Flying the Line

Chapter 24 (Part 1) - ”Skyjacking”

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

Chapter 24 (Part 2) - ”Skyjacking”

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

Chapter 25 - The Rise of J.J. O’Donnell

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.

Episode 1 - The World of the Airline Pilot

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!

Episode 2 - The Legacy of Four Golden Decades

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 3 - The Trials of J.J. O’Donnell - Part 1

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 4 - The Trials of J.J. O’Donnell - Part 2

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

Episode 5 - Dodging Bullets—Crew Complement, Politics and the Wien Strike, Part 1

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 6 - Dodging Bullets—Crew Complement, Politics, and the Wien Strike, Part 2

We explore the history of the crew compliment issue. 

Episode 7 - The Braniff Debacle—Deregulation Hits Home, Part 1

We examine the reasons behind Braniff’s demise.