February 16, 2014

Fellow ALPA Members,

There are many reports and opinions about the impending U.S. pilot shortage – some airline managements are even citing the “shortage” for closing hubs, canceling flights and discontinuing routes across the continent. Yes, there are few examples today of airlines having trouble finding pilots, but it’s not because the pilots don’t exist. Each one of us probably knows a fellow ALPA member who is furloughed, working for a foreign air carrier, or a fellow line pilot who is suffering from the real shortage: a pay and benefit shortage.

It is time for airline management to wake up and deal with their reality. They must be willing to pay for the professionalism, expertise, airmanship ability, and judgment that professional airline pilots possess. The Air Line Pilots Association has renewed its commitment to ensuring its members are able to continue in their chosen profession here in the U.S. by promoting a robust and reliable airline piloting profession today. I hope you’ll watch the video, and share it with your fellow pilots, friends and family.

Respectfully,

Lee Moak