Flying the line: The first half century of the Air Line Pilots Association

Flying the line: The first half century of the Air Line Pilots Association by George E Hopkins. hardcover edition. ISBN: 9780960970803.

This volume explores in great depth the Association's history from that time through the incumbency of Capt. Henry A. Duffy and the assumption of the ALPA presidency by Capt. Randolph Babbitt. It takes the reader behind the scenes of the political battles that were fought internally and presents a rare uninhibited evaluation of the motives, emotions, and personalities involved in the traumatic issues that threatened to destroy the organization. This current work of Hopkins should be required reading for all present and future ALPA members. It is a study of crisis and effect and contains priceless lessons that can be learned from past mistakes and successes. The book illustrates the lasting truth of the author's statement that "no victory every stays won" and should be an incentive for members to get involved in the internal affairs of their union and use the experience of the past as preparation for the future.