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Allied Pilots Association: “Safe Skies Act Critical to Aviation Safety”

“We all share the same airspace,” says head of American Airlines’ pilots union

FORT WORTH, Texas (June 23, 2017) — The Allied Pilots Association expressed its strong support for the "Safe Skies Act," which would ensure that America's cargo aircraft pilots are sufficiently rested and alert before they fly.

"Pilot fatigue is a fundamental threat to aviation safety, and we are grateful to Senators Klobuchar, Cantwell, Blumenthal, Markey, Duckworth, and Franken for cosponsoring this important legislation," said APA President CA Dan Carey. "It's basic common sense for the pilots of passenger aircraft and cargo aircraft to operate under the same safety standards. We all share the same congested airspace, runways and taxiways, and we must all have the same opportunity to achieve appropriate rest.

"Reducing fatigue-related accidents has been a longstanding priority of the National Transportation Safety Board. Accordingly, we urge Congress to pass this bill promptly to help ensure the safety of the traveling public," he said.

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. American Airlines is the world's largest passenger airline.