Engage: The Podcast for Delta Pilots

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E74: ASAP Explained: What Really Happens After You Hit “Submit” Feb 11, 2026

Show notes

What actually happens after a pilot submits an ASAP? Where does it go, who reads it, and what outcomes can follow? In this episode of the Engage, Host First Officer Ryan Argenta sits down with Captain Jason Herman, Chairman of the Airport & Ground Environment (AGE) Subcommittee of the Central Air Safety Committee (CASC), to pull back the curtain on the Aviation Safety Action Program (ASAP) step by step.

They walk through the full ASAP lifecycle, from de-identification and triage to Event Review Committee (ERC) discussions, closeouts, and potential follow-ups. Along the way, they tackle common myths (no, ASAP isn’t a black hole or a “get out of jail free card”), explain how ASAP interacts with ASRs and FOQA/Flight Pulse data, and share practical guidance on writing reports that actually lead to change.

If you’ve ever wondered whether your ASAP is read, how outcomes are decided, or how pilot reports drive real-world improvements to procedures, training, and airport operations - this episode is required listening.

Negotiators' Series: Meet the Team Taking Us Into Section 6 Jan 29, 2026

Show notes

Welcome to 2026, and welcome to The Negotiators’ Series on the Engage Podcast. As we move toward Section 6 and April openers, host F/O Ryan Argenta sits down with your Negotiating Committee: Captains Bill Finlay, Mike Cowan, Cash McLaughlin, and Ben Wallander for an introduction to the team and the work already underway behind the scenes.

In this kickoff episode, the committee breaks down what Section 6 is, how the Railway Labor Act shapes the process, what the April opener represents—and what it doesn’t. They also tackle common myths, explain who’s on the other side of the table, and share why this is far more than “four pilots negotiating alone.” It’s a deep bench of experts, resources, and elected leadership driving a pilot-led strategy to achieve major gains for Contract 2026.

Most importantly: the message is clear—pilot engagement matters. From record survey participation to ongoing polling and direct rep feedback, your voice helps set direction and strengthens unity at the table.

This is your career, your quality of life, and your contract. Stay informed. Stay engaged. Stay unified, because this is a marathon, and it’s one we run best together.

Engage Special: Chairman’s Update and Holiday Wishes Dec 24, 2025

Show notes

In this special holiday edition of Engage, host First Officer Ryan Argenta sits down with MEC Chairman Captain Eric Criswell for a timely year-end update and message to Delta pilots. Eric shares what’s been keeping the MEC busy over the past few months, including preparations for the upcoming Section 6 contract opener, progress on MOU 25-05, and efforts to bring stability and accountability to trip coverage. The conversation covers the strong pilot engagement seen in the recent contract survey, how that feedback is shaping negotiating priorities, and what to expect as openers are passed in April 2026. Eric also explains the MEC’s new resolution addressing “dealmaking,” outlining a fair, progressive process to protect contractual integrity while keeping the focus where it belongs - on unity and holding the Company accountable.

The episode wraps with a holiday message and a reminder to stay rested, stay engaged, and look out for one another as we head into the new year.

In this episode:

Section 6 preparation and timeline for contract openers
Record pilot participation in the contract survey
MOU 25-05, the “quick slip,” and sick/well app updates
Addressing dealmaking and protecting trip coverage processes
The importance of unity heading into negotiations
A holiday message to the pilot group

Thank you for listening to Engage. On behalf of the Engage Podcast Team, we wish you and your families a very safe, warm, and healthy holiday season. Follow us on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, or your favorite platform to stay up to date when new episodes drop.

E73: Security You Can't Ignore: KCM Realities, Layover Risks, and Staying Safe Dec 04, 2025

Show notes

On this episode of Engage, First Officer Ryan Argenta welcomes First Officer Bryan Patchen, Chair of the Delta MEC’s Aviation Security Committee and recent Aviation Security Award recipient, for a straight-talk briefing on the security issues pilots face every day. We cover what’s actually happening with KCM (and why the “random” feels constant), how to handle screening disagreements professionally (what to say, who to ask for, and what to document), and the practical risks on international layovers - from aggressive pat-downs to theft tactics targeting watches and phones. Bryan shares actionable steps that keep crews out of trouble: keep flight gear only for flying, get names/badge numbers when reporting, know when to withdraw consent and elevate to a supervisor, and use safety tools like FACTAL and the State Department’s STEP enrollment form for proximity alerts and emergency news. We also touch on FFDO training status and secondary barriers progress. The goal isn’t fear - it’s awareness, professionalism, and smart habits so everyone gets home safe.

E72: NQDC Unpacked: Who It’s For, How It Works, and What to Do This Open Enrollment Nov 11, 2025

Show notes

The R&I guys are back! Host First Officer Ryan Argenta sits down with Captain Scott Bowles and Captain John Doherty from ALPA’s Retirement & Insurance Committee to talk smart money, savvy timing, and how pilots can make major-league financial plays through the new Non-Qualified Deferred Compensation (NQDC) plan. Whether you’re eyeing tax strategy, income flexibility, or long-term planning, learn how to harness a little Bobby Bonilla energy - turning today’s earnings into tomorrow’s steady paychecks. We cover eligibility, tax-deferral tactics, in-service vs. retirement/termination distributions, market exposure, and practical risk checks, including insolvency considerations and timing gotchas. After the break, we shift to Open Enrollment 2026: plan changes, HSA reminders, GVUL considerations (including the imputed-income play), and simple to-dos so you don’t leave money on the table. It’s practical, pilot-specific financial insight with a side of humor and real-world strategy.

An overview of the NQDC and related MOU details can be found in R&I Update 25-03.

The FAQs can be accessed directly at Newport NQDC FAQs. The first round of Newport-hosted webinars has concluded; however, pilots can watch a replay of the Plan Design Overview Meeting via Deltanet.

Disclaimer: This episode is for informational and educational purposes only and is not financial, tax, or legal advice. Talk with your own financial advisor, tax professional, and/ or attorney before making enrollment decisions.

Engage Alert: MOU 25-05 Sick Lookback Suspended, QHCP, and New Quick Slip Introduced Nov 04, 2025

Show notes

Important update for all Delta pilots. In this Engage Alert, host First Officer Ryan Argenta is joined by First Officer Mark Hinczynski (Contract Administration & Enforcement) and Captain Ian Turner (Scheduling) to break down a newly agreed-upon MOU between the Company and ALPA.

What’s inside:

Click-to-Sick / Sick Lookback: The Company will pause counting sick hours toward lookback retroactive to the July 2025 bid period and going forward until verified compliance. Sick-leave verification tied to exceeding 120 hours is paused during this period.
QHCP—Permanent PWA Change: The PWA now permanently broadens “Qualified Health Care Provider” beyond MD/DO, allowing verification via telehealth and additional licensed providers.
New “Quick Slip” Step of Coverage: A seniority-based, no-trigger premium step added to coverage. Awarded in a single 12-minute ARCOS window, less opportunities for deal-making, added step before emergency coverage (inverse assignment). Leveling rules apply.
Timing: Programming for Quick Slip is targeted for Q2 2026; interim protections remain in force until compliance is confirmed. Compliance will be jointly assessed (including pilot DARTs).

Action items: Read the MOU language, contact your LEC reps with questions, and send DARTs to Contract Admin for issues.

E71: Heads in Beds: Hotel Updates, Layover Tips, and Exciting Moves in Hotels Oct 29, 2025

Show notes

First Officer Ryan Argenta welcomes back Hotel Committee Chair First Officer Steve Koffler for a fast, funny, and genuinely useful tour of the layover landscape. From a brand-new Park Hyatt in Marrakech to upcoming hotel previews in Hong Kong, Melbourne, Grenada, and St. Vincent, Steve shares what’s new, what’s next, and what pilots should know.

We cover Honolulu’s temporary shift to Hilton Hawaiian Village, Tokyo’s potential hotel shuffle, LA’s beach-city ambitions, San Diego’s pending refresh, and the big headline: Amsterdam’s full exit from “you-know-where” and into a far stronger lineup. Practical intel included: why FCRs beat DARTs for hotel feedback, the curbside 20-minute rule (self-help and expense it), when combined crew shuttles are legit, and how to spy your hotel in bid packages. Plus, a cameo of Steve’s PG-13 rap origin story. This episode is rare: equal parts updates, tips, and laughs - no lobby naps required.

E70: Ask ALPA Oct 24, 2025

Show notes

The Engage podcast hits the road to bring you our newest format, Ask ALPA! We visited crew rooms and terminals to find out what you, the pilots, want to know from ALPA! On this episode, Communication Chair F/O Kevin Brady rounded up experts from the Scheduling, Negotiating, Retirement and Insurance, and Pilot Family Matters committees to get the answers and bring them to our listeners. Tune in now!

Engage Special: Get Real-Time MEC Updates Via the Telegram App Oct 13, 2025

Show notes

In this exclusive episode of the Engage Podcast, we highlight the Delta MEC’s powerful new messaging tool for staying connected with your union: the Delta MEC Updates Telegram Channel!

Join host F/O Ryan Argenta as he sits down with Communications Chair F/O Kevin Brady and Strategic Planning Vice-Chair Capt. John Wood to explore this direct source for real-time MEC news and updates. They’ll guide you through the simple steps to subscribe and access this essential resource. Tune in to discover how to stay informed with the Delta MEC like never before!

Subscribe now to Telegram!

E69: ASAP: Staying Safety-Focused Amid Section 6, Contract Surveys, and Peak Workload Oct 01, 2025

Show notes

With work pressures at their peak, Section 6 fast approaching, and the contract survey now open, it’s easy for pilots to get distracted. Host First Officer Ryan Argenta sits down with First Officer Casey Songster, Vice Chair of the Safety Management System (SMS) Subcommittee of the Central Air Safety Committee (CASC), to demystify ASAP (Aviation Safety Action Program) beyond the “get out of jail free” myth and show how pilot reports actively drive risk controls and operational change. Casey explains where ASAP fits inside safety risk management and safety assurance, why culture and participation matter, and what happens to your report after you hit submit.

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