T- We are comparing DPA to ALPA. Like you I do not see what DPA is presenting ergo pro ALPA.

Part of the reason that ALPA invites airlines like SWA, AMR, UPS, FlexJet etc to these events is that by having everyone on the same page for safety, aeromed etc allows a "unified" front. CAL and Fedex where there for a long time too before they came back to ALPA.

As many of these independent pilot groups have told me. We are here because ALPA does it best and we need the best. You are right, they pay though the nose for it, and we would too.

FWIW, we do not hand them the keys, they are just invited to many of the symposiums so that we can share relevant data, and present a unified course on many issues. If ALPA were to be gone, we may get something similar, but I am quite doubtful. Seeing the work first hand on a few committees over the years, I am a believer in many of these programs. Of course that is not where the issue is, it is in the political arm of ALPA.

I am hopeful that this next week is a good week for National with some new blood going in to the ranks.