BALPA is the professional association and registered trade union established to represent the interests of all UK pilots.
We represent over 10,000 pilots and are recognised in 23 different companies; that's over 85% of all commercial pilots flying in the UK.
With over 40 million flying hours, we are the largest collective resource of commercial aviation skills and qualifications in the UK.
Fatigue has for many years been a worrying issue for pilots and it continues to be a huge concern across the industry today. Pilots have told BALPA they believe fatigue is now the biggest single threat to flight safety.
While pilots recognise the huge economic potential of drones both commercially and recreationally, there is growing concern about the increasing number of near misses between these devices and manned aircraft.
In the wake of the Germanwings tragedy there has been huge media interest in the topic of pilot health. It’s a topic BALPA takes seriously and is working to address.
Pilots are working with other professionals to highlight the potential consequences of reducing higher rate tax relief and protect pensions saving.
Laser illumination of aircraft continues to be a significant threat to aviation and pilots say attacks endangers the passengers, crew and people on the ground
For many becoming a pilot is a dream harboured from a young age. It’s a calling, and the British Airline Pilots’ Association’s aim is to ensure it remains a great profession and one that anyone can aspire to.
The downturn in the oil and gas price has had a huge negative effect on North Sea industry and the pilot community is feeling the pinch.
On most commercial aircraft the cabin air is supplied by the compressor stage of the aircraft jet engines or auxiliary power unit.
BALPA campaigns for tax rules in relation to self-funded, work-related training to be altered, to make it easier for pilots to claim the tax relief we believe they are entitled.