ALPA Opposes ‘Dangerous’ Remote Operations Provisions in FAA Bill

The executive board of the Air Line Pilots Association, International (ALPA) has come out unanimously opposed to a provision in the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) reauthorization bill which calls for research and development of remote alternatives to cargo pilots.

The bill, now under consideration by the Senate, would make room for R&D on remote operations or computer piloting technology with the intent to replace pilots. ALPA contends these systems would neglect many of the intricacies on which human pilots rely, such as sounds, smells, and vibrations, while increasing flight vulnerability to cyber attacks and communication delays.

“At the eleventh hour and with no advanced notice, a dangerous provision was inserted into the House FAA Reauthorization bill by the House Science, Space, and Technology Committee to push for single-piloted and computer-piloted operations of cargo airliners,” Captain Tim Canoll, ALPA president, said. “No notice, no testimony, no deliberation. This is an attack on our profession, passenger and cargo operations alike. Now, let me be perfectly clear: ALPA will use every resource we have to ensure that this anti-safety provision is not enacted.”

After adopting a resolution of opposition, the organization’s board officially denounced the measure as an existential threat to aviation safety and security, the public, and the profession at large. ALPA will commit significant resources to advocacy measures fighting the provision.

Source: Press Release

Leave a Reply Cancel reply