Oxford, MS, Pilot Honored For Outstanding Leadership In Pilot Assistance Programs

The Air Line Pilots Association, Int’l (ALPA) has recognized FedEx Express Capt. John Kohne with its annual Pilot Assistance Award for his many years of exemplary service in building and maintaining pilot assistance programs at his airline and many other ALPA pilot groups. The award was presented Wednesday at ALPA’s Pilot Assistance Forum in Dulles, VA.

ALPA President Capt. Lee Moak said Capt. Kohne exemplifies the traits required of pilot assistance volunteers, who run pilot health and wellness programs as well as provide psychological and emotional support after accidents and other crises. “Captain John Kohne has served the pilots of FedEx Express in various pilot assistance activities for 17 years, where he is known for his leadership, dedication, unmatched empathy, calm demeanor, and personal integrity,” Moak said. “A healthy pilot is a safe pilot, and flying at FedEx is even safer today thanks to his efforts.”

Even during contentious times such as contract negotiations and related job actions, Capt. Kohne’s personal integrity has allowed straightforward and open lines of communications with FedEx Express management. He has assisted the airline in integrating ALPA critical incident response volunteers with the company’s crisis notification program, and regularly briefs new-hire pilots, as well as pilots upgrading to captain, on the various Pilot Assistance benefits available to them.

Currently he is developing a FedEx Pilot Assistance Network, or PAN, to assist FedEx pilots who feel they may be in need of physiological, psychological, or medical assistance. He also shares his skill with others by traveling around the world on behalf of the FedEx Express PA program. “Captain John Kohne is one of a handful of FedEx pilots who have made our airline’s Pilot Assistance program among the best in the industry,” said Capt. Scott Stratton, Chairman of ALPA’s FedEx Express Master Executive Council.

“We’re pleased that our Association has recognized John’s decades of service to create a more healthful and safer working environment for his peers and their families.”

2013 marks the fifth year ALPA has presented the Pilot Assistance Award, which was created in 2009. Along with the Association’s Safety, Security, and Superior Airmanship Awards, the PA Award is the most prestigious honor ALPA confers on its pilot members.

FMI: www.alpa.org