ALPA President Opens Annual Security Forum

Monday, August 3, 2009 - ALPA’s president, Capt. John Prater, launched the opening day of the Aviation Security Forum today, welcoming ALPA pilots, government leaders, security specialists, and other stakeholders who gathered for this important event. In his opening remarks, Prater acknowledged the two pilots of CanJet Flight 918 who, together with their crew, foiled a highjacking attempt at Sangster International Airport near Montego Bay, Jamaica, earlier this year.

“Their heroic actions underscored why aviation security continues to be a top priority for our Association, a top priority that the ALPA Board of Directors reaffirmed during its biennial meeting last October, and a top priority that the BOD adopted as a cornerstone of the ALPA-wide strategic plan powering our collaborative efforts and strategic initiatives,” he noted.

Prater spent much of his presentation reviewing the status of those strategic efforts, including the progress with CrewPASS, RAIC, and expedited airport access for pilots. He discussed an industry-government initiative that will more closely examine secondary barriers as a means to further secure the cockpit from terrorists and other criminals.

ALPA’s president reviewed proposed legislation that, if implemented, will enhance the Federal Flight Deck Officer program. He also talked about ongoing efforts to improve air cargo security and activities to broaden awareness of the recent proliferation in laser attacks on aircraft.

“In talking about how much we have accomplished to date, I must acknowledge our partners in government agencies and airline industry organizations, as well as national, state and provincial, and local law enforcement representatives, with whom we work so closely on these initiatives,” Prater said. “Our relationships with them are critical to advancing our security priorities.”

Prater concluded his presentation, saying, “Pilots may be the ‘last line of defense,’ but we all share a commitment to making sure that the added layers of security are in place and working to protect our crews, our passengers, and our cargo, every flight we make.”

Capt. Robb Powers (Alaska), chairman of ALPA’s National Security Committee, reviewed the day’s agenda before introducing Prater to the Forum attendees. In his brief welcome to the group, Powers commented, “Despite the economic challenges the Association has faced, we’ve built a robust security team.”

The ALPA Aviation Security Forum is being held through August 6, as part of the Association’s 55th Air Safety Forum, at the Omni Shoreham in Washington, D.C.