John Travolta Agrees To Host The Star-Studded Event

ANN April 1st Special Edition

A group of pilot's unions announced April 1st that they are planning a "Save the Pilots" telethon to be aired on December 3rd, 2012, in conjunction with the anniversary of the first heavier-than-air flight by the Wright brothers.

The move stems from the wave of airline bankruptcies and mergers which have occurred in recent years, as well as proposed new flight time requirements for First Officers flying for airlines. "These men and women need help," said ALPA president Capt. Lee Moak, who's union represents more than 53,000 pilots at 37 airlines in the United States and Canada. "We know that the traveling public will stand up and contribute to their well-being as our industry goes through this challenging time. Telethons are used for so many good causes. What better cause than the ability to take the kids to grandma's house for Christmas? Millions of people can't do that without a competent pilot in the cockpit."

While the unions are generally in favor of the new flight time requirements proposed by the FAA, they say that getting to those 1,500 hours will be a financial hardship on people hoping for a career as an airline pilot. "We also know that the traveling public wants to have a safe, experienced pilot up in the front office," said Teamsters Airline Division Director Capt. David Bourne. "The money we raise will go towards assisting budding airline pilots in getting the experience they need to graduate into the cockpit of a 737 or A320."

Longtime aviation advocate John Travolta has agreed to be the host of the telethon, and he said he's talking with a number of celebrity pilots to enlist their help with the cause. "We're not ready to disclose a list of names just yet," Travolta told ANN, "but trust me, this event will rival any Hollywood red carpet event. The stars will come out to support pilots."

Proceeds will also go to assist with re-training efforts for those who may lose their jobs due to the expected increase in the use of UAVs in U.S. airspace. Moak said that the jobs of pilots currently flying for police departments and similar agencies are threatened by remotely-operated aircraft, and that some will lose their flying careers. "We have to stand by our own, even if they're not flying for an airline," he said.

FMI: Save The Pilots