Fellow Pilots,
The US Airline Pilots Association will now start to announce the names of pilots who will act as pilot domicile interim representatives (Pilot Board Members) on the USAPA Pilot Board. Since USAPA represents only the US Airways East and West pilots, the USAPA Pilot Board will take the place of ALPA National’s Executive Council and the US Airways and America West MECs.
Under the direction of USAPA Steering Committee Chairman Steve Szpyrka, Steering Committees were created in all bases. These committees then searched for pilots who exemplified qualities such as integrity and energy, along with pertinent qualifications that would assist the pilot in making good decisions, and be the best pilot advocate possible, with an emphasis on the ability to work together as a team. Once nominees were tentatively chosen, interviews were conducted both as a means to become familiar with the nominees, but also to get fellow pilots’ thoughts on the potential selectees. Once this step was completed, the Steering Committees presented their selections to the Interim Officers of USAPA (President, Vice President and Secretary-Treasurer). Presented with the Steering Committees’ recommendations, the Officers confirmed that those selections followed the stated guidelines, and further confirmed that the Steering Committees had in-fact selected the best candidates to serve on the Pilot Board. Members of the recent ALPA MEC (2007 thru February 2008) were never considered, as it was deemed imperative that USAPA start with different leadership.
The pilots selected will serve as interim Pilot Board members, as the USAPA Officers are fully aware of the sanctity of pilot elections for leadership positions. The interim appointments will serve their purpose providing USAPA initial leadership, however a moderately aggressive Executive Officer and Pilot Board election schedule is in place per the USAPA constitution. The subject of elections inside the Constitution takes into account future elections in the years to come, therefore elections are rotating, or staggered, so as to maintain leadership continuity. To summarize election particulars:
Two domiciles (minimum) will conduct Pilot Board elections each quarter, until such time as all Pilot Board members are elected; there are seven domiciles.
Pilot Board members are elected for a three year term.
Executive Officer elections will be held within 12 months of USAPA’s certification.
Executive Officers will be elected for a three year term.
The first appointees we will announce are the Pilot Board members from the PHL crew base – we asked each Interim Rep to provide an introductory bio for those that don’t know them:
PHL Interim Chairman – Captain Doug Burke
My name is Doug Burke. I was hired with Allegheny Airlines on February 13 1978. I have flown the BAC1-11, DC9, MD80, B757/767, AB319, and now the AB330 in PHL. I consider myself to be “just a line pilot†and I’m very happy to be one. I was exposed to union service at a very early age as a result of my father’s work with the union; my father started with All American Airways and retired in 1985. Because of my father’s union work I felt that I should also give something back to my fellow pilots. I worked on the Professional Standards Committee in PIT for just under ten years, and over that period I was appointed Professional Standards Chairman in PIT and eventually MEC Professional Standards Chairman.
PHL Interim Vice-Chairman – Captain Roger Henriksson
I am 47 years old, married to my second wife, Susan, have two children from my first marriage, Jacob 20, and Amy 18. I am currently living in Albany, NY, and will be based in LGA through March, then, starting April 1st in PHL. My position in both bases is A-320 Captain. I was born Feb 15 1961 in Gothenburg, Sweden. Completed all academic studies in my native country, as well as my mandatory military service. Was discharged as a 2nd Lt in the infantry. Moved to the USA in 1981, and after completing my training, did the flt instructor/charter/commuter thing until being hired by Empire in 1985. Spent the next 22 years as an F/O on the F-28, B-737, B-757/767, and A-330, until "checking out" on the A-320. I am very happy to accept the invitation to serve my fellow pilots, and will do so to the very best of my ability.
PHL Interim Vice-Chairman – First Officer Pete Dugstad
I'm Pete Dugstad, just a line pilot but a pilot advocate. My hiring process included an interview in PIT, but I was hired by Piedmont and attended training in INT as the first post merger class on 8/16/89. Since then I have flown the F-28, the MD-80, the 737-200 (as both F/O and Captain on MetroJet), the 737-300/400 and now, I am currently based on the 767 Int'l in PHL. I have been furloughed 3 times (1991-1992, 1996, and 2002-2007). I volunteered in ALPA committee work in 1992 and stayed involved through 2002 in the following committees: Membership Services, Strike Preparedness, Furlough Administrator, Training (held both Vice-Chair and Chairman) and also co-authored the Mentor Program in the late 1990's when we were hiring again.
Prior to US Airways, I flew for Presidential, Air Virginia, and Piedmont Aviation. While on 3 furloughs, I have sold cars (got to put food on the table someway) flown for Chautauqua as a Captain on the E-145 through J4J, and on the 757/767 globally for North American Airlines. I am a proud graduate of Virginia Tech (1982), a former enlisted United States Marine (Sgt. E-5) and am married to a wonderful wife (22 yrs. this year) and have two outstanding sons (14 and 16). I am honored and humbled to be considered for this position.
Watch in the coming days as we announce the remaining Interim Representatives and committee members.
Thank you for your continuing support.
