A Conversation with ALPA's Newest National Officers

In October 2022, ALPA’s Board of Directors (BOD) elected a new slate of national officers. This administration includes the first female national officer as well as two of the youngest pilots to hold their respective posts. The election of this group signals a new direction for the BOD, ALPA’s highest governing body, and this administration is determined to move forward together to advance the Association and the airline piloting profession with an eye to the future.

Air Line Pilot?staff recently sat down with Capts. Jason Ambrosi, president; Wendy Morse, first vice president; Tyler Hawkins, vice president–administration/secretary; and Wes Clapper, vice president–finance/treasurer, and asked questions ranging from their views on the challenges facing the Association and its members to advice they have for the next generation of airline pilots.?Below are Capt. Morse's responses.

Capt. Morse, what are the greatest challenges confronting ALPA and the airline piloting profession?

Morse:?Reduced-crew operations is one of our biggest concerns—and making sure that, as members of this organization, we understand that we’re all in this together. What happens to one of us affects us all.

Capt. Morse, what are your goals for maintaining aviation’s outstanding safety and security track record?

Morse:?We need to get back to basics. ALPA was founded on safety, and we’ve worked hard to make certain our pilots have the training, resources, and rest they need to effectively perform their jobs. You manage these kinds of improvements through process-driven organization.

By conducting thorough briefings, reviewing all the new items—even if its 60 pages of NOTAMs—we head to the aircraft when we’re ready, and not until. These practices, combined with disabusing management of thinking we’re a component of the airline’s public-relations effort, are important. First and foremost, we need to concentrate our efforts on a safe operation.

Capt. Morse, how has the piloting profession changed since you first began your careers?

Morse:?Originally, if you were 32, you were too old to be hired as an airline pilot. That’s changed dramatically. The recruiting process has evolved, and airlines are now competing for pilots. When I was hired as a flight engineer for United, I sat behind a first officer who’d flown for 15 years with the carrier before upgrading to that position. My captain at that time had been with the company for nearly 25 years before moving to the left seat. Today’s pilot upgrading environment is much more dynamic.

As an ALPA committee member or an elected official, what single achievement are you most proud of??

Morse:?Capts. Clapper and Hawkins are exactly right when they say that nobody does anything alone in this business. You may lead, but others must choose to follow to be successful. I’ve held a variety of positions and been involved in a number of activities for the United pilots. But the most recent event was probably the most valuable—being part of the “no” vote for our latest contract proposal from management last summer. That decision was huge because had the agreement been passed and ratified, it would have negatively affected what our brothers and sisters at Delta were able to accomplish.

So I would have to say my proudest accomplishment was the time I spent in operations, working with others to convince our pilots why we needed to reject that offer.?

For young pilots entering the profession, what advice would you offer them?

Morse:?I’m going to echo a lot of what was said but perhaps say it in a different way. Unionism is probably the most important thing. I think that many of the young people coming into this career tend to be good unionists from the onset, because of the way they were raised.?

The most important thing we all can do is encourage them to educate themselves about who’s running for ALPA office. They need to understand the different stages in our elections process and vote in every phase of every election throughout their careers. ALPA leaders need to uphold the interests and priorities of their constituents for this organization to effectively function.

I’d also recommend supporting ALPA-PAC. Many of our older members who’ve routinely contributed to the PAC are retiring. Even if our more junior pilots can only donate a small amount, it’s important to start and to make this activity a habit. Remember that ALPA-PAC is funded solely from contributions.?

The last thing I would say is to volunteer—get involved. There’s always something you can do to support your pilot group or the national organization, and in doing so you set a great example for your kids. ALPA is what we make it!

When you’re not flying or conducting ALPA business, where would we find you and what would you be doing??

Morse:?While I don’t have a lot of recreation time, I like to hike and kayak. I also enjoy spending time with my husband, my grown children, their wives, and their children—my grandchildren. I like traveling with them as well.

Read the full interview with all of ALPA's National Officers from the May 2023 issue of Air Line Pilot here: https://www.alpa.org/news-and-events/air-line-pilot-magazine/conversation-newest-national-officers