Flying the Line show

Flying the Line

Summary: Recount an exciting chapter in aviation history and the beginnings of the Air Line Pilots Association, the world’s largest pilot union and nongovernmental air safety organization, through an abridged retelling of the book by George E. Hopkins, ”Flying the Line.” Volume 1 narrated by Corey Kuhn. Volume 2 narrated by Gina Leahy.

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  • Artist: Air Line Pilots Association, International
  • Copyright: Copyright 2019-2023 All rights reserved, Air Line Pilots Association, International

Podcasts:

 Episode 6 - Dodging Bullets—Crew Complement, Politics, and the Wien Strike, Part 2 | File Type: audio/mpeg | Duration: 24:26

We explore the history of the crew compliment issue. 

 Episode 5 - Dodging Bullets—Crew Complement, Politics and the Wien Strike, Part 1 | File Type: audio/mpeg | Duration: 11:22

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 4 - The Trials of J.J. O’Donnell - Part 2 | File Type: audio/mpeg | Duration: 17:39

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

 Episode 3 - The Trials of J.J. O’Donnell - Part 1 | File Type: audio/mpeg | Duration: 17:52

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 2 - The Legacy of Four Golden Decades | File Type: audio/mpeg | Duration: 20:36

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 1 - The World of the Airline Pilot | File Type: audio/mpeg | Duration: 20:52

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!

 Chapter 25 - The Rise of J.J. O’Donnell | File Type: audio/mpeg | Duration: 34:34

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.

 Chapter 24 (Part 2) - ”Skyjacking” | File Type: audio/mpeg | Duration: 25:15

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

 Chapter 24 (Part 1) - ”Skyjacking” | File Type: audio/mpeg | Duration: 24:46

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

 Chapter 23 (Part 2) - ”Jets and Thin Ice” | File Type: audio/mpeg | Duration: 21:23

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 23 (Part 1) - "Jets and Thin Ice" | File Type: audio/mpeg | Duration: 18:18

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 22 (Part 2) - "American Airlines Goes It Alone" | File Type: audio/mpeg | Duration: 18:02

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

 Chapter 22 (Part 1) - "American Airlines Goes It Alone" | File Type: audio/mpeg | Duration: 19:47

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 21 - "The Origins of the American Airlines Split" | File Type: audio/mpeg | Duration: 22:25

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 20 (Part 2) - "Charley Ruby's Hour" | File Type: audio/mpeg | Duration: 21:06

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.

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