Veterans Day 2023 The tradition of celebrating our veterans on Nov. 11 began during World War I. The fighting between the Allied nations and Germany ceased on that date because an armistice, or temporary cessation of hostilities, went into effect on the eleventh hour of the eleventh day of the eleventh month. If you have an opportunity to thank a veteran today, please join me in doing so. A great many of our pilots are veterans, including your APA National Officers. Vice President CA Chris Torres and I flew fighter jets for the Air Force, and Secretary-Treasurer FO Pat Clark was a helicopter pilot for the Marine Corps. CA Torres, FO Clark, and every other veteran in our pilot ranks deserve our eternal gratitude for their service to this great nation. If they and countless others throughout our nation’s history had not stepped up, our world would be very different indeed.

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE CONTACT: Capt. Dennis Tajer, 847-902-8481/Gregg Overman, 817-302-2250 Allied Pilots Association Supports Bergman’s Bid for Speaker FORT WORTH, Texas (Oct. 20, 2023) – The Allied Pilots Association (APA), representing the 15,000 pilots of American Airlines, conveyed its support for Rep. Jack Bergman of Michigan as the next Speaker of the House. “Jack Bergman’s credentials as a pilot, veteran, business owner, and legislator make it clear that he knows how to get things done,” said Capt. Ed Sicher, Allied Pilots Association President. “We look forward to his leadership.” A 40-year veteran of the United States Marine Corps, where he rose to the rank of Lieutenant General, Rep. Bergman is the highest-ranking combat veteran to have ever served in the U.S. House. He also flew commercial airliners for 22 years. Since 2017, he has represented Michigan’s 1st Congressional District, which encompasses the Upper Peninsula and 20 other counties. Founded in 1963, the Allied Pilots Association – the largest independent pilots union in the United States – is headquartered in Fort Worth, Texas. APA represents the 15,000 pilots of American Airlines, including several hundred pilots on full-time military leave of absence serving in the armed forces. The union’s website is AlliedPilots.org.

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE CONTACT: Capt. Dennis Tajer, 847-902-8481/Gregg Overman, 817-302-2250 Allied Pilots Association Voices Strong Support for Mike Whitaker to Lead FAA FORT WORTH, Texas (Oct. 19, 2023) – The Allied Pilots Association (APA), representing the 15,000 pilots of American Airlines, voiced its strong support for the prompt confirmation of nominee Mike Whitaker to serve as Administrator of the Federal Aviation Administration. “Our National Airspace System faces unprecedented challenges, and we need a steady hand leading the FAA at this critical juncture. We believe Mike Whitaker is up to that task,” said Capt. Ed Sicher, Allied Pilots Association President. “Aggressive airline scheduling in response to post-pandemic travel demand – combined with lower overall levels of experience due to heightened turnover among pilots, air traffic controllers, mechanics, and other workers – have put enormous stress on the system,” he said. “Strong leadership is required to ensure that we preserve the margin of safety as commercial aviation navigates these challenges. Fortunately, Mr. Whitaker has the requisite experience.” In a  Sept. 15 message of support for Mr. Whitaker’s nomination, the Department of Transportation emphasized that he “is fully committed to aviation safety including protecting pilot training, preserving qualification regulations, and keeping at least two well-trained pilots on the flight deck.” “We are very pleased that Mr. Whitaker has taken a strong stand on comprehensive and rigorous pilot training, the importance of maintaining experience requirements for new-hire pilots, and the need to have a minimum of two well-trained, well-rested pilots on the flight deck,” Capt. Sicher said. “The FAA needs a confirmed leader, and Mr. Whitaker is the right person for the job. We are pleased that the Senate Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation supports Mr. Whitaker’s nomination to serve as FAA Administration, and we urge the U.S. Senate to confirm his appointment promptly.” Founded in 1963, the Allied Pilots Association – the largest independent pilots union in the United States – is headquartered in Fort Worth, Texas. APA represents the 15,000 pilots of American Airlines, including several hundred pilots on full-time military leave of absence serving in the armed forces. The union’s website is AlliedPilots.org.

Israel: Do Not Fly   As noted in APA’s initial update yesterday regarding the safe evacuation of working American Airlines crewmembers from Tel Aviv, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has announced that the country is now “at war.” The Israeli security cabinet weighed in today, declaring that the country is in a "state of war."   It is not prudent or appropriate to knowingly put our flight crews and passengers in harm's way by maintaining flights into a war zone. Therefore, after careful consideration, I am directing all pilots to cease flight operations to Israel until we can be reasonably assured of the region's safety and security.   In its most recent Travel Advisory regarding Israel issued earlier today, the State Department said that “the situation in Israel continues to be unpredictable” and that “mortar and rocket fire may take place without warning.”   An Oct. 3 travel advisory from the State Department indicated that “terrorist groups, lone-wolf terrorists and other violent extremists continue plotting possible attacks in Israel and the West Bank and Gaza. Terrorists and violent extremists may attack with little or no warning, targeting tourist locations, transportation hubs, markets/shopping malls, and local government facilities. Violence can occur in Israel and the West Bank and Gaza without warning.”   The Federal Aviation Administration has issued a NOTAM in response to the current situation stating that “operators are advised to exercise extreme caution.” Until further notice, if you are scheduled, assigned, or reassigned a pairing into Israel, refuse the assignment by calling your Chief Pilot or IOC Duty Pilot (682-315-4340). Inform them that you are refusing the assignment in accordance with the guidance and cautions issued by the State Department and the FAA.   Fellow pilots, thank you for your understanding and compliance with this directive. We will continue closely monitoring events in Israel and will update you as necessary.