Release #08.041J
August 14, 2008

Capt. Edwin Folsom Receives ALPA’s Top Security Honor
San Diego pilot commended for airline security innovation

WASHINGTON—The Air Line Pilots Association, Int’l (ALPA), will recognize Capt. Edwin Folsom with its 2007 annual Aviation Security Award for his tremendous leadership in advancing U.S. airline security and protecting passengers, crews, and cargo. The award, which is the Association’s highest security honor, will be presented to Capt. Folsom today at ALPA’s 54th Annual Air Safety & Security Week Awards Banquet in Washington, D.C.

“Capt. Folsom is renowned throughout the airline industry and around the globe for his commitment and contribution to the greater security that passengers, crews, and cargo shippers count on today,” said Capt. Bob Hesselbein, ALPA’s National Security Committee chairman. “His long resume of security accomplishments captures the spirit of this award for excellence, including his work to advance the Federal Flight Deck Officer program, create innovative security incident reporting systems, and install secondary barriers on airliner cockpit doors.”

A U.S. Air Force Academy distinguished military graduate, Capt. Folsom served as a pilot in the U.S. Air Force for 24 years. He began his career as an airline pilot with United Airlines in 1989 and now serves as a B-757 captain.

An industry-wide leader in advancing airline security, Capt. Folsom advocated on behalf of the traveling public, airline crews, and air cargo shippers for a variety of critical security initiatives, including the Federal Flight Deck Officer program, which arms fully trained and federally deputized pilots to act as a last line of defense of the flight deck. Over his dedicated career, Capt. Folsom has also pressed for improving government-industry security incident reporting protocols, creating national standards for cockpit access procedures, and installing secondary barriers for airline cockpit doors.

“Capt. Folsom’s dedication to safety and tireless work on behalf of all airline pilots sets him apart from a group of pilots whose first priority has always been safety,” said Capt. Steve Wallach, United’s master executive council chairman. “His unselfish use of his time devoted to promoting safety not only at United but with ALPA is testament to his character and commitment to our profession.”

“Capt. Folsom’s remarkable commitment, professionalism, and dedication stand as an exceptional example of the role that airline pilots play every day in securing our nation’s air transportation system,” said Capt. John Prater, ALPA’s president. “I speak for all of ALPA’s 55,000 pilots in expressing our sincere congratulations to Capt. Folsom for a job well done.”

ALPA’s Executive Council established the Annual Aviation Security Award in June 2006 in recognition of outstanding contributions by members in the field of aviation security.

Founded in 1931, ALPA represents 55,000 pilots at 40 airlines in the U.S. and Canada. Visit the ALPA website at www.alpa.org for more information.

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CONTACT: Pete Janhunen, Linda Shotwell, Molly Martin, (703) 481-4440