Air Line Pilots Association

As a frequently-engaged observer of the aviation industry, I have been following the recent controversy between the Air Line Pilots Association (ALPA) and SkyWest Airlines with considerable interest. While ALPA is a respected association with a long history of advocating for pilot rights, safety, and industry standards, its recent actions concerning SkyWest's proposed Part 135 Charter operations under the Essential Air Service (EAS) program have raised significant concerns about overreach and misinformation.

The crux of the issue lies in ALPA's claims regarding SkyWest's safety standards. While it is indeed ALPA's mandate to promote and protect the interests of its member pilots, including safety issues, its recent allegations about SkyWest's safety protocols appear to be based on inaccurate or potentially misleading information. As such, ALPA seems to be stepping out of its bounds as a labor union and assuming the role of a quasi-governmental safety board.

It's essential to clarify that this role should be squarely in the purview of the Department of Transportation (DOT) and the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), both of which have the statutory authority and expertise to regulate and oversee aviation safety. These bodies, unlike ALPA, have access to comprehensive data, the means to perform thorough audits, and the statutory authority to enforce safety standards.

In this context, ALPA's interference appears to be creating unnecessary confusion and potentially undermining the stability of small community air services. The EAS program is a critical link for many smaller communities and remote regions, providing them with essential connectivity. As such, any undue disruptions to these services can have far-reaching effects, affecting local economies, access to healthcare services, and broader regional development.

While ALPA's dedication to safety and advocacy for pilots is commendable, its role should not extend to acting as a self-appointed regulatory body. This latest saga risks damaging the reputation of SkyWest, an airline with an otherwise solid safety record, and could potentially destabilize the small community air services that so many rely upon.

In conclusion, ALPA should reconsider its current approach and focus on its core mandate of advocating for pilots within the appropriate frameworks. The DOT and FAA are the rightful authorities when it comes to safety standards and regulatory oversight. Their decisions should be respected and trusted, and their roles should not be appropriated by organizations lacking the statutory authority to do so.