Five by Five: Recent Episodes
Allied Pilots Association
“Five By Five” is designed to help keep the pilots who fly for American Airlines up to date on the issues affecting their professional careers. Produced by the Allied Pilots Association, “Five By Five” features the union's leaders and subject-matter experts who work on the members' behalf.
Communications Committee Deputy Chair FO Melissa Monahan talks with Captain's Authority Committee Chair CA Carl Jackson about how his committee monitors and documents instances of pilot pushing by gate agents and customer service managers. If you need help during a challenging situation, call the Captain's Authority Hotline: 817-302-2338. If you want to tell the committee about an incident after the fact, fill out a Captain's Authority Threats form on AlliedPilots.org. CA Jackson stressed that his committee welcomes contributions from First Officers.
APA Communications Committee Deputy Chair FO Melissa Monahan talks with CA Cody Lasker and FO Mike Roman about how the National Communications Network (NCN) facilitates face-to-face conversations throughout the system so union leadership can hear directly from line pilots and vice versa. They also discuss how pilots can become NCN volunteers, which CA Lasker describes as a "a very low-threat, high-reward commitment." APA's goal is for 10 percent of the membership to serve as NCN volunteers as part of preparations for upcoming contract negotiations.
In the latest episode of our “Positive Rate” podcast, Communications Committee Deputy Chair FO Melissa Monahan speaks with LGA CA Matt Sheehan, who serves on the board of the charitable organization Above the Clouds. The organization's stated mission: “Above the Clouds delivers joy and hope through the wonder of flight to children and teens who have a serious illness or disability, are underserved and/or are facing other diversity.” During the APA Board of Directors' summer meeting, CA Sheehan asked the Board to consider sponsoring “Wings of Legacy,” an Oct. 5 fundraising event the charity hosts in Quincy, Mass., for a scholarship honoring the life of CA David Willey, a U.S. Navy veteran who also flew for Cape Air, Southern Air Transport, and New England Air. Earlier in his career, CA Sheehan also worked for Cape Air and cited CA Willey's mentorship as a major influence in his life. The Board subsequently approved a motion authorizing a $3,000 donation to the Wings of Legacy event.
Each episode of “Positive Rate” features APA subject-matter experts working on the membership's behalf. The podcast is available through popular streaming services, including Apple Podcasts, Stitcher, and Spotify. You can search for “Positive Rate” or “Allied Pilots Association” on your platform of choice to subscribe and download. Your first opportunity to listen will be via AlliedPilots.org/Podcasts.
Communications Committee Deputy Chair FO Melissa Monahan talks with FO Connor Denton, Information Technology Steering Committee Chair, about the continuing evolution of the APA Pilot app. FO Denton highlights the app's extensive functionality and notes the union will be rolling out the next iteration, APA Pilot 3.0, in the coming months. The new version will reflect member feedback with what he terms a "calendar-based feel" and feature production versions of various features now in beta testing.
In the latest episode of our “Positive Rate” podcast, Communications Committee Deputy Chair FO Melissa Monahan talks with CA Bridget Van Scoy, Safety Committee Deputy Chair-Smoke Odor and Fumes Subcommittee, about the ongoing collaboration between APA and American Airlines to identify root causes of smoke, odor, and fume events, reduce their frequency, and effect change at the OEM level. CA Van Scoy also addresses what to do if you experience one of these events.
Each episode of “Positive Rate” features APA subject-matter experts working on the membership's behalf. The podcast is available through popular streaming services, including Apple Podcasts, Stitcher, and Spotify. You can search for “Positive Rate” or “Allied Pilots Association” on your platform of choice to subscribe and download. Your first opportunity to listen will be via AlliedPilots.org/Podcasts.
Communications Committee Deputy Chair CA Chris Ferguson talks with Scheduling Committee Deputy Chair FO Mikael Landau about how the Scheduling Committee and Scheduling Department address a broad range of scheduling-related issues for pilots involving PBS, DOTC, TTS, vacation, Mutual Base Exchange, TDYs, vacancies, and pairing analysis.
In this episode, Communications Committee Deputy Chair FO Melissa Monahan talks with Security Committee Chair CA Paul Nelson, who details how the Sept. 11, 2001, terrorist attacks "profoundly changed the security environment." He affirms the committee's close collaboration with its Air Line Pilots Association peers and notes the committee maintains "a good line of communication" with American Airlines' security experts. CA Nelson cautions that "complacency" represents the biggest threat to our industry, with commercial aviation remaining a high-value target for terrorists around the world.
In the latest episode of our “Positive Rate” podcast, Communications Committee Deputy Chair CA Chris Ferguson talks to Investor Relations Committee Chair CA Dennis Tajer about what we can expect when American Airlines reports second-quarter earnings on July 24.
“We are the perennial bronze-medal holder at this point in time,” he said. “That's unacceptable.”
Note: Their conversation was recorded before United Airlines reported its earnings on July 18.
In the latest episode of our “Positive Rate” podcast, Communications Committee Deputy Chair CA Chris Ferguson talks with Contract Compliance Committee Chair CA Jason Saxer about the committee's role in defending the Collective Bargaining Agreement, remedying errors, educating the membership, and other contract-related services.
Each episode of “Positive Rate” features APA subject-matter experts working on the membership's behalf. The podcast is available through popular streaming services, including Apple Podcasts, Stitcher, and Spotify. You can search for “Positive Rate” or “Allied Pilots Association” on your platform of choice to subscribe and download. Your first opportunity to listen will be via AlliedPilots.org/Podcasts.
In the latest episode of our “Positive Rate” podcast, Communications Committee member CA Chris Ferguson talks with FO Vern Reaser, Aeromedical Committee Deputy Chair-Sudden Grief Response Program (SGRP), about how SGRP assists APA members and their families in the event of sudden death. FO Reaser emphasizes the importance of having a checklist to ensure you and your family are appropriately prepared. Find the podcast on any popular streaming service, including Apple Podcasts, Stitcher, and Spotify.
APA Government Affairs Committee Chair FO Brian Bell talks about how the committee represents our pilots' interests on Capitol Hill. FO Bell cites the importance of contributing to the APA Political Action Committee, emphasizing that “it's your way to help me defend the profession.” He also characterizes the Benton House, APA's base of operations on Capitol Hill, as “one of the most useful tools in our toolkit” due to its proximity to the House and Senate office buildings.
Communications Committee Deputy Chair FO Melissa Monahan talks with CA Kevin Macelhaney, Aeromedical Committee Deputy Chair-Pilot Occupational Health, about the subcommittee's efforts to mitigate occupational hazards such as space weather, radiation, and fume events.
Communications Committee Deputy Chair FO Melissa Monahan talks with Aeromedical Committee Chair CA Rondeau Flynn about pilot mental health. CA Flynn details how APA's robust peer-support network helps our members navigate situations that can affect their mental health, and he emphasizes that mental health should be considered in the same light as physical health, with both existing along a spectrum.
Communications Committee Deputy Chair FO Melissa Monahan talks with Membership Committee Deputy Chair-Military Affairs Subcommittee CA Chris Krahulec and subcommittee member CA Josh Daneault about APA's support of its military pilots. The subcommittee's primary areas of focus: educate military pilots on their rights and responsibilities under the Uniformed Services Employment and Reemployment Rights Act (USERRA); promote USERRA compliance by all parties, while ensuring adoption of any future changes in the statutes; ensure military members have the tools to properly interface with American Airlines on company requirements; and coordinate with the military affairs arms of other air carriers to address national issues. APA Military Affairs maintains a comprehensive, searchable manual on AlliedPilots.org for our military pilots.
In the latest episode of our “Positive Rate” podcast, Communications Committee Deputy Chair FO Melissa Monahan talks with Safety Committee Deputy Chair CA Casey Ronayne about how FOQA works to improve safety in two primary ways — through crew contacts to discuss variance events, and through aggregate data analysis to identify trends and emerging threats. CA Ronayne notes that unstable approaches, late configurations, and long landings are among the most common events the program addresses, and he emphasizes FOQA's non-punitive nature.
Each episode of “Positive Rate” features APA subject-matter experts working on the membership's behalf. The podcast is available through popular streaming services, including Apple Podcasts, Stitcher, and Spotify. You can search for “Positive Rate” or “Allied Pilots Association” on your platform of choice to subscribe and download.
In the latest episode of our “Positive Rate” podcast, Communications Committee Deputy Chair FO Melissa Monahan talks with CA Mike Madigan, Safety Committee Deputy Chair-Aviation Safety Action Program (ASAP). ASAP relies on voluntary self-disclosure of inadvertent violations and safety concerns and is nonpunitive. CA Madigan details ASAP's origins, the dramatic impact it has had on aviation safety, and the issues that pilots most frequently report.
In the latest episode of our “Positive Rate” podcast, Communications Committee Deputy Chair FO Melissa Monahan talks with FO Ken Hagan, Aeromedical Committee Deputy Chair-Critical Incident Response Program (CIRP). CIRP's mission is to lessen the psychological impact of on-the-job accidents and incidents on crewmembers and their families and to accelerate normal recovery from those events before harmful stress reactions damage job performance, careers, families, and health. FO Hagan details how the positive steps taken before and after a critical accident or incident will affect both short- and long-term physiological and psychological health.
Each episode of “Positive Rate” features APA subject-matter experts working on the membership's behalf. The podcast is available through popular streaming services, including Apple Podcasts, Stitcher, and Spotify. You can search for “Positive Rate” or “Allied Pilots Association” on your platform of choice to subscribe and download. Your first opportunity to listen will be via AlliedPilots.org/Podcasts.
Communications Committee Deputy Chair FO Melissa Monahan talks with FO Pete Gillespie, Aeromedical Committee Deputy Chair-Project Wingman. FO Gillespie details the origins of Project Wingman and the vital role it plays in APA's peer-support network.
In this episode, Communications Committee Deputy Chair FO Melissa Monahan talks with CA Gavin Tade, who serves on the Safety Committee's Safety Operations Subcommittee. CA Tade enumerates the widely varying issues the subcommittee deals with such as tow bar breakages, the hazards that lithium batteries pose, aircraft damage through contact with catering and deicing trucks, and other operational concerns.
In the latest episode of our “Positive Rate” podcast, Communications Committee Deputy Chair FO Melissa Monahan talks with CLT NATCA President Anthony Schifano and CLT NATCA Vice President Justin Garay about the service air traffic controllers provide as a vital part of the national aviation system. The NATCA officials give an overview of their union and detail the tools controllers use — including radar, radio, and surface detection — and characterize controllers as “the glue that holds the whole thing together.” They encourage pilots to ask ATC for clarification whenever necessary: “If you have a question, ask.” Each episode of “Positive Rate” features APA subject-matter experts working on the membership's behalf. The podcast is available through popular streaming services, including Apple Podcasts, Stitcher, and Spotify. You can search for “Positive Rate” or “Allied Pilots Association” on your platform of choice to subscribe and download. Your first opportunity to listen will be via AlliedPilots.org/Podcasts.
In the latest episode of our “Positive Rate” podcast, Communications Committee Deputy Chair FO Melissa Monahan talks with Aeromedical Committee Deputy Chair CA Jeff Leisten, who oversees the Disabled Pilots Awareness Subcommittee (DPASC). They discuss everything DPASC volunteers do to support pilots on long-tern disability, a group in which 70 percent of our members will find themselve at least once. “We're all bulletproof until we're not,” CA Leisten says in the episode.
In our latest episode, Communications Committee Deputy Chair FO Melissa Monahan, who also chairs the Family Awareness Committee, talks with Family Awareness Deputy Chair CA Jerry Gemma about the newly established Spouse Support Network.
In the latest episode of our “Positive Rate” podcast, Communications Committee Deputy Chair FO Melissa Monahan talks with Lori Copeland, the widow of American Airlines FO Aaron (Kyle) Copeland and founder of Wing 2 Wing. As a safety net and support group for pilots on long-term disability, Wing 2 Wing works hand in hand with APA and American Airlines.
Each episode of “Positive Rate” features APA subject-matter experts working on the membership's behalf. The podcast is available through popular streaming services, including Apple Podcasts, Stitcher, and Spotify. You can search for “Positive Rate” or “Allied Pilots Association” on your platform of choice to subscribe and download. Your first opportunity to listen will be via AlliedPilots.org/Podcasts.
Communications Committee Deputy Chair FO Melissa Monahan talks with Battalion Chief James Bailey of the DFW Airport Fire Department about firefighters' priorities when responding to medical emergencies and how pilots can make first responders' difficult jobs easier. They also discuss why all requests for water-cannon salutes cannot be accommodated.
Communications Committee Deputy Chair FO Melissa Monahan talks with Compass Project Committee Chair FO Erik Knauff about the variety of ways in which Compass supports APA members throughout their careers. Compass provides custom-tailored programs for new-hire pilots, new Captains, return-to-work pilots, and pilot families, and the committee adheres to the primacy principle that "what is learned first is best remembered."
The APA Compass Project Committee hosts a series of YOUnion webinars to educate pilots about various stages of their careers. In the latest edition of our “Positive Rate” podcast, Communications Committee Deputy Chair FO Melissa Monahan talks to CA Derek Richardson and FO Armando Torres about how the YOUnion series was developed and what each webinar offers. You can register for the next sessions on the Member Engagement Portal of AlliedPilots.org.
The APA Aeromedical Committee's HIMS Subcommittee is charged with helping pilots deal with the disease of chemical dependency in order to save lives and careers while enhancing flight safety. In the latest episode of our "Positive Rate" podcast, Communications Committee Deputy Chair FO Melissa Monahan talks with CA Brian Beckman about the assistance the HIMS Subcommittee provides to pilots and their families.
In the latest episode of Positive Rate, Communications Committee Deputy Chair FO Melissa Monahan talks with Grievance Resolution Committee Chair CA Sean Clarke and Deputy Chair CA Scott Craig about the committee's role in the grievance process.
Each episode of “Positive Rate” features various APA leaders and the subject-matter experts working on the membership's behalf. The podcast is available through popular streaming services, including Apple Podcasts, Stitcher, and Spotify. You can search for “Positive Rate” or “Allied Pilots Association” on your platform of choice to subscribe and download. Your first opportunity to listen will be via AlliedPilots.org/Podcasts.
We welcome your feedback on this format. If you have a question or comment, please send it to Communications Director Gregg Overman via goverman@alliedpilots.org.
In the latest episode of APA's “Positive Rate” podcast, Communications Committee Deputy Chair FO Melissa Monahan talks with CA Andy Alfiero, who serves on the Air Traffic & Procedures Subcommittee of the APA Safety Committee. CA Alfiero emphasizes that “we're here as your advocates,” detailing how the subcommittee works with various stakeholders to advance aviation safety.
In the latest episode of APA's “Positive Rate” podcast, Communications Committee Deputy Chair FO Melissa Monahan talks with FO Nathan Green about the American Airlines Ski & Snowboard Club. FO Green previously served as the club's president.
In the latest episode of APA's “Positive Rate” podcast, Communications Committee Deputy Chair FO Melissa Monahan talks with Scope Committee Chair CA Val Jester about that committee's role in ensuring compliance with Section 1 of our collective bargaining agreement.
Each episode of “Positive Rate” features various APA leaders and the subject-matter experts working on the membership's behalf. The podcast is available through popular streaming services, including Apple Podcasts, Stitcher, and Spotify. You can search for “Positive Rate” or “Allied Pilots Association” on your platform of choice to subscribe and download. Your first opportunity to listen will be via AlliedPilots.org/Podcasts.
In the latest episode of APA's “Positive Rate” podcast, Communications Committee Deputy Chair FO Melissa Monahan talks with Joint Implementation Action Committee (JIAC) Chair FO Matt Stanley and Negotiating Committee Chair FO Adam Rutherford about the effectiveness of JIAC in facilitating contract implementation.
Each episode of “Positive Rate” features various APA leaders and the subject-matter experts working on the membership's behalf. The podcast is available through popular streaming services, including Apple Podcasts, Stitcher, and Spotify. You can search for “Positive Rate” or “Allied Pilots Association” on your platform of choice to subscribe and download. Your first opportunity to listen will be via AlliedPilots.org/Podcasts.
In the latest episode of APA's “Positive Rate” podcast, Communications Committee Deputy Chair CA Josh Daneault talks about how the National Communications Network facilitates two-way, fact-based communication between line pilots and union leadership. NCN communicates with line pilots directly, relying on face-to-face communication in airport concourses and in various other venues.
In the latest episode of our “Positive Rate” podcast, Communications Committee Deputy Chair FO Melissa Monahan talks with ORD-based FO Barbara Gordon about Girls in Aviation Day, which provides an opportunity for girls to learn about aviation careers in a fun, interactive way.
In the latest episode of our “Positive Rate” podcast, Communications Committee Deputy Chair FO Melissa Monahan talks with CA Tim Knutson about how the Christmas Epaulets tradition began.
Communications Committee Deputy Chair FO Melissa Monahan talks with FO Celeste Pearce, one of the leaders of Aviatrix Fly LHR, a group that organizes London fly-ins for female pilots.
In the latest episode of our “Positive Rate” podcast, Communications Committee Deputy Chair FO Melissa Monahan talks with FO Christine Albertson about the Francesca Norris Memorial Scholarship, which awards two scholarships each year to aspiring female airline pilots for advanced flight instructor training. The Francesca Norris Memorial Scholarship receives part of its funding through an annual golf tournament, with this year's scheduled for Friday, Oct. 25, at Sky Creek Ranch Golf Club in Keller, Texas.
Each episode of “Positive Rate” features various APA leaders and the subject-matter experts working on the membership's behalf. The podcast is available through popular streaming services, including Apple Podcasts, Stitcher, and Spotify. You can search for “Positive Rate” or “Allied Pilots Association” on your platform of choice to subscribe and download. Your first opportunity to listen will be via AlliedPilots.org/Podcasts.
In the latest episode of our “Positive Rate” podcast, Communications Committee Deputy Chair FO Melissa Monahan talks with FO Celeste Pearce, one of the leaders of Aviatrix Fly LHR. The group organizes London fly-ins for female pilots, and its fourth such event is scheduled for Oct. 12.
Each episode of “Positive Rate” is available through popular streaming services, including Apple Podcasts, Stitcher, and Spotify. You can search for “Positive Rate” or “Allied Pilots Association” on your platform of choice to subscribe and download. Your first opportunity to listen will be via AlliedPilots.org/Podcasts.
In the latest episode of our “Positive Rate” podcast, Communications Committee Deputy Chair FO Melissa Monahan talks with Jumpseat/Non-Rev Committee Deputy Chair CA Carrie Smith about several ways that pilots can make jumpseating and deadheading smoother for themselves and others.
Each episode of “Positive Rate” features various APA leaders and the subject-matter experts working on the membership's behalf. The podcast is available through popular streaming services, including Apple Podcasts, Stitcher, and Spotify. You can search for “Positive Rate” or “Allied Pilots Association” on your platform of choice to subscribe and download. Your first opportunity to listen will be via AlliedPilots.org/Podcasts.
In the latest episode of our “Positive Rate” podcast, Communications Committee Deputy Chair FO Melissa Monahan talks with Maria Perkins, President of Air to Heart Foundation. A nonprofit organization focused on supporting American Airlines pilot spouses and domestic partners, Air to Heart Foundation was born out of the uncertainty of the global pandemic and secured its 501(c)(3) status as a foundation in 2023. Its self-stated mission is “to serve as an ongoing bridge for support” for active, retired, and bereaved spouses.
Each episode of “Positive Rate” features various APA leaders and the subject-matter experts working on the membership's behalf. The podcast is available through popular streaming services, including Apple Podcasts, Stitcher, and Spotify. You can search for “Positive Rate” or “Allied Pilots Association” on your platform of choice to subscribe and download. Your first opportunity to listen will be via AlliedPilots.org/Podcasts.
In the latest episode of our “Positive Rate” podcast, Communications Committee Deputy Chair FO Melissa Monahan talks with CA Tim Martin, Training Committee Deputy Chair, about the various ways the committee serves the membership. He notes the committee has an expert for each fleet American Airlines operates, and also discusses the recently revamped Training Debrief, emphasizing how the data pilots provide with their debriefs enables the committee to effect change as needed. (All debriefs are deidentified before the committee shares them with the company.)
Each episode of “Positive Rate” features various APA leaders and the subject-matter experts working on the membership's behalf. The podcast is available through popular streaming services, including Apple Podcasts, Stitcher, and Spotify – you can search for “Positive Rate” or “Allied Pilots Association” on your platform of choice to subscribe and download. Your first opportunity to listen will be via AlliedPilots.org/Podcasts.
We welcome your feedback on this format. If you have a question or a comment, please send it to Communications Director Gregg Overman via goverman@alliedpilots.org.
In the latest episode of our “Positive Rate” podcast, Communications Committee Deputy Chair FO Melissa Monahan talks with Strategic Planning Committee Chair FO Scott Yancy, who details how the committee's planning efforts have centered around eliminating silos and encouraging greater collaboration among the elected leadership, committees, and staff. He encourages all members to engage with APA and notes that engagement can be as simple as voting in all elections and membership referendums. He also cites volunteering for the National Communications Network as a simple path to union service. NCN volunteers meet face to face with pilots in airports around the system to collect member feedback.
Each episode of “Positive Rate” features various APA leaders and the subject-matter experts working on the membership's behalf. The podcast is available through popular streaming services, including Apple Podcasts, Stitcher, and Spotify – you can search for “Positive Rate” or “Allied Pilots Association” on your platform of choice to subscribe and download. Your first opportunity to listen will be via AlliedPilots.org/Podcasts.
We welcome your feedback on this format. If you have a question or a comment, please send it to Communications Director Gregg Overman via goverman@alliedpilots.org.
In the latest episode of our “Positive Rate” podcast, Communications Committee Deputy Chair FO Melissa Monahan talks with FO Kailey Gonzalez and CA Marc Needham about how the Compass Project Committee's Family Navigation team helps pilots and their families navigate issues that arise when expecting or adopting and taking family leave. Family Navigation pairs pilots with a sponsor whose family experience aligns with theirs to help ensure the best match.
In the latest episode of our “Positive Rate” podcast, Communications Committee Deputy Chair FO Melissa Monahan talks with CA Pat McGinn, who chairs the Professional Standards Committee. CA McGinn details how his committee promotes the highest levels of professionalism, undertakes conflict resolution with every organized work group our pilots interact with while performing their duties, and what to expect when you contact Professional Standards.
In the latest episode of our “Positive Rate” podcast, Communications Committee Deputy Chair FO Melissa Monahan talks with CA Shawn Gray, who chairs the International Alliance Committee. CA Gray characterizes the committee's role as the union's foreign affairs arm, identifying threats and opportunities beyond U.S. borders, and securing access to the forums where global aviation policy is crafted to ensure APA makes its voice heard.
Each episode of “Positive Rate” features various APA leaders and the subject-matter experts working on the membership's behalf. The podcast is available through popular streaming services, including Apple Podcasts, Stitcher, and Spotify – you can search for “Positive Rate” or “Allied Pilots Association” on your platform of choice to subscribe and download. Your first opportunity to listen will be via AlliedPilots.org/Podcasts.
In the latest episode of our “Positive Rate” podcast, Communications Committee Deputy Chair FO Tami McBride takes a closer look at how the Coalition of Airline Pilots Associations (CAPA) gives APA a seat at the aviation rulemaking table in Washington, D.C., ensuring we have a voice in crafting the regulations that shape our profession.
Each episode of “Positive Rate” features various APA leaders and the subject-matter experts working on the membership's behalf. The podcast is available through popular streaming services, including Apple Podcasts, Stitcher, and Spotify – you can search for “Positive Rate” or “Allied Pilots Association” on your platform of choice to subscribe and download. Your first opportunity to listen will be via AlliedPilots.org/Podcasts.
In the latest episode of our “Positive Rate” podcast, Communications Committee Deputy Chair FO Tami McBride examines how the Coalition of Airline Pilots Associations (CAPA) serves as a force multiplier for its member unions, which include APA. FO McBride speaks with CA Larry Rooney, an American Airlines pilot and the current CAPA President, and CAPA Executive Director Maryanne DeMarco, about the many ways CAPA enhances our advocacy efforts in Washington, D.C.
Each episode of “Positive Rate” features various APA leaders and the subject-matter experts working on the membership's behalf. The podcast is available through popular streaming services, including Apple Podcasts, Stitcher, and Spotify – you can search for “Positive Rate” or “Allied Pilots Association” on your platform of choice to subscribe and download. Your first opportunity to listen will be via AlliedPilots.org/Podcasts.
In the latest episode of our “Positive Rate” podcast, Communications Committee Deputy Chair FO Tami McBride and committee member CA Chris Ferguson speak with Compass Project Committee Chair CA Mark Erickson about how Compass supports APA members at every stage of their career as American Airlines pilots.
Each episode of “Positive Rate” features various APA leaders and the subject-matter experts working on the membership's behalf. The podcast is available through popular streaming services, including Apple Podcasts, Stitcher, and Spotify – you can search for “Positive Rate” or “Allied Pilots Association” on your platform of choice to subscribe and download. Your first opportunity to listen will be via AlliedPilots.org/Podcasts.
In the latest episode of our “Positive Rate” podcast, Communications Committee deputy chair FO Tami McBride speaks with APA Vice President CA Chris Torres about the status of “The Line” discussion forums and the efforts of the Governance and Reform Ad Hoc Committee.
Each episode of “Positive Rate” features various APA leaders and the subject-matter experts working on the membership's behalf. The podcast is available through popular streaming services, including Apple Podcasts, Stitcher, and Spotify – you can search for “Positive Rate” or “Allied Pilots Association” on your platform of choice to subscribe and download.
In the latest episode of our “Positive Rate” podcast, Communications Committee member CA Chris Ferguson speaks with Membership Committee Chair CA Steve Pacheco about the many ways his committee supports APA pilots at every stage of their career.
In the latest episode of our “Positive Rate” podcast, Communications Committee Deputy Chair FO Tami McBride interviews Marsha Reekie, APA Medical Advisors Manager. As a longtime resource for APA members dealing with health care-related issues, Marsha offers a series of practical, how-to suggestions for making the most of the services her team has to offer.
In the latest episode of our “Positive Rate” podcast, you'll hear from APA Director of Benefits Marcy Scott, who explains how her department helps ensure that our pilots understand the benefits provided to them through the Collective Bargaining Agreement, as well as the supplemental benefits available to all APA members. You'll also hear from FO Matt Stanley, Joint Implementation Action Committee Chair and Negotiating Committee member, on the topic of imputed income and the decision that our pilots need to make during the current open enrollment period for AA benefits.
In the latest episode of our “Positive Rate” podcast, you'll get to meet Contract Compliance Committee Chair CA Jason Saxer and committee member FO John Herring and learn about the many ways their committee is here to serve APA's members and ensure full compliance with the pilots' contract. Communications Committee Deputy Chair FO Tami McBride's interview with CA Saxer and FO Herring details how Contract Compliance works in concert with APA Contract Administration and includes a few frequently asked Q&As about the contract.
APA's monthly National Town Hall Meetings are intended to provide updates to the membership from the National Officers, Board of Directors, and national committees, and they typically include opportunities to answer your questions.
In the latest episode of our “Positive Rate” podcast, APA President CA Ed Sicher and Communications Committee Deputy Chair FO Tami McBride review key contractual areas in which APA achieved gains in our newly ratified agreement, along with APA's integral role in the pattern bargaining that has benefited multiple pilot groups in recent months. CA Sicher and FO McBride also address the union's plans to highlight the many ways in which APA serves its membership in upcoming editions of “Positive Rate” and other updates. Our goal is to ensure you are familiar with the full range of services and support that APA has to offer.
In the latest episode of our “Positive Rate” podcast, APA Vice President CA Chris Torres and Communications Committee member FO Tami McBride discuss the current situation and next steps following the Negotiating Committee's presentation of a proposed Tentative Agreement to the Board of Directors. Among the topics they address: why the Board convened an emergency special meeting on Friday, the timeline for Board and membership consideration of a potential new collective bargaining agreement, and the Board meeting scheduled to begin on Thursday.
Each episode of “Positive Rate” features various APA leaders and the subject-matter experts working on the membership's behalf. The podcast is available through popular streaming services, including Apple Podcasts, Stitcher, and Spotify – you can search for “Positive Rate” or “Allied Pilots Association” on your platform of choice to subscribe and download.
In the latest episode of our “Positive Rate” podcast, APA President CA Ed Sicher and Vice President CA Chris Torres discuss next steps following last Thursday's announcement of an agreement in principle (AIP) between APA and American Airlines management on a new collective bargaining agreement. Among the topics covered: the difference between an AIP and a tentative agreement, whether APA should consider enlisting the assistance of the National Mediation Board, and the process for ensuring the membership is able to make an informed decision once they have the opportunity to cast a vote on a new agreement.
In the latest episode of our “Positive Rate” podcast, STOP Committee Chair CA Steve Pacheco and Deputy Chair CA Andrea Hoover stress the importance of pilots joining our systemwide informational picketing scheduled from 1100 to 1300 local time on May 1. Click here to RSVP.
Host FO Tami McBride also speaks to FO Andy Fierro, one of the volunteers who has been working in the Strike Center all month to ensure maximum turnout for the strike authorization vote. If you have not yet cast a ballot, click here to vote. Voting will close at 2359 Central on April 30. If you have questions, call the Strike Center at 855-AP-STRIK (855-277-8745).
As mentioned in last week's News Digest, APA has prepared a series of documents about the Railway Labor Act and the National Mediation Board to help educate the membership:
- What is the Railway Labor Act?
- What is the National Mediation Board?
- The National Mediation Board Process
- When Can We Strike?
- Important Negotiation Terms to Understand
FO Tami McBride talks with APA Vice President CA Chris Torres and his wife, Cheyanne. They answer questions about the strike authorization vote to clear up some misconceptions, and they also discuss ways that pilots' families can remain engaged and informed regarding contract negotiations. As FO McBride mentions in this episode, pilots can share their views with APA leadership by submitting a Sound Off.
APA's monthly National Town Hall Meetings are intended to provide updates to the membership from the National Officers, Board of Directors, and national committees, and they typically include opportunities to answer your questions.
Hosts CA Sander Mertz and FO Tami McBride talk with APA President CA Ed Sicher about why the Board of Directors has scheduled a second April meeting with the Negotiating Committee, the importance of the ongoing strike authorization vote, and how he expects CEO Robert Isom to try direct negotiations with the pilot group. “Patience is the utmost virtue right now,” CA Sicher said.
In the latest episode of our “Positive Rate” podcast, host CA Sander Mertz talks with Strike and Tactical Operations (STOP) Committee Chair CA Steve Pacheco about the forthcoming strike authorization vote. CA Pacheco emphasizes the importance of a strong voter turnout and urges all members to vote yes as a demonstration of our collective resolve to secure an industry-leading contract.
Each episode of “Positive Rate” features various APA leaders and the subject-matter experts working on the membership's behalf. The podcast is available through popular streaming services, including Apple Podcasts, Stitcher, and Spotify – you can search for “Positive Rate” or “Allied Pilots Association” on your platform of choice to subscribe and download.
APA's monthly National Town Hall Meetings are intended to provide updates to the membership from the National Officers, Board of Directors, and national committees, and they typically include opportunities to answer your questions.
In the latest episode of our “Positive Rate” podcast, which was recorded last week, hosts CA Sander Mertz and FO Tami McBride talk with LGA Domicile Chair CA Larry Cutler and Vice Chair CA Jim Scanlan about their recent domicile update regarding the importance of actively participating in your union. “Engaging solely online does not qualify as union activism,” the LGA Domicile Officers emphasize. “Together, we are the union and must act accordingly to achieve the CBA we have earned with our skill, experience, dedication, and professionalism.”
Check out APA's Feb. 15 national town hall for the latest updates from a cross section of the union's subject-matter experts. The town hall also featured a question-and-answer session with members.
In the latest episode of our “Positive Rate” podcast, which was recorded last week, hosts CA Sander Mertz and FO Tami McBride talk to the Hotel Committee's FO Andrew Zahn and FO Carmen Thompson about American Airlines' new hotel at Skyview 6, the differences between a Hotel Debrief and the Hotel Survey on the APA Mobile app, and why using BizHero is never a good idea.
As FO Zahn mentioned in the episode, any pilot in long-course training can opt out of the Skyview hotel by calling the AA Service Center at 682-278-9339 or 682-278-9355. The same goes for pilots who want to be moved to the Skyview hotel.
Click here to read about the Expedited Presidential Grievance regarding Holiday Pay, and click here to review the Quick Reference Hotels document.
Each episode of “Positive Rate” features various APA leaders and the subject-matter experts working on the membership's behalf. The podcast is available through popular streaming services, including Apple Podcasts, Stitcher, and Spotify – you can search for “Positive Rate” or “Allied Pilots Association” on your platform of choice to subscribe and download. Your first opportunity to listen will be via AlliedPilots.org/Podcasts.
In the latest episode of our “Positive Rate” podcast, Communications Committee members CA Sander Mertz and FO Tami McBride talk to these subject-matter experts:
- Negotiating Committee member Matt Stanley discusses all of the work that's gone into comparing the Delta Tentative Agreement to our current JCBA as well as our negotiating framework.
- DCA Domicile Chair CA Joe Collins talks about the rollout of TTS Real Time Trading at his base and three others.
- Contract Compliance Committee member FO Ryan Dorris describes how Reserve pilots should be compensated for flying assigned during Duty Free Periods.
Each episode of “Positive Rate” features various APA leaders and the subject-matter experts working on the membership's behalf. The podcast is available through popular streaming services, including Apple Podcasts, Stitcher, and Spotify – you can search for “Positive Rate” or “Allied Pilots Association” on your platform of choice to subscribe and download.
In the latest episode of our “Positive Rate” podcast, which is hosted by CA Sander Mertz and FO Tami McBride of the Communications Committee, Negotiating Committee Chair CA John Owens talks about how his team incorporated input from a variety of committees as they fine-tuned our latest proposals at the bargaining table.
This episode also features a brief explanation of vacation slides and vacation extensions from Contract Compliance Committee Chair CA BJ West as well as a reminder about the wealth of information that can be accessed in the Hotel Committee's Quick Reference Hotels document.
Each episode of “Positive Rate” features various APA leaders and the subject-matter experts working on the membership's behalf. The podcast is available through popular streaming services, including Apple Podcasts, Stitcher, and Spotify – you can search for “Positive Rate” or “Allied Pilots Association” on your platform of choice to subscribe and download. Your first opportunity to listen will be via AlliedPilots.org/Podcasts.
We welcome your feedback on this format. If you have a question or a comment, please send it to Communications Director Gregg Overman via goverman@alliedpilots.org.
As the APA Board of Directors said last week (“Mutual Agreement”? Not So Fast), management plans to release TTS Real Time Trading on a rolling basis, beginning with BOS, DCA, LAX, and PHX. In the latest episode of “Positive Rate,” CA Sander Mertz and FO Tami McBride talk to APA Vice President CA Chris Torres and Scheduling Committee Chair CA Drew Coleman about how we got to this point and what we can expect from the new trip trading platform.
If you have any questions about TTS after it is introduced at your domicile, contact the Scheduling Committee via 817-302-2321 or APA-TTS-support@alliedpilots.org
In the latest episode of our “Positive Rate” podcast, APA Communications Committee Deputy Chairs CA Sander Mertz and CA Wes Smith stress the importance of not floating your vacation before they chat with CA John Owens, who discusses why he is optimistic about what your Negotiating Committee will be able to achieve with the membership's support. (Please see “Meet Your Negotiating Committee” to learn more about them.)
Each episode of “Positive Rate” will feature various APA leaders and the subject-matter experts working on the membership's behalf. The podcast is available through popular streaming services, including Apple Podcasts, Stitcher, and Spotify – you can search for “Positive Rate” or “Allied Pilots Association” on your platform of choice to subscribe and download. Your first opportunity to listen will be via AlliedPilots.org/Podcasts.
We are launching a new podcast called Positive Rate. In the debut episode, Communications Committee Deputy Chair CA Sander Mertz talks with APA President CA Ed Sicher about how the negotiating dynamic has changed since the announcement of the agreement in principle between Delta pilots and their airline.
Each episode of Positive Rate will feature various APA leaders and the subject-matter experts working on the membership's behalf. The podcast will be available through popular streaming services – including Apple Podcasts, Stitcher, and Spotify – but your first opportunity to listen will be via AlliedPilots.org/Podcasts.
We welcome your feedback on this format. If you have a question or a comment, please send it to Communications Director Gregg Overman via goverman@alliedpilots.org.
This episode features APA President CA Eric Ferguson and CA John Owens, Communications Committee Deputy Chair, addressing the federal mask mandate. They also discuss the need for updated contractual provisions for American Airlines' Check Pilots, whose services are vital to ensuring a smooth, safe operation.
In Episode 25 of our “Five By Five” podcast, APA President CA Eric Ferguson and Safety Committee Chair FO John DeLeeuw discuss the specifics of the potential threat to aviation safety posed by 5G, as well as the need for our pilots to be compensated for the level of pre-flight preparation that the 5G situation has required.
In Episode 24 of our “Five By Five” podcast, APA President CA Eric Ferguson and FO John DeLeeuw, Chair of the APA Safety Committee, discuss the latest developments concerning 5G.
In Episode 23 of our “Five by Five” podcast, APA President CA Eric Ferguson and CA John Owens, Deputy Chair of the APA Communications Committee, discuss the targeted approach to Section 6 bargaining and how it differs from the early openers APA passed across the table in 2019.
In Episode 22 of our “Five by Five” podcast, CA Jeff Holt and FO Barbara Carroll discuss how the Compass Project's support system for new mothers has broadened to help all new parents – moms and dads – navigate family leave.
In Episode 21 of our “Five By Five” podcast, APA President CA Eric Ferguson and CA John Owens, Deputy Chair of the APA Communications Committee, discuss several aspects of the Board of Directors' decision to reject Letter of Agreement 21-006 – what led to that decision, the membership's response to the Board's vote, and what to expect in the weeks to come.
The latest edition of “Five By Five” features New England Journal of Medicine Editor-in-Chief Dr. Eric Rubin and consulting epidemiologist Dr. Richard Roth discussing a range of issues associated with the COVID-19 vaccine and virus. APA President CA Eric Ferguson and Aeromedical Committee Chair CA Pete Gillespie also participate in the conversation, which covers questions surrounding natural immunity, the effectiveness of the vaccines and their side effects, and what the coming months may bring as the pandemic continues.
This edition covers the latest developments on the COVID-19 vaccine mandate front, including American Airlines' stance regarding exemptions and accommodations, APA's discussions with lawmakers and regulators, and Delta Air Lines' response to the mandate.
The latest edition of APA's “Five by Five” podcast is geared toward new hires. CA Mark Erickson, the APA Membership Committee's Deputy Chair overseeing the Compass Project, speaks with two of his fellow Compass Project volunteers – FO Erik Knauff and FO Craig Snyder – about everything that a pilot can expect to experience after being hired by American. They also discuss the numerous ways the Compass Project can be a resource for new hires.
In the latest edition of “Five By Five,” which was recorded on Oct. 7, APA President CA Eric Ferguson, Communications Committee Deputy Chair CA John Owens, and Senior Director of Legal Affairs Jim Clark discuss how APA's negotiations with American Airlines management regarding COVID-19 issues contrast with SWAPA's stymied efforts to bargain with Southwest Airlines management on the same topic.
The latest edition of “Five By Five” features APA President Capt. Eric Ferguson, Communications Committee Deputy Chair Capt. John Owens, and Senior Director of Legal Affairs Jim Clark addressing APA's mission and duties related to COVID-19 vaccine concerns, along with the union's efforts to secure an alternate means of compliance for its pilots in anticipation of a forthcoming vaccine mandate.
In the latest edition of “Five By Five,” APA President CA Eric Ferguson and CA John Owens, Communications Committee Deputy Chair, discuss the recently announced bonuses for pilots at American Airlines' three wholly owned regional airlines, the extension of the mask mandate, and the union's stance regarding COVID-19 vaccination.
APA President CA Eric Ferguson and CA John Owens, Communications Committee Deputy Chair, discuss some of the work APA's national committee volunteers are doing on behalf of the membership in this latest edition of “Five By Five.” Among the topics: the redesigned AlliedPilots.org website now being finalized, which will feature a number of enhancements, including a more powerful search function and the ability for members to customize their home page. CA Ferguson and CA Owens also address the need for vigilance with the increased operational tempo, with the Safety Committee closely monitoring all relevant data and the Membership Committee providing a variety of pilot support services.
In this episode, APA President CA Eric Ferguson and CA John Owens, Deputy Chair of the APA Communications Committee, address some of the issues that union members have raised in recent Soundoff messages. These issues include the need to increase pilot flexibility to help ensure a reliable operation, crew meals and the importance of proper nutrition, and ongoing contract negotiations with American Airlines management.
Due to fleet retirements, pilot retirements, and pilots returning from furloughs and leaves of absence, the schoolhouse is running at full tilt. The latest episode of “Five By Five” features FO Todd Ringelstein and FO Jay Harreld discussing the resources at AlliedPilots.org/Committees/Training that will help you prepare for class. Those resources include a trio of members-only podcasts on these topics:
- Requalification Training
- Qualification Training (Long Course)
- Returning from LTD
CA Mark Erickson, who is the Deputy Chair overseeing the Compass Project, and FO Jeff Holt, the Compass Project's communications coordinator, recorded an episode of “Five by Five” to highlight how every pilot on the seniority list can find useful information at AlliedPilots.org/Compass.
Compass was originally designed to be a mentoring program for new hires, but its database has documents for a range of career and life stages, including newly upgraded captains, pilots returning from extended leaves, pilots temporarily assigned to a different base, female pilots, and pilots who just became parents.
This episode features APA Family Awareness Committee Chair CA Dan Hodge, Deputy Chair FO Tim Dick, and committee member CA Doug Hancock talking about the importance of in-person Family Awareness events such as the Sun ‘n Fun and Oshkosh air shows. The three discuss how bringing pilots and their families together in a relaxed atmosphere helps foster unity and provides an opportunity for members to meet face to face with union leadership.
The latest episode of “Five By Five” features Coalition of Airline Pilots Associations President Capt. Larry Rooney and CAPA Executive Director Maryanne DeMarco talking about CAPA's efforts on Capitol Hill on behalf of its nearly 30,000 members. CAPA's membership covers a broad spectrum of passenger and cargo carriers, including the Allied Pilots Association (American Airlines), the Independent Pilots Association representing (UPS), and Teamsters Locals 1224, 357, and 2750.
The latest episode of “Five By Five” features APA Scheduling Committee Deputy Chair CA Justin Smith and Charlotte Davis, APA's new Pilot Scheduling Administrator. They address a series of PBS-related items, including coverage dates, system constraints, cadence, and the award challenge process. We encourage you to listen to their discussion to gain a better understanding of how PBS can work to your benefit.
The latest episode of “Five By Five” features APA Security Committee Chair FO Paul Nelson and Hotel Committee Chair FO Andrew Zahn in a highly informative discussion about ensuring your personal safety on layover.
APA President's Inclusion & Diversity Ad Hoc Committee: New “Five By Five”
The latest edition of “Five By Five” features Inclusion & Diversity Ad Hoc Committee Co-Chairs CA Ray Burkett and CA Linda Wackerman talking about their vision for this initiative with APA President CA Eric Ferguson. The new committee's goals include fostering greater diversity, building vital membership unity, and leaving APA and American Airlines in good hands for the next generation of aviators. Also, through an “Everyone Culture” that promotes effective coordination and collaboration, the committee can serve the cause of aviation safety by helping to ensure crews stay “in the green.”
APA's latest “Five By Five” features the union president and its chief pilot lobbyist talking about government affairs — why APA uses pilots as lobbyists, why the union bought a house on Capitol Hill last year, and the level of effort required to be effective in D.C. Unlike some organizations, APA has no plans to limit or suspend its Political Action Committee contributions, given the many urgent issues facing the airline industry and its workers.
The latest episode of “Five By Five” features infectious disease expert Dr. Richard Roth, APA President CA Eric Ferguson, and Aeromedical Committee Chair CA Pete Lewis on the subject of COVID-19 vaccines, with Dr. Roth answering the frequently asked questions we have been receiving from APA members in recent days.
This episode of “Five By Five” features an in-depth roundtable discussion about APA's role in returning the Boeing 737 MAX to service, highlighting the importance of line pilot input in training, human factors, and the certification process.
In this edition of “Five By Five,” Allied Pilots Association President Capt. Eric Ferguson talks with Capt. Johnathan Benton, who chairs the union's Government Affairs Committee, and longtime D.C.-based government relations consultant Jack Albertine on the prospects for Congress approving an airline relief package, with all expressing renewed optimism that lawmakers may act in the closing days of 2020.
Allied Pilots Association President Capt. Eric Ferguson talks with longtime negotiating consultant Jalmer Johnson about upcoming membership telephone polling, which will be conducted via statistically valid random sampling. This polling is intended to ensure union leadership has an accurate understanding of member attitudes and preferences.