Remembering ALPA's Four Extraordinary Pilots
We honor the lives, character, and legacy of the four United Airlines pilots lost on September 11, 2001.
September 11, 2001
25 Years Later, We Will Never Forget
We honor the lives lost on 9/11 with our ongoing fight to strengthen flight deck security, while reflecting on the tragedy that continues to shape aviation.
Honoring the 9/11 Crewmembers
On the morning of September 11, 2001, aviation was changed forever when four airplanes were hijacked by terrorists: United Airlines Flight 93, United Airlines Flight 175, American Airlines Flight 11, and American Airlines Flight 77.
United Airlines Flight 93
Capt. Jason Dahl
F/O LeRoy Homer, Jr.
Flight Attendant Lorraine Bay
Flight Attendant Sandra Bradshaw
Flight Attendant Wanda Green
Flight Attendant CeeCee Lyles
Flight Attendant Deborah Welsh
United Airlines Flight 175
Capt. Victor Saracini
F/O Michael Horrocks
Flight Attendant Robert Fangman
Flight Attendant Amy Jarret
Flight Attendant Amy King
Flight Attendant Kathryn LaBorie
Flight Attendant Alfred Marchand
Flight Attendant Michael Tarrou
Flight Attendant Alicia Titus
Customer Service Agent Marianne MacFarlane
Customer Service Agent Jesus Sanchez
American Airlines Flight 11
Capt. John Ogonowski
F/O Thomas McGuinness
Flight Attendant Barbara Arestegui
Flight Attendant Jeffrey Collman
Flight Attendant Sara Low
Flight Attendant Karen Martin
Flight Attendant Kathleen Nicosia
Flight Attendant Betty Ong
Flight Attendant Jean Roger
Flight Attendant Dianne Snyder
Flight Attendant Madeline “Amy” Sweeney
American Airlines Flight 77
Capt. Charles Burlingame
F/O David Charlebois
Flight Attendant Michele Heidenberger
Flight Attendant Jennifer Lewis
Flight Attendant Kenneth Lewis
Flight Attendant Renee May
The Work of Remembering
With the 25th anniversary approaching, the widows of Capt. Victor Saracini (United Flight 175) and F/O LeRoy Homer, Jr. (United Flight 93) speak about their never-ending work to honor their husbands' legacies and lift future generations of airline pilots.
Attend ALPA's Remembrance Ceremony
All members are invited to join ALPA's national officers, fellow pilots, and staff at ALPA headquarters on September 11 for a remembrance ceremony honoring the crews lost on 9/11.
The event will also be livestreamed.
Voices of Remembrance
In their own words, ALPA pilots recount the uncertainty and lasting impact of the events of September 11, 2001.
The Return to the Skies
As the nation's airspace reopened, pilots navigated more than new security measures and procedures. They carried with them the heavy emotions of a day that forever changed aviation.
ALPA and the Aftermath: The Days After 9/11
As aviation faced its darkest day, ALPA members mobilized across North America to support fellow pilots, assist families, strengthen aviation security, and help an industry in crisis. Working across crash sites, crew bases, and command centers, pilots forged a path forward for aviation.
Answering the Call on September 12
With the nation's skies silent, three Kalitta Air pilots volunteered for a historic relief mission, transporting lifesaving supplies across the country in the immediate aftermath of 9/11.
ALPA Leads the Charge for Keeping Skies Safe
The Continued Fight to Secure the Flight Deck
Significant progress has been made since 9/11, but security gaps remain. Airlines and manufacturers are dragging their feet on secondary barriers, which help prevent unauthorized access to the flight deck.
How ALPA Helped Strengthen Aviation Security After 9/11
In the years following 9/11, ALPA helped drive major aviation security improvements, including the Federal Flight Deck Officer program, hardened cockpit doors, secondary barriers, and enhanced crew identification systems.
Unruly Passengers Reinforce the Need for Flight Deck Security
Evolving threats like unruly passenger incidents continue to underscore the importance of flight deck security. If installed, secondary barriers would provide an added safeguard.
Our Memorial of Remembrance
The ALPA Remembrance Garden is a place for reflection and remembrance, honoring the pilots, crewmembers, and all those who lost their lives on September 11, 2001. Home to artifacts connected to the three crash sites, it stands as a lasting tribute to their service, memory, and legacy.
Sheets cover the center stones prior to the dedication ceremony for ALPA’s September 11 Remembrance Garden at its then-headquarters in Herndon, Virginia.
Pilots and staff commemorate the 15th anniversary.
Two floral arrangements adorn the center stones—one from ALPA and one from the Association of Flight Attendants-CWA.
Honor the Past, Protect the Future
Educating the Next Generation
A new generation of pilots enters a profession forever shaped by 9/11 and inspired by the legacies of those lost.
Born on 9/11
Meet three airline pilots who share a unique connection to a day that changed aviation forever.
Legacies That Lift Future Pilots
Widows of two United pilots lost on 9/11 share how remembrance, resilience, and service keep their husbands’ legacies alive.
Giving in Their Memory
In honor of 9/11 pilots, ALPA contributed $200,000 to support the next generation.
Wear Your 9/11 Pin. Honor Their Legacy.
As we approach the 25th anniversary, wear your 9/11 ALPA pin to honor and remember our fallen colleagues. Get yours today.
Donate to Memorial Funds
The LeRoy W. Homer Jr. Foundation
Established in memory of LeRoy Homer, first officer of United Airlines Flight 93, the Foundation bestows at least one scholarship a year to help with the costs associated with obtaining a private pilot license. It is not intended for those pursuing the career through an accredited school. The Foundation also promotes awareness of aviation careers to disadvantaged youth.
Captain Jason Dahl Scholarship Fund
This fund was created in memory of Captain Jason Dahl and in honor of all the victims of the 9/11 attacks. It provides scholarships for qualified students who wish to attend accredited commercial flight training schools in the United States.