News
ALPA pilots to help First Air investigation

Aug. 23, 2011, Toronto – On August 22 the Transportation Safety Board of Canada notified the Air Line Pilots Association International that it had been granted official "Observer" status for the First Air Flight 6560 accident investigation. This status allows ALPA pilots who are trained accident investigators to assist the TSB in the investigation of this tragic accident.

"In our role as an official observer to the investigation, neither ALPA nor any of its representatives are allowed to speculate or comment on the investigation. This is standard practice for accident investigations in Canada and not negotiable – the sole organisation authorized to discuss the 6560 incident is the TSB.

"Like the relatives, friends, and neighbours of the Flight 6560 victims, this tragedy has deeply affected the First Air pilot group and the entire 53,000-member ALPA family. Trained pilot councilors from ALPA's globally-regarded Critical Incident Response Program have been deployed to Yellowknife, Edmonton, and other cities to assist First Air employees, other pilots, and their families in dealing with this calamity.

"Like all Canadians, we want to know what caused the Flight 6560 accident so that we can learn from it and prevent anything similar from happening again. However, we must let the TSB do its work. While our hearts may demand immediate answers as to why our friends were taken from us, we must recognize that it could take weeks, months, or possibly years to determine the cause. In the meantime, we ask that the media please respect the privacy of the deceased crew members' families and let them deal with their tragic loss in private. Thank you."

Founded in 1931, ALPA is the world's largest pilot union, representing more than 53,000 pilots at 39 airlines in Canada and the United States. The nine Canadian airlines represented by ALPA are administered by the ALPA Canada Board in Ottawa. Visit the ALPA website at www.alpa.org .