Air Security Forum Explores IFALPA Affiliation

Wednesday, August 5, 2009 - On Day 3 of the ALPA Air Security Forum, Capt. Nico Voorback, Security Committee chairman of the International Federation of Air Line Pilots’ Association (IFALPA), spoke to attendees about the importance of influencing global air transportation policy. Voorbach, a KLM 777 pilot and former Dutch police officer, explained IFALPA’s observer status with the International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO), the branch of the United Nations that sets international air travel policy through its issuance of standards and recommended practices. The Federation’s relationship with ICAO provides a conduit for pilots around the world to communicate their concerns to global policy makers.

Voorbach spoke at length about ICAO’s Annex 17, Security—Safeguarding International Civil Aviation against Acts of Unlawful Interference—and the Federation’s participation in working groups that are currently exploring potential changes. Amendments to this annex could significantly influence aviation security regulations in Canada and the U.S. For this and other reasons, Voorbach emphasized that IFALPA affiliation is a tangible asset to ALPA members. “IFALPA is the global voice of pilots,” he emphasized.

Although not scheduled, Capt. Dennis Dolan (DAL, ret.), former first vice-president of ALPA and former IFALPA president, spoke briefly to Forum attendees about the ALPA Presidential Citation he would receive later that day for his extensive work in aviation security. Dolan was appointed chairman of ALPA’s Security Task Force, following the events of 9/11, and aggressively promoted the strengthening of cockpit doors and the Federal Flight Deck Officer program.

“My accomplishments are due in large part to the many pilots and ALPA staff members, and the great support they gave me,” he said.

The remainder of Day 3, the National Security Committee’s Security Council convened to review the activities and concerns of individual MEC Security Committees.