Flying the Line

Chapter 1-'What's a Pilots' Worth?' Feb 08, 2019

Chapter 2-"Stepping on Toes" Mar 05, 2019

This week, hear about the 24 "key men" who saw themselves as good "company men" but were labeled as "troublemakers" by their airline management. ALPA's Key Men faced much opposition from both management and other line pilots, but persevered in their work for labor protections, safe working conditions, and benefits, all of which are enjoyed by ALPA members today.

Chapter 3-"Pilot Pushing" Mar 27, 2019

This week, we’ll hear about how the deadly practice of “pilot pushing” played a huge role in Capt. David Behncke’s drive to organize his fellow brother pilots.

Chapter 4-"The Airmail Pilots' Strike of 1919" Apr 04, 2019

The Airmail Pilots' Strike of 1919 was one of the earliest organized actions taken by pilots. This 4-day strike led to concessions by Post Office management to eliminate the practice of "weather pushing" and to increase safety for airmail pilots. The roots of modern-day pilots' unions can be traced back to this important event in aviation history.

Chapter 5 (Part 1)-"The Livermore Affair" Apr 25, 2019

In 1937, a young widow by the name of Lorna Livermore helped ALPA shed light on the practice of “pilot pushing” with the public for the very first time when she sued Northwest Airlines alleging that “Pilot pushing” is what killed her husband, pilot Joe Livermore.

Chapter 5 (Part 2)-"The Livermore Affair" May 17, 2019

In this episode, we hear the conclusion of the Livermore Affair and learn how this tragedy set the groundwork for ALPA's critical role in setting high standards for aviation safety, eliminating the practice of "pilot pushing," and setting the bar for aviation safety for pilots, passengers, and cargo.

Chapter 6 (Part 1)-"The Trouble with E.L. Cord" Jun 07, 2019

E.L. Cord was the owner of Century Air Lines, but more importantly, his name was the rallying cry for organizing pilots in the 1930s. The Century Air Lines Strike of 1932 gave ALPA its first opportunity to negotiate a labor dispute between its members and management. In this first part of Chapter 6, we'll learn how E.L. Cord's ambitious plot to turn a profit at the expense of his pilots led to the first strike in commercial aviation.

Chapter 6 (Part 2)-"The Trouble with E.L. Cord" Jun 24, 2019

The Century Airlines Strike of 1932 was quite the spectacle during the early days of commercial aviation. Not only was it a pivotal event in the history of commercial aviation, but it was key to positioning ALPA as a major player in the labor movement as well as the aviation industry. Learn how missteps by E.L. Cord and smart maneuvering by ALPA founder Dave Behncke led to ALPA securing higher standards for airline pilots throughout the industry.

Chapter 7 (Part 1)-"Perils in Washington" Jul 29, 2019

The early days of ALPA's presence in Washington were filled with political maneuvering spearheaded by ALPA's founder, Dave Behncke. Through ALPA's support of President Franklin Roosevelt and his New Deal, ALPA positioned itself into a formidable force in commercial aviation which allowed ALPA to advocate for the pilot compensation system which is still in use today.

Chapter 7 (Part 2)-"Perils in Washington" Aug 30, 2019

Expert maneuvering by ALPA's first president, Capt. Dave Behncke helped propel ALPA from a small lobbying group to the most respected voice for airline pilots in Washington. Through ALPA's advocacy in the early days of the National Recovery Administration's "Code Hearings," ALPA was able to secure the foundation of the pilot compensation system in the Civil Aeronautics Act of 1938, which is still in use today.

Chapter 8 (Part 1)-"Flying for a Rogue Airline" Oct 02, 2019

ALPA's first president, Dave Behncke was determined to make sure that all airline pilots would be treated equally with the respect they deserved. But airline management would fight hard to create a tiered system of pay. Learn how Behncke and ALPA leveraged the precedent set by Decision 83 to set up the pilot pay system airline pilots enjoy today, and how this issue galvanized all airline pilots to "think collectively and work collectively."

Chapter 8 (Part 2)-”Flying for a Rogue Airline” Dec 20, 2019

Long and Harmon were essentially running a rogue airline that was refusing to abide by Decision 83, which was the National Labor Board edict that required pilots to be paid a certain amount for flying. Facing a hostile, anti-union environment, the pilots of Long & Harmon decided to fight back against their management's flagrant disregard of Decision 83. This fight set the precedent for pilot pay provisions that would eventually be cemented in future legislation.

Chapter 9 (Part 1)-”The Rise and Fall of the TWA Pilots' Association” Feb 10, 2020

Learn what chain of events led to the rise of one of the first airline-sponsored pilots' associations, the TWA Pilots' Association. Associations such as these often led to the system being rigged against the very pilots that these associations were supposedly set up to protect. In the early days of commercial aviation, accidents were far too often blamed on “pilot error," and these associations were often complicit in scapegoating the pilots for accidents.

Chapter 9 (Part 2)-”The Rise and Fall of the TWA Pilots' Association” Feb 28, 2020

The flight that killed U.S. Senator Bronson Cutting from New Mexico brought renewed scrutiny to the airline accident investigations process. Until this point, "pilot error" was a commonly cited cause for accidents. However, because a prominent politician was involved in the crash of TWA Flight 6, the U.S. Commerce Department played a large role in the fallout. Meanwhile, the management of TWA knew that they would eventually fall under increased scrutiny, and realized that the company-sponsored "TWA Pilots Association" and their opposition to an independent airline accident investigation agency proposed by ALPA and Dave Behncke would quickly be unpopular with the public at large.

Chapter 10 (Part 1)-”Dave Behncke: An American Success Story” Apr 06, 2020

Learn about the origins and story of ALPA's first president, Dave Behncke. Join us to retrace Behncke's journey from a small Midwestern farm to the head of one of the largest and most powerful labor unions.

Chapter 10 (Part 2)-”Dave Behncke: An American Success Story” Apr 29, 2020

Dave Behncke's path to becoming the founder and head of ALPA was not a direct one. While Behncke finally achieved the military assignment he had coveted, it was short-lived. This, along with several other setbacks in his career, convinced him that the decks were stacked against him. Learn about how his failures drove him to become a successful labor leader at the head of one of the most powerful unions of the 20th century.

Chapter 11 (Part 1)-”Wartime!” May 19, 2020

In the early years of its existence, ALPA made considerable gains in protecting pay and benefits for pilots flying the line. In addition to the gains in labor, ALPA also wielded great power and influence that rivaled the large industrialists of that era. However, with the drumbeats of war growing ever closer to U.S. shores, everything that ALPA had gained up to that moment was at risk of being lost in the name of national security and patriotism.

Chapter 11 (Part 2)-”Wartime!” Jun 15, 2020

In the midst of the United States fighting a global war, ALPA fought to protect its pilots. With airline operators using wartime needs as an excuse to roll back flying limits, ALPA successfully navigated the tension between maintaining the safety of the aviation system, and fulfilling its patriotic duty. Hear how ALPA led its pilots to victory against the complex tapestry of patriotism and aviation safety.

Chapter 12 (Part 1)-”The TWA Strike of 1946” Jun 29, 2020

Advancements in aircraft design inevitably lead to increased efficiency and productivity. With TWA priding itself on being at the forefront of aircraft design and technology, it was all but certain that TWA’s drive to be at the leading edge of air travel would lead to labor unrest with their pilots. Hear how ALPA navigated the tension between increased efficiencies and ensuring its members continued to receive the pay and benefits they deserved.

Chapter 12 (Part 2)-”The TWA Strike of 1946” Jul 13, 2020

The pilots of TWA struck over “the four-engine pay problem” and another pilots association threatens to cross picket lines. However in the midst of all this, ALPA President Dave Behncke was rushed to the hospital with a suspected heart attack.

Chapter 13 (Part 1)-”The National Airlines Strike of 1948” Jul 27, 2020

Fresh off the TWA Pilots’ strike of 1946, ALPA had another battle looming with the management of National Airlines. In the minds of the pilots of National Airlines, the strike of 1948 was like World War II—a good fight, a just cause, an evil foe. George T. “Ted” Baker, founder of National Airlines and its president during the strike, was the villain while ALPA President Dave Behncke was the heroic champion of justice. Learn why ALPA’s National Airlines pilots felt this way about their “unscrupulous” owner and what events led up to the longest and costliest strike at ALPA to that point.

Chapter 13 (Part 2)-”The National Airlines Strike of 1948” Aug 10, 2020

In ALPA’s short history, Ted Baker, the owner of National Airlines, was one of the most unscrupulous operators Dave Behncke had to deal with. The pilots of National Airlines attempted to hold their management accountable for poor working conditions, but to no avail. This, compounded with the firing of one pilot resulted in the pilots voting to authorize a strike. Hear how the longest and costliest strike at in the history of ALPA to that point, turned out.

Chapter 14 (Part 1)-”The Ordeal of E. P. McDonald” Aug 24, 2020

In the wake of the National Airlines strike, management resorts to dirty tricks to topple labor, and one pro-ALPA captain, Ed McDonald, is removed from flying as two other pilots sabotage his airmanship.

Chapter 14 (Part 2)-”The Ordeal of E. P. McDonald” Sep 12, 2020

The fight for Capt. MacDonald's career ends with a victory for the union pilots of National Airlines after a long and hard-fought battle with National's CEO, George T. Baker. However, this was only the start of what would be a series of battles with George Baker.

Chapter 15 (Part 1)-”The Fall of Dave Behncke” Oct 13, 2020

ALPA’s founder and first president, Dave Behncke, works to maintain his position against all odds. But an investigative committee looks into various factors that would eventually lead to his downfall, including discontent among the professional staff of ALPA and the fulfillment of Behncke's dream, ALPA's first national headquarters in Chicago, Illinois.

Chapter 15 (Part 2)-”The Fall of Dave Behncke” Nov 09, 2020

Against all odds and amidst a quickly shifting industry and labor landscape, ALPA’s first president Dave Behncke continues his fight to maintain his position atop the organization he founded. Questions about the legitimacy of an vote takes the battle for leadership into the courtroom.

Chapter 16 (Part 1)- "The Sayen Style" Nov 23, 2020

In a way, ALPA's second president, Clancy Sayen was a victim of the ouster of ALPA's founder and first president, Dave Behncke. When Sayen joined ALPA, he did not have the presidency in his plans. However, due to his well-spoken and eloquent nature, he started to become noticed by many of his fellow members and quickly ascended to national leadership, which culminated in being chosen to succeed Behncke. The intentional and analytic nature of Sayen came as a stark contrast to Behncke's, and ALPA's culture changed as a result of the Sayen administration.

Chapter 16 (Part 2)- "The Sayen Style" Dec 07, 2020

ALPA’s second president Clancy Sayen began his term on the heels of a bitter fight that ousted ALPA’s founder Dave Behncke. Upon his election, Sayen began a top-to-bottom reorganization of ALPA’s governance structure in order to democratize the association. In addition, he took head-on the issue of how the quick advancement of aviation technology impacted productivity, and thus, the pay rates of pilots. With the advent of jet technology, Sayen created the Jet Pay Study Committee to determine how best ALPA could navigate addressing the dual issues of aviation safety and crew complement in the cockpit, while protecting pilot jobs and pay.

Chapter 17 (Part 1)- "Safety and Crew Complement in the 1950s" Dec 21, 2020

ALPA advocates on behalf of having three pilots working on the flight deck of the new airliners of the post-World War 2 era, but accidents and pilot pranks do little to help the cause, all while one airline’s pilots mull over leaving the Association.

Chapter 17 (Part 2)- "Safety and Crew Complement in the 1950s" Jan 29, 2021

A prank by a pilot in the jumpseat on a scheduled passenger flight highlights the need for more stringent standards on who should be afforded the right to have a seat on the flight deck. But this battle with federal regulators over crew complement would set the foundation for what would be the toughest and most painful period for ALPA in the years to come.

Chapter 18 (Part 1) - "The Southern Airways Strike of 1960" Mar 05, 2021

In stark contrast with his fellow airline operators, the president of Southern Airways, Frank Hulse, goes to war with his airline’s pilots by cutting pay and benefits to bolster his own profits. While the pilots are forced to resort to unorthodox and inventive methods to plead their case with the flying public, Hulse takes strike-breaking to a new low by hiring unqualified pilots.

Chapter 18 (Part 2) - "The Southern Airways Strike of 1960" Apr 30, 2021

The striking pilots of Southern Airways resort to unorthodox tactics, including starting their own airline, to win public support, and the federal government intervenes. But this strike tests the Association like no conflict prior. And with the country’s election of a new president – new opportunities for labor arise.

Chapter 19 - "Internal Politicking, 1960–1962" May 05, 2021

The 1960 election of President John F. Kennedy opens new doors for labor, in both aviation and other industries. And the promise of a new age spawns new ambitions for leaders and politicians alike.

Chapter 20 (Part 1) -"Charley Ruby's Hour" May 17, 2021

The election of ALPA President Charles Ruby, a seemingly status quo leader, brings reform and new ideas to the Association – challenging what some members’ thoughts on what their union’s purpose should be.

Chapter 20 (Part 2) - "Charley Ruby's Hour" May 17, 2021

The unique experiences of Charles Ruby’s life and career made him an unlikely choice for the Association’s president. But his due to the circumstances surrounding the departures of his predecessors, and the place ALPA was in at the time of his election, it could only have been Charley Ruby.

Chapter 21 - "The Origins of the American Airlines Split" Jul 15, 2021

ALPA's during its early years was a remarkable story of unification across company lines. There were cracks lying under the surface, but unity kept any schisms at bay. But as time went by, the old spirit of shoulder-to-shoulder solidarity among ALPA's pilots began to erode. The new generation of pilots coming up were complacent about ALPA and the importance of unity, which would lead to the largest split that ALPA has experienced in its history.

Chapter 22 (Part 1) - "American Airlines Goes It Alone" Aug 09, 2021

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.

Chapter 22 (Part 2) - "American Airlines Goes It Alone" Aug 09, 2021

The dissidents of American Airlines mount their challenge, and decide on their future, with or without ALPA.

Chapter 23 (Part 1) - "Jets and Thin Ice" Aug 16, 2021

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.

Chapter 23 (Part 2) - ”Jets and Thin Ice” Dec 10, 2021

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.

Chapter 24 (Part 1) - ”Skyjacking” Dec 10, 2021

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

Chapter 24 (Part 2) - ”Skyjacking” Dec 10, 2021

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

Chapter 25 - The Rise of J.J. O’Donnell Dec 10, 2021

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.

Episode 1 - The World of the Airline Pilot Aug 31, 2022

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!

Episode 2 - The Legacy of Four Golden Decades Sep 21, 2022

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.

Episode 3 - The Trials of J.J. O’Donnell - Part 1 Oct 05, 2022

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.

Episode 4 - The Trials of J.J. O’Donnell - Part 2 Nov 02, 2022

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

Episode 5 - Dodging Bullets—Crew Complement, Politics and the Wien Strike, Part 1 Nov 23, 2022

We examine the administrative change from regional to executive vice president and how that changed the political landscape of the Air Line Pilots Association.

Episode 6 - Dodging Bullets—Crew Complement, Politics, and the Wien Strike, Part 2 Dec 08, 2022

We explore the history of the crew compliment issue.

Episode 7 - The Braniff Debacle—Deregulation Hits Home, Part 1 Dec 22, 2022

We examine the reasons behind Braniff’s demise.

Episode 8 - The Braniff Debacle—Deregulation Hits Home, Part 2 Jan 04, 2023

We look at how Braniff pilots faced a crisis that no other U.S. pilot group had ever confronted.

Episode 9 - O’Donnell’s Dilemmas—The PATCO Strike, Braniff, and Furloughs, Part 1 Jan 18, 2023

We examine the aftermath of the Braniff debacle.

Episode 10 - O’Donnell’s Dilemmas—The PATCO Strike, Braniff, and Furloughs, Part 2 Feb 01, 2023

This episode covers the PATCO strike and its impact on ALPA, the J.J. O’Donnell administration, and airline labor.

Episode 11 - The End of the O’Donnell Era—The Election of 1982, Part 1 Feb 15, 2023

We review the events and decisions leading up to the 1982 ALPA presidential election.

Episode 12 - The End of the O’Donnell Era—The Election of 1982, Part 2 Mar 03, 2023

We learn more about the ALPA presidential election of 1982 and how labor protection provisions, or LPPs, played a role.

Episode 13 - Hank Duffy’s Destiny—The Making of an ALPA President, Part 1 Mar 15, 2023

In this episode we follow Hank Duffy's path to Delta Air Lines.

Episode 14 - Hank Duffy’s Destiny—The Making of an ALPA President, Part 2 Mar 29, 2023

We explore the experiences that led Hank Duffy to pursue the ALPA presidency.

Episode 15 - Duffy Takes Charge—A Troubled Transition, Part 1 Apr 12, 2023

We take a look inside the transition from J.J. O’Donnell's administration to Hank Duffy's.

Episode 16 - Duffy Takes Charge–A Troubled Transition, Part 2 Apr 30, 2023

We explore the Duffy administration's inauspicious start and the emergence of Frank Lorenzo.

Episode 17 - Who Are These Guys?—Frank Lorenzo and His Kind, Part 1 May 26, 2023

A new breed of corporate leadership challenges the status quo in the aviation industry.

Episode 18 - Who Are These Guys?—Frank Lorenzo and His Kind, Part 2 Jun 23, 2023

Frank Lorenzo enters the industry and advances his airline ambitions.

Episode 19 - Bad Dude Rising—Frank Lorenzo Grabs Continental, Part 1 Jul 06, 2023

Frank Lorenzo takes over Continental Airlines.

Episode 20 - Bad Dude Rising—Frank Lorenzo Grabs Continental, Part 2 Jul 19, 2023

A rift between junior and senior Continental pilots occurs when they most desperately need to be unified.

Episode 21 - Bad Dude Rising—Frank Lorenzo Grabs Continental, Part 3 Aug 04, 2023

Hank Duffy inherits the debacle at Continental.

Episode 22 - Pilots and PACs, Republicans and Labor—The “Reagan Revolution” Hits ALPA, Part 1 Aug 16, 2023

In this episode we look at airline deregulation and the evolving nature and influence of the Republican Party.

Episode 23 - Pilots and PACs, Republicans and Labor—The “Reagan Revolution” Hits ALPA, Part 2 Aug 30, 2023

ALPA’s responds to the adverse effects of deregulation, recession, and the Lorenzo wars by forming a Political Action Committee.

Episode 24 - The Origins of the Continental Strike—Lorenzo Prepares His Blitzkrieg, Part 1 Sep 13, 2023

With ample resources hidden in Continental Airlines’ parent company, Texas Air Corporation, Lorenzo files for bankruptcy.

Episode 25 - The Origins of the Continental Strike—Lorenzo Prepares His Blitzkrieg, Part 2 Oct 11, 2023

Frank Lorenzo uses the leverage of Chapter 11 to compel Continental pilots to make even more concessions.

Episode 26 - The Continental Strike—ALPA’s Dark Night of the Soul, Part 1 Oct 25, 2023

Continental’s striking pilots fight back as Frank Lorenzo looks for ways to keep his airline flying.

Episode 27 - The Continental Strike—ALPA’s Dark Night of the Soul, Part 2 Nov 10, 2023

The Bildisco decision, although temporary in its precedence, seals the Continental pilots’ fate.

Episode 28 - The Continental Strike—ALPA’s Dark Night of the Soul, Part 3 Nov 22, 2023

ALPA raises safety concerns as Continental continues to fly during its protracted strike.

Episode 29 - Blue Skies and MEC Wars—The Origins of the United Strike of 1985, Part 1 Dec 06, 2023

An unlikely connection between United’s CEO and the pilots’ MEC chair leads to a controversial contract proposal.

Episode 30 - Blue Skies and MEC Wars—The Origins of the United Strike of 1985, Part 2 Dec 19, 2023

A Ferg-Ferris alliance and the contentious “Blue Skies” agreement lead to concerns about the United pilots’ possible secession from ALPA.

Episode 31 - Of B-Scales and ALPA’s Future—The United Strike of 1985, Part 1 Jan 04, 2024

The United pilots’ Blue Skies honeymoon is cut short with the introduction of a two-tiered wage scale.

Episode 32 - Of B-Scales and ALPA’s Future—The United Strike of 1985, Part 2 Jan 17, 2024

During the United 29-day strike in 1985, the MEC miraculously convinces 570 new pilots in training not to cross the picket line.

Episode 33 - Of B-Scales and ALPA’s Future—The United Strike of 1985, Part 3 Feb 01, 2024

A 29-day strike tests the fortitude of the United pilots and ALPA as a whole.

Episode 34 - National Politics and Mergers: The Election of 1986 and Beyond, Part 1 Feb 14, 2024

Following watershed strikes at Continental and United, mergers test ALPA’s strength and determination.

Episode 35 - National Politics and Mergers: The Election of 1986 and Beyond, Part 2 Feb 28, 2024

With the 1986 ALPA presidential election neck and neck, candidate Tom Ashwood challenges the union’s use of its long-standing, contracted law firm.

Episode 36 - National Politics and Mergers: The Election of 1986 and Beyond, Part 3 Mar 13, 2024

Incumbent Hank Duffy and First Vice President Tom Ashwood angle for position in the 1986 ALPA presidential elections.

Episode 37 - Lorenzo's Last Gamble: The Origins of the Eastern Strike, Part 1 Mar 27, 2024

ALPA President Hank Duffy struggles to keep ALPA’s larger pilot groups from going independent amid the newly deregulated airline environment.

Episode 38 - Lorenzo's Last Gamble: The Origins of the Eastern Strike, Part 2 Apr 10, 2024

As Frank Lorenzo gains control of Eastern Airlines, ALPA President Hank Duffy prepares to take on his greatest challenge.

Episode 39 - Lorenzo's Last Gamble: The Origins of the Eastern Strike, Part 3 Apr 24, 2024

ALPA and Frank Lorenzo maneuver for the high ground at Eastern Airlines, and Lorenzo demonstrates that he has no intention of working cooperatively.

Episode 40 - The Eastern Strike and the Fall of Lorenzo, “How do you spell ‘Pyrrhic Victory,’ Frank?” Part 1 May 08, 2024

In response to the Eastern pilot strike, Frank Lorenzo files for Chapter 11 bankruptcy.

Episode 41 - The Eastern Strike and the Fall of Lorenzo, “How do you spell ‘Pyrrhic Victory,’ Frank?” Part 2 May 22, 2024

With no hope of an SOS (suspension of service), the Eastern pilots attempt a “back door” Presidential Emergency Board, which George Bush vetoes.

Episode 42 - The Eastern Strike and the Fall of Lorenzo, “How do you spell ‘Pyrrhic Victory,’ Frank?” Part 3 Jun 05, 2024

Frank Lorenzo’s failure at Eastern is so complete that he, for all intents and purposes, is finished in the airline industry.

Episode 43 - Aftermath —The Disputed Election of 1990 and ALPA’s Future, Part 1 Jun 19, 2024

Eastern’s Randy Babbit and United’s Roger Hall vie for the ALPA presidency.

Episode 44 - Aftermath —The Disputed Election of 1990 and ALPA’s Future, Part 2 Jul 03, 2024

Hank Duffy’s Executive Administrator Randy Babbitt wins the ALPA presidency in a closely contested election against Roger Hall.

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