The Coalition of Airline Pilots Associations (CAPA) was established in early spring of 1997 when Captain Mike Cronin (APA) and Captain Steve McPhail (SWAPA) unified the collective efforts of several independent pilot unions to address common concerns of an industry specific nature on Capital Hill. Through the formation of a “Trade Association” CAPA’s approach was unique in the industry. As a group of volunteer pilots, the CAPA volunteers began working for pilots and the passengers they served by highlighting their concerns on Capital Hill and with various government agencies.

CAPA evolved as a strong and effective voice of independent unions after several years of informal cooperation. In 1997, via the Railway Labor Act’s provisions, American Airlines pilots withheld their services. To end the strike, President Clinton ordered the pilots back to work and convened a Presidential Emergency Board to hear arguments from both sides of the table. Congress could have dictated the terms of the settlement however the unofficial coalition of independent unions urged Congress not to intervene in the APA / American Airlines negotiating process.

Shortly after the APA strike and given the coalition’s reputation and strong voice in Congress, Captains Cronin and McPhail were compelled to establish the coalition via a Memorandum of Understanding formalizing the group officially as-- The Coalition of Airline Pilots Associations.

CAPA with a constituent base of 22,000 professional pilots is well-known in Congress and many Government Agencies. CAPA holds an excellent reputation characterized by its collective strength, integrity, responsible activities and collaborative approach. In concert with other organizations, CAPA has successfully lobbied for the Federal Flight Deck Officer program, the securing of hardened Flight Deck Doors, improvements in flight crew duty days and rest periods as well as a host of other legislative issues important to the member pilots and our traveling customers. CAPA continues to work specifically on important Safety and Security issues common to its member organizations and on behalf of the public traveling within the aviation infrastructure.