WASHINGTON, D.C., 2019-Jul-19 — /Travel PR News/ — The Air Line Pilots Association, Int’l (ALPA) recognized the accomplishments of 13 distinguished pilots during its 65th Air Safety Forum. The presentation of ALPA’s prestigious awards and citations were featured during the four-day event.
In addition to honoring outstanding contributions by pilots in aviation safety and security, ALPA’s forum featured panels of subject-matter experts who led thoughtful and engaging discussions regarding long-standing and emerging issues in key areas related to safety.
“ALPA’s Air Safety Forum is a unique opportunity for aviation safety, security and jumpseat experts to engage on key issues that affect the future of our industry,” said ALPA president Capt. Joe DePete. “It also presents the chance to celebrate the dedicated pilots whose outstanding contributions continue to uphold the highest standards our profession has to offer.”
ALPA presented its highest safety honor, the Air Safety Award, to Jazz Aviation Capt. Nick Seemel for his vast contributions to aviation safety. His work to advance safety reporting programs has resulted in a team approach between pilots and airline management and has helped enhance Canadian aviation.
United Airlines Capts. Christopher Behnam and Paul Ayers and First Officer Ed Gagarin accepted this year’s Superior Airmanship Awards for their skillful efforts and resourcefulness in addressing an uncontained engine failure over the Pacific Ocean.
The union recognized Delta Air Lines First Officer Matt Clark with its Aviation Security Award for his innumerable accomplishments in enhancing aviation safety and security.
Former Air Wisconsin Capt. Robert “Rob” Frank was presented with the Aviation Jumpseat Award for his significant accomplishments to increase cockpit security for airline crewmembers.
ALPA also awarded Presidential Citations to FedEx Express Airlines Capts. Scott Schwartz and Gary Janelli, United Airlines Capt. John Drexler, Delta Air Lines Capt. Robert Hawk, JetBlue Airways Capt. Keith McClanahan, and former Envoy Air Capt. Matthew Youngs for their tireless efforts in advancing ALPA’s safety and security work that have made a significant impact on the profession.
ALPA presented the Outstanding Airport Safety Liaison to Air Wisconsin Airlines Capt. Jawad Sultan for his efforts to successfully engage and work with authorities at Philadelphia International Airport (PHL).
Concluding the awards, ALPA named Boise Airport (BOI) in Boise, Idaho, Airport of the Year for its collaborative approach to keeping aviation safety the top priority by regularly seeking input from pilots and other industry stakeholders.
Founded in 1931, ALPA is the largest airline pilot union in the world and represents over 62,000 pilots at 35 U.S. and Canadian airlines. Visit the ALPA website at alpa.org or follow us on Twitter @WeAreALPA.
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Source: ALPA