The Air Line Pilots Association, ALPA was formed in 1931 by a group of 24 “key men” in Chicago. David L. Behncke was the first president. The founding members adopted the motto “Schedule with Safety” and that theme remains central to the union’s work today. For more than 80 years the ALPA has fought for the safety and security of its members with more than 600 working airline pilots serving on local and national safety and security committees that guide
the Association’s work. The organization has secured collective bargaining contracts for more than 53,000 pilots at 37 U.S. and Canadian airlines.