Allied Pilots Association

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 [email protected].

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 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 [email protected].

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 [email protected].

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.