2.20.25 – Upholding the Highest Level of Aviation Safety

Thursday, February 20, 2025

APFA commends the incredible professionalism and bravery of the Flight Attendants aboard Endeavor Air/Delta Connection Flight 4819, who successfully evacuated all 76 passengers under extremely adverse conditions after a crash landing at the Toronto Pearson International Airport on February 17, 2025. Their training and critical thinking skills ensured that every passenger was able to exit quickly and safely—a reminder of the essential role Flight Attendants play in saving lives.

Safety must always be our top priority. Both initial and recurrent training programs are critical to ensuring the highest levels of safety for passengers and crew. APFA National President Julie Hedrick and APFA Safety Chair Andrew Rhinehart have scheduled a meeting with a Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) Representative to discuss the quality of training at American Airlines. Recent aviation incidents have highlighted the importance of comprehensive and effective training programs that prepare us for real-world evacuations. Unions, including APFA, are vital stakeholders in ensuring and advocating for the highest air safety standards.

As Union members, we must advocate for the funding, training, and protections necessary to maintain the safety of our airspace. Every day, the FAA’s safety workforce ensures that millions of passengers and crew members reach their destinations safely. Their expertise, diligence, and commitment are the backbone of our nation’s aviation system, which is widely considered the gold standard in the world.

Recent reports of changes within the FAA, including the mass terminations of technicians of our Union Siblings at Professional Aviation Safety Specialists AFL-CIO, PASS, who are responsible for maintaining and operating critical equipment such as navigational aids, radars, and aircraft communication components, are alarming to those of us whose careers and lives depend on a safe and reliable air transportation system. This comes at a time when the FAA was already short-staffed by 800 technicians. In the wake of the PSA/ American Eagle 5342 tragedy less than one month ago, President Trump avowed his Administration’s commitment to aviation safety.

The decision to fire hundreds of FAA employees is irresponsible, particularly under these circumstances, and we echo the House Transportation & Infrastructure Committee Ranking Member Rick Larsen’s statement that this decision must be reversed immediately. Furthermore, when it comes to promoting safety, we urge the Department of Transportation to focus its efforts on the clear direction given by Congress by implementing the bipartisan 2024 FAA Reauthorization Bill.

It’s clear that fighting this administration’s actions will require all Unions coming together, and we are committed to collaborating to ensure we’re all standing strong against these threats. We must stay united and focused on protecting our safety and rights. APFA will continue to work with both the House and Senate Transportation Committees and our Union Siblings to fight for the strongest safety policies, rigorous training programs, and the necessary resources to protect both aviation workers and the flying public.

In Solidarity,