Looking Back on the Contributions of Keith Hagy

Yesterday, an ALPA legend retired. Having been an airline pilot for the past 40 years, I have known of Keith for almost all of them as he retires from ALPA after 37 years. He personifies Engineering and Air Safety at ALPA in every way.?

After talking his buddy into accepting a job as a pilot with American instead of in ALPA E&AS, Keith called ALPA and informed that that his buddy was not going to work at ALPA, he was going to be an airline pilot. Keith went on to say: “But I’m a hell of a lot smarter; you ought to hire me.” And very smartly, ALPA hired Keith. Who wouldn’t after that introduction?

Keith made connections with FAA personnel by figuring out where they kept their airplanes and promptly hanging out at their general aviation airports on Saturday mornings. Keith built a bench and we have an amazing ALPA Engineering and Air Safety Department to show for it, with a staff composed of the smartest people in the industry. After taking office as the ALPA first vice president and national safety coordinator, I noticed that e-mails to the entire department always get answered instantly. I told Keith they don’t have to answer on the weekend or evenings, and his answer was “it’s a labor of love.” And it amazingly, truly is for them.

Keith Hagy is the Grand Poobah of ALPA. For those that didn’t live in the Flintstones era, please google Grand Poobah.

Keith was recently presented with the Flight Safety Foundation’s Distinguished Service Award. It couldn’t be more fitting of Keith, as if the description was written specifically as a portrayal of Keith Hagy:

The Flight Safety Foundation Distinguished Service Award is a prestigious accolade bestowed upon individuals who have demonstrated exceptional dedication, leadership, and outstanding contributions to the field of aviation and aviation safety. This recognition symbolizes the highest standards of excellence and is reserved for those who have made a significant impact in advancing safety practices, fostering collaboration, and enhancing the overall well-being of the aviation industry.

Recipients of the Flight Safety Foundation Distinguished Service Award have exhibited exemplary expertise in their respective roles, serving as beacons of knowledge and innovation within the aviation community. Through their tireless efforts, they have worked to prevent accidents, minimize risks, and continually improve safety standards, thereby safeguarding the lives of pilots, crew members, and passengers worldwide.

The recipients of this prestigious award have played instrumental roles in establishing and maintaining vital relationships between various stakeholders in the aviation industry. They have forged partnerships with government agencies, regulatory bodies, industry associations, and other key organizations, fostering collaboration and facilitating the exchange of essential safety information. Through their effective liaison efforts, they have helped create a culture of shared responsibility and proactive safety measures throughout the aviation community.

?Ultimately, the Flight Safety Foundation Distinguished Service Award serves as a testament to the recipients' lifelong commitment to making aviation safer. It recognizes their unwavering dedication, exceptional contributions, and profound impact on the industry, inspiring others to follow in their footsteps and strive for excellence in the pursuit of aviation safety.

On behalf of every ALPA pilot, our hats are off to Keith Hagy for his 37 years of dedicated ALPA service and for building an amazing legacy and bench.?

It has been my honor and privilege to work with and learn from Keith Hagy, and it is now my privilege to work with his successor as director of ALPA Engineering and Air Safety, Stacey Bechdolt, who Keith hired. Congratulations to both Keith Hagy and Stacey Bechdolt. Keith, I look forward to hearing of your days with your grandson, and Stacey, I look forward to continuing to work with you.?

ALPA and aviation safety are far better off for both of your contributions.