incurred. The template for success is bait-and-switch in which the passen- shared in the rewards.” available for all to see—working along- gers are often unaware of which airline side their pilots benefitted all players is actually providing the service…. This CAL MEC perspective within the Delta/Northwest merger.” merger presents the opportunity to put Noting that he was a U.S. Army veteran Pierce noted, “Going third in this an end to management’s preoccupa- and has been an airline pilot for more round of airline consolidation provides tion with outsourcing.” than 25 years, Pierce said, “As a result, us the unique opportunity to examine Morse declared, “One axiom in I tend to think of things in terms of what has worked this service industry stands as a bea- threats and opportunities. As a labor and what has Want to Read con of truth: Take care of your em- leader, that risk/reward mentality has failed. While no More? ployees. Ultimately, they will take care proven beneficial as well. two transactions To read the pilot leaders’ of the customers, and the business will “I believe the merger of these two are identical, our oral and written testimony take care of itself….For this merger to companies provides opportunity for goal should be in full, visit www.alpa.org/ be successful, there must be a joint success,” Pierce continued. “The larger to improve the testimony. collective bargaining agreement with question is the degree of success that model—to ex- assurances for wages, working condi- will be achieved…. ceed past successes and to mitigate the tions, and job protections that are “The difference between marginal areas that proved to be problematic. commensurate with the professional- success and real success can be tied To accept marginal success or, in other ism that our pilots exhibit each and directly to labor and, more specifically, words, partial failure, should be unac- every day. pilot labor,” he asserted. “This can be ceptable to our executives and will be “Thanks to the professionalism, seen clearly in the dichotomy of the unacceptable to our pilots.” commitment, and financial sacrifice result obtained in two recent airline The merger of Continental and of the pilots and other employees, mergers. United is expected to produce approxi- our airline has weathered numerous “US Airways and America West were mately 1.2 billion dollars in annual challenges, and now flourishes,” participants in the merger game. Delta cost and revenue synergies. Pierce said Morse concluded. “Without the pilots’ and Northwest made the decision to try he believes these estimates are not and other employees’ sacrifices, the to win the game and did so by includ- unrealistic for the new United if the proposed United/Continental merger ing their pilots in the process and prop- merger is approved. would not be possible. Our pilots have erly rewarding them for the risks they “In the long run,” he stressed,

Capts. Wendy Morse (United), right, and Jay Pierce (Continental), the MEC chairs of their respective pilot groups, address two panels in the U.S. House of Representatives regarding the proposed merger of United and Continental. CHRIS WEAVER

August 2010 Air Line Pilot 33 FROMTHEHILL

“success will be determined by the strength of the new entity, the value Congressmen Call for Lithium added to its shareholders, and, even more importantly, by the pride of the Battery Final Rule airline’s labor force. This pride can Two members of the U.S. House of F. Costello (D-Ill.), chairman of the only be regained by first ensuring that Representatives who hold influential House Subcom­mittee on Aviation, reparations are made to labor for their leadership positions dealing with sent a joint letter to Transportation years of sacrifice. Having for years aviation matters have unequivocally Secretary Ray LaHood, noting that watched revenue flow in every direc- endorsed proposed rulemaking that they “strongly support” the NPRM. tion except toward labor, and having would reduce the risk that shipments “We commend the PHMSA and experienced cost reductions that of lithium batteries pose to airlines. the FAA for making this NPRM threatened our families’ futures, we The congressmen support ALPA’s a high priority,” the congressmen have become skeptical. Trickledown position on the need to fully regulate concluded. “We strongly encour- economics has left us empty-handed. air shipments of lithium batteries as age PHMSA to issue a final rule, “For this reason,” Pierce declared, dangerous goods. consistent with this NPRM and our “our support, and therefore the ulti- On January 11, the Pipeline Committee-approved legislation, mate success of the merger, is contin- and Hazardous Materials Safety that significantly improves the safety gent on immediate and contractual Administration (PHMSA), along with of transporting lithium cells and assurances of wage rates, retirement, the FAA, issued a notice of proposed batteries.” work rules, and job protections that rulemaking (NPRM) that would ALPA has long advocated for are commensurate with our educa- amend U.S. hazardous materials improved transport requirements for tion, experience, and responsibilities. regulations to improve the safety of lithium ion and lithium metal batter- We deserve it, our passengers deserve lithium cells and batteries that are ies. Since 2004, the Association has it, and our families deserve it. Let me transported by air. urged full regulation of these batter- be very clear—for this merger to be On June 14, Rep. James L. ies as dangerous goods, including a true success, a commitment must Oberstar (D-Minn.), chairman of the requiring appropriate packaging, be made to our pilots that they will House Committee on Transportation labeling, marking, testing, and pilot share in the rewards. We have most and Infrastructure, and Rep. Jerry notification. assuredly had our share of risks.” Stay Connected ALPA has many ways to keep you up-to-date on everything ALPA.

Facebook Twitter LinkedIn Flickr YouTube RSS Feeds To learn more, visit www.alpa.org/stayconnected 43 A member service of Air Line Pilot.

34 Air Line Pilot August 2010 ALPATOOLBOX Clipping Your Way to Financial Security

By Toni C. Vacinek, ALPA The couponing program that Communications Specialist Janning has implemented through irTran Master Executive Coun- cil Family Awareness chairman Family Awareness has done more Aand captain rep Christine than just arm families with the skills Janning knows what it’s like to live necessary to help manage their weekly grocery budget paycheck to paycheck as an airline during the unlikely event of a strike. It’s helped to connect pilot. Not only did she grow up as a child of a single mother who went on families during these volatile times in the airline industry strike with the air traffic controllers in while providing them the ability to save money long after 1981, Janning also struggled to make any contract disputes have been settled. ends meet when furloughed from United Airlines in 2001 and when her husband was furloughed from AirTran Serious couponing is a lifestyle that’s all cially prepared allows pilots to support just 2 years ago. She also spent several about research and strategy. the negotiating committee and stand years as an AirTran first officer—with A spring Family Awareness event united and committed to the fight for a her first officer wages lagging behind held for members of the AirTran Wives contract without the burden of wonder- the industry’s average—before recently Club not only provided spouses an ing how the bills are going to get paid.” upgrading to captain. She also balances opportunity to learn from Janning’s The couponing program that Janning being a pilot and an ALPA volunteer research and personal practices on sav- has implemented through Family with raising a family. ing money, but also gave the attendees Awareness has done more than just arm So it’s no coincidence that Janning the opportunity to ask questions and families with the skills necessary to help knows a few things about the impor- learn about AirTran contract negotia- manage their weekly grocery budget tance of smart planning and finding tions and the likelihood of a potential during the unlikely event of a strike. It’s a deal. And she uses these skills, along strike if talks fail. helped to connect families during these with her passion for her career and “Saving now is security for the volatile times in the airline industry family, to create awareness and provide future,” says Janning. “While no one while providing them the ability to save education through the AirTran MEC’s ever wants to experience a strike, that money long after any contract disputes Family Awareness program. possibility always exists. Being finan- have been settled. “Family Awareness isn’t just about Detailed information on how to save events, it’s about education,” says 50–75 percent on your weekly grocery Janning. “Educating pilots’ families is Feedback bill, along with the “how-to” of the an important component of a union’s Just made my first trip with cou­pons couponing process, can be found on responsibilities, and generating family (except the newspaper ones). Didn’t the airtranfamily.alpa.org website. The participation is crucial.” save as much as I would have if I had site includes As part of the AirTran MEC Family had the system down but was able to • where to find coupons, Awareness program, Janning has cre- get some great deals with the Kroger • couponing blogs and websites, ated a new twist on an old practice specials and my coupons. Saved • how to effectively use your coupons, that can make a significant difference $76.88. • coupon terminology, I appreciate your help immensely. to pilots’ juggling a tight household • loadable coupon programs and the —Cheryl Laughlin budget or facing a possible strike. uniqueness of each, The practice is couponing, and this I saved $49 on my first trip to Publix • store rebate programs, and cult obsession has become a growing Saturday morning. I ended up still pay- • examples of purchases with savings. ing $42, but I bought a lot of fruit, meat, trend—saving families a significant So far this year, Janning says she’s av- milk, bread, and other staples that don’t amount of money. Casually clipping eraging more than a 70 percent savings usually have coupons. coupons out of the Sunday paper Thanks again for all your great on household goods and groceries and and heading to the grocery store for advice.—Rita DeNell has saved her family more than $3,000 the week’s essentials is for amateurs. on daily essentials.

August 2010 Air Line Pilot 35 INVESTING IN OUR FUTURE ALPA’s Valued Role as SAFECON Supporter national pilot and his or her school. members and called for outreach pro- By John Perkinson, Staff Writer Each year, ALPA members set up an grams to support collegiate and inde- ailed by many as the “NCAA information booth and participate in pendent flying programs. The annual championship” of collegiate flying an informal Q&A session with students SAFECON competition showcases abili- Hcontests, the National Intercolle- to talk about the daily rigors of flying ties and skills that distinguish the best giate Flying Association’s annual Safety the line and the high standards an and the brightest, the kinds of pilots and Flight Evaluation Conference airline pilot must uphold. ALPA and airlines will count on to lead (SAFECON) showcases student pilots ALPA’s outreach effort is conduct­ the future of the airline industry. deftly demonstrating their skills. This ed under the auspices of the Pilot And thanks to ALPA volunteers and year’s event, which had more than 300 others, this year’s SAFECON was anoth- participants, was held at Indiana State “Many of our pilots get involved as er tremendous success. Sluys presented University-Terre Haute May 17–22 and, event volunteers because they an award and congratulated Sherman like so many times before, ALPA was Carll of Embry-Riddle Aeronautical on hand to serve as sponsor, judge, and remember how important these University (ERAU), who took top hon- most importantly, mentor. functions were to them when they ors. This year’s top team award went to This annual springtime challenge were participating as students.” the University of North Dakota. features events like power-off and Conducting the ALPA Q&A session short-field landings, simulated IFR Development Group (PDG), through were Sluys; F/O Mike flying, tests of aircraft preflight inspec- its Education Committee, which serves Hamilton (United), tion and navigational precision, and as a liaison between the Association an ALPA executive a variety of other challenges for pilots and young men and women interested vice-president; from 30 selected flying programs. in becoming airline pilots. “ALPA F/O Luis Putzeys Contestants are chosen from regional pilots volunteer their time to ensure (ExpressJet); F/O competitions held during the previous that students understand the roles and Linden Hillman fall, and many ALPA members are responsibilities of being a professional (AirTran); F/O Carla intimately familiar with these events. pilot, the importance of ethics and Widman (Colgan); In fact, F/O Erich Hess (Continental), integrity, and what it means to be an Sherman Carll and Capt. Eric Cowan who served as this year’s chief judge, is ALPA member,” says Capt. John Sluys (Compass). Putzeys a previous SAFECON contestant. (Alaska), an ALPA executive vice-presi- and Cowan, along with Capt. Bill “I participated in SAFECON from dent and PDG chairman. “Many of our Dressler (ExpressJet) and F/O John 1996 to 2000 as a University of North pilots get involved as event volunteers Shumaker (Air Wisconsin), also worked Dakota student,” says Hess, a Newark- because they remember how important at the Association’s information booth. based B-737 pilot. “I competed in most these functions were to them when Capt. Steve Halcomb (AirTran) served of the ground events and several of they were participating as students.” as the SAFECON assistant chief judge, the flying contests. It was an incredible In 2008 the Association’s Board and many other current (and future) experience and a great opportunity to of Directors (through Delegate ALPA members were there to enjoy and network with other pilots.” Committees 5 and 8) acknowledged support this event. Hess is not alone; numerous other the ongoing need to nurture future “How important is ALPA to NIFA?” ALPA members have attended the asked NIFA’s Executive Director Gary more than 80 NIFA-recognized col- Cleared to Dream is a new Air Line Pilot Hemphill. “The answer is a lot more leges and have taken part in previous department highlighting ALPA’s ongoing than most of our student competitors SAFECONs to flaunt their flying tal- outreach to engage and educate student and ALPA members realize; not only has pilots. Future magazine articles will ents. Accordingly, ALPA has long been ALPA been a financial supporter of NIFA continue to underscore the efforts of the a sponsor of these events, offering 10 Association’s Education Committee. Be competitions for more than 20 years, but $500 awards to the top regional pilots sure to check out the group’s website at its pilots have also contributed thou- and a $1,000 award to both the top clearedtodream.org. sands of hours of volunteer help.”

36 Air Line Pilot August 2010

History Lessons: ALPA Pilots Stand Their Ground

TWA’s 26-day Strike Ends in Arbitration on Nov. 15, 1946 Calm Air Pilots Gain New Peace returned to the nation’s air will have three working days in calling the pilots back to work Contract lines on November 15, 1946, at which to present its demands which had in effect been: “We’ll 5:15 a.m., as the precedent-shat- and supporting evidence, and the call them back when we darn Pilots at Calm Air gained a new tering and history-making TWA company three days…, followed well please; some of them now, 4-year working agreement in late strike was carried to a successful by a day each allotted to both some of them later; some of them May after 2 months of critical conclusion, but the return of the sides for rebuttal…. [T]he board maybe never.” negotiations during which time TWA pilots to their cockpits and is required to render its decision As long as such an avenue of both the pilots and Calm Air TWA’s planes to the world’s air within 10 days after the conclu- discrimination remained open, management were permitted by lanes was still only an anticlimax sion of the hearings. there could be no settlement Canadian law to enter into “self to the 15-month-old dispute, One of the stumbling blocks of the strike, but this loophole help” tactics. which had culminated in the first to an early settlement of the was finally plugged in the final Both parties were allowed walkout in the history of the na- strike, which had resulted in days arbitration agreement…. to engage in self-help activities tion’s commercial air lines. of needless delay, was the com- From The Air Line Pilot, including a strike or a lockout The ink was hardly dry on the pany’s adamant stand regarding November 1946 starting on March 14. Intense, signatures affixed to the govern- mediated negotiations continued ment arbitration agreement until the pilots and management ending the strike before the eyes ‘Show of Solidarity’ reached the tentative agreement of ALPA were already focused Five thousand ALPA pilots from 20-month-old strike. on May 7. on another target date—the ar- all 47 domestic and international Turnout at the terminals The pilots’ Master Executive bitration hearings…which were American flag carriers gathered ranged from 600 in Miami to 80 Council unanimously ratified the scheduled...for some time around at 23 major airports throughout in New Orleans. But in each city, tentative agreement after polling mid-December…. the nation January 22 in a show it was estimated that 99 per cent during pilot meetings showed 100 ALPA’s staunch display of of support for the striking pilots of available pilots participated in percent support for the new con- strength, unity, and teamwork of Southern Airways [see photo the “show of solidarity.” tract. The agreement includes had carried the TWA pilots below]. Press and public reaction to the improvements in vacation and through the acid test of one vital The spontaneous program, orderly, peaceful demonstration pay and provides pilots sick leave phase of the dispute, the strike developed by the pilot groups was “extremely favorable.”… for the first time and more say in stage, and what now faces the themselves, called public and From The Air Line Pilot, pilot scheduling issues…. Association is a continuance of government attention to SOU’s February 1962 From Air Line Pilot, June/July 1998 the same solidarity and united efforts in preparation of a sub- Captains F. Stickney, PAI; J. Boyd, SOU; and stantial arbitration case for the T. Latta, AAL, lead 300 ALPA members hearings where the controversy into the Washington National Airport. will finally be settled…. David L. Behncke, president of the Air Line Pilots Associa- tion, who had represented and guided the 1,100 striking TWA first pilots and copilots during the grueling days of the strike, signed the arbitration agreement for the pilots, while Paul E. Richter, ex- ecutive vice-president of TWA, signed for the company…. Under the terms of the ar-

bitration agreement, ALPA AIR LINE PILOT ARCHIVES

August 2010 Air Line Pilot 37

National Officers For complete biographical infor- mation on ALPA’s national officers and executive vice- presidents, visit

www.alpa.org. O ffice P resident’s

Capt. John Prater Capt. Paul Rice Capt. William Couette Capt. Randy Helling Capt. Don Wykoff President First Vice‑President Vice‑President– Vice‑President–Finance/ Executive Administrator Administration/Secretary Treasurer

Executive Vice- Presidents For more information on who executive vice-

presidents represent, Capt. Robert C. Dowell Capt. Michael Geer Capt. Joe Fagone Capt. Ray Miller F/O Michael Hamilton Capt. Edward Lowry Capt. Thomas Maxwell please visit www. Group A Group A Group A Group A Group A Group B1 Group B2 alpa.org/evp. EVP Groups and the Pilots They Represent Group A: Continental, Delta, FedEx, United Group B1: Air Transport International, Air Wisconsin, Comair, CommutAir, ExpressJet, Trans States Group B2: American Eagle, ASTAR, Compass, Pinnacle, PSA, Ryan Group B3: AirTran, Atlantic Southeast, Capital Cargo, Colgan, Evergreen, Mesa Air Group, Piedmont Group B4: Alaska, Hawaiian, Island Air, Mesaba, North American, Spirit, Sun Country esources and Contact Numbers R esources A L PA Group C: Air Transat, Bearskin, Calm Air, CanJet, First Air, Jazz, Capt. Tom Zerbarini Capt. John Sluys Capt. Dan Adamus Group B3 Group B4 Group C Kelowna Flightcraft, Wasaya

Pilot Resources: Fly International Routes? Check Out the Gouge Container

the Gouge Container to provide pilot-to- • location of embassies, pilot comprehensive “would have been • hotels and, nice to have known that” information on • restaurants. a number of airports and cities, from Al The site also includes an ops Kharj, Saudi Arabia, to Winnipeg, Man., gouge container feedback form that Canada, including details about pilots can fill out to share useful tips • terminology, they’ve gathered in the “school of • preferred routings, hard knocks” about flying to some- ALPA’s President’s Committee for • preferred SIDs and STARs, times tricky international destinations. Cargo (PCFC), chaired by Capt. • security rankings, To access the Gouge Container, Bill McReynolds (FedEx Express), • security advisories, go to the members-only site of recently updated its website where • airport security, www.alpa.org. Select the Commit­ you can find resources such as the • Customs requirements, tees tab on the top menu bar and Gouge Container, which provides • ramp operations, then click on View All Committees flight crews of international flights— • ramp shuttles to remote cargo areas, and Departments. Scroll down the both passenger and cargo—useful • ramp access, page and under ALPA Presidential information about the cities and • terminal access, Committees select President’s airports they fly to. • crew entry points, Committee for Cargo and click on Recognizing that company, com- • crew screening procedures, the Learn more link. When the PCFC mercial, and government services • availability of aircraft services, page opens, click on The Gouge can’t provide all operationally perti- • personal security advisories, Container under Spotlight nent information, the PCFC created • contraband items, in the right-hand column.

38 Air Line Pilot August 2010

ALPA Information Membership Numbers Services The following ALPA resources may be To obtain membership account information reached by e-mail or by dialing, toll-free, or to update your records or your postal or 1-888-359-2572 (1-888-FLY-ALPA). Once e-mail address via the Internet, go to the My connected, dial the last four digits of the ALPA area of Crewroom.alpa.org; or dial the Editor Sharon B. Vereb number listed below. toll-free number 1-888-359-2572 (1-888-FLY- Technical Editor Jan W. Steenblik Associate Managing Editor Susan Fager Accident Investigation ([email protected]) ALPA) and choose menu option 3. 703-689-4312 Listed below are the telephone numbers of Design and Production Editor William A. Ford Staff Writer John Perkinson Accounting and Finance ([email protected]) MEC offices. 703-689-4144 Contributing Writers Susan Burke, AirTran–ATN MEC 404-763-5165 Molly Martin, Linda Shotwell Air Line Pilot ([email protected]) Air Transat–TSC MEC 1-888-337-2033 Web Coordinators Cicely Jenkins, 703-481-4460 Air Transport International–ATI MEC Chris Weaver ALPA main number 703-689-2270 505-263-8838 Director of Communications ALPA‑PAC 202-797-4033 Air Wisconsin–ARW MEC 757-754-7687 Marie Schwartz Alaska–ALA MEC 206-241-3138 ASPEN 703-689-4220 *Aloha–ALO MEC 808-838-0022 Air Line Pilot is not responsible for un­solicited Balloting ([email protected]) American Eagle–EGL MEC manu­scripts, photographs, or other ma­te­r­ials. 703-689-4173 817-685-7474 Unsolicited materials will be re­turned only if sub- ([email protected]) mitted with a self-addressed, stamped envelope. Cashiering ASTAR Air Cargo–DHL MEC Opinions expressed by authors do not necessarily 703-689-4385 859-282-1475 represent official ALPA position or policy. Communications (Communications@alpa. *ATA–ATA MEC 773-284-4910 Subscriptions: Subscription rate for pilot members,­ org) 703-481-4440 Atlantic Southeast–ASA MEC $25, included in ALPA member­ship dues; for 404-209-8566 students, $37; for U.S. nonmembers, $50; for Computer help line ([email protected]) foreign, $65. Residents of the state of Washington 703-689-4357 Bearskin–BRS MEC 807-628-5683 must add 8.8 percent sales tax. To subscribe or to Council Services ([email protected]) Calm Air–CMA MEC 204-471-1000 request address changes, call 703-481-4460. 703-689-4311 CanJet–CJA MEC 902-830-7228 Address Changes for Members Only: E-mail to Capital Cargo–CCI MEC 256-289-0428 [email protected]. Disciplinary and discharge 703-689-4226 Colgan Air–CJC MEC 1-877-MEC-CJC1 Air Line Pilot is printed in the Comair–CMR MEC 859-282-9016 United States and published for professional air- Economic and Financial Analysis line pilots in the United States and Canada who CommutAir–CMT MEC 440-985-8579 ([email protected]) 703-689-4289 are members of the Air Line Pilots Association, Compass–CPZ MEC 952-853-2373 International. Election dates LEC/MEC 703-689-4212 Continental–CAL MEC 281-987-3636 ALPA Headquarters: 1625 Massachusetts Ave., Engineering and Air Safety ([email protected]) Delta–DAL MEC 404-763-4925 NW, Washington, DC 20036 703-689-4200 Evergreen—EIA MEC 503-474-3880 Postmaster: Send address changes to Air Line FAA legal actions 703-689-4226 ExpressJet—XJT MEC 281-987-3636 Pilot, PO Box 1169, Herndon, VA 20172-1169. Government Affairs (GovernmentAffairs@ FedEx Express–FDX MEC 901-752-8749 Canadian Publications Mail Agreement First Air–FAB MEC 1-877-459-3272 #40620579: Return undeliverable magazines sent alpa.org) 202-797-4033 to Canadian addresses to B & M Mailing Services Human Resources (HumanResources@alpa. Freedom–MAG MEC 602-306-1116 Limited, 35 Van Kirk Drive, Unit 15, Brampton, org) 703-689-4262 Hawaiian–HAL MEC 808-836-2572 ON L7A1A5. E-mail: [email protected]. *Independence Air–ACO MEC Information Technology and Services ASPEN, ext. 6962 ([email protected]) 703-689-4223 Other Organizations Island Air–AIS MEC 808-838-0188 Legal ([email protected]) 202-797-4096 ALPA Aeromedical Office 303-341-4435 Jazz–JAZ MEC 1-800-561-9576 703-689-4326 ALPA Federal Credit Union 1-800-747-2349 Kelowna Flightcraft–KFC MEC Assn. of Flight Attendants 202-434-1300 Membership Services ([email protected]) 250-878-7950 1-888-359-2572 (1-888-FLY-ALPA), Mesa–MAG MEC 602-306-1116 ALPA Accident/Incident Hotline option 3 Mesaba–MSA MEC 952-853-2389 If you are involved in an accident, incident, or alleged violation of a federal aviation regulation, IT Operations and Services ([email protected]) *Midwest Airlines–MEA MEC 703-689-4245 contact your local or central air safety chairman, 508-360-3112 regional safety chairman, or the worldwide ALPA ac- Organizing 703-689-4179 North American–NAA MEC 732-778-6969 cident/incident hotline at 202-797-4180 (collect calls Piedmont–PDT MEC ASPEN, ext. 3274 are accepted) for an immediate response 24 hours per Publishing Services ([email protected]) day. As a backup number, call 703-892-4180. 703-689-4185 Pinnacle–PCL MEC 901-527-0355 To report a safety problem or airspace system defi­ Purchasing ([email protected]) PSA–PSA MEC 603-674-9683 ciency, call 1-800-424-2470 or e-mail [email protected]. 703-689-4319 Ryan–RYN MEC 1-800-292-ALPA 2010 EBCB Schedule Representation ([email protected]) *Skyway–SYX MEC 414-481-1481 Spirit–SPA MEC 1-800-662-2572 The Association’s Election and Ballot Cer­t­i­f­ication 703-689-4375 Board’s schedule for counting ballots is August Sun Country–SCA MEC 952-853-2393 Real Estate ([email protected]) 10, September 10, October 12, November 10, and 703-689-4105 Trans States–TSA MEC 610-805-5387 December 10. United–UAL MEC 847-292-1700 Any ALPA member in good standing may be Retirement and Insurance ([email protected]) present as an observer during any meeting. Contact Wasaya–WSG MEC 807-627-9443 703-689-4115 the Association’s Membership and Council Services Department for scheduling. System Board 703-689-4226 *Pilot group in custodianship

August 2010 Air Line Pilot 39 Have You Moved? Please call Membership Services at 1-888-359-2572, or e-mail your new address to [email protected], or clip out this form—along with the mailing label on the left—and send it to: ALPA Membership Services PO Box 1169, Herndon, VA 20172-1169 Name______Member #______Airline______New address______Apt.______City______State______Zip______

40 Air Line Pilot August 2010