For nearly 100 years, ALPA has set the standard in airline safety. These efforts are coordinated through the ALPA Air Safety Organization (ASO), the world’s largest nongovernmental organization of its kind.
Commercial aviation is the world's safest form of transportation. It is statistically safer to travel by plane than by car, bus, or train.
Air travel’s exemplary safety record in North America is upheld by the skill of professional pilots. Their extensive training and experience prepare them to handle unexpected situations, make real-time decisions, and adapt to changing environments. Additionally, strict adherence to federal aviation regulations, meticulous aircraft manufacturing and maintenance standards, and robust security protocols help maintain the highest level of safety in the industry.
Since ALPA's founding in 1931, we have worked closely with industry partners and regulators to raise the bar on safety. As technology advances, pilots continue to be the ultimate force for safety in the skies. We advocate for strong pilot qualification requirements and a minimum of two highly trained pilots on the flight deck, while addressing emerging safety risks, such as the integration of new users into the airspace.
We are committed to protecting the safety of the flying public and the pilots who serve them.
Outdated technology and aging infrastructure are putting strain on our airspace. It's time to invest in a safer, smarter, and more efficient ATC system.
The mandatory pilot retirement age should remain at 65. Attempts to increase it threaten airline safety.
Outdated aeromedical rules discourage pilots from seeking care for mental health. It's time to modernize the system.
An airliner's strongest safety asset is at least two fully qualified, highly trained, and well rested pilots on the flight deck.
There is no pilot shortage. Airline executives cut services and compromise pilot training standards to save costs.
Recent incidents have highlighted the critical need to address antiquated technology and staffing shortages that threaten the safety and efficiency of the air traffic control system. Tell Congress it's time to invest in our nation’s aviation infrastructure!
Read our white papers to discover how we’re advancing aviation safety standards.
Research shows that reducing the number of pilots on the flight deck would significantly compromise safety.
This paper outlines cybersecurity risks and mitigations, focusing on how pilots should be informed of and respond to cyber events.
This paper explores integrating commercial space operations into our national airspace, with an eye for safety and collaboration.
Spearheading our safety efforts, the ASO provides safety, security, pilot assistance, and jumpseat resources.
Our comprehensive program of events and training sessions equips pilots with the skills they need to be leaders in a variety of disciplines.
Our member communications keep pilots informed with timely flight safety and security alerts.
Our worldwide hotline is available 24/7/365 for pilots to receive support in case of a serious incident, accident, or safety/security event.
Pilot Assistance provides confidential guidance and help to pilots having difficulty in any aspect of their professional or personal life that may affect job performance.
As we commemorate the attacks of September 11, 2001, numerous threats against the security of our industry remain.
In today’s rapidly evolving aviation industry, we continue to drive security measures that protect pilots, passengers, and cargo.
More than 7,000 pilots belong to the Federal Flight Deck Officer program, and many more await training.
While women have been in aviation for a long time, female pilots are still embarrassingly rare. Several times, I’ve had female passengers exclaim to me, “I didn’t know women could be pilots!”
Attracting future pilots to join the profession—including those who never considered an aviation career possible—is a top priority initiative.
Women are significantly underrepresented—globally, only 5.2% of airline pilots are women.
