A Military Poser in the ALPA Magazine?
#321
Wrong Building
I'll be the first to say that ALPA Safety, Security, CIRP and other programs benefit the membership. No doubt about that and are worth your dues money. In my view, the organization needs a major internal overhaul, modernization and re-structuring. Leave the programs in place that bring value to the membership and either eliminate or re-organize the rest of the organization to meet the needs of today's labor environment.
'Nuff said.....back to the driving range.
G'Luck Mates
#322
I mentioned it probably a dozen or two pages ago because I noticed the similiarity as well, that 705 also started with the the FE being busted for exaggerating his work history/experience or something to that effect. I was a child at the time the FedEx 705 happened so I never knew about it until recently. Just unreal, I could not stop thinking about it for a few days.
A couple people mentioned suicide... I would be more worried about something like 705 where he hurts other people (specifically, as many people as his embraer holds). If he lied about all this crap you have no idea what other flying qualifications/history/experience he lied about. Worse, if he is deranged enough to lie to the extent that he did, you don't know what else he is capable of. I'm sure NO ONE could've expected in their wildest imaginations what Calloway ended up doing. Not saying Martins will do what Calloway did, because that is pretty damn horrific, but my point is that no one knows what people like him are capable of... and I don't like that uncertainty/unreliability in a person controlling airplanes full of people.
A couple people mentioned suicide... I would be more worried about something like 705 where he hurts other people (specifically, as many people as his embraer holds). If he lied about all this crap you have no idea what other flying qualifications/history/experience he lied about. Worse, if he is deranged enough to lie to the extent that he did, you don't know what else he is capable of. I'm sure NO ONE could've expected in their wildest imaginations what Calloway ended up doing. Not saying Martins will do what Calloway did, because that is pretty damn horrific, but my point is that no one knows what people like him are capable of... and I don't like that uncertainty/unreliability in a person controlling airplanes full of people.
This is beyond a joke, now its a security matter.
#323
Banned
Joined APC: Sep 2007
Posts: 1,480
What are your ideas? There is no question that the Tim Martins episode served partly to expose some serious systemic problem at ALPA National. Can and should all blame be placed on Prater and Sluys? How would kicking Steenblik out solve longstanding and perhaps even intractable problems?
That said, you cannot be extension tar the entire organization with the same brush. That's like saying because HEW is a mess the entire Federal Government needs to be reorganized.
Likewise, the buck always stops with the President of the organization. But if the CIA is dorked up, you don't impeach the President. However it IS up to Captain Prater to roll some heads in the Communications Department if it is warranted. A lot of ALPA employees have been let go due to budget cuts. Perhaps its time to pull the plug on the magazine and go all electronic communications.
#326
Gets Weekends Off
Joined APC: Mar 2008
Posts: 1,083
As far as the reportage goes, it was sloppy, but it was a fluff piece, not real reporting. Yes, some phone calls should have been made to verify Martins' background, but who would have figured the guy would knowingly set himself up to be exposed. If a guy I'm flying with says something about his past, I take them at their word. Steenbilk should have done more, that's his job, but I can see how it happened.
In the end, I think Martins' should have played it off like he was trying to goof on the ALPA mag. Not a good option, but better than "I made it all up."
#327
Gets Weekends Off
Joined APC: Jan 2007
Posts: 122
I don't take any medication btw...
#328
Gets Weekends Off
Joined APC: Nov 2009
Posts: 5,193
So you're telling me you'd have no problem putting your family on an airplane with two guys up front that have known metal health issues???
#329
Gets Weekends Off
Joined APC: Jul 2006
Position: XJT CA
Posts: 528
2 guys with mental health issues? Yes, that's a problem. 2 guys taking the meds? Depends. I mentioned it in the "Pilot Health" forum, but my wife took Wellbutrin for a little while. Not because she was depressed, because she wanted to quit smoking. The simple fact that someone takes these meds is not a direct threat to safety.
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