What is the Federation
The Australian Federation of Air Pilots (AFAP or Federation) operates as both a trade union and a professional association of all air pilots in Australia. Importantly we represent pilots only and are not affiliated to any political party or peak union body.
The role we have as a trade union is to protect and improve the conditions of employment for its members involved in Airline, GA, Helicopters, Aerial AG, EMS, charter and Flight instruction.
As a professional association, the members and Federation's staff are active in promoting flight safety and improving Australian and Global aviation standards.
The Australian Federation of Air Pilots is also a founding member of the International Federation of Airline Pilot Associations (IFALPA). IFALPA provides an international forum for the Federation to discuss important aviation policy issues such as airspace reform, dangerous goods, operational techniques, CRM, flight and duty time limitations, flight data recorder legislation and many other significant operational and legal matters. Today our representation at IFALPA is made up as part of AUS-ALPA.
The structure of the Federation is based on six State Branches governed by Branch Committees elected by pilot members. The Branch Committees in turn elect local chairman and delegates to the Executive Committee and Convention. The President and Principal Officers of the Federation are operating pilots elected by all financial members through a secret postal ballot conducted by the Electoral Commission.
The Convention meets annually to deal with rule amendments and policy changes. The Executive Committee ensures that the policy changes are implemented.
Meetings of these bodies are open to the general membership. New members are encouraged to develop an active interest in the affairs of the organization.
The Federations Constitution also provides for Councils to be elected to cover groups of pilots organised along enterprise lines at present the CASA pilot group form their own council.
In summary, the Australian Federation of Air Pilots primary responsibility is to directly represent in industrial matters all pilots making a living out of flying in Australia other than Military and Qantas (International and Shorthaul) pilots. It is also very active in promoting flight safety and improving standards.
I feel it important to publish this statement as there are many misinformed and deliberately destructive comments/statements about the Federation and what we do.
We are not claiming to be perfect but what we are offering to those who want it is a pilot body focused only issues affecting your career as a professional pilot. We do not claim to be the guardians or be able to win every fight nor is the body ego driven by the employer relationship or type we fly.
We are open to all from the time you learn to fly to the highest airline positions you can attain as we consider you all professional pilots with a part to play in deciding the future of Australian aviation.
Our policies are structured to cover all companies and types of operations our members and industrial/technical staff has had significant involvement in the industry over several decades. We have continuing roles with the regulator.
The important fact is it is you as a professional pilot that makes the Federation not the other way around. So next time you want to criticise us please consider how active you have been on a committee, as a negotiator, representative at regulator forums or plainly as a member and work out if you can supply the solution or are in fact part of the problem?
Lawrie Cox
Manager – Industrial Relations
AFAP