WASHINGTON, D.C. --- Frank. L. Condefer, a Northwest Airlines first officer and resident of Spokane, Wash, was awarded a 2006 Presidential Citation for his work in improving the standards governing the safe carriage of dangerous goods on aircraft. This award was presented by the Air Line Pilots Association, International (ALPA) on July 27th during the Association’s annual Air Safety Forum and Awards Banquet.

“Frank is one of those behind-the-scenes figures who works countless hours to make the transportation of hazardous materials appear simple and seamless,” said ALPA President Duane E. Woerth, during his presentation of the award. “His determination, selflessness, and love for what he does make him a rarity in a field that does not always get the attention it deserves.”

First Officer Condefer earned a bachelor’s degree from the University of Scranton in 1968 before enlisting in the U.S. Air Force later that year, where he served for 20 years. During this period, he also honed his air safety skills, serving as a safety officer and as a board member investigating accidents. He retired in 1988, and is a member of the Order of Daedalians, a fraternal organization of military pilots, as well as the American Legion and the Veterans of Foreign Wars.

Later in 1988, First Officer Condefer went to work for Northwest Airlines. He was initially based in Detroit but transferred to Anchorage in 1991, where he flies B747s today. As a Northwest ALPA volunteer, First Officer Condefer currently serves as the air safety chairman for his local council, the secretary-treasurer of the ALPA President’s Committee for Cargo, and the Northwest pilots’ Dangerous Goods Coordinator.

Founded in 1931, ALPA celebrates its 75th anniversary this year representing 62,000 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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ALPA CONTACT: Jeff Orschel, (703) 481-4440 or media@alpa.org