The Leading Edge podcast is produced by the United ALPA MEC Communications Committee. We focus on topics that impact United Pilots and help improve the airline pilot profession, including providing updates during contract negotiations.
In Around the System, we interview each Local Executive Council's (LEC) elected representatives and discuss a wide variety of topics ranging from pertinent domicile updates and how to get involved locally, to how different representatives ensure the line pilot's voice is heard during quarterly MEC Meetings. This episode we are joined by our Reps from Council 171 (IAH). Captain Leo Sherman, First Officer Matthew Silker, and Captain David Whitson. Stay tuned as we make our way Around the System! More at alpa.org/ual
We wrap up Women's History Month by sitting down with two standout ALPA volunteers and United captains: Becca Woods and Diana Klein. Both women bring years of experience, unique career paths, and powerful insights into what it means to lead in the flight deck and beyond.
Captain Brian Noyes, newly elected chair of the Master Executive Council (MEC), sat down to discuss his plans and vision for his term, set to end February 28, 2026.
As we continue to celebrate Black History Month, the United MEC would like to recognize the outstanding contributions of First Officer Tennessee Garvey and First Officer Titus Sanders, two leaders in the aviation community who are shaping the future of diversity in our profession. Both are deeply involved with the Organization of Black Aerospace Professionals (OBAP), a group dedicated to expanding opportunities for Black aviators and aerospace professionals. In this episode of the podcast, Garvey and Sanders shared their journeys into aviation, the impact of mentorship, and OBAP's mission to open doors for future generations.
As we continue to celebrate Black History Month, the United MEC would like to recognize the outstanding contributions of First Officer Tennessee Garvey and First Officer Titus Sanders, two leaders in the aviation community who are shaping the future of diversity in our profession. Both are deeply involved with the Organization of Black Aerospace Professionals (OBAP), a group dedicated to expanding opportunities for Black aviators and aerospace professionals. In a recent episode of the podcast, Garvey and Sanders shared their journeys into aviation, the impact of mentorship, and OBAP's mission to open doors for future generations.
In this series, the MEC Communications Committee sits down with other MEC Committees to discuss day-to-day responsibilities, their structure at MEC and LEC levels, various relationships and interactions they might have with other airlines and the Company, and ways pilots with special interests can volunteer. The sixth episode is with Captain Mark Rosenhahn of the Training Committee.
In this series, the MEC Communications Committee sits down with other MEC Committees to discuss day-to-day responsibilities, their structure at MEC and LEC levels, various relationships and interactions they might have with other airlines and the Company, and ways pilots with special interests can volunteer. The fifth episode is with Captain Brad Hutchens and Vice Chair F/O Jack Knight.
In this series, the MEC Communications Committee sits down with other MEC Committees to discuss day-to-day responsibilities, their structure at MEC and LEC levels, various relationships and interactions they might have with other airlines and the Company, and ways pilots with special interests can volunteer. The fourth episode is with Captain Andy Sneller Chair of the MEC Hotel Committee and Vice Chair Capt. Greg Maatz.
In this series, the MEC Communications Committee sits down with other MEC Committees to discuss day-to-day responsibilities, their structure at MEC and LEC levels, various relationships and interactions they might have with other airlines and the Company, and ways pilots with special interests can volunteer. The third episode is with Captain George Mladsi, Chair of the MEC System Schedule Committee and members Capt. Brendan Goldfarb, and F/O AJ Turo.
In this series, the MEC Communications Committee sits down with other MEC Committees to discuss day-to-day responsibilities, their structure at MEC and LEC levels, various relationships and interactions they might have with other airlines and the Company, and ways pilots with special interests can volunteer. The second episode is with Captain Phil DiCostanzo, Chair of the MEC Grievance Committee and Vice Chair Andy Loeffler.
In this series, the MEC Communications Committee sits down with other MEC Committees to discuss day-to-day responsibilities, their structure at MEC and LEC levels, various relationships and interactions they might have with other airlines and the Company, and ways pilots with special interests can volunteer. The first episode is with Captain James LaRosa, Chair of the MEC Central Air Safety Committee
This is an audio version of a video FAQ recording for LOA 24-05. The Communications, Negotiating, and Retirement & Insurance Committees produced this product to help United Pilots better understand the LOA before they vote. Voting ends December 10, 2024. Visit UPA23.com for more.
In Around the System, we interview each Local Executive Council's (LEC) elected representatives and discuss a wide variety of topics ranging from pertinent domicile updates and how to get involved locally, to how different representatives ensure the line pilot's voice is heard during quarterly MEC Meetings and the Biennial Board of Directors (BOD) Meeting. The C12 Reps, Capt. Eric Popper, Capt. Phil Anderson, and First Officer Peter Bess discuss how they represent the C12 (CHI) pilots while still flying a full schedule. Stay tuned as we make our way Around the System! More at alpa.org/ual
The MEC voted to accept Letter of Agreement (LOA) 24-05 Market Based Cash Balance Plan Implementation on November 21, 2024. That LOA will now go to pilots for membership ratification. Voting will start Monday, November 25 and close on December 10. Within UPA23, the Market Based Cash Balance Plan was negotiated as a tax advantaged vehicle to protect Pilot income beyond what can be contributed to current retirement accounts. In this episode, Retirement & Insurance Committee Chair Capt. Fred Greene and MEC Treasurer Capt. Drew Minarcik discuss and explain the major features of the MBCBP.
In Around the System, we interview each Local Executive Council's (LEC) elected representatives and discuss a wide variety of topics ranging from pertinent domicile updates and how to get involved locally, to how different representatives ensure the line pilot's voice is heard during quarterly MEC Meetings and the Biennial Board of Directors (BOD) Meeting. This episode we are joined by our Reps from Council 34 (SFO). Captain Don Gorman, First Officer Aaron Lancaster, and First Officer Chris Mathews. Stay tuned as we make our way Around the System! More at alpa.org/ual
In Around the System, we interview each Local Executive Council's (LEC) elected representatives and discuss a wide variety of topics ranging from pertinent domicile updates and how to get involved locally, to how different representatives ensure the line pilot's voice is heard during quarterly MEC Meetings and the Biennial Board of Directors (BOD) Meeting. This episode comes from Council 11 (DCA), where we hear Captain Dewey DuHadway, Captain Tony DiCarlo, and First Officer Matthew Jordan. Stay tuned as we make our way Around the System! More at alpa.org/ual
In Around the System, we interview each Local Executive Council's (LEC) elected representatives and discuss a wide variety of topics ranging from pertinent domicile updates and how to get involved locally, to how different representatives ensure the line pilot's voice is heard during quarterly MEC Meetings and the Biennial Board of Directors (BOD) Meeting. The series continues with Council 57 (LAX), where we hear Captain Joel Gutierrez speak about his time as the LAX Capt. Rep as he transitions out of that role. Stay tuned as we make our way Around the System! More at alpa.org/ual
In Around the System, we interview each Local Executive Council's (LEC) elected representatives and discuss a wide variety of topics ranging from pertinent domicile updates and how to get involved locally, to how different representatives ensure the line pilot's voice is heard during quarterly MEC Meetings and the Biennial Board of Directors (BOD) Meeting. The three elected representatives from Orlando C150 joined us last week: Captain Stephen Day, Captain Al Lane, and Captain Stephen Weaver. We spoke about how they approached standing up a brand new council and how they hope to maintain their high level of local pilot involvement. More at alpa.org/ual
In Around the System, we interview each Local Executive Council's (LEC) elected representatives and discuss a wide variety of topics ranging from pertinent domicile updates and how to get involved locally, to how different representatives ensure the line pilot's voice is heard during quarterly MEC Meetings and the Biennial Board of Directors (BOD) Meeting. The three elected representatives from Las Vegas C153 joined us last week: Captain Brian Bunkers, Captain David Yao, and Captain Becca Woods. We spoke about how they approached standing up a brand new council and how they hope to maintain their high level of local pilot involvement. More at alpa.org/ual
In Around the System, we interview each Local Executive Council's (LEC) elected representatives and discuss a wide variety of topics ranging from pertinent domicile updates and how to get involved locally, to how different representatives ensure the line pilot's voice is heard during quarterly MEC Meetings and the Biennial Board of Directors (BOD) Meeting. The three elected representatives from our favorite island sat down with us in Rosemont last week: Captain Chad Bruch, First Officer Trent Woodworth, and First Officer Lawrence Howard. We spoke about the unique merits and issues that come with being a small council almost 6,000 miles from the next nearest domicile and how they hope to maintain their high level of local pilot involvement leading into the next contract negotiations. More at alpa.org/ual
In Around the System, we interview each Local Executive Council's (LEC) elected representatives and discuss a wide variety of topics ranging from pertinent domicile updates and how to get involved locally, to how different representatives ensure the line pilot's voice is heard during quarterly MEC Meetings and the Biennial Board of Directors (BOD) Meeting. We sat down with the three elected representatives from Council 5 (EWR): Captain Steve Scheri, First Officer Todd Brower, and Captain Al Merone. With decades of ALPA experience between them, we spoke about their past participation at ALPA Board of Directors Meetings, how they envision the future of the largest domicile at United Airlines, and how they hope to get more Newark pilots engaged in local council events. More at alpa.org/ual
In Around the System, we interview each Local Executive Council's (LEC) elected representatives and discuss a wide variety of topics ranging from pertinent domicile updates and how to get involved locally, to how different representatives ensure the line pilot's voice is heard during quarterly MEC Meetings and the Biennial Board of Directors (BOD) Meeting. The first in the series comes from Council 171 (IAH), where we hear Captain Mark Crissman and Captain Steve Barlow speak candidly about their time as Houston's voice in the MEC and how they envision the future success of Council 171. Stay tuned as we make our way Around the System! More at alpa.org/ual
Our P2P Chair and Vice Chair join this episode to detail the upcoming deployment Sept. 6-9. Please take a few minutes to hear from our committee volunteers on how you can participate and help your union. Also, be sure to listen for details on upcoming Family Awareness Committee events.
The MEC Uniform Committee joins the podcast for a closer look at the new uniform rollout. Some of the questions answered in this episode include important deadlines for submitting measurements, how to make an appointment, uniform showcases, and much more.
Recently-elected C11 Secretary-Treasurer First Officer Matt Jordan joins the C11 (DCA) Reps. Captains Dewey Duhadway & Tony DiCarlo to discuss the latest happenings in the council. Visit the C11 webpage, including how to contact your Reps, here.
This edition of The Flight Deck, a Leading Edge Podcast welcomes back a System Schedule Committee volunteer to discuss many of the new reserve rules in effect for the August bid period, with an emphasis on assignment ladders and the new Reserve Availability Display (RAD) on CCS. ALPA Reserve Guide for United Pilots (ARGUP) Volumes 1 through 4 can be found here.
In this episode, Maggie from the Communications Committee is joined by two captains from the System Schedule Committee. The SSC has countless incredible volunteers working to help educate the pilot group on the new reserve rules going into effect for the August bid period. Visit UPA23.com/reserve for more information.
In this episode we introduce you to the Council 11 (DCA) Reps Capt. Dewey Duhadway & Capt. Tony DiCarlo. They share their background and how they go into doing ALPA work as well as their vision to lead the C11 pilots.
In this episode, meet the new MEC Chair Capt. Anne Worster. Capt. Worster begins her term today, March 1, 2024. Some of the topics discussed include Capt. Worster's aviation background and some of her goals as she begins her service as MEC Chair.
In this episode, Communications Committee Chair Capt. Michael Wilson speaks to Negotiating Committee Vice Chair Capt. Andy Riggs about some of the new items that will be implemented in UPA23 in March. Visit UPA23.com for more information and updates.
In this episode, Communication Committee Chair Capt. Michael Wilson is joined by Negotiating Committee Vice Chair Capt. Andy Riggs and System Schedule Committee Chair Capt. George Mladsi. The group discusses Next Steps 4 and the new UPA items being implemented this month. This includes the new bidding window. Visit UPA23.com for more information.
In this episode, Negotiating Committee Vice Chair Capt. Andy Riggs provides an overview of the Next Steps 3 document found on UPA23.com. Many new items within the contract will be implemented in the month of December. File a PDR if you have any questions.
In this episode, System Schedule Committee Chair Capt. George Mladsi discusses many new provisions in UPA 23. Visit alpa.org/ual for more information.
In this episode we talk about long-term disability. This is an insurance product ultimately that's going to apply to every pilot who's in our pilot group, but it has certain features and aspects to it maybe familiar to some of our in our pilot group. Visit UPA23.com
In this episode Negotiating Committee Vice Chair Capt. Andy Riggs discusses Trip Construction and Lineholder provisions. Visit UPA23.com for more information.
In this episode MEC Secretary Capt. Drew Minarcik joins Retirement & Insurance Committee Chair Capt. Fred Greene for a discussion on the Market-Based Cash Balance Plan in UPA23.com
This episode has to do with sick leave. This is section 13 in our pilot agreement. For more information visit UPA23.com
In this episode MEC Secretary Capt. Drew Minarcik and Retirement & Insurance Chair Capt. Fred Greene discuss something that's new in the UPA 23 called the Extended Sick Bank. Visit UPA23.com for more information.
MEC Chair Capt. Garth Thompson looks back through the process from his January election to the AIP reached last week. Visit www.UPA23.com for the latest information.
This episode will focus on the Fact Team. F/O Dewey DuHadway sits down with Capt. Marty Miller to discuss the FACT Team, what it is, and when it will be deployed. Send questions to FactTeam@alpa.org or find the Fact Team on the pdr.alpa.org drop down menu.
The MEC Negotiating Committee reached an Agreement in Principle (AIP) with Company Management. In this brief episode, Communications Committee member F/O Michelle Arcamuzi explains what is next in the process. Visit UPA23.com for more information.
In episode 5, United MEC PDR hotline expert Capt. Scott Kinder explains his role in helping guide pilots to answers for any contract question. Capt. Kinder runs the contract PDR hotline. Helpful Episode Links: PDR & Master DYK Document
In episode 4, United MEC Chair Capt. Garth Thompson is joined by MEC Strategic Preparedness and Strike Committee Chair Capt. David Smith. They discuss the latest with negotiations, our May 12 nationwide picketing event, and what other events are on the horizon. Helpful Episode Links: SPSC RLA education website: https://www.alpa.org/ual/negotiations-rla UAL-MEC SPSC webpage with contact information: https://www.alpa.org/ual/Committees/strategic-planning-committee Informational picketing RSVP and information page: https://www.alpa.org/ual/informational-picket
In episode 3, The United MEC Strategic Preparedness and Strike Committee Chair Capt. David Smith is joined by MEC Executive Administrator F/O Quincy Fleming to discuss their roles. The pair highlight their decades of experience under the RLA with subjects such as Status Quo etc. Helpful Episode Links: SPSC RLA education website: https://www.alpa.org/ual/negotiations-rla UAL-MEC SPSC webpage with contact information: https://www.alpa.org/ual/Committees/strategic-planning-committee P2P volunteer webpage: https://www.alpa.org/ual/Committees/strategic-planning-committee/p2p-form Informational picketing RSVP and information page: https://www.alpa.org/ual/informational-picket
In this edition of the Flight Deck you will hear from the United MEC New Hire Mentor Committee. Chair Gabe Ciochon and Member Laurel Armstrong discuss the duties and responsibilities of the committee and how it interacts with all other areas of the association. Throughout the new hires first year, the Mentor program will normally include (but is not limited to) the following contacts: · Phase 1, initial mentor contact: mentor phone call between BI and sim training · Phase 2, before IOE: mentor phone call after final sim check and prior to IOE · Phase 3, after IOE: mentor phone call made after IOE and prior to first reserve days · Phase 4, prior to MV/LOE: email contact at 6 months from DOH · Phase 5, completion of probationary year: celebratory email at completion of probation If you'd like to volunteer to be a mentor please email us at UALMentorAdmin@alpa.org If you have a question for the New Hire Mentor Committee, please send a PDR. ALPA Did You Know articles are here.
Welcome to our new podcast - The Flight Deck with United MEC Chair Capt. Garth Thompson and Negotiating Committee Chair Capt. Phil Otis. In this edition, you will hear Garth talk about the mindset he brings to reconnect our pilot group to the negotiating process.
As the Aviate program evolves, ALPA will continue to ask the questions our pilots expect to have answered concerning the manner in which United attracts the next generation of United Airlines pilots. Join us on the Leading Edge for the State of Aviate.
Capt. Phil Otis was elected as the UAL MEC Negotiating Committee Chair on August 16, 2022. This podcast serves as his introduction to United pilots.
Many pilots at United Airlines plan for life after the flight deck financially, but what about socially? Mary Blissard joins United Capt. James Belton to discuss the dangers of retiring without a plan of how you will occupy your time.
The United Pilots welcome incoming MEC Officers: Capt. Mike Hamilton, Capt. Tom Murphy (third term), Capt. Mike Harrison, and First Officer Paul Ryder.
Thank you to our outgoing MEC officers Capt. Todd Insler, Capt. Bill Neveu, and Capt. Rick Cameron
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