ALPA Names Stacey Bechdolt as New Engineering and Air Safety Director

The world’s largest pilot union, the Air Line Pilots Association, Int’l (ALPA), today appointed Stacey Bechdolt to serve as director of Engineering and Air Safety. Bechdolt succeeds retiring director Keith Hagy and will oversee ALPA’s esteemed and robust department of professionals specializing in aviation safety, security, pilot health, accident investigation, flight training and operations, pilot and aircraft certification, air traffic control, sustainability and environment, and a variety of other disciplines.

“Stacey’s extensive aviation experience and industry-wide reputation as a safety champion will ensure that ALPA continues its leadership role as the world’s largest nongovernmental aviation safety organization. Not only does Stacey have extensive industry experience, from airline operational safety management to advancing issues as a member of several aviation rulemaking committees, she is also a fierce advocate and mentor for young aviators. Through her dedication, passion, and subject-matter expertise, we will continue to strengthen and advance aviation safety across the United States and Canada,” said Capt. Jason Ambrosi, ALPA president.

“Stacey is uniquely qualified to step into a role long held by Keith Hagy, whose technical expertise, knowledge, and leadership helped ensure that ALPA is a leader in aviation safety. Keith is an aviation institution, and we are grateful for his lifelong devotion to ALPA’s foundational safety work,” Ambrosi continued. “We salute Keith for his service and thank him for positioning the Association and Stacey for future success.”

An aviation attorney with expertise in aviation operations, safety, and regulations, Bechdolt is also a private pilot and served as a member of the Civil Air Patrol’s (CAP) Board of Governors and currently sits on the board of the CAP Foundation and the Laura Taber Barbour Air Safety Foundation. Prior to joining ALPA in 2020, she was responsible for airline industry regulatory compliance with respect to training programs and implementing a variety of Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) safety initiatives. Among other important aviation industry roles, Bechdolt supported the Department of Transportation Special Committee to Review FAA Certification Process related to the Boeing 737 MAX, and she previously served as regulatory counsel and vice president of safety and operations for an airline trade association.