Knowledge is Power

As pilots, getting the right information means we make safer decisions in all phases of flight. In the same way, sharing knowledge is vital in effectively leading our association.

As Air Canada Pilots, we have a long history from which to draw upon and share with others. Unfortunately as an independent association, our isolation often keeps us from sharing this information. As the challenges facing our profession become increasingly common on a global scale, it is imperative that we develop a harmonized and disciplined approach to the sharing of knowledge across pilot groups. Failure to do so impedes our decision making and increases the likelihood of repeating previous mistakes. By sharing knowledge we can understand risks and better exploit opportunities– while helping others do the same. 

Just as training and experience play a key role in a pilot’s performance, our association leaders and committee volunteers need access to expert knowledge through continual training to best represent their members, make informed decisions and improve their understanding of critical issues associated with our profession. Unfortunately some of our current association leaders are working without the training required to be effective in their positions. Many of our committee members are expected to work on behalf of the membership with little or no training at all. Both our association leaders and volunteers strive to do the best they can. We believe knowledge is power, so we should empower our leaders with the best training resources available.

 

“Without Knowledge, action is useless and knowledge without action is futile.”

Abu Bakr

 

How do we Aquire knowledge?

  • Share our history: Be transparent about what we’ve learned from ACPA and CALPA’s past, acknowledge our strengths and our shortcomings.

  • Training for pilot leaders and volunteers: Develop pilot-specific leadership and technical training programs or participate in those available through other pilot associations, federations and safety organizations.

  • Pooled contract and industry intel: Collaborate with other pilot groups in the collection of industry intelligence and development of bargaining priorities.

  • Strategic planning and risk analysis: Gain the best intelligence from our global peers and use this information to develop a flight plan for our association and our industry.

  • Pattern bargaining: Pilot groups around the world have been bargaining using “pattern” or “coordinated” strategies for years– their successes and lessons learned can be shared and built upon. In Canada pattern bargaining has broken down, resulting in greater wage competition and poorer collective bargaining outcomes. We need to return to a model of pattern or coordinated bargaining in our country.

  • Centralized resources: Move beyond ad-hoc, informal connections that rely on personal relationships toward formalized institutions like ALPA International and the International Federation of Airline Pilots (IFALPA)– organizations with well defined leadership structures creating opportunities for Air Canada Pilots to fully participate in leading the profession.