ALPA 2025 AWARD RECIPIENTS

Captain Kevin Slovinski is the recipient of ALPA’s Air Safety Award. Through nearly two decades of dedicated service, Captain Slovinski has made significant contributions to aviation safety.

Captain Slovinski has advanced ALPA’s safety mission through his service as Director of the Safety Information Analysis Program (SIAP) and Technical Chair of ALPA’s Safety Management Systems
Technical Group. He has supported pilot groups across the United States and Canada in implementing voluntary safety programs, developing contractual language, and strengthening safety data collection and analysis. As an instructor in ALPA’s Foundational ALPA Service Training (FAST) and Leadership & Advanced Safety Training (LAST) courses, he has also mentored and educated countless safety volunteers, helping build the next generation of safety leaders.

In recognition of his leadership, technical expertise, and outstanding commitment to improving aviation safety throughout the industry, the Air Line Pilots Association honors Captain Kevin Slovinski with the ALPA Air Safety Award.

First Officer Maynard “Ozzie” Osborne is the recipient of ALPA’s Pilot Assistance Award. Through his dedicated service, First Officer Osborne has provided compassionate support to fellow pilots facing some of life’s most difficult challenges, including personal crises, medical issues, career uncertainty, and mental health struggles. 

His willingness to listen, guide, and support others has made a meaningful difference in the lives of countless pilots and their families. His selfless commitment to pilot well-being embodies the highest ideals of volunteer service and peer support.

In recognition of his compassion, dedication, and unwavering commitment to helping fellow pilots, the Air Line Pilots Association honors First Officer Maynard “Ozzie” Osborne with the ALPA Pilot Assistance Award.

Captain Paul Emery is the recipient of ALPA’s Aviation Jumpseat Award. For more than 15 years, Captain Emery has demonstrated dedication to protecting and advancing jumpseat privilege for ALPA pilots. He has served in numerous jumpseat leadership positions, including member, vice chair, and chair at two different airlines, and currently serves as vice chair of ALPA’s National Jumpseat Committee. 

Throughout his service, Captain Emery has worked tirelessly to preserve access to the jumpseat while educating pilots on responsibilities that accompany this important privilege. His commitment to volunteer service, leadership, and mentorship has helped strengthen the jumpseat program and ensure its continued success for future generations of pilots.

In recognition of his outstanding leadership, dedication to aviation jumpseat issues, and years of service to fellow pilots, the Air Line Pilots Association honors Captain Paul Emery with the ALPA Aviation Jumpseat Award.

Captain Eric “Scott” Seybold and First Officer Heli Desai are recipients of ALPA’s Superior Aviating Award. On January 29, 2026,
while operating Frontier Airlines Flight 1473, an Airbus A320, from Philadelphia to Tampa, the crew encountered erroneous Angle of
Attack (AOA) information immediately after takeoff. The faulty data triggered multiple Electronic Centralized Aircraft Monitoring (ECAM) warnings and repeated stall alerts, creating a high-workload situation during a critical phase of flight. Despite the numerous warnings, the aircraft’s performance did not indicate an actual stall condition.

Recognizing the seriousness of the situation, Captain Seybold assumed control of the aircraft, while First Officer Desai managed
ECAM procedures, coordinated with air traffic control, and assisted in evaluating the aircraft’s condition. With autopilot and auto thrust unavailable, Captain Seybold relied on fundamental flying skills, using pitch, power, airspeed, and outside visual references to maintain a safe flight path. Through disciplined aircraft handling, effective task delegation, and exceptional crew resource management, the crew successfully diagnosed the situation, coordinated an emergency return to Philadelphia, and conducted a safe visual approach and landing.

Subsequent maintenance inspections determined that faulty Angle of Attack components had generated the cascade of warnings and alerts. The event underscored the importance of maintaining manual flying skills and demonstrated the value of professionalism, sound judgment, and teamwork when confronted with unexpected system failures. In recognition of their exceptional aviating skills, composure, and coordination under pressure, the Air Line Pilots Association honors Captain Eric “Scott” Seybold and First Officer Heli Desai with the Superior Aviating Award.

Captain Matt Gorshe is being honored with ALPA’s Air Safety Presidential Citation for his leadership, professionalism, and contributions to accident investigation and safety volunteer development. Following the tragic midair collision involving PSA Flight 5342, Captain Gorshe played a critical role in ALPA’s response as the Accident Investigation Board representative to the investigative team. He also mentored and prepared PSA MEC representatives for participation in the NTSB party process, ensuring an effective ALPA presence throughout the investigation and subsequent hearing.

Beyond his investigative work, Captain Gorshe has made lasting contributions to ALPA’s safety mission as course director for the Foundational ALPA Service Training (FAST) course and as an instructor in both the Accident Investigation and Advanced Accident Investigation courses. Through these roles, he has helped develop the next generation of ALPA safety volunteers, fostering professionalism, judgment, and technical expertise that strengthen the Association’s safety efforts. His dedication to accident investigation, volunteer development, and aviation safety has had a lasting impact across ALPA and the industry.

Captain Scott Robertson is being honored with ALPA’s Aviation Security Presidential Citation for his sustained contributions to aviation security at both the national and international levels. Working closely with Transport Canada, the Canadian Air Transport Security Authority, and industry partners, Captain Robertson has been a tireless advocate for line pilot inclusion in aviation security programs. His efforts have expanded dedicated crew screening access, enhanced screening protocols, and improved the daily travel experience for pilots while maintaining high security standards.

Through his work with aviation security committees, law enforcement agencies, and international industry partners, he has advanced pilot security awareness and operational readiness, including developing a security guide for pilots to enhance personal safety while traveling. His dedication and leadership have strengthened aviation security and improved the safety and well-being of pilots throughout the industry. 

Captain Roger Mapel is being honored with ALPA’s Pilot Assistance Presidential Citation for his exceptional dedication to supporting fellow pilots through the Critical Incident Response Program (CIRP).

As a trusted peer volunteer, Captain Mapel has devoted countless hours to assisting pilots following traumatic events, consistently demonstrating compassion, professionalism, and an unwavering
commitment to pilot well-being. Whether responding to critical incidents, supporting crews in the aftermath of major aviation events, or helping coordinate peer resources during periods of high demand, he has repeatedly placed the needs of others ahead of his own.

Known for his empathy, reliability, and willingness to answer the call at any time, he exemplifies the highest ideals of pilot assistance volunteerism. His selfless service has had a profound impact on countless pilots and has strengthened ALPA’s commitment to caring for its members during their most challenging moments.

Captain Robbie Fernandez is being honored with ALPA’s Aviation Jumpseat Presidential Citation for nearly two decades of dedicated service and leadership in support of the Jumpseat program. Throughout his years of volunteer service, Captain Fernandez consistently stepped forward to support fellow pilots and strengthen jumpseat access, serving in a variety of leadership roles, including Jumpseat Council vice chair and chair. 

Captain Fernandez’s commitment to the Jumpseat Committee and the pilots he serves has been marked by professionalism, reliability, and a willingness to answer every call to serve. His tireless efforts have helped preserve and strengthen jumpseat privilege while fostering collaboration and continuity within the jumpseat community. Through his longstanding dedication and exemplary leadership, Captain Fernandez has made a lasting contribution to ALPA’s jumpseat mission and to pilots who rely on it every day.

Ottawa International Airport (YOW) is the recipient of ALPA’s Airport of the Year Award in recognition of its exceptional commitment to safety, operational excellence, and collaboration with ALPA pilots and industry stakeholders. Under the leadership of its executive and safety teams, Ottawa International Airport has demonstrated a proactive approach to safety by exceeding regulatory requirements, strengthening its Aircraft Rescue and Firefighting capabilities, and implementing innovative initiatives to enhance airport operations.

The airport has established itself as a leader in runway safety through its highly effective Local Runway Safety Team and its commitment to incorporating pilot feedback into safety decision-making. Airport leadership has consistently demonstrated a willingness to identify hazards, address concerns, and work collaboratively with ALPA and other stakeholders to improve operational safety. Through investments in advanced safety programs, enhanced infrastructure, and open communication, Ottawa International
Airport continues to set a high standard for airport safety and partnership throughout the aviation Industry.