Page 5 - 2018-Issue1

PRESIDENT’S MESSAGE 5

Significant representation issues exist for some IFALPA pilots, and our
ability to resolve them depends on our unity. In one example, our Member
Associations have expressed firm solidarity with ALPA Canada WestJet
pilots, who are bargaining to obtain their first collective agreement. During
negotiations, their management launched a wholly owned, ultra-low-cost
subsidiary to which it is transferring aircraft currently flown by WestJet
pilots so that it can operate them with non-union pilots at much lower
compensation.

As we begin IFALPA’s 70th year, our technical standing committees have
achieved remarkable progress in the areas of safety, security, and pilot as-
sistance. At ICAO, our Federation has been and continues to be involved
in issues from safety data protection and airborne image recorder restric-
tions, to pilot assistance programs and remotely piloted aircraft systems.

A recent example at the national level is the New Zealand Air Line Pilots’
Association’s (NZALPA) success in ensuring appropriate runway safety
areas are in place at Wellington International Airport. In 2017, the airport
and the Civil Aviation Authority appealed a court decision that found
international civil aviation law applied in New Zealand and required
240-metre-long safety areas or such shorter distance as “practicable.” The
appeals court ruled that the “practicable” distance could not be based solely
on cost, which supported NZALPA’s position that safety benefits must also
be considered.

While IFALPA has been remarkably effective over the past 70 years,
pilots will continue to face safety and security challenges, such as the threat
of a cyber-attack. IFALPA recently released guidance for our members as
we all work to guard against cyber threats. This cyber-security guidance is
just one example of IFALPA’s work to provide tools and training for our
members and make aviation safer.

While we reflect on our progress, we also anticipate new opportunities
to achieve our mission and promote the highest level of safety worldwide.
Thanks to our dedicated pilot volunteers and professional staff, even as
IFALPA celebrates 70 years, we’re truly just getting started as the global
advocate of pilots.

Captain Ron Abel
IFALPA President

InterPilot | The Safety and Technical Journal of IFALPA ISSUE 1 | 2018