Once upon a time, Pan American World Airways’ pilots and crew marched in formation towards waiting aircraft and the action was observed as an integral part of the journey.
     Today, although much has changed, pilots and crew still get and deserve respect for what they do as they think about the safety of everyone who flies.

Needless to say the transport of Lithium batteries on the table get some special attention from the people up on the bridge in the cockpit piloting the airplanes and up and down the tube looking after the passengers.

     Mark Rogers is chairman of the Dangerous Goods Committee at IFALPA.
He was involved in drafting the pilots’ position at the ICAO Lithium panel held in Montreal last month.
     Here Mr. Rogers discusses what pilots have to say about Lithium batteries as cargo.
     “IFALPA is concerned about the carriage of any lithium batteries in cargo that have the potential to overwhelm the aircraft’s fire suppression system and prevent continued safe flight following a fire involving the batteries.
     “The highest risk, and the area where IFALPA has focused the most effort, are shipments of densely packed batteries as cargo.
     “Batteries carried in baggage by passengers and crew also present a risk, but because these batteries are generally not concentrated in close proximity to each other, the likelihood that an event could be safely mitigated is much higher.
     “Nevertheless, IFALPA supports passenger education efforts and the effective training and use of procedures for flight attendants and pilots.
     “IFALPA also supports efforts to restrict lithium batteries to carry-on baggage so that any incident can be quickly detected, ensuring a safe outcome.
     “We recognize that lithium batteries not prepared in accordance with the regulations often present a higher risk in transportation.
     “Properly prepared shipments may nevertheless serve as fuel for an independent fire, or initiate a fire following a manufacturing defect or damage to the package.
     “IFALPA supports enforcement efforts against shippers who do not follow the regulations, but feels the most effective way to reduce non-compliance is to fully regulate all battery shipments and require training for shippers.”

What About Training?

     “Pilot training varies widely from operator to operator.
     “While some training courses are very thorough and well developed, other courses could use improvement.”

Installed Lithium Shipped Air Mail?

     “Because of significant problems with oversight, training, enforcement, and inspection, we opposed and continue to oppose the decision to allow lithium batteries to be carried in equipment in the post.”

Undeclared Lithium Batteries

     “IFALPA supports additional outreach efforts to both shippers and passengers, as well as robust enforcement of the current regulations.
     “As stated previously, however, we feel the most effective way to reduce non-compliance is to fully regulate all battery shipments and require training for shippers.”

All Cargo Versus Passenger Pilots

     “IFALPA believes that one level of safety should exist for pilots flying both passenger and all-cargo aircraft.
     “We strongly support all efforts to end the disparity between the two operations.”
Jens

      At times, the gracious effort some community-minded people in air cargo extend toward bettering both our business and the world around us is really amazing.
     And when a generous effort makes great sense while also easily serving to build air cargo, some might wonder:
     “Why didn’t I think of that?”

Enlisting change: Pam Brown (at microphone) and Donna Mullins (at ease) deliver their statement at the NCBFAA Annual Conference in Orlando, Florida this past April.
"Air Cargo Needs talent; the military has trained individuals for logistics. It's time we alll march together." 

”   In Atlanta, Georgia, Pam Brown (Future Forwarding Atlanta) and Donna Mullins (Mullins International Solutions) are engaged in bringing highly qualified people into air cargo by reaching out to what appears to be a vast, and arguably overlooked, talent pool.
     Troops 2 Trade is a collaborative project between the National Customs Brokers and Forwarders Association of America Educational Institute (NEI) and the Atlanta Georgia (U.S.) Chapter of National Defense Transportation Association (NDTA).
     Together, the two professional associations are working with military services to create training and employment opportunities for transitioning service members across the country.
     The project is a pathway for service members who hold job specialties in traffic management to achieve credentialing and certification in customs and export specialties. The goal is to help troops attain professional certification while on active duty, which they can retain as they transition into civilian industry.

Word Up From The Front Lines

     “We have just enrolled our first vet in California,” Pam said.
     “[We are] very excited since the logistics industry is in dire need of qualified, dedicated individuals!
     “We are committed to finding employment opportunities for unemployed or underemployed veterans who are interested in a meaningful career in the logistics and international trade industry,” Pam and Donna told FlyingTypers.
     “Through participation and completion of our programs, we offer qualified veterans a chance to be matched with companies who are looking for their skills and experience.
     “Through this project, the NEI is offering special discounted pricing for military personnel interested in these credentialing programs, and a limited number of scholarships are available annually.
     “Pilot programs are already in place with the U.S. Army Transportation School and we want to ensure Veterans across our nation have an opportunity as well.”

“We Need Veterans!”

     “The air cargo industry can help,” Pam and Donna said.
     “Do you have veterans working in your company that would benefit from earning these credentials? 
     “Do you know any veterans looking to make a career decision? 
     “Why not consider the logistics industry? 
     “NEI can help service members in various ways, including gaining working knowledge toward accreditation via online courses while on active duty to make the transition into civilian life a little easier.
     “We also need employers! 
     “As an employer would you commit to interviewing veterans holding these credentials for any open positions? 
     “No hiring commitments, just an interview and feedback about what is driving your decisions if, for example, the candidate is not successful.
     “My dad and brother are Army Veterans, so it a big thing for me!” Pam Brown said.

More Information:
Pam Brown: pambrown@usffcl.com
Donna Mullins: donna@mullinsintlsolutions.com
NEI: http://www.ncbfaa.org
Geoffrey