The Air Line Pilots Association International (ALPA) named two Air Canada Jazz pilots to receive a Superior Airmanship Award, according to RAN’s sister publication Air Safety Week. In addition, a third Jazz pilot was awarded the organization’s top honor – the Air Safety Award. Superior Airmanship Awards went to Capt. Michael Nelson and First Officer Paul Cafouros, for their outstanding efforts in landing ACJ Flight 8205, a CRJ 200 regional jet which encountered flap problems last November. En route from Vancouver International Airport to Prince George Airport, Flight 8205 attempted to land at the Prince George Airport on a snowy afternoon, when the visibility dropped to three-eighths of a mile – below the legal minimum – forcing the crew to declare a missed approach. The aircraft’s flaps would not retract into a more streamlined position for the climb away from the airport, forcing the pilots to divert to the Fort St. John Airport with little fuel to spare. The incident resulted in two Special Airworthiness Information Bulletins (SAIB) from the FAA. Related Story
Capt. Robert Perkins, an Air Canada Jazz pilot, received the Air Safety Award, ALPA’s highest safety honor for "significant contributions to safety through dedicated service in ALPA's air safety structure. He also played an integral role as airport and ground environment group vice chair."
ALPA also bestowed honors on a number of pilots for their contributions to the safety and security of the airline industry. The awards were presented at the Association’s 53rd Annual Air Safety & Security Week and Awards Banquet in Washington, D.C. A Superior Airmanship Award went to a United Airlines (UAUA) crew, Capt. Scott Stoops and First Officer Brad Loper, for their outstanding effort in avoiding a near runway collision involving United Flight 1015, a Boeing737-300, providing service from Chicago O’Hare International Airport to Denver International Airport on July 23, 2006. Capt. Ron K. Silberman, a Northwest Airlines (NWA) pilot, received the first ALPA Aviation Security Award, ALPA’s highest security honor, for his superb leadership in the design and implementation of an enhanced cargo flight deck access hatch.