February 21, 2012

The Cargo Cut Out fix will be a fairly lengthy process. Michael Robbins (ALPA National Director of Government Affairs) and I briefed the MEC last week as to the road ahead to have Cargo Carriers required to participate in the FAR 117. The plan includes getting language for a standalone bill that would require everyone’s participation in FAR 117 rules. That process is already in the works. The next step is to get bipartisan support for that bill. To date, we have already had close to 200 meetings to engender support and educate members of Congress as to the importance of one level of safety and how it actually affects the flying public. The support has been very strong and everyone gets it. There will be other opportunities to “Educate Congress and the Flying public” as we move forward.

Unfortunately, in today’s “Do Nothing Congress” it will be a challenge to see anything really passed in the near term. Couple that with the fact that it is an election year, where no one steps out to take a risk, explains the concept of lengthy process. The strategy is to add this cargo language to a bill that is actually moving and one that needs to be passed. To make that happen, we will need the support from leadership in both houses. Due to the pending IPA litigation, congressional leaders have indicated that they will not address anything that is in the courts. Therein lies the conundrum of DC. That is the long-range plan for the cargo cut out.

The biggest and most egregious challenge in Washington DC is the President’s Budget that came out over a week ago. Even though this budget is DOA (dead on arrival), we are extremely furious that the FFDO (Federal Flight Deck) program was cut in half in the Fiscal 2013 budget. This is evidence that Washington again is willing to put aircraft, their crews and passengers at risk because of economic considerations. The Federal Flight Deck Officer (FFDO) program is the most cost-effective means of aviation security and is in fact the last line of defense in the aircraft, with officers often paying more out-of-pocket to participate in the program than the government pays to fund the position. It costs the federal government a meager $15 per FFDO flight.

Even though the President’s budget will not become a reality, it is disturbing that the Homeland Security Administration is playing their cards face up in an effort to eradicate the FFDO program. We will continue the education campaign on the Hill for the FFDO program. We will be meeting with the FAMS and TSA next week. We are working in conjunction with other pilot unions and organizations to make sure that this program is protected. In actuality the FFDO budget should be doubled. For the FFDO’s in our FedEx pilot group, take a look at www.FFDOA.org. It is a great organization that supports the FFDOs and the program.

9/11 occurred because 8 pilots were killed without the means to defend themselves. The world was forever changed and trillions of dollars were spent because of this horrific event. FFDOs serve as the last line of defense on an aircraft. This program needs to be protected and enhanced. It is the most cost effective program our government has.

We will keep you posted as to progress and event outcomes. You are key to the legislative process in helping control our future. Thank you in advance for your help and support.

Fraternally,

Captain Fred Eissler
FDX Legislative Affairs Committee Chairman