The Leading Edge Podcast with United Pilots

The Flight Deck - Around the System Series: Episode 3 - Council 173 (Guam) Oct 24, 2024

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

The Flight Deck - Around the System Series: Episode 2 - Council 5 (Newark) Oct 24, 2024

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

The Flight Deck - Around the System Series: Episode 1 - Council 171 (Houston) Oct 17, 2024

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

The Flight Deck - A Leading Edge Podcast: Episode 23 - P2P Deployment & Family Awareness Sep 03, 2024

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 Flight Deck - A Leading Edge Podcast: Episode 22 - C11 (DCA) Reps pt. 2 Jul 29, 2024

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.

The Flight Deck - A Leading Edge Podcast: Episode 21 - Reserve Guide pt. 2 Jul 24, 2024

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 2024 bid period. The emphasis is on ALPA Reserve Guide for United Pilots (ARGUP) Volume 4 that deals with assignment ladders and the new Reserve Availability Display (RAD) on CCS. ARGUP Volumes 1 through 4 can be found here. The podcast covering ARGUP Volumes 1 through 3 can be found here. The next Reserve Guide podcast will cover ARGUP volumes 5 and 6 to close out the series.

The Flight Deck - A Leading Edge Podcast: Episode 20 - Reserve Guide Jul 08, 2024

MEC Communications Committee member F/O Maggie is joined by two captains from the System Schedule Committee. This podcast is first in a series of three. It explains the newly published ALPA Reserve Guide for United Pilots (ARGUP) Volumes 1 through 3 that go into effect for the August 2024 bid period. The SSC has countless incredible volunteers working to help educate the pilot group and oversee the contractual portions dealing with scheduling and staffing. Visit UPA23.com/reserve for more information. The next podcast will cover ARGUP Volume 4. The final podcast in the series will cover ARGUP Volumes 5 and 6.

The Flight Deck - A Leading Edge Podcast: Episode 19 - C11 (DCA) Reps May 07, 2024

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.

The Flight Deck - A Leading Edge Podcast: Episode 18 - MEC Chair Capt. Anne Worster Mar 01, 2024

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.

The Flight Deck - A Leading Edge Podcast: Episode 17 - Next Steps 6 Feb 28, 2024

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.

The Flight Deck - A Leading Edge Podcast: Episode 16 - Next Steps 4 Jan 04, 2024

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.

The Flight Deck - A Leading Edge Podcast: Episode 15 - Next Steps 3 Dec 06, 2023

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.

The Flight Deck - A Leading Edge Podcast: Episode 14 - New Hire Captains Nov 21, 2023

In this episode, System Schedule Committee Chair Capt. George Mladsi discusses many new provisions in UPA 23. Visit alpa.org/ual for more information.

The Flight Deck - A Leading Edge Podcast: Episode 13 - UPA23 Long-Term Disability Sep 14, 2023

In this episode we talk about long-term disability. This is an insurance product ultimately that's going to apply to every pilot in our pilot group. Visit UPA23.com for more information.

The Flight Deck - A Leading Edge Podcast: Episode 12 - UPA23 Lineholders & Trip Construction Sep 12, 2023

In this episode Negotiating Committee Vice Chair Capt. Andy Riggs discusses Trip Construction and Lineholder provisions. Visit UPA23.com for more information.

The Flight Deck - A Leading Edge Podcast: Episode 11 - UPA23 Market-Based Cash Balance Plan Sep 12, 2023

In this episode MEC Treasurer Capt. Drew Minarcik joins Retirement & Insurance Committee Chair Capt. Fred Greene for a discussion on the Market-Based Cash Balance Plan in UPA23.com

The Flight Deck - A Leading Edge Podcast: Episode 10 - UPA23 Sick Leave Sep 12, 2023

This episode has to do with sick leave. This is section 13 in our pilot agreement. For more information visit UPA23.com

The Flight Deck - A Leading Edge Podcast: Episode 9 - UPA23 Extended Sick Bank Sep 12, 2023

In this episode MEC Treasurer 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.

The Flight Deck - A Leading Edge Podcast: Episode 8 - AIP and an Interview with the Chair Jul 19, 2023

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.

The Flight Deck - A Leading Edge Podcast: Episode 7 - The FACT Team Jul 19, 2023

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 Flight Deck - A Leading Edge Podcast: Episode 6 - Agreement in Principle (AIP) process Jul 18, 2023

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.

The Flight Deck - A Leading Edge Podcast: Episode 5 - PDR Hotline Jun 21, 2023

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

The Flight Deck - A Leading Edge Podcast: Episode 4 - SPSC and Negotiations May 11, 2023

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

The Flight Deck - A Leading Edge Podcast: Episode 3 - SPSC Apr 20, 2023

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

The Flight Deck - A Leading Edge Podcast: Episode 2 - New Hire Mentors Mar 16, 2023

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.

The Flight Deck - A Leading Edge Podcast: Episode 1 - Chairman and Negotiating Update Feb 15, 2023

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.

United Aviate: The Leading Edge Podcast Sep 22, 2022

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.

Negotiating Committee Chair Capt. Phil Otis: The Leading Edge Podcast Aug 18, 2022

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.

Life After Retirement - The Leading Edge Podcast May 12, 2022

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.

Incoming United MEC Officers - The Leading Edge Podcast Mar 23, 2022

The United Pilots welcome incoming MEC Officers: Capt. Mike Hamilton, Capt. Tom Murphy (third term), Capt. Mike Harrison, and First Officer Paul Ryder.

Outgoing United MEC Officers - The Leading Edge Podcast Mar 23, 2022

Thank you to our outgoing MEC officers Capt. Todd Insler, Capt. Bill Neveu, and Capt. Rick Cameron

United Pilots Fly Afghanistan Rescue Missions: The Leading Edge Podcast Sep 02, 2021

This episode of the Leading Edge Podcast includes an interview with United First Officer Jeff Godfrey. F/O Godfrey flies the 777 and he volunteered for the military charters that were part of the effort to evacuate Americans, allies, and refugees from the conflict in Afghanistan. Jeff and his crew were part of the beginning of the effort. The information he shared with flight operations helped to improve the service United Airlines offered the Department of Defense

Piloting Your Mind: Episode 12 Apr 22, 2021

In this episode, Capt. James Belton leads an interesting discussion with our guest, DJ Eidson - the co-founder and COO of Limitless Minds. The mission of Limitless Minds includes a strong emphasis on "a mindset without limits."
Listen to this final episode where we take resiliency and mindfulness thinking to another level - optimizing our daily performance.

Piloting Your Mind: Episode 11 Mar 25, 2021

Podcast host Capt. James Belton and SOAR Committee Chair Capt. Lynn Tatum talk with two firefighters from the Denver area about work stress and high-performance job demands.
These firefighters share their work lifestyles, training demands and requirements, and personal stories.

Women in Aviation: The Leading Edge Podcast Mar 11, 2021

March 8 marked International Women's Day in the month that celebrates Women's history. The Leading Edge Podcast presents our Women in Aviation episode that showcases two of ALPA's strongest female advocates.

Piloting Your Mind: Episode 10 - Family Resilience Feb 05, 2021

Today we sit down with a pair of United pilots who are also husband and wife. This United couple, along with their teenage daughter, share their extremely personal story surrounding significant mental health challenges, and the family dynamics associated. Their emotional journey aims to provide insight on some of the early warning signs that are often overlooked in similar stressful situations. This episode’s open discussions about mental well-being, mindfulness and parenting tips is heart-felt and honest. We hope you will join our United family’s testimony.

Piloting Your Mind: Episode 9 - Emotional Intelligence and Holiday Stress Dec 10, 2020

In episode 9 of Piloting Your Mind, you can learn how to harness your emotional intelligence to cope with the stress and anxiety of life, both in and out of the airplane. The episode offers informative and practical tips on creating the best version of yourself through emotional intelligence - so you start 2021 with a tailwind.

The podcast is produced by SOAR volunteers and the pilot development department at the Denver Flight Training Center. As always, the confidential SOAR program has peer volunteers who are ready to listen.

The Brief: LOA 20-05 First Class Deadhead Provisions Now in Effect Dec 03, 2020

This audio reading is an excerpt from the Brief published by the UAL MEC Negotiating Committee on November 30, 2020.

Piloting Your Mind: Breathing Exercise - Pilot Nidra Dec 03, 2020

This relaxation tool is released in conjunction with Episode 8 - Breathing Techniques part II.

Piloting Your Mind: Breathing Exercise - 61 Points Dec 03, 2020

This is a guided relaxation episode in conjunction with Episode 8 - breathing techniques part II.

Piloting Your Mind: Breathing Exercise - Three Part Breath Dec 03, 2020

A diaphragmatic breathing exercise audio file is included to allow you to deeply relax.

Piloting Your Mind: Episode 8 - Breathing Techniques Part II Dec 03, 2020

Part two of this series focuses on the practices that can help you change your reactions to stress. Our recent podcast guests have taught us that during all the uncertainty in our world today, the one thing we can control, is our reactions the stress we are experiencing.

Piloting Your Mind: Episode 7 - Breathing Techniques Nov 19, 2020

This first episode in a two part series will be instructional on what happens to our physical bodies when we do these mindful breathing and focusing tips. Our guest will describe the science behind these tips and the advantages of yoga.

Piloting Your Mind - Episode 6: Coping Oct 29, 2020

This week's Piloting Your Mind podcast focuses on coping with change. There's no question the last eight months have been personally and collectively tumultuous with COVID-19. The podcast episode is recorded by SOAR volunteers and offers some perspective on what you may be feeling right now and has a few suggestions for simple actions you can take to help you or a family member handle our new world. As always, the confidential SOAR Hotline (866-653-SOAR) is available to any pilot who would like to talk to a peer counselor. Trained volunteers can help you navigate whatever stress you may be feeling. Episode Six resources can be found here. You can find previous episodes here.

P-VSL 2 Explained: Pandemic Recovery LOA Sep 30, 2020

United MEC Spokesman Capt. James Belton helps explain P-VSL 2 as contained in LOA 20-05.

The Brief: Pandemic Recovery LOA Tentative Agreement Sep 17, 2020

Captain James Belton provides a reading from the Negotiating Committee's publication of 'The Brief' dated September 16, 2020.

4:00 – Furlough Protection

7:00 – Removal of six seats from 76-seat Aircraft

7:25 - Additional Restrictions on United Express Flying

8:34 – PVSL-2

9:40 - Restrictions on Stock Buyback

10:00 - Pay Rate Protection & Displacement Cancellations

11:15 – Work Reductions

12:57 – Guaranteed COLAs

13:30 – Industry True-up

13:57 – Permanent UPA Changes

14:20 – First Class Deadhead

15:30 – Non-profile Reserve

16:09 - LTD

17:54 – CARES Extension

Executive Summary - Pandemic Recovery LOA Tentative Agreement Sep 17, 2020

MEC Spokesman Captain James Belton provides a reading of the high-level overview of the Pandemic Recovery LOA Tentative Agreement (TA). This will become a Letter of Agreement (LOA) in our contract if ratified. We recommend you read the document, then read the LOA language and refer back as necessary.

Piloting Your Mind - Episode 5: Fighter Pilot Resiliency Sep 03, 2020

During this Piloting Your Mind episode, our guest will share his experience as an AF F-35 fighter pilot and the importance of resilience during decision making. Justin “Hasard” Lee stresses the importance of "staying in the moment" while we fly, especially during additional stressful times. Our MEC spokesman, Capt. James Belton (previous F-16 pilot) will share stories with Justin, and help Capt. Lynn Tatum with the SOAR Committee, tie in the parallels of mindful awareness and how to apply similar, yet differing pilot skills to our current professional situation.

Piloting Your Mind: Episode 4 - AMAS & Pilot Testimony Aug 20, 2020

In this episode we are joined by Dr. Quay Snyder President/CEO of Aviation Medicine Advisory Service (AMAS) and United Captain Luis Perez. They discuss Captain Perez's personal experience with AMAS and how it helped him return to the line.

Piloting Your Mind: Episode 3 - Semper Resilient Jul 28, 2020

Semper Resilient Resources

Lessons from the Hanoi Hilton: 6 Characteristics of High-performance Teams

Harvard Business review: 10 Must reads On Mental Toughness

Piloting Your Mind - Episode 2: The Leading Edge Podcast Jul 09, 2020

The episode is about Mindfulness and Resiliency. “What is Resiliency and how does Mindfulness tie-in to our training, professions and personal lives?

The Piloting Your Mind series focuses on resiliency and Mindful awareness during these turbulent times, by discussing professional and personal case studies, testimonies with a variety of interviewees, and Mindfulness tips that will be explained and shared in some episodes.

Pilot Assistance Committees: The Leading Edge Podcast Jun 25, 2020

This edition of the Leading Edge podcast is a round-table interview with the committee chairs from the following committees: Aeromedical - First Officer Travis Ludwig, SOAR - Captain Lynn Tatum, Critical Incident Response (CIRP) - Captain John McFadden (vice chair), Professional Standards - Captain Bill Licht, and Human Intervention Motivation Study (HIMS) - Captain Margaret Hendrix.

Piloting Your Mind - Episode 1: The Leading Edge Podcast Jun 19, 2020

The new series, Piloting Your Mind, is a collaboration between the UAL MEC SOAR Committee and United's Human Factors and Pilot Development team at the Flight Training Center. Mindfulness and pilot resilience are discussed along with techniques to help better understand and cope with stress.

Central Air Safety Committee Update from April 1, 2020: The Leading Edge Podcast Apr 09, 2020

United MEC Spokesman Captain James Belton provides a reading of the full CASC update dated
April 1, 2020.

System Schedule Committee Update from April 4, 2020: The Leading Edge Podcast Apr 08, 2020

In this episode, UAL MEC Spokesman Captain James Belton provides a reading of the SSC Update from April 4, 2020.

Aeromedical Committee Update from March 31, 2020: The Leading Edge Podcast Apr 06, 2020

United MEC Spokesman Captain James Belton reads the most recent Aeromedical Committee update from March 31, 2020. Be sure to visit the MEC's COVID-19 News page for more updates.

Legislative Committee Update March 27, 2020: The Leading Edge Podcast Apr 03, 2020

MEC Spokesman Captain James Belton reads the full March 27, 2020 update published by the Legislative Committee

Voluntary Enhanced Leave and Line Options LOA: The Leading Edge Podcast Mar 31, 2020

The "Voluntary Enhanced Leaves and Line Options" Letter of Agreement was unanimously passed by the MEC. United MEC Spokesman Captain James Belton reads a Negotiations update from March 28, 2020.

Legislative Committee & ALPA PAC: The Leading Edge Podcast Mar 03, 2020

United Airlines First Officer and former United States Congressman John Boccieri (D) Ohio provides his perspective as a member of congress and how ALPA interacts with our lawmakers. Congressman Boccieri discusses the great work of the ALPA Political Action Committee as well as how ALPA’s Legislative Committee and staff conduct our annual Legislative summit.

Pilot 2 Pilot Committee - The Leading Edge Podcast Jan 23, 2020

The Pilot to Pilot committee of 60 members was commissioned to meet regularly with the Master Chairman and others in order to coalesce the information and details of the direction of the MEC, particularly regarding contract negotiations. P2P Committee Chairman Captain Lance Hubacher joins UAL MEC Spokesman Captain James Belton to discuss P2P deployments and how volunteers plan to discuss contract negotiations updates with line pilots.

Labor Day Section 6 Update: The Leading Edge Podcast Sep 19, 2019

This podcast focuses on the Labor Day Chairman's message on the status of Section 6 negotiations. United MEC Chairman Captain Todd Insler sat down with the UAL MEC Communications Committee to discuss the current state of affairs. In this podcast, Captain Insler reviews several FAQs from pilots. He also expands on his Labor Day message.