TSA ISSUES NEW RULES FOR KCM PRIVILEGES
The Transportation Security Administration (TSA) has issued new rules concerning crewmember participation in KCM, which became effective January 31, 2019, but have just this week been amended and made available for ALPA's publication.
Previously, TSA field operations personnel unilaterally determined the duration of disqualification from KCM for certain security violations. The new rules standardize KCM disciplinary measures for crewmembers who violate KCM rules and other security regulations. These are in the form of disqualifications from KCM privileges ranging from six months to a permanent ban, depending on the seriousness and repetition of such violations. The agency has amended airline security programs with these disciplinary measures, which are designated as sensitive security information (SSI) and are not for public release. However, TSA has made certain information about the rules available, and airlines may share additional information with their own employees.
UPDATE: FLORIDA MEDICAL EXAMS
ALPA recently notified members of potential problems with some airman medical certificates issued by a Florida aviation medical examiner, Dr. Robert Kurrle. The FAA has informed ALPA that the number of airline pilots affected is very small. No action is required or expected of any pilot regarding this matter who does not receive a letter from the FAA indicating that a new medical examination is required.
If you receive a certified letter from the FAA and have further questions, please contact ALPA's Aeromedical Office at 303-341-4435. Physicians there can provide details on getting a new medical exam.
STATEMENT ON WHITE HOUSE INTENT TO NOMINATE NEXT FAA ADMINISTRATOR
Yesterday, ALPA issued the following statement after the White House announced its intent to nominate Capt. Steve Dickson as administrator of the Federal Aviation Administration:
"ALPA congratulates Steve Dickson on his nomination to lead the safest and most complex aviation system in the world.
"Capt. Dickson's extensive transportation experience would give him, if confirmed, a unique opportunity to enhance the safety of commercial aviation and we look forward to learning more about his vision on working collaboratively to protect and advance the safety of our national airspace. His nomination comes at a particularly critical time for the FAA, and it is our hope and expectation that the first of order business for him will be to reaffirm the agency's steadfast commitment to safety.
"We would like to thank Dan Elwell for his work leading the agency while serving as acting FAA administrator since January 2018, including during the period of the government shutdown."
FUTURE AIRLINE PILOTS MEET ALPA'S PRESIDENT AT UNIVERSITY EVENT
At Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University–Daytona's ALPA ACE Club meeting last night, an enthusiastic group of around 75 aviation students were treated to a special guest address from ALPA president Capt. Joe DePete. He was joined by ALPA Education Committee chairman F/O Costas Sivyllis (UAL) and ERAU Daytona liaison F/O Justin Dahan (FDX), as well as committee volunteers Capt. Fred Kopec (DAL), F/O Nick Bowers (PSA), Capt. Tim Reece (TSA), and F/O Jason Fox (XJT).
ALPA's president didn't limit his university visit to just the club meeting. Earlier in the day, Capt. DePete met with the university president, received a tour of the campus and flight line, and attended a luncheon with ACE club volunteers.
Following the event, Capt. DePete posted on Twitter, "Had a chance to meet with @ALPA_ACE_Club members at ERAU last night. What a great group of future #aviators! The future of the profession is in good hands. #AvGeek #WeAreALPA"
Through its Education Committee, ALPA promotes the piloting profession, mentors aspiring aviators, and prepares future generations of pilots to join the ranks of our members. The ACE Club, a professional development and mentoring program at 11 universities that helps bridge the gap between the classroom and the flight deck, is just one of these efforts.
REINFORCING THE NEED FOR FAIR COMPETITION AT CAPA EVENT
Capt. Bob Fox, ALPA first vice president, made clear that U.S. airline pilots and airlines need a level playing field this week at the Centre for Aviation's 2019 Americas Aviation Summit, held in Denver, Colo. In comments on a panel titled, "Unlocking the U.S. domestic airline system: Operational vs. commercial implications," he presented ALPA's policy perspectives on a range of priority issues.
Fox pointed out that U.S. airlines depend on fair competition and that the biggest threat to the U.S. domestic system is subsidized foreign competition that undermines long-haul international routes. He noted that ALPA is gratified that the Trump administration reports it has taken steps to force the United Arab Emirates and Qatar to operate on market-based principles and disclose financial information as well as commit to not operate fifth-freedom EU-U.S. nonstop passenger flights to the United States.
In describing ALPA's position on the recent U.S. government agreements with both countries, "We have a really strong domestic operation around the system that feeds our international operations, and it works in parallel in a market-based environment," said Capt. Fox. "We're going to look for the administration to enforce those agreements."
In addition, ALPA's first vice president noted that there is currently no pilot shortage in the United States and underscored that ALPA engaged with 15,000 students and with 24 aviation universities last year. "We're the leaders of the world in the aviation market," Fox reminded conference participants. "That lead is providing the safety network that we have in the United States."
ALPA CHAMPIONS WOMEN IN AVIATION AT ANNUAL CONFERENCE
More than 4,500 aviation and aerospace professionals gathered for the 30th annual International Women in Aviation Conference March 14–16 in Long Beach, Calif. Positive energy flowed throughout the Long Beach Convention Center as aviators from all sectors of the industry sought to connect, engage, and inspire one another in their professional and personal lives.
ALPA's outreach, led by its Education and Membership committees, included a booth in the exhibit hall, an informal session to talk about life as an airline pilot, and participation in WAI's Girls in Aviation Day to spark girls' interest in the profession. The "Cleared to Dream" booth was in a prime location, drawing hundreds of current and future pilots to talk about the profession. In addition, more than 80 pilots flying for ALPA and non-ALPA airlines, the military, and students at various stages of their training attended the "Coffee Talk" event to discuss maintaining a work-life balance, family issues, finding a path to the airlines, and other issues. ALPA pilots were also involved in the activities portion of Girls in Aviation Day, teaching girls about air traffic control and aircraft spacing, ground navigation, and how to fly on a simulator.
Stay tuned and check out the April issue of Air Line Pilot for more detailed coverage of ALPA's outreach at the 2019 International Women in Aviation conference.