ALPA - Air Line Pilots Association

08/08/2024 | Press release | Distributed by Public on 09/08/2024 02:23

ALPA Commends FAA ACT ARC for Maintaining Highest Pilot-Training Standards

Release #: 24.20
August 08, 2024

ALPA Commends FAA ACT ARC for Maintaining Highest Pilot-Training Standards


WASHINGTON-Capt. Jason Ambrosi, president of the Air Line Pilots Association, Int'l (ALPA), issued the following statement after the Federal Aviation Administration's (FAA) Air Carrier Training Aviation Rulemaking Committee (ACT ARC) issued final recommendations on pilot-training pathways.

"ALPA is pleased that today's recommendations keep our nation's pilot training, qualification, and experience requirements strong and in place. As an active participant of the ARC, ALPA has long been supportive of maintaining the highest standards for the piloting profession, while exploring ways to open the doors of opportunity and make the pathway to getting there more affordable. However, we should never shortcut or undermine the valuable training and experience that are necessary to develop the judgment required to be a safe and qualified professional pilot.

"Air travel is the safest mode of transportation in the world, and that is due in no small measure to the rigorous training and experience required of all airline pilots. Since passage of the Airline Safety and FAA Extension Act in 2010, which established the global gold standard for aviation safety, the United States has seen a 99.8 percent reduction in airline passenger fatalities. Since that time, ALPA has been steadfast in insisting that nothing is done to jeopardize it.

"Unfortunately, despite this unparalleled safety record, some groups continue to try and undermine aviation safety by putting profit first. It remains incumbent upon all who are committed to safe skies to ensure that these special interests do not unduly influence any regulatory changes, whether it is regarding pilot training or reducing pilots on the flightdeck.

"Airline pilots are trained for life to keep flying safe, and ALPA looks forward to continuing our collaboration with the FAA and industry stakeholders to expand opportunities for those who aspire to fly - and ensure that the safest place on earth will always be in the air."

Founded in 1931, ALPA is the largest airline pilot union in the world and represents more than 78,000 pilots at 41 U.S. and Canadian airlines. Visit ALPA.org or follow us on Twitter @ALPAPilots.

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CONTACT: ALPA Media, 703-481-4440 or [email protected]