ALPA Air Safety Awards
ALPA’s Air Safety Forum presents a series of annual honors recognizing standout achievements in air safety, aviation security, aviation jumpseat, and pilot assistance—a tradition that has continued since 1957.
2024 Awards
Air Safety Award
Capt. Craig Boxrucker, Alaska Airlines
Capt. Craig Boxrucker is the recipient of the 2024 ALPA Air Safety Award. Capt. Boxrucker’s depth of knowledge and extensive involvement across the industry have been indispensable to ALPA’s safety mission. From his leadership in analyzing effects of the 5G rollout on critical aircraft systems to participation as subject-matter expert on Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), RTCA, and International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO) panels, working groups, and advisory committees, Capt. Boxrucker consistently delivers impactful results that benefit both pilots and the traveling public. In recognition of outstanding service to fellow pilots and his commitment to aviation safety, the Air Line Pilots Association honors Capt. Craig Boxrucker with the ALPA Air Safety Award.
Aviation Security Award
F/O Bryan Patchen, Delta Air Lines
F/O Bryan Patchen is the recipient of the 2024 ALPA Aviation Security Award. Following the October 7, 2023 attacks in Israel, F/O Patchen helped coordinate the successful extraction of FedEx pilots and family members from Tel Aviv, facilitated through collaboration with in-country government contacts and El Al Airlines. F/O Patchen also advanced security information sharing by ensuring that all ALPA members can access an app that provides pilots with critical security information. The FACTAL app was adopted by ALPA in 2023 to address the ALPA Security Council’s need to receive timely alerts during security events. In recognition of volunteer service to our union and fellow pilots, the Air Line Pilots Association honors F/O Bryan Patchen with the Aviation Security Award.
Aviation Jumpseat Award
Capt. Craig Stephens, Delta Air Lines
Capt. Craig Stephens is the recipient of the 2024 ALPA Aviation Jumpseat Award. Capt. Stephens is a founding member of the National Jumpseat Committee and played an integral role in its formation. Capt. Stephens served as the original International Jumpseat subject matter expert and was instrumental in developing the first Jumpseat website. Capt. Stephens’ extensive work on behalf of ALPA pilots, which extends beyond his Jumpseat role, sets him apart from others. Capt. Stephens’ professionalism is an example for his fellow jumpseat volunteers. In recognition of his leadership on Aviation Jumpseat issues as well as for work in other roles as an ALPA pilot volunteer, the Air Line Pilots Association honors Capt. Craig Stephens with the ALPA Aviation Jumpseat Award.
Pilot Assistance Award
Capt. Chris Forbes, JetBlue Airways
Capt. Chris Forbes is the recipient of the 2024 ALPA Pilot Assistance Award. Capt. Forbes epitomizes a pilot assistance volunteer. He dedicates significant time to work as a Critical Incident Response Program volunteer each month to ensure that every pilot receives needed support following a critical incident. His steadfast dedication to helping fellow pilots is unmatched. In recognition of his dedication, commitment, and the countless hours devoted to supporting fellow pilots, the Air Line Pilots Association honors Capt. Chris Forbes with the ALPA Pilot Assistance Award.