Course Details

Professional Standards 101 Training Course | May 21, 2025

Course Location: Alaska MEC - Airline Pilots Association, International
Hotel Name: Raddison Hotel Seattle Airport

Course Description

The underlying philosophy of the Professional Standards Program is that it is the responsibility of professional airline pilots to set and maintain professional standards that go beyond those set by the FAA and airline management. Using the ALPA Code of Ethics as our foundation, the Professional Standards committee strives to help each of us become better pilots and true representatives of our profession. That means helping our fellow pilots when CRM-type issues, among other things, may occur between our own members or with other employees. The training provides participants with the knowledge and skills to respond to cases between the parties in a non-judgemental, non-accusatory, and non-confrontational manner.  

Capt. Jason Graves, the Professional Standards SME and Jet Blue MEC Professional Standards Chair, is conducting the training.  

General Course Administration Information

"Schedule with Safety" has been the motto of the Air Line Pilots Association (ALPA) since our Association's inception in 1931. The pilot volunteer is at the heart of our ability to influence government, management, and industry stakeholders, guiding them toward the safest air transport system possible. Training our volunteers is the best investment we can make to ensure that our profession is represented in all aspects of the air transport industry. The ASO training courses available to our pilot volunteers ensure our profession is well-represented across all aspects of the air transport industry. 

Well-trained volunteers provide our most effective influence in reducing the hazards within the air transport industry. Over the years, these pilots have advocated for the airline piloting profession. Our volunteers will continue to be confident and effective when they are equipped with solid knowledge and clear leadership that comes from our ALPA ASO training courses.

The ASO training courses are designed and administered specifically to enhance the effectiveness of pilot safety, security, jumpseat, and pilot assistance representatives within the Air Line Pilots Association, International.

There is a process for IFALPA and non-ALPA attendees to participate in ALPA’s ASO training courses pending authorization and support from the applicable MEC. See the Non-ALPA Attendee box below.  Suggested individuals for participation include representatives from management, government, industry, other employee groups or other individuals directly related to aviation safety or flight operations.

Expenses, including flight pay loss, for those members being trained must be authorized from the respective MEC Safety Committee budget. Typical expenses you should consider for your budget include:

  • Approximately $188.00 per night for hotel expenses. (Include the night before the course and one night for each day of the course.)
  • Other associated costs for consideration would include daily meals and transportation needs.
  • If required, Flight Pay Loss (FPL) for each day of the course, including at least one, and possibly two travel days.

IFALPA and non-ALPA attendees need to seek authorization to participate in specific ALPA training courses and meetings for specific individuals by using the following procedure: 

  • Please email Petra Duran-Smith at petra.duran-smith@alpa.org to start the course approval process. 
  • You will receive an email with a QR code to make payment as soon as your attendance is approved.
  • Once the payment has been finalized, you will receive an email confirming the transaction.