This is APA President Captain Lloyd Hill with the APA Information Hotline for Thursday, December 24.
TAKE CARE OF EACH OTHER: Tuesday’s accident involving American Airlines Flight 331 in Kingston, Jamaica serves as a reminder that commercial aviation has always been serious business. As professional pilots, we bear a tremendous amount of responsibility for life and property. We must always exercise caution, and never more so than during peak holiday periods. Take proper care of yourselves, your crew and your passengers.
For details of the Flight 331 accident—including APA’s response—please be sure to read yesterday’s APA News Digest.
HOLIDAY OPERATIONS: The holidays always have a special meaning to those of us in the airline industry. As pilots, we have a unique perspective because our professional services enable millions of people to travel and enjoy a traditional holiday in the company of their loved ones. For the vast majority of you who will be spending part of this Christmas weekend at the controls of an American Airlines jet, thank you for your service.
While most Americans enjoy relaxation and family fellowship, for most of us the holidays are a period of work and family sacrifice. In addition, it’s an appropriate time to remember those among us who are less fortunate than we are. I’d particularly like all of us to remember the 1,888 pilots who remain on furlough—some for nearly eight years. We also have hundreds of our pilots serving in the armed services, enduring long separation from their families.
Finally, I’d like all of you to remember that this is our airline. Over the years, the pilots have stepped up to lead this airline when needed. The need for pilot leadership at this airline has never been greater as we seek not only to restore our profession, but also to restore American Airlines.
On behalf of your National Officers, elected domicile representatives and committee volunteers, let me wish all of you the happiest of holidays and most importantly, stay safe while working out there. Thanks for checking this hotline.
