Flying the Line

We examine the 1981 suspension of service, codenamed “Operation USA.”

In this episode, we look at the legacy of ALPA President J.J. O’Donnell, the effects of the skyjacking phenomenon, and an impending suspension of service.

The deregulation of the airline industry makes an indelible mark on the modern profession, as politics and economics become a part of an airline pilot’s daily routine.

In the span of one lifetime, commercial aviation has made progress that would shame the wildest flights of science fiction fancy. And yet, the basic process of flight, of readying both pilot and airplane, is eerily similar. Join us as we examined the challenges of airline flying, the evolving industry landscape, and the perception of the airline pilot in the public psyche, in our new podcast, Flying the Line, Vol. 2!

ALPA’s fight against skyjacking is taken to the next level, as an unorthodox tactic is deployed to raise public awareness in the wake of continued violence.

A surge of skyjackings tears through the industry. Armed with experience, ALPA mobilizes to halt the advancing threat despite significant pushback. 

The pilots of Eastern Airlines strike and ALPA is forced to walk a fine line with management. 

The transition of pilots and airlines to the jet age becomes a major trouble spot for all, and the rising tensions result in some pilots taking matters into their own hands with an unauthorized strike.

As ALPA enters the jet age, technological improvements open the door to progress. But much like every major leap in technological progress before, the transition to jets isn't without problems or controversy.

The pilots of American Airlines decide to chart their own future after the issue of crew complement returns to the forefront, and dissident leaders seize their chance to break away.