Release #07.041F
August 8, 2007

Northwest Airlines Captain Ron K. Silberman Receives ALPA’s First Security Honor
Vancouver, Washington Pilot Recognized for Enhancing Northwest Airline’s Flight Security

WASHINGTON—The Air Line Pilots Association, International (ALPA) will recognize Northwest Airlines (NWA) Capt. Ron K. Silberman with the first ALPA Annual Aviation Security Award, the Association’s highest security honor, for his superb leadership in the design and implementation of an enhanced cargo flight deck access hatch. This award will be presented to Capt. Silberman on August 9 at ALPA’s 53rd Annual Air Safety & Security Week and Awards Banquet in Washington, D.C.

“Capt. Silberman’s determination to secure the flight deck illustrates leadership that deserves our respect and recognition,” said ALPA President, Capt. John Prater. “Secondary barriers like the one Silberman helped design and implement are one of the most inexpensive measures airlines can take to provide full-time protection against hijackers. Silberman’s actions should inspire other pilots and airlines to follow suit.”

“On behalf of ALPA pilots and especially Northwest pilots I congratulate Capt. Silberman on being the inaugural recipient of the ALPA Security Award,” said Capt. Dave Stevens, NWA Master Executive Council Chairman. "Ron’s vision and perseverance is a tribute to individual ALPA members’ daily contribution to our motto: ‘Schedule with Safety.’”

In the all-cargo environment, not all airplanes are equipped with cockpit doors, nor does the Transportation Security Administration require them. The ease of stowing away is a major flaw in aviation security that terrorists or other persons with malicious intent could readily exploit. Capt. Silberman’s hatch design will provide crucial warning to the flight crew that an attempted breach is in progress.

“This is an excellent example of how a determined individual and committee member can bring about positive change,” said Wolfgang Koch, NWA Master Executive Council Security Committee Chairman. “I applaud the joint efforts from airline management, the Northwest pilots and NWA-ALPA Security Committee member Ron Silberman on an industry-leading design that helps protect our pilots and our country from terrorist attacks.”

The Association’s Executive Council established the ALPA 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 more than 60,000 pilots at 41 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