ALPA’s Populist Drift Has Broken the Fulcrum
ALPA is abandoning its core commitments to safety and economic security, the very principles on which it was founded—in favor of populist maneuvering and short-term political appeasement. Nowhere is this more evident than in its opposition to raising or eliminating the mandatory pilot retirement age.
It is incredible—almost absurd—that ALPA would actively fight against an initiative that so clearly serves its entire membership. A simple application of logic exposes the truth: every single Part 121 pilot would gain more freedom, more earnings potential, and more career flexibility if allowed the choice to fly longer. No one is being forced to stay. But everyone gains the option.
Even more importantly, safety and market stability would improve. Experienced Captains would remain on the line longer, passing on judgment, mentorship, and institutional memory to the next generation. That’s not just good for pilots—it’s essential for passengers.
Raising the age is more than a policy decision. It’s a chance to begin reforging ALPA into the fulcrum it once was—a balancing force that brings diverse outlooks into principled alignment. That’s what leadership looks like. That’s what unionism is supposed to be.
It’s time to stop letting populist pressure define our future. It’s time to replace the ALPA leadership that has abandoned the cockpit.
It’s time to send ALPA Executive National Leaders back to the line.