UNITY and SAFETY

"The first step in the evolution of ethics is a sense of solidarity with other human beings."

Albert Schweitzer

News Flash!

"August 13, 2021 — Today, The Aircraft Mechanics Fraternal Association (AMFA) is proud to announce that it has filed for union representation with the National Mediation Board (NMB) on behalf of the Aircraft Maintenance Controllers at JetBlue." Read more here. 

Jet Blue is on the way to a safer operation 

now that their mechanics have joined AMFA!

Last month I had the honor to speak at the AMFA National Convention in Nevada, and then again at local meeting in Seattle, this month. The topic: Safety Management Systems. What impressed me most about AMFA is their unity and focus on safety. When a mechanic reports an aircraft discrepancy and the company requests they look the other way or face job action, AMFA stands to the mechanic's defense. 

Bret Oestreich, National Director and 

Will Abbott Region II Director

A positive Safety Culture is a group effort and necessitates a reporting culture free of retaliation. Safety Culture begins with leadership that encourages employees to report discrepancies in order to keep the operation safe. Time and again, we see management falling short on their ultimate obligation of safety when profit becomes the top priority. When this happens, the union must step in and enforce the regulations and protect the employee. AMFA does just that.  

AMFA understands the protections of the Air 21 statute, in which no employee can be retaliated against for reporting safety, and they financially back the mechanics in their legal defense. This makes the legal battle an even playing field, where an airline can't terminate an employee and expect them to finance a defense on their own. When employees know they are protected, they will be more apt to not fear standing up to a manager who is coercing them into pencil whipping a logbook. 

"Safety Begins with the Quality of Maintenance 

on the Ground" 

Unions are a necessity when safety is the goal. Without protected employees, you don't know what pressures have been placed upon the individual to put an un-airworthy aircraft into the sky.  Mechanics have been told, "your job or your license, you decide." But nobody should have to make such a choice. 

In response to the many lawsuits of illegal actions taken against unionized employees, think of the silence at carriers where the employees are not protected. Safety Management Systems (SMS) makes reporting a legal obligation. If anyone is retaliated against for reporting safety concerns, or writing up a maintenance issue, and you don't have a union protecting you, contact Lee Seham at: Seham, Seham, Meltz & Petersen. 

To learn more about AMFA and learn how to help your airline join the AMFA team, visit their website at: AMFA.  

Congratulations Jet Blue!

The skies have just become that much safer. 

Enjoy the Journey!

XO Karlene 

POSTFLIGHT

 An Old Pilot's Logbook

"You've Got Mail!" 

The previous two months have been busy and emotional, filled with loss, disappointment, frustration, but also happiness and joy, and July ended with inspiration and hope. 

I drove over 5000 miles in June and July. Sadly my father passed in June,  and we will miss him dearly. We were able to watch our daughter's paratriathlon and play with grandkids in Long Beach, and met a coparent-in-law, a delightful woman, during that trip. My husband and I celebrated our 40th anniversary, and we experienced a miracle the night before. Last week I spoke at an AMFA convention on Safety Management Systems. My uniform hung in the back of the car for 3500 miles last month, but at the end of the day that's where it stayed. I flew my last trip on the A350 in July. This is bittersweet as I loved the plane, but I am looking forward to being based in Seattle again. I now have lots of mail to catch up on. 

The best thing that arrived 

while I was away: 

  PostFlight,  An Old Pilot's Logbook

I had the opportunity to read Byron's book prior to it being published and have been waiting ever since for the release. What a treasure his stories are. The book is incredibly well written. Byron pulls together life experiences, lessons learned, and ignites the passion of taking to the sky. Not only is this a fun read, but he offers guidance, references, and paves the path to success in aviation. He's even inspired me to obtain a helicopter rating. Yes, it's now on the bucket list. 

Byron Edgington ATP

Byron is a retired commercial helicopter pilot who has authored several books, and is a Crew Resource Management Instructor. He flew helicopters in he Army and spent a year in Vietnam before launching a commercial aviation career that lasted almost 40 years. 

After retirement, he returned to college and received his Bachelors Degree in English & Creative writing from The Ohio State University in 2012 at age 63. I believe we are never too old to learn and Byron is proving that. In 2012, his education induced writing skills won him the prestigious Bailey Prize awarded by the Swedenborg Foundation Press for his essay titled Liftoff. 

Byron has been published in numerous trade and monthly magazines, and was a writer for The Iowa City Press Citizen. He's married to Mariah, and says she is his "best editor." He also wrote a heartfelt message to her in his book. I'm honored to have an autographed copy of this treasure! 

Postflight is must read for future 

and current aviators alike. 

The fact that he offers the book in hardback, 

makes this a great gift too!  

What are your Reading This Summer?

Stop by Byron Edgington's Website

And make sure you get your copy of

PostFlight, An Old Pilot's Logbook

Today!  

XO Karlene 

Enjoy the Journey!