FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE CONTACT:  Capt. Dennis Tajer, 847-902-8481/Gregg Overman, 817-312-3901 Allied Pilots Association Applauds House Passage of ALERT Act FORT WORTH, Texas (April 15, 2026) — The Allied Pilots Association (APA), certified collective bargaining agent for the 16,000 pilots of American Airlines, commended the House Transportation box-sizing: border-box;">“This strong, bipartisan vote underscores a shared commitment to enhancing aviation safety and strengthening the systems that protect the flying public,” said First Officer Nick Silva, APA President. “We applaud Chairman Graves, Ranking Member Larsen, and members of the Committee and the full House for their leadership and dedication to advancing meaningful safety reforms.” President Silva characterized the ALERT Act as a significant step forward in modernizing aviation safety protocols, improving data sharing, and ensuring that pilots and regulators have the tools necessary to proactively address potential risks. He also emphasized the importance of embracing the precision of ADS-B In technology, which the Rotorcraft Operations Transparency and Oversight Reform (ROTOR) Act mandates. Unlike radar, ADS-B In allows pilots to receive data directly from surrounding aircraft, providing a comprehensive picture of nearby traffic on flight deck displays. “APA remains committed to working with lawmakers and industry stakeholders to ensure that the final legislation enhances aviation safety while supporting the pilots who uphold it every day, and we encourage the House and Senate to come together quickly to produce a final, unified bill incorporating the strongest elements of both ALERT and ROTOR,” President Silva said. “The traveling public and aviation professionals alike depend on a regulatory framework that reflects the highest standards of safety, transparency, and accountability.” Founded in 1963, the Allied Pilots Association – the largest independent pilots union in the United States – is headquartered in Fort Worth, Texas. APA’s membership includes several hundred pilots on full-time military leave of absence serving in the armed forces. The union’s website is AlliedPilots.org.

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE CONTACT: Capt. Dennis Tajer, 847-902-8481/Gregg Overman, 817-312-3901 APA President First Officer Nick Silva Releases Statement on ROTOR Act and ALERT Act FORT WORTH, Texas (Feb. 20, 2026) — Allied Pilots Association (APA) President First Officer Nick Silva released the following statement regarding the ROTOR Act and Alert Act: “On behalf of the 16,000 pilots of American Airlines, the Allied Pilots Association (APA) expresses our support for the Rotorcraft Operations Transparency and Oversight Reform (ROTOR) Act. This critical legislation is a long-overdue step toward modernizing our national airspace and ensuring the safety of every pilot, passenger, and crew member. “The tragic midair collision on Jan. 29, 2025, involving American Airlines Flight 5342 and a military helicopter underscored a dangerous gap in our aviation infrastructure. To prevent such a tragedy from ever happening again, we must move beyond outdated systems and embrace the precision of ADS-B In technology. “While the FAA currently requires ADS-B Out in certain airspaces, the ROTOR Act rightfully mandates that all aircraft already equipped with ADS-B Out must also carry ADS-B In by December 31, 2031. Unlike radar, ADS-B In allows pilots to receive data directly from surrounding aircraft, providing a comprehensive picture of nearby traffic on flight deck displays. “While we do have concerns over language instituting membership for rulemaking, review, and consultation at FAA, the ADS-B In requirements in this legislation are too important. I would like to personally thank Chairman Ted Cruz for his steadfast leadership on this issue and his commitment to address our concerns and work with the FAA Administrator to ensure that independent pilots’ labor has a seat at the table in implementing the ROTOR Act. By collaborating with the pilots trained in ADS-B technology and approved by the FAA Administrator to utilize it, implementation of these recommendations will be grounded in the practical, front-line experience of professional pilots.  “APA also expresses support for the introduction of the Airspace Location and Enhanced Risk Transparency (ALERT) of 2026 Act. This legislation represents a critical step forward in ensuring our National Airspace System remains the safest and most efficient in the world. Thank you to Chairman Graves, Ranking Member Larsen, Chairman Rogers, and Ranking Member Smith for their commitment to an inclusive legislative process. By ensuring that input from all pilot labor groups is integrated into the final language, the House has demonstrated its understanding that those on the front lines of aviation are best positioned to identify and address emerging safety risks. “The inclusion of labor’s voice ensures this bill is not just a policy document, but a practical tool that supports aviation professionals in their daily mission. We are particularly encouraged to see provisions that prioritize transparency and operational integrity, which are essential for maintaining the safety and reliability our passengers expect. “To that degree, ADS-B In technology needs to be integrated into all Part 121 aircraft as in-panel display and connected to the flight management system, validating the NTSB findings and recommendations. APA remains dedicated to working alongside Congress in advancing both pieces of legislation and reinforcing a culture where safety is never compromised for the sake of profit and where the expertise of professional pilots remains central to federal oversight.” Founded in 1963, the Allied Pilots Association – the largest independent pilots union in the United States – is headquartered in Fort Worth, Texas. APA represents the 16,000 pilots of American Airlines, including several hundred pilots on full-time military leave of absence serving in the armed forces. The union’s website is AlliedPilots.org.

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE CONTACT: Capt. Dennis Tajer, 847-902-8481/Gregg Overman, 817-312-3901 Allied Pilots Association Lauds H.R. 7148: “Provides Critical Support” FORT WORTH, Texas (Feb. 5, 2026) — The Allied Pilots Association (APA), certified collective bargaining agent for the 16,000 pilots of American Airlines, expressed its appreciation for the bipartisan support for and enactment of H.R. 7148, the Consolidated Appropriations Act, 2026. “This funding legislation provides critical support and is essential to maintain the safety, reliability, and efficiency of our National Airspace System,” said First Officer Nick Silva, APA President. “This bill’s passage is a positive step for our nation’s aviation system and the millions of passengers who rely on it every day. This legislation provides critical resources for the Federal Aviation Administration and the aviation professionals who keep our skies safe.” Among the provisions of H.R. 7148 beneficial to commercial aviation: Increases funding for the FAA by $1.588 billion. Provides the FAA with resources to hire 2,500 new air traffic controllers. Creates an internship program to benefit students and early-career participants in aviation, including pilot-related roles. Creates a veterans’ pilot training program that supports transitioning military aviators into civilian pilot roles. “While the work to strengthen our National Airspace System and address longstanding challenges continues, APA remains ready to work with all stakeholders, as we did with the Administration and Congress to end the previous shutdown,” he said. “On behalf of the 16,000 pilots we represent, APA appreciates the bipartisan effort to move this bill forward and urges Congress to continue working together to support a strong, safe, and resilient aviation system.” Founded in 1963, the Allied Pilots Association – the largest independent pilots union in the United States – is headquartered in Fort Worth, Texas. APA represents the 16,000 pilots of American Airlines, including several hundred pilots on full-time military leave of absence serving in the armed forces. The union’s website is AlliedPilots.org.

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE CONTACT: Capt. Dennis Tajer, 847-902-8481/Gregg Overman, 817-312-3901 Allied Pilots Association Supports ADS-B In Technology to Enhance Safety FORT WORTH, Texas (Jan. 30, 2026) – The Allied Pilots Association (APA), certified collective bargaining agent for the 16,000 pilots of American Airlines, voiced its support for utilizing Automatic Dependent Surveillance – Broadcast In (ADS-B In) technology to provide critical, real-time air traffic information to improve pilots’ situational awareness.  “With yesterday marking the one-year anniversary of the devastating midair collision in Washington between PSA Flight 5342 and a U.S. Army Sikorsky UH-60, APA emphasizes its ongoing commitment to the preservation and enhancement of aviation safety,” said First Officer Nick Silva, APA President. “We support the use of ADS-B In technology to improve safety in our skies by enabling pilots and air traffic controllers to be even more proactive, ensuring greater positive control of aircraft spacing and separation.” American Airlines, in collaboration with the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) and APA, has equipped more than 300 of its Airbus A321 aircraft with real-time Cockpit Display of Traffic Information (CDTI) utilizing ADS-B In technology. Thousands of APA pilots now possess years of operational experience with this enhanced system. CDTI increases awareness of surrounding air traffic in the airport environment. As controllers issue clearances to pilots, those clearances become even clearer with ADS-B In, as pilots are presented with an enhanced situation display of aircraft in the area – including their altitude, speed, call sign, and importantly, their direction – thus providing an additional layer of safety for operators in the National Airspace System (NAS). “American Airlines flight crews are at the forefront of conducting certain ADS-B In applications and are currently the only pilots globally that are trained and qualified to do so, and APA supports the further expansion of this technology across the airline’s fleet,” Silva said, noting that American Airlines is developing a plan to equip the remainder of its narrowbody fleet. When asked earlier this week about the implementation of ADS-B In technology to enhance safety, National Transportation Safety Board Chair Jennifer Homendy responded with a rhetorical question: “Are you for safety?” “APA endorses NTSB Chair Homendy’s position that ADS-B In represents a significant enhancement to safety. We urge policymakers and the FAA to expedite the advancement and implementation of this technology and its related applications to enhance safety in the NAS,” Silva said. “We pledge to provide the necessary expertise and resources to support its adoption, with the core objective of enhancing safety for our passengers, pilots, and controllers.” Founded in 1963, the Allied Pilots Association – the largest independent pilots union in the United States – is headquartered in Fort Worth, Texas. APA represents the 16,000 pilots of American Airlines, including several hundred pilots on full-time military leave of absence serving in the armed forces. The union’s website is AlliedPilots.org.