ALPA was founded by David L. Behncke and 23 other key figures in Chicago, Illinois, on July 27, 1931. In the 1930s, flying was a perilous occupation; thus, from the time of its formation, one of ALPA's main goals was to improve air safety. In 1934, the decision by the
National Labor Board to limit the flight time for pilots and co-pilots to 85 hours a month was the result of the union's first major lobbying campaign to make the skies safer. By the end of the 1930s, the association had persuaded numerous airlines to form air traffic control centers and had started the Airworthiness and Performance Committee, the first ALPA technical committee dedicated to improving flight safety. In the 1940s, numerous ALPA pilots enlisted in the military to help the United States battle the Axis powers during World War II. The Southern Airways strike of 1960–62, a conflict that ALPA winningly took on in a dispute over pilot wages, is the longest walkout in the union's history. For years, ALPA had lobbied hard for the creation of an independent government agency that would investigate accidents, and in 1967, the National Transportation Safety Board was established to conduct such investigations. Also in 1972, after decades of campaigning by ALPA, the
Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) established an airport certification program, which required airport operators to prove they are following safety standards. In 1976, the union's dedicated work resulted in NASA creating the
Aviation Safety Reporting System (ASRS), During the 1980s, ALPA accomplished much in the way of safety. In 1981, among other achievements, the Association convinced the FAA that “fasten seatbelt” signs were needed, Following the 1994 crash of
USAir Flight 427, in which all 132 people on board were killed, the
National Transportation Safety Board ruled that pilot error was the cause. But ALPA fought that decision, and in the end, it was found that a malfunction in the rudder control system of the B-737 plane was likely the cause. Subsequently, a redesign of all B-737s—the most commonly flown commercial airplane—was ordered by the FAA. After another tragic 1994 crash, of
American Eagle Flight 4184, a study of icing issues with the
ATR 72 commenced, an inquiry ALPA was closely involved with. The outcomes were alterations in the design of the ATR 72 and improved pilot training. In 1997, the Canadian Airline Pilots Association (CALPA) merged with ALPA, forming what would become known as ALPA Canada. As of 2024, ALPA Canada represents more than 10,600 pilots. In 2000, after years of advocacy by the association, the FAA approved ALPA's recommendations for
Land and Hold Short Operations (LAHSO). ALPA has lobbied against attempts to rescind the "1,500-hour rule", which requires that pilots for commercial airlines must log 1,500 hours of flying before they can get their license. The 1,500-hour rule was implemented in 2013, raising the required flight training hours from 250 to 1,500. Critics of the rule say it is arbitrary and not based on scientific data, as well as raises the costs and time for prospective pilots to obtain certification. Most countries, including the European Union, require 250 hours for pilot certification. In early 2023, ALPA launched its “Safety Starts with Two” campaign, joining forces with the
European Cockpit Association, the
International Federation of Air Line Pilots' Associations, the Associations of Star Alliance Pilots, the Oneworld Cockpit Crew Coalition, and the SkyTeam Pilots Association to promote awareness about the dangers of various reduced-crew schemes proposed by some operators and manufacturers. ALPA’s president, Capt. Jason Ambrosi, has called attempts to implement reduced-crew operations one of greatest threats to aviation safety, emphasizing that the most important safety element on every commercial airliner is the presence of two highly trained, experienced, and well-rested pilots. In July 2023, after four years of negotiations, a new labor deal was struck for
United Airlines pilots, valued at $10 billion over the contract life. The pilots are expected to receive up to a 40% raise. In September 2024, a strike was averted with
Air Canada pilots after a new labor deal was struck which was valued at $1.9 billion over a four-year contract life. The pilots are to receive up to a 46% raise. ==Leadership==