Episodes

All Episodes

4 days ago

15 min

In this episode of our podcast, R&I Committee member Captain Toby Cline discusses Roth retirement contributions, including the differences between pre-tax and Roth contributions, Roth conversions, and options available to pilots in the PRSP. He also discusses considerations when deciding whether to use Roth and how Roth and pre-tax contributions will work with each of the three retirement options under the new contract.
Click here to view transcript. 

4 days ago

15 min

Oct 8, 2026

11 min

In this episode of our podcast, FDX MEC Chair Captain Jose Nieves discusses Middle East flying, implementation of the new CBA, and additional resources for Contract Enforcement. He also discusses fatigue resources as peak approaches, annual benefits enrollment, the pilot survey, and upcoming MEC and ALPA Board of Directors meetings. Jose closes with an important reminder about Phase 2 implementation and the new Captain and First Officer bid closing deadlines that begin with the December bid period.
Click here to view the transcript.

Oct 8, 2026

11 min

Oct 1, 2026

14 min

In this episode of our podcast, Scheduling Committee Chair Captain Marty Harrington discusses the November build, peak planning, staffing levels, and the preliminary pairing process. He also provides updates on Middle East flying, the continued MD-11 return to service, scheduling revisions, and updated Scheduling Matters articles that reflect the new CBA rules.
Click here to view the transcript.

Oct 1, 2026

14 min

Sep 23, 2026

7 min

In this episode of our podcast, newly elected Block 1 Representative Captain Marty Harrington discusses his decision to serve, his approach to his new role, and his goals as a member of the MEC. He also talks about pilot engagement, upcoming MEC and ALPA meetings, future elections, and concerns he is hearing from pilots on the line.
Click here to view the transcript.

Sep 23, 2026

7 min

Sep 21, 2026

10 min

In this episode of our podcast, Retirement and Insurance Committee Chair Captain Kevin Biggins discusses the upcoming open enrollment period, benefit seminars, and important wellness deadlines. He also provides updates on APRP retirement contributions, improvements to the R&I Committee webpage, and the timeline and resources pilots can expect as the new retirement options are implemented.
Click here to view the transcript.

Sep 21, 2026

10 min

Sep 16, 2026

9 min

In this episode of our podcast, Retirement and Insurance Committee member Captain Toby Cline discusses Long Term Disability (LTD), including how Company and ALPA LTD benefits work and how LTD works with each of the three retirement options under the new contract. He also discusses considerations involving regular sick account usage, the resources available to pilots navigating the LTD process, and the Pilot Benefit Review Board.
Click here to view the transcript.

Sep 16, 2026

9 min

Sep 11, 2026

23 min

In this episode of our podcast, Fatigue Risk Management Committee Chair Captain Rob Bassett provides an update on fatigue calls and reporting, operational fatigue challenges, and the resources available to pilots when dealing with fatigue. He also discusses the CARMA checklist, the importance of documenting operational issues, PureSomni, challenging pairings and schedule changes, and recognizing the potential effects of chronic fatigue.
Click here to view the transcript.

Sep 11, 2026

23 min

Sep 9, 2026

19 min

In this episode of our podcast, Grievance Committee Chair Captain Chris Wood discusses what happens after the Company denies a grievance, including the arbitration process, how cases are evaluated, and how settlements can occur at any point along the way. He also discusses the recent resolution of Grievances 23-18 and 23-19 and provides background on the cases, the issues involved, and the considerations that go into resolving a grievance.
Click here to view the transcript.

Sep 9, 2026

19 min

Sep 3, 2026

10 min

In this episode of our podcast, Scheduling Committee Chair Captain Marty Harrington provides an update on the October build, including the current flight schedule, increased flying, and the continued return of the MD-11 fleet. He also discusses current staffing and hiring, Middle East flying, disputed pairings, and other scheduling issues affecting the crew force.
Click here to view the transcript.

Sep 3, 2026

10 min

Aug 14, 2026

19 min

In this episode of our podcast, Trip Services Committee Chair Captain Don Unwin and Vice Chair First Officer Jackie Crawford give an update on the issues affecting pilots while on the road. The discussion covers ground transportation and hotel concerns, recent and upcoming hotel changes, new CBA provisions affecting non-contract hotel expenses and international bedding, catering updates, and what pilots should do when accommodations or transportation don’t meet expectations. Don and Jackie also explain why pilot feedback, both positive and negative, through the Insite system is critical to identifying problems, supporting changes, and helping improve hotels, transportation, and other trip services across the system.
Click here to view the transcript.

Aug 14, 2026

19 min

Aug 11, 2026

12 min

In this episode of our podcast, Contract Implementation Team member First Officer Eric Moraes provides an update on the ongoing implementation of the new Collective Bargaining Agreement, including the expense receipt process and the rental car provision. He also answers common pilot questions about rental car deviations, including when they may be used, pre-approval requirements, reimbursable expenses, time limitations, and how to properly submit expenses for reimbursement.
Click here to view the transcript.

Aug 11, 2026

12 min

Aug 6, 2026

21 min

In this episode of our podcast, Scheduling Committee Chair Captain Marty Harrington provides an update on the September build, including continued high BLGs, increased Middle East flying, and the expanding return of the MD-11 fleet. He also discusses current staffing, hiring, the operational impact of tightly constructed pairings, disputed sequences, and updates to Scheduling Matters under the new Collective Bargaining Agreement.

Aug 6, 2026

21 min

Jul 9, 2026

8 min

In this episode of our podcast, Scheduling Committee Vice Chair Captain Chris Leeuw and Airbus PSIT Member Captain Mike Kilmurray provide an update on the first full build month under the new Collective Bargaining Agreement, including the impact of the new MPDPs and duty rig provisions on domestic bid packs. They also discuss staffing and hiring trends, the anticipated system bid, the ongoing return of the MD-11 fleet, and the Secondary Line Replacement  Working Group (SLRWG).
Click here to view the transcript.

Jul 9, 2026

8 min

Jun 24, 2026

13 min

In this episode of our podcast, R&I Committee member Captain Toby Cline provides an educational update on the APRP payment, including the expected payment timeline.
Toby also reviews key IRS contribution and compensation limits, explains how APRP may interact with pre-tax, Roth, after-tax, and catch-up contributions, and discusses considerations pilots may want to understand when reviewing their PRSP elections. In addition, he highlights several educational and financial planning resources available to pilots through the R&I Committee, Schwab, and Fidelity.
Click here to view the transcript.

Jun 24, 2026

13 min

Jun 10, 2026

11 min

In this episode of our podcast, MEC Chair Captain Jose Nieves, MEC Vice Chair First Officer Connor Wilm, and MEC Secretary Treasurer First Officer Tony Miles reflect on the recently concluded contract ratification vote and the remarkable level of pilot engagement throughout the process. The discussion highlights the success of the roadshows, the importance of family involvement, and the unity demonstrated by pilots across the system. Looking ahead, the officers discuss the union’s next phase, including contract implementation, enforcement, committee work, and continued member engagement, emphasizing that the completion of negotiations marks not an end but the beginning of a new chapter focused on serving and supporting the pilot group.
Click here to view the transcript.

Jun 10, 2026

11 min