WASHINGTON, D.C.—Capt. Jason Ambrosi, president of the Air Line Pilots Association, Int’l (ALPA), issued the following statement today in support of the Consolidated Appropriations Act (H.R. 7148). The bill includes critical funding and policy provisions that will improve aviation safety and strengthen the pilot workforce.
“ALPA strongly supports H.R. 7148, which will provide significant resources for the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) to upgrade aging technology and increase air traffic controller hiring. The bill also includes important directives to enhance air safety and improve the piloting profession including:
Directing the FAA to ensure a minimum of two qualified, fully rested pilots on commercial airline flight decks at all times.
Including additional resources to improve the FAA’s aeromedical process, reduce the backlog of pilot and controller medical certificates, and provide new flexibility to hire and retain skilled medical professionals.
Providing critical funding for the National Mediation Board, which promotes collective bargaining in the airline and rail industries.
Urging the Department of Transportation to review its outdated Statement of International Air Transportation Policy, internal guidance that in the past has been used to justify detrimental labor policy for international aviation, including air service agreements, joint ventures, and licensing cases.
“ALPA urges Congress to swiftly pass this bipartisan, bicameral legislation that will advance aviation safety, strengthen our national airspace system, and improve the pilot profession.”
