Championing the Profession

EAA (Experimental Aircraft Association) AirVenture Oshkosh drew a record-breaking crowd this year with approximately 704,000 attendees gathering at Wittman Regional Airport in Oshkosh, Wisc. As the aviation world descended on this Midwestern community the week of July 21–27, ALPA returned with a strong presence, reaffirming its commitment to promoting the airline piloting profession and advocating for the safety, security, and sustainability of the airline industry.

Just blocks from the central Boeing Plaza, the Association’s prominent outdoor booth welcomed a steady stream of pilots and aviation enthusiasts. Many came seeking guidance on how to become an airline pilot while others were simply curious about the profession and the many opportunities it offers. Staffed by an experienced team of ALPA pilot volunteers, the facility’s meet-and-greet area served as both a resource center and a gathering place, anchoring the union’s outreach efforts throughout the week.

The primary purpose for ALPA’s participation at “Oshkosh,” as the event is commonly referred to, is to inspire the next generation of airline pilots. For those who dream of one day occupying a position on an airline flight deck, the Association’s Professional Development Group (PDG), led by chair F/O Kaori Paris (United), offered information and resources aimed at demystifying the path from initial flight training to the right seat of an airliner. From practical advice on funding training to in-depth discussions about crew complement and safety, ALPA’s message was clear and consistent: flying for a living is a challenging, rewarding, and accessible career. And for those interested in pursuing it, the union provides resources and guidance for every step of that journey.

“Events like AirVenture allow us to help others understand what it means to be an airline pilot today,” said Paris. “We’re not just promoting flying as a job, we’re helping people see it as a meaningful, rewarding career that plays a vital role in safely and efficiently connecting the world.”

Building Relationships

While face-to-face engagement with potential airline pilots at ALPA’s booth was a cornerstone of the Association’s presence this year, the union also leveraged media opportunities to amplify its message far beyond the exhibit grounds. On Tuesday, Wednesday, and Thursday, two of ALPA’s national officers and Paris participated in EAA Radio interviews, taking part in the station’s popular Squawk 1200 program, which broadcasted daily from the AirVenture grounds on FM and AM radio, online, and across loudspeakers throughout the airfield.

Capt. Jason Ambrosi, ALPA’s president; Capt. Wendy Morse, the Association’s first vice president and national safety coordinator; and Paris each took to the airwaves to discuss topics affecting the profession. Ambrosi used the platform to voice ALPA’s strong support for maintaining the current two-pilot flightdeck standard—a safety measure based on decades of experience and operational success. “Aviation safety is built on redundancy and teamwork,” said Ambrosi. “Removing a pilot from the flight deck undercuts that foundation.”

Morse echoed these concerns, drawing on her years of flying experience and union service to highlight the risks posed by reduced-crew operations. “Every phase of flight presents potential challenges. Having two trained, qualified pilots on the flight deck is essential to managing the dynamic and unpredictable nature of flight operations,” she observed.

Addressing the PDG’s outreach and mentorship programs, Paris focused on career awareness and the importance of inclusivity. “We want aspiring aviators—especially those who may not have previously seen themselves in this career—to know there’s a pathway for them,” she asserted. Paris encouraged listeners to visit ALPA’s booth and learn more about resources like ALPA’s ACE (Aviation Collegiate Education) Clubs currently at 16 U.S. and Canadian universities and colleges, and the Association’s clearedtodream.org website for aspiring airline pilots.

While the announcer lineup varied slightly for the Squawk 1200 programming, EAA Radio interviewer Capt. Paul Preidecker (Air Wisconsin, Ret.) participated in all three discussions, adding his insights into the profession and the importance of the pilot perspective in airline decision-making.

Ambrosi also spoke with several senior key industry and regulatory leaders who were in attendance, including Department of Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy, FAA Administrator Bryan Bedford, FAA Deputy Administrator Chris Rocheleau, NTSB Chair Jennifer Homendy, and Sen. Tammy Duckworth (D-IL). Among the thousands of attendees were many members of the traditional news media and social media influencers who met with Ambrosi to learn more about the union’s policy priorities. These efforts helped ensure that the Association’s voice is heard far beyond Wittman Regional Airport.

Pilot Talks

The frequent whirring of propellers and the roar of jet engines overhead served as a backdrop for daily pilot presentations, which took place in the theater portion of ALPA’s outdoor booth. These 30-minute discussions were conducted by ALPA committee leaders and experienced line pilots, drawing large audiences and generating lively postsession conversations.

F/O Mark Lockwood (Delta), a member of ALPA’s Leadership Committee, and, later in the week, Capt. Glen Gorrie (WestJet), a fellow member of the committee, presented a session on “Pathways to the Airlines.” The two outlined key steps in the journey to an airline career, from building flight time and earning certificates to choosing the right first job and understanding collective bargaining agreements. Their advice was presented to help attendees think more strategically about their futures.

F/O Justin Dahan (FedEx Express), chair of ALPA’s Education Committee, offered a close-up view of a pilot’s routine in “A Day in the Life of an Airline Pilot.” From bidding lines to flying multileg trips and managing fatigue, he gave prospective pilots a glimpse into the realities of airline work—balancing technical skills, professionalism, and adaptability.

The financial side of preparing for an airline piloting career was the focus of “The Life Cycle of Flight Training: How Do I Fund My Training?” delivered by F/O Hunter Chumbley (FedEx Express), chair of ALPA’s Diversity, Equity, Belonging, and Inclusion Committee. Addressing one of the most common concerns among attendees, he explored scholarship programs, lending options, and other resources available to help aspiring pilots fund their training. Chumbley also emphasized ALPA’s goal of breaking down barriers for underrepresented communities and ensuring that opportunity is matched with access.

F/O Tim Kirschbaum (Hawaiian), chair of ALPA’s Membership Committee, led the final daily presentation covering “Military Vets to Airline Jets—Funding Your Airline Career.” A former U.S. Army aviator and the executive vice president of RTAG (Rotary to Airline Group), he explained how service members can transition more smoothly into civilian airline careers using the GI Bill, military equivalency programs, and guidance available through fellow veterans already flying as airline pilots. Kirschbaum’s message to attendees: “Your military experience is a tremendous asset. ALPA is here to help you put it to work in the civilian aviation world.”

These sessions not only educated and inspired, but also strengthened ALPA’s presence as a trusted voice for those considering the profession. Whether addressing high school students and their parents or second-career hopefuls, the Association’s daily presentations made a lasting impression on individuals eager to take the next step.

Promoting ALPA’s Presence

Ensuring that Oshkosh attendees were aware of the Association’s presence and knew about its booth and daily pilot presentations was a priority. This year, the union competed for attention with more than 950 other exhibits and approximately 1,600 forums, workshops, and presentations throughout the course of the week.

Long before ALPA pilots and staff arrived at the Wittman Airport grounds, the Association developed a strategy to raise awareness. Elements included a dedicated public webpage (alpa.org/oshkosh) and geofencing activities to communicate the location of ALPA’s booth and highlight current union priorities. The Association promoted its presentations in the EAA AirVenture Today newspapers, on event presentations and workshops webpages, and in the official visitors’ guide, where ALPA also placed a full-page ad. In addition, the union cosponsored the EAA Runway 5K held that Saturday morning on the airport tarmac to broaden the Association’s visibility for those attending this year’s Oshkosh.

While ALPA directed much of its energy on reaching new audiences and educating future aviators, the Association also kept a focus on current and past members. A vital part of the Association’s presence at AirVenture each year is the opportunity to reconnect with members, retirees, and their families—many of whom attend the event year after year.

ALPA national officers and the Delta and United Master Executive Councils cohosted four evening dinners in the theater portion of the union’s booth. These informal gatherings offered members a chance to enjoy a meal and socialize with friends and colleagues. The dinners fostered the kind of personal connection that’s at the heart of the Association’s pilots-helping-pilots culture.

Of particular interest was a 30-minute, members-only Q&A session on Wednesday afternoon with Ambrosi and Morse. The two national officers addressed topics including the public-charter loophole, reduced-crew operations, and the FAA’s recent decision to grant airlines a delay for the mandatory installation of secondary barriers on aircraft flight decks. Ambrosi promised that the union would continue fighting to ensure the security of every airline flight deck, despite the FAA’s decision to postpone implementation by a year.

EAA, which hosts the annual AirVenture, describes itself as “a community of passionate aviation enthusiasts that promotes and supports recreational flying.” Its mission “to grow participation in aviation” fittingly complements the Association’s stated objective to “cultivate and empower the next generation of ALPA airline pilots by sparking interest in the profession…and mentoring aspiring aviators.”

The first EAA fly-in convention was held in September 1953 as part of the Milwaukee Air Pageant at Wright-Curtis Field (now Lawrence Timmerman Airport). This early version of AirVenture featured a collection of mostly homebuilt and modified aircraft and drew fewer than 150 total spectators. The event was transferred to the Rockford Municipal Airport in Illinois in 1959 and, a decade later, moved back to Wisconsin where it was relocated to Oshkosh.

ALPA Pilots Abound

As was repeated throughout the week in EAA communications, AirVenture is as much about pilots as the airplanes they fly. In addition to ALPA’s many coordinated activities at AirVenture, thousands of Association members could be seen across the airport grounds, participating in a host of other air-transport pursuits. Some ALPA pilots flew in daily air shows while others staffed current, vintage, and military displays. And others could be seen giving presentations in the facility’s various theater venues or working at informational booths.

Regardless of the duties they performed, the Association’s pilots served as emissaries of both the airline piloting profession and the labor organization that unites them. Included in event webpages and publications promoting the different organizations they represented, their biographies highlighted the various airlines they fly for and the aircraft they pilot.

Perhaps the most obvious place to see ALPA members was high above in the Oshkosh skies, where they engaged in aerobatic performances, flew in flight formations, or, on occasion, provided rides in vintage aircraft. This year’s headlining air show performers included pilots like Capt. Jeff Boerboon (Delta), who wowed air show attendees flying his Extra 300SC.

In addition to the various feats he executed as a solo performer this year, Boerboon also flew with a second pilot as part of an International Aerobatic Club competition demonstration. The two pilots separately flew a set of predetermined maneuvers while a team of judges scored the accuracy of their performances. An announcer explained the detailed process to the many spectators watching the event from beside the airfield’s flight line.

Another Oshkosh favorite, Capt. Randy Ball (Air Wisconsin), piloted his 1960s-era Russian MiG-17F, sometimes reaching speeds of close to 700 miles per hour while flying less than 100 feet off the ground. According to his website, Ball “performs jet aerobatics in more air shows in North America than any other civilian jet pilot,” and 2025 is his 35th year as a featured air show performer.

Capt. William “Skip” Stewart (FedEx Express), an award-winning aerobatic pilot, is well known for his outrageous, low-level aerial maneuvers. Flying his modified biplane, the Pitts S-2S Prometheus, he executed challenging knife-edge passes in front of packed audiences.

A celebrated and longtime performer on the North American aerobatic circuit, Stewart has been profiled in publications like Plane & Pilot, Air & Space, AOPA Pilot, Sports Illustrated, World Airshow News, and Auto Pilot.

Another air show headliner and Oshkosh regular, Capt. Jimmy Fordham (Delta, Ret.) flies for the Titan Aerobatic Team, one of the most recognizable air show performance crews in the world. Flying four North American AT-6 Texans, Fordham and his three teammates execute rolls and loops while in tight formation, periodically breaking to perform precision nose-to-nose passes.

Many aviation enthusiasts hold a special place in their hearts for iconic World War II aircraft, and flying his North American P-51 Mustang, Quick Silver, Capt. Scott “Scooter” Yoak (Delta) performed tight rolls, high-speed passes, and other spectacular moves as part of his performance. The Mustang played a vital role as a fighter escort during bombing missions, and Yoak noted that Quick Silver pays homage to the many who flew this iconic aircraft and helped turn the tide of the war.

In addition, Capt. Todd Farrell (Air Canada) and F/O Greg Hume-Powell (Air Canada) flew as part of the Northern Stars Aeroteam for the first time at Oshkosh this year. The three-airplane precision aerobatic–formation team performs at 10 to 15 events across Canada and the United States each year. All three pilots are Canadian Air Force veterans and fly Pitts Specials.

Helping the Wittman air traffic control facility uphold its reputation as “the world’s busiest control tower” for this week in July each year, the afternoon skies were frequently filled with competing aircraft formations. Often highlighting warbirds from different historic conflicts, these formations periodically included 1940s-era military bombers like the North American B-25 Mitchell. Standard crew complement for this aircraft was five, and among the pilots flying Devil Dog this year was Capt. Val Scott (United, Ret.).

Another B-25, Miss Mitchell, served in the 57th Bomb Wing of the 12th Air Force in North Africa and Italy and completed more than 130 missions. Flying and crewing this historic aircraft this year were Capt. Nicholas Stolley (Sun Country), F/O Madeleine “Emmy” Dillon (Kalitta Air), Capt. Mike Mainiero (Kalitta Air), F/O Anthony Bowers (Delta), Capt. Andy Bredeson (Sun Country), and F/O Nicholas Kanakis (United).

Both airplanes fly as part of the Commemorative Air Force and were also on display in the Warbirds section at the north end of the airport grounds.

Numerous ALPA pilots flew vintage military aircraft including Capt. Jeff Linebaugh (FedEx Express), who piloted the Commemorative Air Force’s P-51 Mustang Gunfighter, together with a formation of Mustangs that included Yoak’s Quick Silver. Linebaugh later led these fighters in formations during the weekend air shows. Capt. Larry Lumpkin (United, Ret.) also flew Gunfighter during the week’s activities.

Capt. Stuart Milson (FedEx Express) also participated in Mustang formations. Qualified in more than 20 different aircraft, Milson flew the American Honor Foundation’s P-51 Gentleman Jim.

Each day, AirVenture guests were given the opportunity to relive the early years of commercial air travel by purchasing tickets for a 15-minute ride on a Ford Trimotor, also known as the “Tin Goose.” More than 100 airlines around the world operated these early air transports, which entered service in the late 1920s. Among the pilots providing rides at Oshkosh this year were retired United Capts. Bill Sleeper, Gary Baker, Bill Thacker, Terry O’Brien, and Steve Craig. Sleeper noted that EAA’s trimotor operation averaged about 20 flights a day.

Plaza Showcase

Meanwhile in Boeing Plaza, a variety of airplanes were showcased, including a Delta Air Lines Airbus A321neo, in special livery celebrating the carrier’s 100 years of operation. The following day, Alaska Airlines parked a Boeing B-737 MAX 8 in the same location, sporting a paint job acknowledging the contributions of military veterans and including the words, “Honoring Those Who Served.”

A variety of airplanes were rotated through Boeing Plaza, including a Lockheed VC-121A Constellation, a four-engine airliner first introduced in 1943. This particular aircraft, the Air Legend Foundation’s Bataan, was used to transport U.S. Army Gen. Douglas MacArthur. Among his many achievements, MacArthur served as supreme commander for the allied forces overseeing the occupation of Japan after World War II. Working as the flight engineer to bring Bataan to Oshkosh was Capt. Jeff Whitesell (Delta, Ret.).

A number of current military aircraft were also on display, including a KC-135R Stratotanker from the 128th Air Refueling Wing of the Wisconsin Air National Guard. An AirVenture veteran, Capt. Bill Peters (United), who serves in the unit and flies the aircraft, answered questions from visitors who toured the airplane. He also participated in several interviews and was featured in an EAA video presentation, Plane Talk.

Nearby, F/O Chris Reeves (United) touted the merits of flying the UH-72 Lakota helicopter. When not piloting Boeing B-737s for his airline, Reeves flies the Lakota for the Wisconsin Army National Guard.

Another interesting aircraft on display was a McDonnell Douglas DC-8 in Samaritan’s Purse livery. Samaritan’s Purse is a charitable organization that helps meet the needs of those around the world who are victims of war, poverty, natural disasters, disease, and famine. One of the pilots flying missions and promoting this group at Oshkosh was Capt. Beth Latshaw (United).

In addition to speaking with people in Boeing Plaza about the vital work Samaritan’s Purse performs, Latshaw participated in a panel discussion as part of Wednesday night’s Theater in the Woods presentation. Titled “Rescue Me,” the panel featured a group of “brave women who undertake lifesaving missions in the air.”

Other Speaking Engagements

ALPA pilots also spoke at Oshkosh, addressing a variety of topics based on personal experiences and issues of general aviation interest. Among the presenters was Capt. Lynn Rippelmeyer (United, Ret.), who conversed in the WomenVenture Center about her challenges as a female airline pilot at a time when women were still new to the profession.

In two books that she’s written, Rippelmeyer looked back at her experiences as the first woman to fly the Boeing B-747, the first woman to captain a B-747 transoceanic flight, a member of the first all-female airline crew, and the first flight attendant to become an airline pilot. During her tenure, she worked as a flight attendant for Trans World Airlines and later flew for Air Illinois, Seaboard World Airlines, People Express, Continental, and United.

Another author, Capt. Laura Savino (United, Ret.) gave two presentations in the EAA Forums area. In one talk titled “This Is Your Captain Speaking,” she highlighted her experiences as an airline pilot. In another presentation, she described in detail the events of one of the most horrific accidents in airline history—the March 1977 collision of two B-747s at Tenerife South Airport in the Canary Islands—and explained what was learned from this catastrophe.

Meanwhile, Capt. Linda Sollars (JetBlue) gave a presentation on Thursday at the Sling Aircraft booth, discussing the status of the modernization of special airworthiness certificates to update the 2004 rules that created light-sport aircraft and the FAA’s sport pilot certificate.

Later that day in EAA’s Homebuilt Hangar, Sollars talked about her work with Sling as the first customer to build the company’s high-wing model and how she flew the airplane, over the course of 11 days, from Sling’s plant in South Africa to Oshkosh in 2022.

In addition to flying in the air show, displaying aircraft, and making presentations, ALPA pilots supported a wide variety of other organizations at AirVenture this year. For example, F/O Stacey Jackson (WestJet), who serves as executive vice president Technical & Safety Standards for the International Federation of Air Line Pilots’ Associations, worked the Women in Aviation International booth.

Preidecker, who helped conduct EAA Radio interviews, also serves as president of the National Association of Flight Instructors (NAFI), and was in the NAFI outdoor booth just east of ALPA’s booth. Another EAA Radio announcer, Capt. Jeff Montgomery (United), aka “J-Mont-G,” took his hour-long radio program, On the Fly, directly to those he interviewed.

Montgomery broadcasted one day from the Ultralight Barn at the south end of the field. He chatted with EAA Staff Liaison Tim Bogenhagan; President and CEO of Spirit Engineering Steve Wood; Gene “Beaver” Borne of Quicksilver Aircraft; Secretary of Michigan Ultralight Association Bill Darnell; and Rick Hayes of the Ultralight and Light-Sport Aircraft Council.

In addition to airplanes and helicopters, this year’s Oshkosh featured blimps. Goodyear Chief Airship Pilot Michael Dougherty (a former ExpressJet pilot) announced in the EAA press headquarters the 100th anniversary celebration of his company’s airship program. Two of the organization’s new-technology transports—Wingfoot One and Wingfoot Two—could be seen circling the airfield throughout the week.

Capt. Geoff Weck (United, Ret.), who serves as first vice chair of the Soaring Society of America (SSA), worked the nearby SSA booth and assisted those interested in flying the organization’s glider simulator. And when F/O Karen Larson (United) wasn’t welcoming visitors to the Association’s booth, she supported the Oshkosh activities of the Recreational Aviation Foundation, which acts to preserve, improve, and create airstrips for recreational access.

Throughout the Wittman Regional Airport grounds, ALPA members could be seen helping to recruit pilots for their airlines and supporting organizations like the Ninety-Nines, the Latino Pilots Association, the Organization of Black Airline Pilots, the National Gay Pilots Association, the Sisters of the Skies, and the International Society of Women Airline Pilots, as well as numerous other groups.

All ALPA pilots at this year’s EAA AirVenture, through their various affiliations and actions, and even those simply in attendance to enjoy what’s touted as the world’s greatest aviation celebration, helped promote the piloting profession and the airline industry. Through their collective efforts, they each communicated the joy of flying, the vital importance of aviation to North American jobs and the economy, and the many ways air transportation continues to contribute to and enhance our way of life.

This article was originally published in the September 2025 issue of Air Line Pilot