Flying the line: The first half century of the Air Line Pilots Association

by George E. Hopkins

The first 50 years of the mighty air line pilots union.

Genres: Aviation

310 pages, Hardcover

First published January 1, 1982

Reviews

[Stephen Laird · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is an excellent telling of the history of ALPA. A very interesting and instructive read for anyone in the airline industry, particularly those like myself who are newer to the industry. Understanding the origins of the largest pilot union in the world sheds light on why things are the way they are today and how we ought to work to shape the future.

[Sam Terray · Rating 5 out of 5]

An absolute must read for any aviation professional, fan, or nerd. As someone who isn’t well versed in organized labor, this book was quite the eye opener. Hopkins chronicles the struggles of airline pilot pioneers in their fight for aviation safety in a format that isn’t technical or filled with industry jargon. It really puts the modern airline pilot’s life into prospective compared to the forefathers of the industry. Highly recommend.

[Mark Moxley-Knapp · Rating 5 out of 5]

An excellent history of the pilots' union. From the cover I thought it was just stories from pilots over the years, but it is a well-researched history of ALPA. Loads of quotes and stories from pilots, of course, and a lot about the planes, flying conditions, etc. But also history of the union, its presidents and lead actors, the politics of flying and of unions, etc.

[William Hubbell · Rating 4 out of 5]

A must read for anyone in the profession.