FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
CONTACT:
Gregg Overman, APA
817-302-2250/817-312-3901
Neal Hanks, SWAPA
214-722-4209
LEADERS OF AMERICAN AIRLINES AND SOUTHWEST AIRLINES PILOTS' UNIONS: SEN. INHOFE "TIRELESS ADVOCATE FOR PROFESSIONAL PILOTS"
DALLAS/FORT WORTH, Texas (July 21, 2015) — Allied Pilots Association President Capt. Keith Wilson and Southwest Airlines Pilots' Association President Capt. Paul Jackson expressed support for the introduction of S.571, known as the "Pilot's Bill of Rights 2." Sponsored by Sen. James Inhofe (R-OK), this bill would expand the existing "Pilot's Bill of Rights."
"We sincerely appreciate Sen. Inhofe for his support of our nation's professional pilots," Capt. Wilson said. "Our career security is vulnerable to a wide range of factors frequently beyond our control. This bill would provide necessary balance to administrative proceedings and other venues in which pilots face potential certificate denial, suspension or revocation."
Capt. Jackson added, "Time and again, Sen. Inhofe has served as a tireless advocate for professional pilots. He understands the unique challenges that pilots face, with S.571 providing yet another example of his thoughtful pragmatism. We urge Sen. Inhofe's fellow lawmakers to approve this legislation promptly."
Rep. Sam Graves (R-MO) has introduced companion bill H.R.1062 in the House.
Founded in 1963, the Allied Pilots Association (APA) — the largest independent pilots' union in the United States — is headquartered in Fort Worth, Texas. APA represents the 15,000 pilots of American Airlines and US Airways, including several hundred pilots on full-time military leave of absence serving in the armed forces. The union's website is www.alliedpilots.org. American Airlines is the world's largest passenger airline.
Located in Dallas, the Southwest Airlines Pilots' Association (SWAPA) is a nonprofit employee organization representing the more than 8,000 pilots of Southwest Airlines. SWAPA works to provide a secure and rewarding career for Southwest pilots and their families through negotiating contracts, defending contractual rights and actively promoting professionalism and safety. For more information on the Southwest Airlines Pilots' Association, visit www.swapa.org.