Allied Pilots Association

APA News




CATEGORY

Latest Articles from APA Headquarters

APA News Digest: March 15, 2024

APA News Digest March 15, 2024 Editor’s note: Some links in this message will work best if you log in to AlliedPilots.org before clicking them. In This Edition ... We Want to Hear From You Presidential Grievance Filed Over Payments to Retirees APA President Meets With Key Senators “It Feels Like the Enemy is Within” Hotel Committee: Quick Reference Hotels Document Has Been Updated Jumpseat/Non-Rev Committee: Reciprocal Agreement Reached with Porter Airlines Family Awareness Committee: Make Plans to Join Us at Sun ’n Fun Maintenance and Technical Analysis Committee: Pigs of the Week Membership Committee: APA Welcomes Captains’ Leadership Class Domicile Elections Domicile Events Week in Review Are You Willing to Serve? Professional Standards FAQ Retirement Seminar Scheduled for April 3 If You’re 50, Join The Grey Eagles Pilot Job Fairs and Future Pilot Seminars We Want to Hear From You The following is excerpted from today’s Joint Leadership message. As we continue to experience life under our first new collectively bargained agreement in more than two decades, we are focused on improving our communications and engagement with the APA membership as we move toward Contract 2027. At the direction of the Board of Directors, our Strategic Planning and Communications committees have put together a plan to enhance transparency and be more responsive to the issues and concerns affecting our membership. We are committed to delivering on our plan to make APA more transparent and responsive and to continue providing our members with the level of representation and services you deserve. During the next several weeks, we will detail what this new approach means for APA and its members. That starts with us having face-to-face interactions and hearing directly from you. Next week, Board members and National Communications Network volunteers will be in airports nationwide to listen to YOU. We want to hear directly from as many pilots as we can. Ask questions, vent your frustrations, or just let us know what’s on your mind. Help us better understand what we are doing well and what we can do better. Click here to review next week’s Concourse Conversations schedule . Presidential Grievance Filed Over Payments to Retirees APA President CA Ed Sicher filed Presidential Grievance 24-071 on March 14. This grievance protests American’s violation of Letter of Agreement 23-001 (One-Time Supplemental Payment), which is attached to the 2023 Collective Bargaining Agreement . American has failed and refused to pay the One-Time Supplemental Payment as described in LOA 23-001 to those pilots who voluntarily opted to retire pursuant to LOA 20-007 (VOR) and LOA 21-001 (VORR2). Paragraph 6 of LOA 23-001 provides that “An eligible Pilot who has separated their employment from American Airlines (i.e., removed from the Pilot System Seniority List), regardless of reason , will receive the Supplemental One-Time Payment for any Eligible Earnings received during the Relevant Period.” Despite the clear language of LOA-23-001, American refuses to make the Supplemental One-Time Payment to those pilots who retired pursuant to VOR and VORR2 even when they meet all the conditions described to be eligible. The grievance seeks the following relief: An order directing American to immediately cease and desist refusing to pay the One-Time Supplemental Payment (per LOA 23-001) to those pilots who retired via LOA 20-007 (VOR) or LOA 21-001 (VORR2). An order directing American to immediately comply and maintain compliance with LOA 23-001, all other related sections of the Agreement, and past practices. An order directing American to pay the One-Time Supplemental Payment (per LOA 23-001) to those pilots who retired via LOA 20-007 (VOR) or LOA 21-001 (VORR2). Any other appropriate relief. The next step is to schedule the appeal hearing before the Vice President of Flight. We expect to schedule that hearing in late March or early April. APA will continue using every tool at our dispoal to fight for our members – whether they’re active or retired – to ensure that American complies with all contractual provisions and letters of agreement. APA President Meets With Key Senators APA President CA Ed Sicher and Sen. Tammy Duckworth. APA President CA Ed Sicher was in Washington, D.C., this week to meet with key members of the U.S. Senate. Along with Government Affairs Committee member CA Eric Jeppson and APA spokesman CA Dennis Tajer, CA Sicher met with Sen. Maria Cantwell of Washington, who chairs the Senate Committee on Science, Commerce, and Transportation. They discussed aviation safety issues of importance to our membership and the traveling public. A second meeting was with Sen. Tammy Duckworth of Illinois, who chairs the Aviation Safety, Operations, and Innovation Subcommittee. They were joined by Government Affairs Committee member CA Tim Knutson for a discussion about progress on the FAA reauthorization bill and related topics. “It Feels Like the Enemy is Within” Alaska Airlines said Tuesday its 2024 capacity estimates are "in flux" due to federal scrutiny of Boeing. United Airlines said it asked Boeing to stop building planes not yet certified by the FAA. Southwest Airlines said it cut its capacity forecast, citing fewer Boeing deliveries than expected. With the plane manufacturer’s numerous issues affecting the rest of the industry, CNBC’s Last Call contacted APA spokesman CA Dennis Tajer for a second interview in as many weeks. “Boeing airplanes saved my tail many times in combat. The enemy was outside the airplane,” CA Tajer said Tuesday. “Now it feels like the enemy is within.” Last Saturday, the body of Boeing whistleblower John Barnett was found in a vehicle parked outside a Holiday Inn in Charleston, S.C. Mr. Barnett, who had retired to Louisiana, was in South Carolina last week to testify in a deposition related to problems he identified at Boeing’s plant there. A coroner said he died from “what appears to be a self-inflicted gunshot wound,” but police are investigating. His death prompted News Nation to book CA Tajer for an interview . “Every day is a new disclosure and a new shock to us,” CA Tajer said. “We’ll never cease being shocked, but we’ll also never cease to fight to protect our passengers.” Quick Reference Hotels Document Has Been Updated This is a new message from the APA Hotel Committee. Version 2.0 of the QRH – Quick Reference Hotels document is live. This resource answers 99 percent of all hotel, transportation, and layover questions while providing helpful solutions. You can find the QRH link at the top of each Hotel Webpage on AlliedPilots.org and within the Hotels section of the APA Pilot app. Suggestion: Download this QRH document to your AA iPad for easy access in the future. Please send any QRH feedback or questions to hotel.chair@alliedpilots.org . Reciprocal Agreement Reached with Porter Airlines This is a new message from the APA Jumpseat/Non-Rev Committee. Porter: American Airlines has reached a reciprocal jumpseat agreement with Porter Airlines, which flies to BOS, EWR, IAD, LAX, MDW, and MIA, plus other airports in the U.S. and Canada. Book a jumpseat via this page on the Porter website. For more details, see the Reciprocal Jumpseat Agreements list on our committee’s webpage . JetBlue: We have been advised that JetBlue management has had issues with accommodating jumpseaters on weight-restricted flights. If you encounter an issue, please file a Jumpseat Debrief . Make Plans to Join Us at Sun ’n Fun This is a repeated message from the APA Family Awareness Committee. CA Tim Dick, FO Natalie Anagnostou, FO Tim Jackson, CA Jerry Gemma, and FO Melissa Monahan The Sun ’n Fun Aerospace Expo , the biggest and best airshow in the southeastern United States, is coming up in April. We plan to serve two lunches and two dinners in our air-conditioned flightline chalet with private restrooms. Please bring your family! The code for discounted tickets is APA995. Besides the food and fellowship, there will be significant information passed along. You can expect to break bread with APA’s elected officials as well as volunteers from national committees. As you make plans to join us in Lakeland, Fla., please RSVP for each meal separately so we can be sure to order enough food. Dinner from 1700 to 1900 on April 10 . Tent will be open from 1000 to 2100, with water available all day. Lunch from 1200 to 1400 on April 11 . Tent will be open from 1000 to 1700, with water available all day. Lunch from 1200 to 1400 on April 12 . Tent will be open from 1000 to 1700, with water available all day. Dinner from 1700 to 1900 on April 13 . Tent will be open from 1000 to 2100, with water available all day. Pigs of the Week APA commends American Airlines’ hardworking aircraft maintenance technicians for their outstanding work. We believe they are the best in the business. When repetitive problems do arise, they’re often due to managerial decisions that fail to properly prioritize tasks and to management’s decision to outsource a significant portion of the airline’s maintenance to offshore, third-party repair stations. Since Feb. 21, A321 aircraft 170 has been written up nine times for right engine bleed air. It has been on MEL and out of service four times. It was most recently signed off on March 9. Since March 3, the flight management computer/inertial reference system on B737 aircraft 3FB has been written up 14 times for items such as “it doesn’t allow a pilot to enter aircraft position” or “it fails inflight.” Also, erroneous alert messages occur in the scratch pad, and speeds disappear during takeoff. It was most recently signed off on March 12 and is restricted to Class 1 or 2 maintenance stations. APA Welcomes Captains’ Leadership Class This is a new message from the APA Membership Committee. Click the image for a closer look. On March 13, the APA Membership Committee hosted a casual dinner for the following pilots who were in Fort Worth for American Airlines’ Professionalism, Leadership, and Mentoring class: Stephen Adams, Akil Andrade, David Athay, David Bakony, Howard Bohl Jr., Johannes Bruce, Natalie Butler, Jaime Esteban, Neal Geeting, Paulo Goncalves, Zachary Green, Thomas Hanrahan, Matthew Hauke, Rohaan Khullar, Maggie Linn, Braden McCormack, Justin McKay, Mario Patterson III, Nicholas Petro, Richard Pond Jr., Christopher Prout, Paulo Ramos da Silva Filho, Stephen Riggs Jr., Eric Robbins, Jeffrey Rubens, Holden Saunders, Joshua Smith, Cameron Springstun, Stephen Stark, Adrian Tutein, and Connor Walker. Domicile Elections Electronic balloting for the DCA and DFW domicile elections opened at 0000 Central on March 13. Pilots from those bases can vote for the following candidates through 1200 Central on April 2: DCA Chair FO Brandon Lightly CA Chris Wachter DCA Vice Chair CA Timothy Doreen Jr. FO Thomas Lawler DFW Chair CA Steven Pacheco CA Jon Sherrell CA Brian Smith DFW Vice Chair CA Drew Coleman CA Julio Gomez FO Jason Gustin For more details, visit the APA Elections webpage or review APA Secretary-Treasurer FO Pat Clark’s March 4 message: DCA and DFW Elections Electronic Balloting Update . Domicile Events Visit AlliedPilots.org/Calendar to RSVP for any of these upcoming domicile events: DCA: Retirement Party on June 29 DFW: Pilots For Kids Golf Tournament on May 20; Texas Rangers game on Aug. 6 LAX: Family Awareness lunch at MYF on April 9; Family Awareness lunch in Thousand Oaks on April 10; Family Awareness event at Camas Airport on April 23; Family Awareness event at Boeing Museum of Flight on April 24; Family Awareness event at Rowland Freedom Center on April 25; Retirement Party on April 27 LGA: New York Mets game on Sept. 2 MIA: Domicile Meeting on March 18; MSY Crawfish Boil on April 6 ORD: Retirement Party on May 4 Week in Review Here are several recent messages you may have missed. Joint Leadership: We Want to Hear From You President: 1995 Just Called – America West Wants its Business Model Back Scheduling Committee: September 2024 Vacancy Bid Captain’s Authority Committee: New CBA, Same AA Culture – Misbehaving Agents/CSMs  Communications Committee: Gone West: Captain David E. Harris Communications Committee: “Positive Rate” Episode 21: Coalition of Airline Pilots Associations Communications Committee: APA Board of Directors Spring Meeting Scheduled for April 15-19 Are You Willing to Serve? Each of these national committees or subcommittees has the indicated number of vacancies: Aeromedical Committee (2) Disabled Pilot Awareness Subcommittee (3) Human Intervention Motivation Study Subcommittee (1) Pilot Occupational Health Subcommittee (2) Project Wingman Subcommittee (3) Captain’s Authority Committee (2) Communications Committee (0) National Communications Network (7) Flight Time/Duty Time Committee (1) Grey Eagles Liaison Committee (1) Jumpseat/Non-Rev Committee (1) Scheduling Committee (5) Training Committee (4) Checkmate (1 on 777) If you would like to serve on one or more of these committees, visit the Member Engagement Portal . Professional Standards FAQs When I make a call, am I “turning someone in” to Professional Standards? No! When you call Professional Standards, you are utilizing fellow pilots, who are trained in handling peer-to-peer conflict, to resolve an issue that you are not comfortable resolving yourself. One of the first questions a volunteer will ask you is: “Have you tried to resolve this issue yourself?“ While resolving the issue between the two parties is truly resolution at the lowest possible level, many people are not comfortable with this scenario and utilize Professional Standards. To read all of the FAQs, click here . Professional Standards’ 24/7 hotline: 817-402-2181 Retirement Seminar Scheduled for April 3 American Airlines and APA will host a retirement information session from 1000 to 1200 Central on April 3 via Microsoft Teams. Future retirees are encouraged to attend. To ensure you get the most out of this seminar, click here to submit your questions in advance. How to log into the Microsoft Teams meeting: Click here from any device with Wi-Fi or cellular service. Enter the meeting ID: 283 423 147 987 Enter the meeting passcode: hnkJKH Click “Join a meeting.” Please note the speakers will be sharing their screens, so the recommendation is to use a device where you can view the presentations. If You’re 50, Join The Grey Eagles Are you a pilot for American Airlines, at least age 50, active or retired? Please join The Grey Eagles for food, fun, and fellowship. We offer cruises, conventions, monthly luncheons, retirement dinners, professional mentoring, and assistance to surviving spouses – all for a one-time lifetime fee. Pilot Job Fairs and Future Pilot Seminars Future text-decoration: underline; background-color: transparent; transition: all 0.2s ease 0s; cursor: pointer; box-sizing: border-box;" target="_blank"> Click here for more information . Industry News For more about what’s happening in the industry, be sure to visit the Industry News page on AlliedPilots.org . Connect with Us: Facebook | Instagram | Twitter | TikTok | YouTube Contact Us: Phone - 817.302.2272 | Website - AlliedPilots.org
News Digest

1995 Just Called – America West Wants its Business Model Back

1995 Just Called – America West Wants its Business Model Back American Airlines management has been busy for the past few weeks. For the first time in seven years, management hosted an “Investor Day” on March 4, using it to unveil portions of their updated business plan. The Investor Day and the J.P. Morgan Industrials Conference that followed gave us a peek into the company’s strategy and how it may affect our future flying. Unfortunately, the news isn’t good from our pilots’ perspective. Chief Executive Officer Robert Isom sees future profitability as dependent on growth opportunities in underserved domestic markets, with the crux of his business plan revolving around these marginal locations. In other words, the airline management team responsible for producing profit margins that badly lag those of Delta and United believes that opportunity beckons by taking on Southwest Airlines and the ultra low-cost carriers. Not mentioned once: defending the cornerstone cities that American Airlines’ historical business plan was built on, which produced a revenue premium. In his Investor Day remarks, Chief Commercial Officer Vasu Raja emphasized that “short haul is the foundation of value for customers and investors.” The importance of the Sun Belt, upgauging the airline (flying larger airplanes to smaller cities), and improving the domestic network were his primary focus. He mentioned “opportunities in El Paso” more than a dozen times. At least there’s good news if you happen to live in El Paso. But where are the legitimate opportunities for future growth that produce profits? Vasu remarked that long haul will be used “only when demand peaks,” signaling an intention to revert to the regional operation this America West management team cut its teeth on, albeit on a larger scale. Chief Operating Officer David Seymour followed up with an emphasis on operational reliability improvements and the airline’s ability to recover from IROPS “better than anyone else,” but he made little mention of how his original schedule construction will change to build robustness into the system from the get-go, thus avoiding the need to put the operation back together in the first place. He also didn’t address our persistently high reserves head count that far exceeds the industry average. American Airlines puts thousands of pilots on reserve who could be holding lines and flying more predictable, profitable, and efficient schedules. Our average reserve pilot flies approximately 55 hours each month, while the average lineholder flies more than 85 hours. Efficiency takes a back seat to reliability as long as David chases on-time metrics and emphasizes reliability while leaving thousands of reserve “firemen” on the schedule to put out the inevitable fires when his computer-generated schedules fall apart. Boeing recently relearned the hard way that ignoring input from its most valuable resource, its employees, is not in a company’s best interests. Yet American Airlines management seems intent on doing the same things over and over while expecting different results. Our schedules have been broken since before emerging from the pandemic. Narrowbody trips continue getting longer and more onerous. Average line values have not moved down appreciably, our trips haven’t been broken up into more manageable pieces that our pilots can pick up between large chunks of flying, and our trip trade lights have remained stubbornly red since David locked them down in September of 2022. Despite the promises, we’ve witnessed little if any actual improvement. Management’s “new” business plan doesn’t include a focus on improving operational efficiencies and instead centers on future short-haul revenue opportunities that may or may not produce profits. As we have seen from the recent foray into Austin, these well-intentioned plans are typically money-losers. The profits are almost never in line with our competition at Delta and United, which see the benefit of catering to the premium, business, and international customers that American Airlines appears to be abandoning. There is another problem with the new business plan. The increased emphasis on short-haul domestic flying also leaves the company on an inevitable collision course with our Scope clause. Section 1 of our contract is the foundation of our flying agreement, capping management’s ability to fly regional jets while also limiting their ability to fly from non-hub cities to other non-hub cities with RJs (spoke-to-spoke). This was the source of the most recent Scope violation that we arbitrated in February, with the arbitrator’s decision pending. The only ways out of this “square corner” the new business plan creates are absorbing one or more of the wholly owned operations, putting RJs on our seniority list, or attempting to renegotiate our Scope clause, and the latter will most certainly be met with virulent opposition. Investors didn’t like what management had to say, with American’s stock dropping while Delta’s touched a year-to-date high. It’s unclear why management wants to play in the ULCCs’ sandbox and try to compete for their price-conscious customers instead of fortifying and defending the strong hubs we once had in cities like New York that historically produced a revenue premium. If our paltry profit-sharing checks are any indication of the plan’s efficacy, we’re in trouble. The decisions made in the front office don’t bode well for those of us who thought we were being hired by a mainline flag-carrying airline that would provide us with widebody long-haul opportunities and remain solvent in the next inevitable downturn. America West 2.0? As your advocates, we will continue voicing our concerns to management about their stated plans. While we don’t run the airline, we possess a tremendous amount of institutional knowledge thanks to serving as the airline’s frontline leadership. We see firsthand what works and what doesn’t, and we understand what’s in our best interests as pilots. We are convinced American Airlines needs a significant course correction, and we stand ready to help make that happen by working collaboratively with management, provided management is willing to work with us. CA Ed Sicher APA President
President Public News

APA News Digest: March 8, 2024

APA News Digest March 8, 2024 Editor’s note: Some links in this message will work best if you log in to AlliedPilots.org before clicking them. In This Edition ... Majority of Members Happy with Contract and APA American Orders Limited to Narrowbody and Regional Aircraft Mainline Fleet Total and Widebody Percentage Comparison Analysts React to AAL’s Investor Day FAA Needs “Boots on the Ground” at Maintenance Facilities HBO’s John Oliver Skewers Boeing Flight Time/Duty Time Committee: Remember to Account for Daylight Saving Time Safety Committee: Learning and Improvement Team Coming to ORD Family Awareness Committee: Make Plans to Join Us at Sun ’n Fun Maintenance and Technical Analysis Committee: Pigs of the Week Membership Committee: APA Welcomes New Pilots Membership Committee: APA Welcomes Captains’ Leadership Classes Domicile Events Week in Review Are You Willing to Serve? Professional Standards FAQ Retirement Seminar Scheduled for April 3 If You’re 50, Join The Grey Eagles Pilot Job Fairs and Future Pilot Seminars Majority of Members Happy with Contract and APA Using statistically valid random sampling across all bid statuses to ensure accuracy, the University of New Hampshire interviewed several hundred APA members between Feb. 5 and Feb. 16. During a special Board of Directors meeting conducted via Zoom today, pollster Phil Comstock summarized the interview results: 87 percent of respondents rated their current pilot contract as “good” or “very good.” 65 percent of respondents rated APA’s effort during Section 6 negotiations as “good” or “very good.” 60 percent of respondents had a “positive” or “very positive” view of APA. Click here to download a copy of the executive summary of the poll. A recording of Mr. Comstock’s briefing to the Board of Directors will be posted soon at AlliedPilots.org/Videos . American Orders Limited to Narrowbody and Regional Aircraft On Monday, American Airlines management announced new mainline narrowbody and regional airline aircraft orders, including 85 Airbus A321neo, 85 Boeing 737 MAX 10, and 90 Embraer E175 aircraft. The orders include options and purchase rights for an additional 193 aircraft. Despite what some media outlets speculated last week, management’s announcement did NOT include any additional widebody aircraft. Your Scope and SMART (Seniority, Merger, and Retirement Transition Ad Hoc) Committees will continue to analyze the details of Monday’s announcement to ensure that any actions taken by management are compliant with our Collective Bargaining Agreement, to include but not limited to our Scope provisions. Additionally, your Training Committee will closely monitor any potential new requirements that may impact how pilots are trained on variants of future aircraft. Mainline Fleet Total and Widebody Percentage Comparison The following is based on the most recent filings by American, Delta, and United. Total Mainline Fleet   2023 2024 2025 American 965 994 1,029 Delta 958 1,004 1,065 United 945 1,033 1,097 Percentage of Widebody Aircraft to Mainline Fleet   2023 2024 2025 American 13.1% 13.3% 13.3% Delta 16.9% 17.5% 17.6% United 23.3% 22.5% 23.4% Analysts React to AAL’s Investor Day Management announced its new aircraft order immediately before hosting the company’s first Investor Day in seven years. Airline analysts, investors and the media were invited to New York to hear about management’s plans for American Airlines. Here is the updated aircraft delivery schedule management filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission: The following comments are excerpted from the notes that Wall Street analysts provided to investors: JP Morgan “American … leaned more heavily than we anticipated into smaller market opportunities, which was obviously emphasized by the announced E175 order.” “Smaller, regional markets unexpectedly received disproportionate emphasis relative to both what we expected and versus what we typically hear from Delta and United.” “Note that as part of the agreement with Boeing, AAL negotiated financial protection given MAX 10 certification uncertainty as well as 321 neo options that could be exercised if Boeing fails to deliver as scheduled.” TD Cowen “American set targets through 2026 for EBITDAR margins and FCF, as well as a longer- term debt paydown goal. The airline aims to expand adjusted EBITDAR margins from 14% in 2024 to a range of 15% to 18% in 2026, generate FCF of over $3bn in 2026, and reduce total debt below $35bn by year-end 2028. Management estimates that every 1pt of EBITDAR margin improvement drives $500 MM in FCF.” “Investors we spoke with were encouraged, but wanted more detail quantifying specific revenue and cost drivers.” “Fleet Flexibility. American is excited about the long-haul opportunities it will have as it adds 787s and A321XLRs into its fleet. The team can pivot each aircraft type between various markets depending on demand and seasonality. For example, it can fly its 787s over the Atlantic in the summer and then to LatAm in the winter months. Its large regional fleet allows it to connect smaller markets to its hubs as its 76-seat RJs have a 60% cost advantage vs mainline narrowbodies.” Melius “American’s margin shortfall to the industry has been more of a revenue problem and that’s where the focus is shifting with an emphasis on connectivity, premium products, and loyalty, all of which are supportive of margin improvement. What is apparent now is the company very much knows who they are, laying out achievable targets to change the perception of the company by the investment community.” “Productivity will be very interesting to follow as we’ve yet to see it materialize since the return of travel.” “It seems unlikely you walked away from the investor day blown away as the messaging here was more evolutionary than revolutionary.” Click here to review the Investor Day recording and supporting materials. FAA Needs “Boots on the Ground” at Maintenance Facilities On Thursday, a Boeing 777 operated by United Airlines lost a wheel shortly after it took off from SFO. CNBC’s Last Call then asked APA spokesman CA Dennis Tajer to discuss the latest in a series of troubling incidents for Boeing. “We’ve implored the FAA to put boots on the ground — like they did with Boeing — with the airlines, to include their maintenance shops,” CA Tajer said. After host Brian Sullivan said, “It was a miracle that nobody was injured,” CA Tajer noted that “miracle” was also used to describe the lack of injuries on the Alaska Airlines 737 that lost a door plug during a January flight. “We’ve got to stop counting on miracles and be the creator of a safe industry, and that starts on the assembly-line floor, out to the maintenance shops, and on my flight deck,” he said. HBO’s John Oliver Skewers Boeing Finding yourself featured in the main story on HBO’s Last Week Tonight with John Oliver is rarely good news. This week, it was Boeing’s turn. This irreverent but thoroughly researched breakdown of Boeing’s recent issues includes archival footage of former APA President CA Dan Carey plus archival audio of former APA Safety Committee Chair CA Mike Michaelis and current APA Safety Committee Chair CA Todd Wissing. Remember to Account for Daylight Saving Time This is a new message from the APA Flight Time/Duty Time Committee. At 0200 on March 10, most of the United States will transition from Standard Time to Daylight Saving Time. Because we are “springing forward,” this is the one that can cause an issue with regulatory rest periods. While FOS is properly programmed to account for this change, it pays to be aware of our own legalities in the event of a data entry error or FOS outage. When confirming FAR or contractual rest periods that commence prior to the time change and end after, remember to account for the loss of one hour due to the setting forward of the clocks in those locations that observe DST. Learning and Improvement Team Coming to ORD This is a new message from the APA Safety Committee. Members of the AA/APA Learning and Improvement Team will be at ORD on Sunday, March 10, and Monday, March 11, to discuss how you, the members of APA, keep operations safe at this challenging airport. LIT would love to hear from any pilot transiting ORD on those days, ORD-based or not. LIT navigators, in uniform and wearing APA safety lanyards, will be asking pilots questions about ORD operations. Additionally, navigators can also be located in the following areas: At the center of the “Y” near K4 The hallway between H and K Splitting time between ops and the “Y” at the end of K (near K12) Starbucks, Dunkin’ Donuts, or the food court Thank you for your participation, and we look forward to talking with you. Make Plans to Join Us at Sun ’n Fun This is a repeated message from the APA Family Awareness Committee. CA Tim Dick, FO Natalie Anagnostou, FO Tim Jackson, CA Jerry Gemma, and FO Melissa Monahan The Sun ’n Fun Aerospace Expo , the biggest and best airshow in the southeastern United States, is coming up in April. We plan to serve two lunches and two dinners in our air-conditioned flightline chalet with private restrooms. Please bring your family! The code for discounted tickets is APA995. Besides the food and fellowship, there will be significant information passed along. You can expect to break bread with APA’s elected officials as well as volunteers from national committees. As you make plans to join us in Lakeland, Fla., please RSVP for each meal separately so we can be sure to order enough food. Dinner from 1700 to 1900 on April 10 . Tent will be open from 1000 to 2100, with water available all day. Lunch from 1200 to 1400 on April 11 . Tent will be open from 1000 to 1700, with water available all day. Lunch from 1200 to 1400 on April 12 . Tent will be open from 1000 to 1700, with water available all day. Dinner from 1700 to 1900 on April 13 . Tent will be open from 1000 to 2100, with water available all day. Pigs of the Week APA commends American Airlines’ hardworking aircraft maintenance technicians for their outstanding work. We believe they are the best in the business. When repetitive problems do arise, they’re often due to managerial decisions that fail to properly prioritize tasks and to management’s decision to outsource a significant portion of the airline’s maintenance to offshore, third-party repair stations. Since Jan. 14, the left engine thrust reverser on A321 aircraft 975 has been written up 11 times, has been on MEL four times, and has been out of service eight times. At the time of this writing, it remained on MEL. UPDATE: Since Feb. 6, B737 aircraft 3NG has been written up 15 times for cabin pressurization, has been on MEL three times, and has been out of service seven times. It failed a functional check flight on March 7. At the time of this writing, it was out of service and restricted to Class 1 maintenance stations. APA Welcomes New Pilots This is a new message from the APA Membership Committee. Click the image for a closer look. The APA Membership Committee welcomed the following pilots during a casual dinner on March 5: Eric Abordo, Kevin Ardis, Justin Bradford, Ryan Brenner, Joseph Brown, Jason Bushnell, Jacob Cummins, Charles Eller Jr., Andres Galvez, Ryan Games, Robert Geiger, Matthew Gray, Gray Guthrie, Ethan Hall, Thomas Hudson II, Steven Huls, Jermaine Jackson, Andrew Kenny, Dmitriy Kheyfets, Joseph Lamb, Ashley Lampe, Kyle Luken, Ross Myers, Holden Nardini, Derek Needham, Matthew Neff, William Nichol, Rodney Nickel, Charles Ozanian, Brian Radler, Alex Rossmanith, Travis Sayers, Dustin Schraud, Richard Selby, Mason Sherwood, Gregory Sivers, James Taylor, Ryan Thomas, Jordan Urbanczuk, Austin Vance, Jason Whitehead, Bradly Winans, and Michael Yim. APA Welcomes Captains’ Leadership Class This is a new message from the APA Membership Committee. Click the image for a closer look. On March 6, the APA Membership Committee hosted a casual dinner for the following pilots who were in Fort Worth for American Airlines’ Professionalism, Leadership, and Mentoring class: Thomas Anderson, James Ashworth, Troy Buford, Frank Concepcion, Joshua Daneault, Alex Evans, Rondeau Flynn, Zachary Green, Richard Healey, Robert Leblanc, Michael McElveen, Keith McRonald, Dennis Meyer, David Piotrowski, Matthew Poisson, Kenneth Quinlan III, Eric Robbins, Jason Schwecke, and Don Smith Jr. Domicile Events Click the image for a closer look. More than 50 ORD pilots and guests enjoyed a Chicago Blackhawks hockey game last Saturday. Visit AlliedPilots.org/Calendar to RSVP for any of these upcoming domicile events: DCA: Retirement Party on June 29 DFW: Pilots For Kids Golf Tournament on May 20; Texas Rangers game on Aug. 6 LAX: Family Awareness lunches at MYF on March 12 and April 9; Family Awareness event at Camas Airport on April 23; Family Awareness event at Boeing Museum of Flight on April 24; Family Awareness event at Rowland Freedom Center on April 25; Retirement Party on April 27 LGA: New York Mets game on Sept. 2 MIA: MSY Crawfish Boil on April 6 ORD: Retirement Party on May 4 Week in Review Here are several recent messages you may have missed. Secretary-Treasurer: DCA and DFW Elections Electronic Balloting Update Benefits Department: SMP Rate Adjustment Effective April 1, 2024 Membership Committee: Potential APA Members APA Information Hotline: APA Board of Directors Convenes Special Meeting Press Release: Allied Pilots Association: “Perceived Pilot Shortage is Over” Are You Willing to Serve? Each of these national committees or subcommittees has the indicated number of vacancies: Aeromedical Committee (2) Disabled Pilot Awareness Subcommittee (3) Human Intervention Motivation Study Subcommittee (1) Pilot Occupational Health Subcommittee (2) Project Wingman Subcommittee (3) Captain’s Authority Committee (2) Communications Committee (0) National Communications Network (7) Flight Time/Duty Time Committee (1) Grey Eagles Liaison Committee (1) Jumpseat/Non-Rev Committee (1) Scheduling Committee (5) Training Committee (4) Checkmate (1 on 777) If you would like to serve on one or more of these committees, visit the Member Engagement Portal . Professional Standards FAQs Does Professional Standards only handle pilot-to-pilot issues? No! We support our pilots in the performance of their duties and interaction with many other entities. Almost every person with whom a pilot engages during day-to-day operations enjoys union representation. We have established relationships for working through issues with gate agents (CWA/IBT), flight attendants (APFA), dispatchers (PAFCA), and maintenance (TWU/IAM). In addition, we also work closely with ALPA, NATCA (air traffic controllers), SWAPA, USAOA (Cathay Pacific), and all of our regional carriers. In collaboration with the APA Jumpseat/Non-Rev committee, we also handle cases that arise between pilots of other carriers. In a nutshell: if you face a challenge with another employee, let us be your first call. To read all of the FAQs, click here . Professional Standards’ 24/7 hotline: 817-402-2181 Retirement Seminar Scheduled for April 3 American Airlines and APA will host a retirement information session from 1000 to 1200 Central on April 3 via Microsoft Teams. Future retirees are encouraged to attend. To ensure you get the most out of this seminar, click here to submit your questions in advance. How to log into the Microsoft Teams meeting: Click here from any device with Wi-Fi or cellular service. Enter the meeting ID: 283 423 147 987 Enter the meeting passcode: hnkJKH Click “Join a meeting.” Please note the speakers will be sharing their screens, so the recommendation is to use a device where you can view the presentations. If You’re 50, Join The Grey Eagles Are you a pilot for American Airlines, at least age 50, active or retired? Please join The Grey Eagles for food, fun, and fellowship. We offer cruises, conventions, monthly luncheons, retirement dinners, professional mentoring, and assistance to surviving spouses – all for a one-time lifetime fee. Pilot Job Fairs and Future Pilot Seminars Future text-decoration: underline; background-color: transparent; transition: all 0.2s ease 0s; cursor: pointer; box-sizing: border-box;" target="_blank"> Click here for more information . Industry News For more about what’s happening in the industry, be sure to visit the Industry News page on AlliedPilots.org . Connect with Us: Facebook | Instagram | Twitter | TikTok | YouTube Contact Us: Phone - 817.302.2272 | Website - AlliedPilots.org
News Digest

Allied Pilots Association: “Perceived Pilot Shortage is Over”

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE CONTACT: Capt. Dennis Tajer, 847-902-8481/Gregg Overman, 817-302-2250 Allied Pilots Association: “Perceived Pilot Shortage is Over” FORT WORTH, Texas (March 8, 2024) – The Allied Pilots Association (APA), representing the 16,000 pilots of American Airlines, cited the slowdown in hiring as further evidence that the U.S. pilot supply is sufficient to meet forecast demand and that the mandatory retirement age for pilots should stand at 65. “The perceived pilot shortage is over, eliminating any further need for policymakers to consider changing the retirement age,” said APA President Capt. Ed Sicher. American Airlines, Delta Air Lines, Southwest Airlines, and United Airlines all recently announced plans to slow or halt pilot hiring for the remainder of 2024. In an investor note this week, TD Cowen said this: “We now believe the demand is fulfilled and expect hiring to normalize in 2024.” “Safety considerations drove the establishment of the current international standard of age 65 mandatory retirement for pilots. Before making any change to this standard, we need data demonstrating the margin of safety would remain intact,” Capt. Sicher said. “No such data exists, and considering any change to pilot retirement age in the absence of supporting data would be ill-advised. Fortunately, there is no longer any perceived urgency.” Founded in 1963, the Allied Pilots Association — the largest independent pilots union in the United States — is headquartered in Fort Worth, Texas. APA represents the 16,000 pilots of American Airlines, including several hundred pilots on full-time military leave of absence serving in the armed forces. The union’s website is AlliedPilots.org.
Press Releases

APA News Digest: March 1, 2024

 APA News Digest March 1, 2024 Editor’s note: Some links in this message will work best if you log in to AlliedPilots.org before clicking them. In This Edition ... Professional Standards Committee: “I Don’t Discuss That at Work” Communications Committee: FAA Gives Boeing 90 Days to Fix Quality-Control Issues IT Steering Committee: New Tools Designed to Make Scheduling Easier Compass Project Committee: New Papyrus Tool Helps Manage APA Documents Hotel Committee: Non-Contracted Hotels Jumpseat/Non-Rev Committee: Resolving Issues with A12 and A1 Travel Project Wingman: “Everyone Struggles With Mental Health”  Contract Compliance Committee: Next Contract Training Set for March 6-7 Family Awareness Committee: Make Plans to Join Us at Sun ’n Fun Maintenance and Technical Analysis Committee: Pigs of the Week Membership Committee: APA Welcomes New Pilots Membership Committee: APA Welcomes Captains’ Leadership Classes Membership Committee: Gone West Domicile Events Week in Review Are You Willing to Serve? Professional Standards FAQ If You’re 50, Join The Grey Eagles Pilot Job Fairs and Future Pilot Seminars “I Don’t Discuss That at Work” This is a new message from the APA Professional Standards Committee. Would you accept a fellow pilot trying to convince you to change political parties or religions in flight? Or course not. Currently, a segment of our pilot group believes that changing union representation will benefit us. There is a place for that discussion and debate. It is not in the flight deck. When you operate an airliner, your sole responsibility is to ensure the safe movement of that aircraft. It is unprofessional, unwise, and unsafe to lead your fellow pilot into discussing issues that could generate conflict. If your fellow pilot is addressing something that you find inappropriate for in-flight discussion, you have an obligation to respectfully end that discussion. There is no excuse for allowing even well-intended discussion to put the crew in the yellow. “I don’t discuss that at work.” It’s that simple. If you are flying with a pilot who is using questionable judgment in the topics they bring up, please contact Professional Standards at 817-402-2181 for confidential, non-punitive assistance. FAA Gives Boeing 90 Days to Fix Quality-Control Issues This is a new message from the APA Communications Committee. The FAA announced on Wednesday that Boeing has 90 days to come up with a plan to fix its quality-control issues. Two days earlier, the agency published a report from a panel of outside experts that found a “disconnect’ with respect to safety between Boeing’s management and the rest of the organization. One of the experts on that panel was APA Government Affairs Committee Chair CA Harvey Meek, who represented the Coalition of Airline Pilots Associations. This week, APA spokesman CA Dennis Tajer told National Public Radio’s “ All Things Considered ” that he can fly the 737 MAX safely, but he’s lost patience with Boeing. “Right now, we don’t trust ’em. It’s led us to ask, ‘What else ya got?’ Because every time something pops up, we learn that it has tangled roots deep down into the dysfunction of Boeing,” CA Tajer said. That NPR report and an article published by The Air Current both include CA Tajer’s picture of the Post-it Note he places on the 737 MAX instrument panel as a reminder to turn off its anti-ice system. “Easy to get distracted with other duties and miss turning it off,” he told The Air Current. “That’s why I use a decades-old technique.” New Tools Designed to Make Scheduling Easier This is a new joint message from the Information Technology Steering Committee and the Operational Analysis Committee. APA has made scheduling improvements a priority, and we are working hard on establishing applications and alerts that will enable members to schedule more effectively, despite the reluctance of management to institute these changes contractually. Our committees continue to improve the APA Sentinel app, providing a robust platform for contract monitoring and enforcement. The team is planning to release the following features soon: Reassignment pay associated with March sequences (100% premium in subsequent days reassigned). Pay posted engine will alert you for pay events that have not posted or are not the correct values on your HI1. Reserve pay forecasting. LC to SC conversion. Reserve flown into a DFP. Sequence protection. The ITSC continues to rapidly deploy and improve the APA suite of pilot-facing tools to fill the feature gap that exists in today’s IT offerings from AA. Expect additional standalone communication soon from the ITSC. In the meantime, check out OAC Chair FO John Wickham’s updates on The Line this week regarding the Commute Info and My Open Time tools. You can read them in the “Forum Technical Support and Announcements” section of The Help Desk. He also posted these updates in The AArena group on Facebook. New Papyrus Tool Helps Manage APA Documents The APA Compass Project Committee sent the following message to all menbers via the APA Pilot app on Tuesday. Introducing Papyrus, our new go-to tool for storing and managing APA documents. The name Papyrus is steeped in meaning: Papyrus was the writing material used in ancient Egypt, representing the dawn of recorded information and “symbolizing the enduring power of knowledge.” Our Papyrus tool does the same thing digitally, keeping our files accessible and organized. Papyrus was a versatile material, and our Papyrus tool offers similar versatility, supporting various file formats for our diverse needs and search capabilities. Papyrus symbolizes wisdom and communication. Papyrus allows APA members to store, search, and sync seamlessly, even while in flight with no Wi-Fi. Currently, only the Compass Documents folder is accessible due to the beta phase of Papyrus. Stay tuned for future updates regarding the storage of information for other committees. Non-Contracted Hotels This is a new message from the APA Hotel Committee. When there is no APA Hotel Webpage for your assigned hotel, it is a good indicator that you are staying at a non-contracted hotel. We create a webpage for a new hotel once AA has signed a contract with the hotel and an official CCI announcement has been made. If there is no webpage, then APA and AA, most likely, have not vetted this hotel. We see this often in our pop-up and overflow markets, in IROPs situations, and with off-schedule flights, as our contracted hotels may not have availability to accommodate additional rooms. We also see this during relocations, which can happen for a myriad of reasons. Can the company put you at a non-contracted hotel in these situations? Yes. Should you be concerned if you are at a non-contracted hotel? Not necessarily. Often these hotels are very good, but sometimes they are not. One of the concerns the Hotel Committee has with non-contracted hotels (and the source of many Hotel Debriefs on these properties) is that the hotel may not understand crew. When AA signs a contract with a hotel, the market specialist coaches the hotel on how to handle crew. Additionally, this occurs when we conduct a site review. There are many nuances for hotels to plan for when accommodating crew, like room placement and abnormal check-in/checkout times. When you check in to a non-contracted hotel, we recommend you take more caution. Is there a quieter side of the hotel you can request? Request a non-adjoining room if this is important to you. Do they have a late checkout annotated properly if your show time is after the hotel’s normal checkout? Please also understand that there will most likely not be a negotiated discount. Just like a layover at a contracted hotel, you can contact the Hotel/Limo Desk and/or the Duty Pilot to be relocated if you have issues. If you are unable to solve a problem, sometimes a quick call from the Hotel/Limo Desk to the hotel can help. Please debrief issues at non-contracted hotels so we can have AA look into the root cause of the issue or poor selection of the hotel. Sometimes we ask the company to move these hotels to a “do not use” list after receiving your debriefs. Resolving Issues with A12 and A1 Travel This is a new message from the APA Jumpseat/Non-Rev Committee. Attention, TDY and other A12 listing pilots: Your APA Jumpseat/Non-Rev Committee is aware of issues with confirming A12 travel for TDY pilots and anyone self-listing via CCI, Sabre, or AAPilots. Several affected pilots reported they were not assigned seats even though the required “E” inventory showed available. AA Flight has identified the reason these bookings were not confirmed. We have been advised the issue has been resolved, so pilots making A12 bookings should be confirmed if “E” inventory is showing available. If you have made A12 bookings and did not receive a confirmed seat AND “E” inventory shows at least one seat available, please cancel your listing and relist. Please refer to the Compass Project’s Deadheading guide for steps to verify flight inventory availability. A1: For pilots with allocated sequences with DH in the March 2024 contractual month – AA has advised there is an error in some listings that restricts pilots from importing their DH flight PNR. AA has identified the issue and will be applying a fix to affected sequences today. “Everyone Struggles With Mental Health” This is a new message from Project Wingman. When it comes to mental fitness, even Sylvester Stallone has something to say: If you or someone you know needs help in any way, please don’t hesitate to reach a fellow pilot at Project Wingman by dialing 848-APA-CREW, option 1. Next Contract Training Set for March 6-7 This is a repeated message from the APA Contract Compliance Committee. The Contract Compliance Committee wants to do everything we can to ensure that all APA members are well acquainted with the 2023 Collective Bargaining Agreement. Join us on March 7 in PHL for a full day of training on the new CBA. This training will be conducted in hybrid fashion, with members welcome to participate in person or virtually via Zoom. It will be preceded by a four-hour IMAX session on March 6 with no Zoom component. Please take a few moments before the training to familiarize yourself with the Electronic Document Index . You must be logged in to AlliedPilots.org for the links to be accessible. This Index connects you to a vast array of APA documents that we will reference. It is equally useful in the daily operation as a line pilot, so we recommend you retain the Index for future reference. During the training, it may be helpful to have two screens; one to run Zoom and one to reference these documents. Contract training on March 7 in PHL: Click here to RSVP for in-person attendance . Contract training on March 7 via Zoom:  Click here to register . IMAX training on March 6 in PHL:  Click here to RSVP for in-person attendance . Help us help you! The Contract Compliance Committee’s goal is for you – the membership – to be informed, educated, and knowledgeable. Every single pilot should strive to be a contract expert or, at the very least, strive for continued learning and engagement. Knowledge is power, and it will assist you in employing and being a watchdog of your negotiated work rules. Make Plans to Join Us at Sun ’n Fun This is an updated message from the APA Family Awareness Committee. CA Tim Dick, FO Natalie Anagnostou, FO Tim Jackson, CA Jerry Gemma, and FO Melissa Monahan The Sun ’n Fun Aerospace Expo , the biggest and best airshow in the southeastern United States, is coming up in April. We plan to serve two lunches and two dinners in our air-conditioned flightline chalet with private restrooms. Please bring your family! NEW: The code for discounted tickets is APA995. Besides the food and fellowship, there will be significant information passed along. You can expect to break bread with APA’s elected officials as well as volunteers from national committees. As you make plans to join us in Lakeland, Fla., please RSVP for each meal separately so we can be sure to order enough food. Dinner from 1700 to 1900 on April 10 . Tent will be open from 1000 to 2100, with water available all day. Lunch from 1200 to 1400 on April 11 . Tent will be open from 1000 to 1700, with water available all day. Lunch from 1200 to 1400 on April 12 . Tent will be open from 1000 to 1700, with water available all day. Dinner from 1700 to 1900 on April 13 . Tent will be open from 1000 to 2100, with water available all day. Swamp Cabbage Fly-In: APA President CA Ed Sicher and MIA Domicile Chair CA Thomas Copeland were among the pilots who gathered in LaBelle, Fla., last Saturday for the inaugural Swamp Cabbage Fly-In. CA JD DeBoskey and his newly hired son, FO Drew DeBoskey, provided rides in their T-34, while CA Brian Vitale took people up in his helicopter. Pigs of the Week APA commends American Airlines’ hardworking aircraft maintenance technicians for their outstanding work. We believe they are the best in the business. When repetitive problems do arise, they’re often due to managerial decisions that fail to properly prioritize tasks and to management’s decision to outsource a significant portion of the airline’s maintenance to offshore, third-party repair stations. Since Jan. 17, the alternate brakes on A319 aircraft 029 have been written up nine times and been out of service five times. It was most recently signed off on Feb. 28. Since Feb. 6, B737 aircraft 3NG as been written up 12 times for cabin pressurization, has been on MEL three times, and has been out of service four times. It was most recently signed off on March 1 and is restricted to Class 1 and 2 maintenance stations. APA Welcomes New Pilots This is a new message from the APA Membership Committee. Click the image for a closer look. The APA Membership Committee welcomed the following pilots during a casual dinner on Feb. 27: Eric Alden, Justin Barnes, Jeremy Campbell, Matthew Catchings, John Chesnut, James Cox, Marcelo Da Costa, William Dove Jr., Benjamin Elkins, Daniel Farmer, Tyson Frost, Michael Gansmann, Michael Gemma, Brian Gerstel, James Halliwell, Eric Hernandez, Brian Hollenbeck, Jozsef Jonas, Brock Jones, Donald Kelly Jr., Ravi Khullar, Joshua Kirkland, Timothy Larson, Michael Linger, Matthew MacKenzie, Sean Meagher, Jon-Michael Miller, William Morris, Christian Olsen, David Orrego, Adam Pastor, George Quevedo Santamaria, Nathan Samson, Brandon Schultz, Nerieda Scott, Brian Sharpe, Cesar Soto, Curtis Spaugh, Derek St. John, Joseph Sterbenz, John Taher-Mugavin, Andrew Velkoff, Joseph Walker, and Robert Williams. APA Welcomes Captains’ Leadership Class This is a new message from the APA Membership Committee. Click the image for a closer look. On Feb. 28, the APA Membership Committee hosted a casual dinner for the following pilots who were in Fort Worth for American Airlines’ Professionalism, Leadership, and Mentoring class: Garrett Aubry, Robert Baker, Fernando Bonet, Michele Cortese, Spencer Day, Nathanael England, Edward Goodman, Daniel Hable, Mohamed Helal, Benjamin Huffines, Mark Jespersen, Eric Johnson, Franchesca Kiel, Matthew Kiss, Thomas Kudlek, Scott Lebovitz, Jacobie Sanders, Robert Santos, Tyler Schmidt, Jean Solano Badilla, Tony Sparacino Jr., Collis Wagner, Thomas Waidlich, and Jonathan Walthers. Gone West This is a new message from the APA Membership Committee. We extend our deepest sympathies to the loved ones of these pilots, whose deaths we learned of in February: Dorwin Blair, 88, on Jan. 3; Kip Gordon, 73, on Jan. 5; Byron Cohron, 91, on Jan. 18; Ed Bassett, 81, on Jan. 19; Jim Davis, 90, on Jan. 19; Dave Bradt, 83, on Jan. 24; Vic Foli, 93, on Jan. 24; Carl Saunders, 90, on Jan. 24; Larry “Woody” Woodcock, 83, on Jan. 25; Steve Houtari, 74, on Feb. 2; and Andy Rolfsen, 90, on Feb. 12. Domicile Events Visit AlliedPilots.org/Calendar to RSVP for any of these upcoming domicile events: DCA: Retirement Party on June 29 DFW: Pilots For Kids Golf Tournament on May 20; Texas Rangers game on Aug. 6 LAX: Family Awareness event at Camas Airport on April 23; Family Awareness event at Boeing Museum of Flight on April 24; Family Awareness event at Rowland Freedom Center on April 25; Retirement Party on April 27 LGA: New York Mets game on Sept. 2 MIA: MSY Crawfish Boil on April 6 ORD: Retirement Party on May 4 PHL: Domicile Meeting on March 6; IMAX Training on March 6; Contract Compliance Training on March 7 Are You Willing to Serve? Each of these national committees or subcommittees has the indicated number of vacancies: Aeromedical Committee (2) Disabled Pilot Awareness Subcommittee (3) Human Intervention Motivation Study Subcommittee (1) Pilot Occupational Health Subcommittee (2) Project Wingman Subcommittee (3) Captain’s Authority Committee (2) Communications Committee (0) National Communications Network (7) Flight Time/Duty Time Committee (1) Grey Eagles Liaison Committee (1) Jumpseat/Non-Rev Committee (1) Scheduling Committee (5) Training Committee (4) Checkmate (1 on 777) If you would like to serve on one or more of these committees, visit the Member Engagement Portal . Professional Standards FAQs Will Professional Standards handle issues with Crew Scheduling/Crew Tracking? Absolutely! As you should be well aware, every call to Crew Scheduling/Crew Tracking (CS/CT) is recorded from the time you are connected until you hang up – even when you are on hold. While cases with CS/CT are rare, they do occur. There is a protocol for handling issues that arise with our colleagues in CS/CT: Conversations are reviewed jointly by Professional Standards and the CS/CT manager for resolution. To read all of the FAQs, click here . Professional Standards’ 24/7 hotline: 817-402-2181 If You’re 50, Join The Grey Eagles Are you a pilot for American Airlines, at least age 50, active or retired? Please join The Grey Eagles for food, fun, and fellowship. We offer cruises, conventions, monthly luncheons, retirement dinners, professional mentoring, and assistance to surviving spouses – all for a one-time lifetime fee. Pilot Job Fairs and Future Pilot Seminars Future text-decoration: underline; background-color: transparent; transition: all 0.2s ease 0s; cursor: pointer; box-sizing: border-box;" target="_blank"> Click here for more information . Industry News For more about what’s happening in the industry, be sure to visit the Industry News page on AlliedPilots.org . Connect with Us: Facebook | Instagram | Twitter | TikTok | YouTube Contact Us: Phone - 817.302.2272 | Website - AlliedPilots.org
News Digest

APA News Digest: Feb. 23, 2024

APA News Digest Feb. 23, 2024 Editor’s note: Some links in this message will work best if you log in to AlliedPilots.org before clicking them. In This Edition ... APA President and NTSB Chair Discuss Investigation Procedures Coalition of Airline Pilots Associations: APA’s Force Multiplier on Capitol Hill Don’t Forget Your Post-it Notes, MAX Pilots Safety Committee: Experts to Answer Questions About eAML Retirement and Benefits Committee:  Review Percentages Before Profit-Sharing Payout Hotel Committee: Help Keep Our Hotel Webpages Updated Contract Compliance Committee: Next Contract Training Set for March 6-7 Family Awareness Committee: Make Plans to Join Us at Sun ’n Fun Maintenance and Technical Analysis Committee: Pigs of the Week Membership Committee: APA Welcomes New Pilots Membership Committee: APA Welcomes Captains’ Leadership Classes Domicile Events Week in Review Are You Willing to Serve? Professional Standards FAQ Foundation Aims to Support Pilots’ Spouses If You’re 50, Join The Grey Eagles Pilot Job Fairs and Future Pilot Seminars APA President and NTSB Chair Discuss Investigation Procedures APA President CA Ed Sicher and National Transportation Safety Board Chair Jennifer Homendy met this week in Washington, D.C., to discuss accident investigation procedures. Among the topics at hand: the chilling effect that identity disclosure has on the ability to collect critical safety information, with both parties agreeing to support protections against any unnecessary disclosure of documents that do not in any way advance aviation safety. Coalition of Airline Pilots Associations: APA’s Force Multiplier on Capitol Hill The Coalition of Airline Pilots Associations (CAPA) plays a vital role for our membership in Washington, D.C. As the world’s largest professional pilot trade association, CAPA focuses primarily on advancing safety initiatives for its member unions. “CAPA is critical to its members. It puts them on an equal labor footing when participating at the highest levels of government,” CAPA President CA Larry Rooney said. “Along with the APA Government Affairs Committee, CAPA is there to advance our pilots’ safety, security, legislative, and regulatory priorities.” Click here to learn more about CAPA . Don’t Forget Your Post-it Notes, MAX Pilots Because the consequences are too grave to simply rely on memory, APA spokesman CA Dennis Tajer puts Post-it Notes on the Boeing 737 MAX instrument panel as a reminder to turn off its anti-ice system. “This is what happens when you try to exempt your way to selling an Apollo-era airplane in a SpaceX world,” he told Christine Negroni for a recent New York Post article on the MAX’s problems. “You get inconsistent procedures and an airplane riddled with … points of failure.” Read more in “ How airlines, passengers and Boeing are dealing with the 737 MAX crisis .” A few days after that article was published, Boeing announced that it was replacing the head of its 737 MAX program. CNBC has more details . Experts to Answer Questions About eAML This is a new message from the APA Safety Committee. The electronic Aircraft Maintenance Logbook (eAML) was introduced to the 737 fleet in October, and the A320 fleet’s conversion to the eAML began last month. Your APA Safety Committee will host a panel discussion about the eAML via Zoom at 1200 Central on March 1. This event will include experts from APA, Tech Ops, MOC, and the Flight Department. Viewers will be able to ask questions live or submit them in advance by emailing dedwards@alliedpilots.org . Click here to register for the March 1 panel discussion . A recording will be posted at AlliedPilots.org/Videos as soon as possible. Review Percentages Before Profit-Sharing Payout This is a new message from the APA Retirement and Benefits Committee. The APA Retirement and Benefits Committee recommends reviewing your special election contribution percentages before 1500 Central on Monday, Feb. 26. The special contribution percentages in place at that time will be applied to your profit-sharing payout. You can review and update your special election contribution percentages on Fidelity NetBenefits or by calling the American Airlines Service Center at Fidelity at 800-354‑3412. Representatives are available Monday through Friday from 0730 to 2300 Central (excluding all New York Stock Exchange holidays except Good Friday). Contributions from your profit-sharing payout will post to your Fidelity 401(k) account on March 6 and will be visible to you on March 7. Help Keep Our Hotel Webpages Updated This is a new message from the APA Hotel Committee. Don’t forget to check the APA Hotel Webpages before your next layover! The Hotel Committee maintains a page for each AA-contracted hotel, and our pages have more information than the HIDIR/CCI Hotel Info. If APA does not have a webpage for your assigned hotel, that’s a good indicator that you are staying at a non-contracted hotel. APA and AA have probably not vetted this hotel. Do not expect a discount, as there is no contract in place. We see this often in our pop-up and overflow markets, IROPs, and with off-schedule flights, as our contracted hotels may not have room availability.  Please continue to send Hotel Debriefs if you have an issue in one of these non-contracted hotels. (We’ll have more information on non-contracted hotels in next week’s News Digest.) Our Hotel Webpages feature tips from fellow pilots, including recommended restaurants and activities as well as suggestions about rooms to avoid. Don’t hesitate to add your recommendations via the “Feedback” links on each webpage, and please also use these links if you need to report outdated information on the webpages. We rely on our pilots to help us keep the webpages relevant, useful, and up to date. Changes to pick-up locations are often sent to us from a pilot ahead of company notification, and we can update the webpages quickly. Thank you to those of you who contribute! For more information on our Hotel Webpages, see the QRH – Quick Reference Hotels document, which should answer 99 percent of all hotel and transportation questions while providing helpful solutions. Suggestion: Download this QRH document to your AA iPad for easy access in the future. Next Contract Training Set for March 6-7 This is a repeated message from the APA Contract Compliance Committee. The Contract Compliance Committee wants to do everything we can to ensure that all APA members are well acquainted with the 2023 Collective Bargaining Agreement. Join us on March 7 in PHL for a full day of training on the new CBA. This training will be conducted in hybrid fashion, with members welcome to participate in person or virtually via Zoom. It will be preceded by a four-hour IMAX session on March 6 with no Zoom component. Please take a few moments before the training to familiarize yourself with the Electronic Document Index . You must be logged in to AlliedPilots.org for the links to be accessible. This Index connects you to a vast array of APA documents that we will reference. It is equally useful in the daily operation as a line pilot, so we recommend you retain the Index for future reference. During the training, it may be helpful to have two screens; one to run Zoom and one to reference these documents. Contract training on March 7 in PHL: Click here to RSVP for in-person attendance . Contract training on March 7 via Zoom: Click here to register . IMAX training on March 6 in PHL: Click here to RSVP for in-person attendance. Help us help you! The Contract Compliance Committee’s goal is for you – the membership – to be informed, educated, and knowledgeable. Every single pilot should strive to be a contract expert or, at the very least, strive for continued learning and engagement. Knowledge is power, and it will assist you in employing and being a watchdog of your negotiated work rules. Make Plans to Join Us at Sun ’n Fun This is a repeated message from the APA Family Awareness Committee. CA Tim Dick, FO Natalie Anagnostou, FO Tim Jackson, CA Jerry Gemma, and FO Melissa Monahan The Sun ’n Fun Aerospace Expo , the biggest and best airshow in the southeastern United States, is coming up in April. We plan to serve two lunches and two dinners in our air-conditioned flightline chalet with private restrooms. Please bring your family! Besides the food and fellowship, there will be significant information passed along. You can expect to break bread with APA’s elected officials as well as volunteers from national committees. As you make plans to join us in Lakeland, Fla., please RSVP for each meal separately so we can be sure to order enough food. Dinner on April 10 Lunch on April 11 Lunch on April 12 Dinner on April 13 Meanwhile, don’t forget about the Swamp Cabbage Fly-In , which will be held from 0900 to 1600 Eastern on Feb. 24 at X14, the airport in LaBelle, Fla., in conjunction with the annual LaBelle Swamp Cabbage Festival. The fly-in, which was organized by APA pilots, will feature static displays of warbird and vintage aircraft, food/beverages, and guests from Miami Air Traffic Control. This is a great event for the whole family! If you have questions, send them to swampcabbageflyin@gmail.com . Pigs of the Week APA commends American Airlines’ hardworking aircraft maintenance technicians for their outstanding work. We believe they are the best in the business. When repetitive problems do arise, they’re often due to managerial decisions that fail to properly prioritize tasks and to management’s decision to outsource a significant portion of the airline’s maintenance to offshore, third-party repair stations. Since Jan. 14, the left engine thrust reverser on A321 aircraft 975 has been written up nine times, has been on MEL three times, and has been out of service five times. At the time of this writing, it remained on MEL. In the last month, B737 aircraft 3DG has been written up six times for cabin pressurization. At the time of this writing, it was restricted to Class 1 maintenance stations. APA Welcomes New Pilots This is a new message from the APA Membership Committee. Click the image for a closer look. The APA Membership Committee welcomed the following pilots during a casual dinner on Feb. 20: Travis Barnhart, Tevin Belasco, Gerald Bragg, Aaron Briggs, Donald Burrell, Charles Canavan III, Johan Carlestav, Shelby Clay Jr., Joshua Cornic, Joseph DeBoskey, Conner Dempsey, Taylor Faircloth, Kyle German, James Guiry, Colburn Helppie-Schmieder, Marc Hepburn, Joshua Hill, Christopher Hill, Souhaib Kherif, Richard Kidd, Sean Kirker, Canaan Klaassen, Chadburn Lawrence, Brandon Morris, Sammie Perez, Regan Plath, Jared Powell, Alex Pretextat-Lecomte, Hieu Quach, Roberto Ramirez Irias, Maegan Ribera, Clark Roda, Brenda Romero Lopez, Matthew Rowden, Ryan Smith, Paul Smith II, Cory Southern, Meaghan Strickland, Colby Sutterfield, David Thomas, Adam Unruh, Serge Vandam, Thomas Watts, and Scott Wilson. APA Welcomes Captains’ Leadership Class This is a new message from the APA Membership Committee. Click the image for a closer look. On Feb. 21, the APA Membership Committee hosted a casual dinner for the following pilots who were in Fort Worth for American Airlines’ Professionalism, Leadership, and Mentoring class: Andrew Angelo III, Kathryn Bini, Michael Carroll, Christopher Carter, James Deatherage, Tarah Ernest, James Hogg, Sean Irwin, Robert Jackson, Thomas Kielty, Jeremy Mullins, George Nelson, Kyle Ozi, Travis Posey, Philip Sevenz, John Steinberg, Chad Stephens, Juan Villegas Rojas, Stephen Volpe, Jamie Weidner, Ronald White, and Joseph Wright III. Domicile Events Visit AlliedPilots.org/Calendar to RSVP for any of these upcoming domicile events: DCA: Retirement Party on June 29 DFW: Domicile Meeting on Feb. 27; Pilots For Kids Golf Tournament on May 20; Texas Rangers game on Aug. 6 LAX: Family Awareness event at Camas Airport on April 23; Family Awareness event at Boeing Museum of Flight on April 24; Family Awareness event at Rowland Freedom Center on April 25; Retirement Party on April 27 LGA: New York Mets game on Sept. 2 MIA: MSY Crawfish Boil on April 6 ORD: Concourse Conversations on March 1; Chicago Blackhawks game on March 2; Retirement Party on May 4 PHL: Domicile Meeting on March 6; IMAX Training on March 6; Contract Compliance Training on March 7 Week in Review Here is a recent message you may have missed. Scheduling Committee: March 2024 PBS Review Summary Are You Willing to Serve? Each of these national committees or subcommittees has the indicated number of vacancies: Aeromedical Committee (2) Disabled Pilot Awareness Subcommittee (3) Human Intervention Motivation Study Subcommittee (1) Pilot Occupational Health Subcommittee (2) Project Wingman Subcommittee (3) Captain’s Authority Committee (2) Communications Committee (0) National Communications Network (7) Flight Time/Duty Time Committee (1) Grey Eagles Liaison Committee (1) Jumpseat/Non-Rev Committee (1) Scheduling Committee (5) Training Committee (4) Checkmate (1 on 777) If you would like to serve on one or more of these committees, visit the Member Engagement Portal . Professional Standards FAQs Is Professional Standards suitable for conduct issues or performance issues? It may be suited for both. The program is designed to promote and maintain professionalism. It is well suited for any case, conduct, or performance when professionalism may be an issue. To read all of the FAQs, click here . Professional Standards’ 24/7 hotline: 817-402-2181 Foundation Aims to Support Pilots’ Spouses The Air to Heart Foundation is a 501(c)(3) that was created last year to provide social, educational, charitable, and recreational opportunities for the spouses and domestic partners of American Airlines pilots. “We understand the opportunities and challenges of the travel industry, and if we have learned anything, it is that you can never have too many resources for support or opportunities to show appreciation,” the foundation’s president, Maria Perkins, said in a statement on its website. The Air to Heart Foundation will host two Zoom meetings on Feb. 29 to explain its initiatives in more detail. Membership is not required to learn more. Click here to RSVP for the meeting at 1100 Central on Feb. 29 . Click here to RSVP for the meeting at 1900 Central on Feb. 29 . If You’re 50, Join The Grey Eagles Are you a pilot for American Airlines, at least age 50, active or retired? Please join The Grey Eagles for food, fun, and fellowship. We offer cruises, conventions, monthly luncheons, retirement dinners, professional mentoring, and assistance to surviving spouses – all for a one-time lifetime fee. Pilot Job Fairs and Future Pilot Seminars Future text-decoration: underline; background-color: transparent; transition: all 0.2s ease 0s; cursor: pointer; box-sizing: border-box;" target="_blank"> Click here for more information . Industry News For more about what’s happening in the industry, be sure to visit the Industry News page on AlliedPilots.org . Connect with Us: Facebook | Instagram | Twitter | TikTok | YouTube Contact Us: Phone - 817.302.2272 | Website - AlliedPilots.org
News Digest

APA News Digest: Feb. 16, 2024

APA News Digest Feb. 16, 2024 Editor’s note: Some links in this message will work best if you log in to AlliedPilots.org before clicking them. In This Edition ... Negotiating Committee: Contract Comparison 2024 Hotel Committee: Hotel Survey Auto Pop-Up Contract Compliance Committee: Next Contract Training Set for March 6-7 Family Awareness Committee: Make Plans to Join Us at Sun ’n Fun Maintenance and Technical Analysis Committee: Pigs of the Week Membership Committee: APA Welcomes New Pilots Membership Committee: APA Welcomes Captains’ Leadership Classes APA Holiday Schedule Domicile Events Week in Review Are You Willing to Serve? Professional Standards FAQ If You’re 50, Join The Grey Eagles Pilot Job Fairs and Future Pilot Seminars Contract Comparison 2024 This is a new message from the APA Negotiating Committee. The newly updated Contract Comparison is designed to provide factual comparisons on key contractual provisions between the 2023 Collective Bargaining Agreement and similar key contractual provisions in pilot agreements at Delta, United, Southwest, Alaska, Frontier, JetBlue, and Spirit. It does not include unratified improvements of any TA or CBA. We have broken this comparison into eight major sections: Pilot Statistics and Contract Durations Pay Rates, Per Diem, and Profit Sharing Other Pay Provisions Sick Leave and Vacation Work Rules Other Quality of Work Life Issues Scope Benefits The Contract Comparison was developed with the assistance of the APA Economic box-sizing: border-box;">We also add our thanks to the countless committee volunteers, subject-matter experts, and staff who contributed to the content and accuracy of this comparison. Although extensive effort has been made to provide clear and concise descriptions of certain contract provisions, this comparison should not be considered a primary source of contract language, interpretation, or valuation, and is provided for educational purposes only. This comparison focuses on key areas of the contract and is not a comprehensive review of every term contained within the collective bargaining agreement. Thank you in advance for taking the time to stay informed on your collective bargaining agreement. Hotel Survey Auto Pop-Up This is a new message from the APA Hotel Committee. Survey data is very important to our committee’s work. Thank you to the many of you who fill out a Hotel Survey after each layover. If the survey no longer pops up automatically when you open the APA Pilot app following a layover, follow these easy steps: Tap the settings icon (cog). Tap “Manage notifications.” Expand “Survey.” Tap the settings for “Hotel Survey.” Tap the switch next to “Notifications.” Tap the “x” or tap outside the dialog box. Tap “Save.” Please reach out to the IT Helpdesk at helpdesk@alliedpilots.org if these steps do not solve the problem. Thank you again for your time filling out hotel surveys! For more information, see the QRH – Quick Reference Hotels document, which should answer 99 percent of all hotel and transportation questions while providing helpful solutions. Suggestion: Download this QRH document to your AA iPad for easy access in the future. Next Contract Training Set for March 6-7 This is a repeated message from the APA Contract Compliance Committee. The Contract Compliance Committee wants to do everything we can to ensure that all APA members are well acquainted with the 2023 Collective Bargaining Agreement. Join us on March 7 in PHL for a full day of training on the new CBA. This training will be conducted in hybrid fashion, with members welcome to participate in person or virtually via Zoom. It will be preceded by a four-hour IMAX session on March 6 with no Zoom component. Please take a few moments before the training to familiarize yourself with the Electronic Document Index . You must be logged in to AlliedPilots.org for the links to be accessible. This Index connects you to a vast array of APA documents that we will reference. It is equally useful in the daily operation as a line pilot, so we recommend you retain the Index for future reference. During the training, it may be helpful to have two screens; one to run Zoom and one to reference these documents. Contract training on March 7 in PHL: Click here to RSVP for in-person attendance . Contract training on March 7 via Zoom:  Click here to register . IMAX training on March 6 in PHL:  Click here to RSVP for in-person attendance. Help us help you! The Contract Compliance Committee’s goal is for you – the membership – to be informed, educated, and knowledgeable. Every single pilot should strive to be a contract expert or, at the very least, strive for continued learning and engagement. Knowledge is power, and it will assist you in employing and being a watchdog of your negotiated work rules. Make Plans to Join Us at Sun ’n Fun This is a repeated message from the APA Family Awareness Committee. CA Tim Dick, FO Natalie Anagnostou, FO Tim Jackson, CA Jerry Gemma, and FO Melissa Monahan The Sun ’n Fun Aerospace Expo , the biggest and best airshow in the southeastern United States, is coming up in April. We plan to serve two lunches and two dinners in our air-conditioned flightline chalet with private restrooms. Please bring your family! Besides the food and fellowship, there will be significant information passed along. You can expect to break bread with APA’s elected officials as well as volunteers from national committees. As you make plans to join us in Lakeland, Fla., please RSVP for each meal separately so we can be sure to order enough food. Dinner on April 10 Lunch on April 11 Lunch on April 12 Dinner on April 13 Meanwhile, don’t forget about the Swamp Cabbage Fly-In , which will be held from 0900 to 1600 Eastern on Feb. 24 at X14, the airport in LaBelle, Fla., in conjunction with the annual LaBelle Swamp Cabbage Festival. The fly-in, which was organized by APA pilots, will feature static displays of warbird and vintage aircraft, food/beverages, and guests from Miami Air Traffic Control. This is a great event for the whole family! If you have questions, send them to swampcabbageflyin@gmail.com . Pigs of the Week APA commends American Airlines’ hardworking aircraft maintenance technicians for their outstanding work. We believe they are the best in the business. When repetitive problems do arise, they’re often due to managerial decisions that fail to properly prioritize tasks and to management’s decision to outsource a significant portion of the airline’s maintenance to offshore, third-party repair stations. In the last month, B737 aircraft 3SS has been written up seven times and out of service four times for the left engine generator. It was most recently signed off on Feb. 13 and is restricted to Class 1 and 2 maintenance stations. Since Jan. 11, the left engine thrust reverser on A321 aircraft 975 has been written up eight times and out of service five times. It most recently returned to service on Feb. 16. APA Welcomes New Pilots This is a new message from the APA Membership Committee. Click the image for a closer look. The APA Membership Committee welcomed the following pilots during a casual dinner on Feb. 13: Matthew Abbott, Michael Anderson, Jose Avendano Jr., Brandon Badders, Milenko Bandur, Nathan Bearden, Casey Cardwell, Gustavia Cartwright, William Coggan, Joshua Crowell, Adam Dentinger, Michael Emmert, Emily Farris, Cameron Ford, Ariel Goldshmidt, Paul Goossen, Daniel Haines, Joshua Hartig, Bud Heath, Jonathan Holland, Craig Hollis, Cody Hudock, Benjamin Keefe, John King, Andrew LaBrecque, Alex Larson, Jon Lee, Pooja Lucas, David Meyer, Allison Miller, Charles Mohler II, Keith Moran, Jack Mullen, Gregory Norman, Kevin Parker, Nathan Pochomis, Nathaniel Redden, Jason Redlin, Corey Reed, Alexander Rhodes, Ryan Rockafellow, James Ryan, Abanoub Shehata, David Shnipes, Jeffrey Souza, David Sprick, Jeffrey Sternberg, Sean Tingley, Tyler Tracy, Anthony Tran, Jarrod Vines, Shane Ward, Christopher Weston, and Michael Williams. APA Welcomes Captains’ Leadership Class This is a new message from the APA Membership Committee. Click the image for a closer look. On Feb. 14, the APA Membership Committee hosted a casual dinner for the following pilots who were in Fort Worth for American Airlines’ Professionalism, Leadership, and Mentoring class: Justin Burby, Shelton Carpenter, Stephen Conley, Clayton Curnutte, Ashraf Dakwar, Yuhan Feng, Evan Gall, Jeffrey Gordon, Jon Gunlock, Renee Hudspeth, Alan Jagiello, Erwin Jocson, David Klein, Thomas Kudlek, Joseph Lagrone, Garrett Michel, Michael Milazzo, Christopher Miller, Bradley Mills, Nicholas Moritz, Kyle Ozi, Philip Sevenz, David Smith, Ryan Vellanoweth, and Richard Williams. APA Holiday Schedule APA headquarters, including Contract Administration, will be closed on Monday in observance of Washington’s Birthday, aka Presidents Day. Contract Administration will be open from 0700 to 1900 Central on Saturday and Sunday. As always, your APA support team remains available 24/7. When Contract Administration is closed, calls will be forwarded to a phone service operated by Contract Compliance Committee and Flight Time/Duty Time Committee volunteers. Please note that call-back times may be longer than normal due to limited staffing. If your call is not urgent, we encourage you to wait until normal business hours resume. You may also want to consult the pilot volunteers on your domicile’s Contract Compliance Committee. Almost every domicile has one, and some of them have larger rosters than the national committee. Contact your local committee by visiting your domicile’s page on AlliedPilots.org and clicking the “Domicile Committee List” link. To reach a contract administrator, call APA HQ at 1-800-323-1470 and press Option 3. If you prefer to e-mail your question to the contract administrators, click here . For specific FAR 117/fatigue issues requiring immediate attention, you can also call the Emergency Help Line at 682-738-6670 manned 24/7 by Flight Time/Duty Time Committee volunteers. Domicile Events Visit AlliedPilots.org/Calendar to RSVP for any of these upcoming domicile events: DCA: Retirement Party on June 29 DFW: Domicile Meeting on Feb. 27; Pilots For Kids Golf Tournament on May 20; Texas Rangers game on Aug. 6 LAX: Family Awareness event at Camas Airport on April 23; Family Awareness event at Boeing Museum of Flight on April 24; Family Awareness event at Rowland Freedom Center on April 25; Retirement Party on April 27 LGA: New York Mets game on Sept. 2 ORD: Concourse Conversations on March 1; Chicago Blackhawks game on March 2; Retirement Party on May 4 PHL: Domicile Meeting on March 6; IMAX Training on March 6; Contract Compliance Training on March 7 Week in Review Here are several recent messages you may have missed. Scope Committee: Scope Arbitration Update Joint Implementation Action Committee: 2023 CBA Implementation Update – Feb. 16 Membership Committee: Potential APA Members Benefits Department: WebTPA Security Incident Are You Willing to Serve? Each of these national committees or subcommittees has the indicated number of vacancies: Aeromedical Committee (2) Disabled Pilot Awareness Subcommittee (3) Human Intervention Motivation Study Subcommittee (1) Pilot Occupational Health Subcommittee (2) Project Wingman Subcommittee (3) Captain’s Authority Committee (2) Communications Committee (0) National Communications Network (7) Flight Time/Duty Time Committee (1) Grey Eagles Liaison Committee (1) Jumpseat/Non-Rev Committee (1) Scheduling Committee (5) Training Committee (4) Checkmate (1 on 777) If you would like to serve on one or more of these committees, visit the Member Engagement Portal . Professional Standards FAQs Why isn’t management part of the Professional Standards Committee? This is a peer-to-peer program. Correcting behavior through peer engagement and awareness offers a potentially permanent solution. Management fully supports the work of the Professional Standards Committee by providing vast resources and thoughtful input toward improving the process. To read all of the FAQs, click here . Professional Standards’ 24/7 hotline: 817-402-2181 If You’re 50, Join The Grey Eagles Are you a pilot for American Airlines, at least age 50, active or retired? Please join The Grey Eagles for food, fun, and fellowship. We offer cruises, conventions, monthly luncheons, retirement dinners, professional mentoring, and assistance to surviving spouses – all for a one-time lifetime fee. Pilot Job Fairs and Future Pilot Seminars Future text-decoration: underline; background-color: transparent; transition: all 0.2s ease 0s; cursor: pointer; box-sizing: border-box;" target="_blank"> Click here for more information . Industry News For more about what’s happening in the industry, be sure to visit the Industry News page on AlliedPilots.org . Connect with Us: Facebook | Instagram | Twitter | TikTok | YouTube Contact Us: Phone - 817.302.2272 | Website - AlliedPilots.org
News Digest

WebTPA Security Incident

WebTPA Security Incident On Dec. 28, 2023, WebTPA, the third-party administrator for the APA Voluntary Supplemental Medical Plan (SMP), detected evidence of suspicious activity on its network and immediately launched an investigation. While their investigation is not yet complete, WebTPA recently notified APA that it appears an unauthorized actor accessed information on WebTPA’s network. WebTPA is still uncertain as to the extent of the security incident and whether it affected any APA members. We will keep you apprised as we learn more from WebTPA. What we have been told is that certain WebTPA files containing eligibility information such as name, contact information, date of birth, gender, Social Security number, member identification number, and subscriber identification number may have been accessed. While we do not know for certain whether information relating to any APA members has been impacted by this cybersecurity incident, given the nature of the information involved, we encourage all members who are or have been enrolled in the APA Voluntary Supplemental Medical Plan (SMP) to remain vigilant in checking their financial statements, credit reports, and any communications related to their health care for suspicious activity. WebTPA has assured APA that it promptly initiated measures to mitigate the threat and further secure its network. The industry-leading cyber response team WebTPA retained has determined the incident is now contained and WebTPA’s information systems are secured. APA has also secured a commitment from WebTPA that it will provide credit monitoring and identity theft protection services, at no cost, to any members who may be determined to have been impacted by this incident. Once again, we will update you on this situation as we learn more from WebTPA. In the meantime, please direct any questions to WebTPA at webtpa.compliance@webtpa.com or 1-800-758-0989.
Public News Benefits

APA News Digest: Feb. 9, 2024

APA News Digest Feb. 9, 2024 Editor’s note: Some links in this message will work best if you log in to AlliedPilots.org before clicking them. In This Edition ... Family Awareness Committee: Make Plans to Join Us at Sun ’n Fun Compass Project Committee: YOUnion 101 on Feb. 13 Contract Compliance Committee: Next Contract Training Set for March 6-7 Security Committee: Don’t Forget to File KCM Random Screening Reports Safety Committee: Weight Restrictions Flowchart STOP Committee: Flight Attendants Need Our Support on Feb. 13 Maintenance and Technical Analysis Committee: Pigs of the Week Membership Committee: APA Welcomes New Pilots Membership Committee: APA Welcomes Captains’ Leadership Classes Membership Committee: Gone West Domicile Events Week in Review Executive Director Details Changes at Headquarters Are You Willing to Serve? Professional Standards FAQ If You’re 50, Join The Grey Eagles Pilot Job Fairs and Future Pilot Seminars Make Plans to Join Us at Sun ’n Fun This is a new message from the APA Family Awareness Committee. CA Tim Dick, FO Natalie Anagnostou, FO Tim Jackson, CA Jerry Gemma, and FO Melissa Monahan The Sun ’n Fun Aerospace Expo , the biggest and best airshow in the southeastern United States, is coming up in April. We plan to serve two lunches and two dinners in our air-conditioned flightline chalet with private restrooms. Please bring your family! Besides the food and fellowship, there will be significant information passed along. You can expect to break bread with APA’s elected officials as well as volunteers from national committees. As you make plans to join us in Lakeland, Fla., please RSVP for each meal separately so we can be sure to order enough food. Dinner on April 10 Lunch on April 11 Lunch on April 12 Dinner on April 13 Meanwhile, don’t forget about the Swamp Cabbage Fly-In , which will be held from 0900 to 1600 Eastern on Feb. 24 at X14, the airport in LaBelle, Fla., in conjunction with the annual LaBelle Swamp Cabbage Festival. The fly-in, which was organized by APA pilots, will feature static displays of warbird and vintage aircraft, food/beverages, and guests from Miami Air Traffic Control. This is a great event for the whole family! If you have questions, send them to swampcabbageflyin@gmail.com . YOUnion 101 on Feb. 13 This is a new message from the APA Compass Project Committee. The Compass Project and APA Vice President CA Chris Torres will host a “YOUnion 101” meeting via Zoom at 1100 Central on Tuesday, Feb. 13. YOUnion 101 is intended to be a “top off” for new hires, to explain the many services APA offers as well as opportunities to become involved in the union. 1100 Central on Tuesday, Feb. 13 These Zoom meetings are intended for new pilots, but they include information that benefits all members. The information is presented by subject matter experts from several national committees. Click here to register for the Feb. 13 meeting . Next Contract Training Set for March 6-7 This is a repeated message from the APA Contract Compliance Committee. The Contract Compliance Committee wants to do everything we can to ensure that all APA members are well acquainted with the 2023 Collective Bargaining Agreement. Join us on March 7 in PHL for a full day of training on the new CBA. This training will be conducted in hybrid fashion, with members welcome to participate in person or virtually via Zoom. It will be preceded by a four-hour IMAX session on March 6 with no Zoom component. Please take a few moments before the training to familiarize yourself with the Electronic Document Index . You must be logged in to AlliedPilots.org for the links to be accessible. This Index connects you to a vast array of APA documents that we will reference. It is equally useful in the daily operation as a line pilot, so we recommend you retain the Index for future reference. During the training, it may be helpful to have two screens; one to run Zoom and one to reference these documents. Contract training on March 7 in PHL: Click here to RSVP for in-person attendance . Contract training on March 7 via Zoom:  Click here to register . IMAX training on March 6 in PHL:  Click here to RSVP for in-person attendance. Help us help you! The Contract Compliance Committee’s goal is for you – the membership – to be informed, educated, and knowledgeable. Every single pilot should strive to be a contract expert or, at the very least, strive for continued learning and engagement. Knowledge is power, and it will assist you in employing and being a watchdog of your negotiated work rules. Don’t Forget to File KCM Random Screening Reports This is a new message from the APA Security Committee. The Security Committee would like to remind you of the KCM Random Screening Report . This valuable tool for gathering data is available via the APA Pilot app and our committee’s page on AlliedPilots.org. We have received a high volume of emails about KCM. Some things to remember: Pilots strongly advocated for the KCM program. Before KCM, crewmembers were subject to 100% screening. Also, the random rate is determined by TSA headquarters, not the checkpoint or the airport. You are not personally being “targeted.” When at the KCM checkpoint, it is important that the bar code on the KCM card is scanned, as that it the only proper way the random rate is implemented and documented by TSA. If you are directed to secondary screening by a TSO without having scanned the barcode, please indicate such in the comments section of the KCM Random Screening Report. When you scan the barcode, try to see what color is displayed on the TSO’s laptop. You may politely ask what color it is as well. If it is green, but the TSO directs you to screening, please note that in the comments section of the KCM Random Screening Report. Despite what is displayed on the TSA computer, the TSO does have discretion to direct you to secondary screening. The KCM program will soon be taken over by TSA completely and renamed the Expedited Crew Access (ECA) program. The TSA has engaged the APA Security Committee – along with representatives from CAPA, SWAPA, IPA, ALPA, and other labor groups – in its development. Weight Restrictions Flowchart This is a new message from the APA Safety Committee. The APA/AA Learning and Improvement Team (LIT) has published a flowchart that can be used as a tool for navigating weight-restricted flights. This chart incorporates suggestions and strategies shared by line pilots who routinely face weight restrictions. It is intended to help transfer that knowledge and experience to those who encounter weight-restriction scenarios less frequently. Use of this chart can aid in accommodating as many non-revenue passengers and jumpseaters as possible, as well as revenue passengers and cargo. The chart is located in Comply365 > Publications > Fleet Type > Flight Safety Folder. It can also be found by searching for “weight restrictions flowchart” in the search anywhere bar in Comply365, and it is discussed further in the APA Compass Project Captain Strategy Guide. Flight Attendants Need Our Support on Feb. 13 This is a repeated message from the APA Strike and Tactical Operations Planning Committee. APA President CA Ed Sicher, APFA National President Julie Hedrick, and APA Vice President CA Chris Torres The Association of Professional Flight Attendants will conduct informational picketing at more than 30 airports on Feb. 13. This event has been billed as the Worldwide Flight Attendant Day of Action . If your schedule allows, please make plans to stand with them that day. Pigs of the Week APA commends American Airlines’ hardworking aircraft maintenance technicians for their outstanding work. We believe they are the best in the business. When repetitive problems do arise, they’re often due to managerial decisions that fail to properly prioritize tasks and to management’s decision to outsource a significant portion of the airline’s maintenance to offshore, third-party repair stations. In the last two weeks, A321 aircraft 850 has been written up and out of service six times for the right engine number 4 bearing having high oil pressure. At the time of this writing, it was out of service at a non-AA maintenance station. Since October, B737 aircraft 3HA has been written up 17 times and has been out of service 13 times for an L2 door air leak. It was recently operated under a special flight permit to a maintenance station for repairs. At the time of this writing, it remained out of service. APA Welcomes New Pilots This is a new message from the APA Membership Committee. Click the image for a closer look. The APA Membership Committee welcomed the following pilots during a casual dinner on Feb. 6: Kathleen Andrews, Robert Barlow, Benjamin Batey, Ramdhane Belhabchia, Craig Blitzer, Richard Bowers, Terrence Braddock, Christopher Branning, Jacqueline Cantrell, Brian Courchesne, Adam Crain, Stephen Davenport, Benjamin Denis, William Deveson, Jeremy Downs, Shane Dunn, Adam Endres, Vladimir Garcia, Jason Garner, Nicole Grenier, Paul Hale, Keith Hernandez, Zachary Huff, John Jaques III, Peter Kassing, David King, Ravi Kooma, Michael Landrum, Steven LeBlanc, Loren Marburg, Timur Mashurov, Warren Mays II, Ryan Nibbe, Edmond Niemann III, Miguel Perez Albarran, Sean Reagin, Blake Riggins, Lucas Riggins, David Schlener, Fumiya Shigematsu, Yuweng Shipek, Ryan Stack, Caleb Voss, Jason White, and Francisco Zurlo Redi. APA Welcomes Captains’ Leadership Class This is a new message from the APA Membership Committee. Click the image for a closer look. On Feb. 7, the APA Membership Committee hosted a casual dinner for the following pilots who were in Fort Worth for American Airlines’ Professionalism, Leadership, and Mentoring class: Walter Adams, Ricademus Breitwieser, Ayoub El Khoudiri, Stephanie Ericksen, Evan Gall, Justie Golay, Jeffrey Gordon, James Govin, Frederick Hill, Terry Hoeppner, Jeffrey Johnson, Adam Jolly, Franchesca Kiel, Conn McCarthy, Dorothy Norkus, Kenneth Orr II, Kristopher Prince, James Rathke, Nicklaus Richley, Paul Rutledge, Christopher Wachter, Jonathan Walker, and Thomas Wilson. Gone West This is a new message from the APA Membership Committee. We extend our deepest sympathies to the loved ones of these pilots, whose deaths we learned of in December and January: Bruce “Dutch” Schmidt, 75, on Feb. 2, 2022; Ken Dooley, 89, on Oct. 31, 2022; Dick Larsen, 88, on Sept. 23; Bob Smith, 96, on Oct. 3; Curt Powell, 84, on Oct. 20; Pete Dodd, 73, on Oct. 29; Lorus McElyea, 102, on Nov. 6; Ken McKibban, 77, on Nov. 7; Frank Wnek, 74, on Nov. 11; Chuck Van Cleve, 92, on Nov. 18; Harry Cousins, 89, on Nov. 20; Larry Shaw, 76, on Nov. 23; Jesse Roseberry, 73, on Nov. 25; Jack Myles, 84, on Nov. 27; Bob Mahala, 90, on Dec. 2; Ron Mayhew, 86, on Dec. 5; Gerald Raymer, 87, on Dec. 6; Larry Vihtelic, 81, on Dec. 6; Paul Heinrich, 76, on Dec. 9; Bob Newfield, 86, on Dec. 11; Earl Polenz, 75, on Dec. 12; Mike Bode, 88, on Dec. 19; Andis Luters, 62, on Dec. 22; Barry Landers, 81, on Dec. 23; Billy Branom, 91, on Dec. 24; Bob Hoch, 86, on Dec. 25; Ralph Van Kerkhove, 99, on Jan. 1; Jerry McDonald, 87, on Jan. 10. Domicile Events Visit AlliedPilots.org/Calendar to RSVP for any of these upcoming domicile events: DFW: IMAX Training on Feb. 15; Domicile Meeting on Feb. 27 LAX: SAN Family Awareness Lunch on Feb. 13; Family Awareness event at Camas Airport on April 23; Family Awareness event at Boeing Museum of Flight on April 24; Family Awareness event at Rowland Freedom Center on April 25; Retirement Party on April 27 ORD: Concourse Conversations on March 1; Chicago Blackhawks game on March 2; Retirement Party on May 4 PHL: Domicile Meeting on March 6; IMAX Training on March 6; Contact Compliance Training on March 7 Week in Review Here are several recent messages you may have missed. Government Affairs Committee: Update on FAA Reauthorization Scheduling Committee: Vacation Bidding 2024-2025 – Slide and VEX Secretary-Treasurer: DFW Domicile Election Update Benefits Department: WebTPA Contribution and Billing Errors Family Awareness Committee: Critical Pilot Response – California Storms Family Awareness Committee: JAX Family Day on March 3 Executive Director Details Changes at Headquarters APA Executive Director Andrea Duff recently announced some changes to the staff at union headquarters: • Administration Manager Natti Hogan will retire in May after 10 years at the helm of the Administration Department, and Benefits Manager of Group Health and Life Plans Penny Belew has been promoted to Acting Administration Manager. Ms. Belew will train with Ms. Hogan during the next few months. • Labor Attorney Wes Meyer has been promoted to STSAP General Manager. In this newly created role, he will work closely with STSAP Director Ray Duke on issues related to Safety, Training, Security, Aeromedical, and Professional Standards. • Amie Aronhalt has rejoined the Legal Department as a Senior Paralegal. Ms. Aronhalt was hired by APA as a Paralegal in 2011. She was subsequently the Senior Executive Assistant to the National Officers and, more recently, Document Information Administrator in the Information Technology Department. • Senior LTD Administrator Tamara Elery has transferred from the STSAP Department to the Benefits Department. This move will consolidate pilot benefits and disability within one department and allow for close coordination and cross-training. Are You Willing to Serve? Each of these national committees or subcommittees has the indicated number of vacancies: Aeromedical Committee (2) Disabled Pilot Awareness Subcommittee (3) Human Intervention Motivation Study Subcommittee (1) Pilot Occupational Health Subcommittee (2) Project Wingman Subcommittee (3) Captain’s Authority Committee (2) Communications Committee (0) National Communications Network (7) Flight Time/Duty Time Committee (1) Grey Eagles Liaison Committee (1) Jumpseat/Non-Rev Committee (1) Scheduling Committee (5) Training Committee (4) Checkmate (1 on 777) If you would like to serve on one or more of these committees, visit the Member Engagement Portal . Professional Standards FAQs What records are kept for Professional Standards? None. There are no individual case files kept, nor are there any records in an employee’s Permanent Employment History (PEH). Only non-specific, de-identified logs are kept to maintain generic trends and reliability of the program. To read all of the FAQs, click here . Professional Standards’ 24/7 hotline: 817-402-2181 If You’re 50, Join The Grey Eagles Are you a pilot for American Airlines, at least age 50, active or retired? Please join The Grey Eagles for food, fun, and fellowship. We offer cruises, conventions, monthly luncheons, retirement dinners, professional mentoring, and assistance to surviving spouses – all for a one-time lifetime fee. Pilot Job Fairs and Future Pilot Seminars Future text-decoration: underline; background-color: transparent; transition: all 0.2s ease 0s; cursor: pointer; box-sizing: border-box;" target="_blank"> Click here for more information . Industry News For more about what’s happening in the industry, be sure to visit the Industry News page on AlliedPilots.org . Connect with Us: Facebook | Instagram | Twitter | TikTok | YouTube Contact Us: Phone - 817.302.2272 | Website - AlliedPilots.org
News Digest

Update on FAA Reauthorization

Update on FAA Reauthorization  Fellow APA pilots,  Your Government Affairs Committee is on the ground in Washington, D.C., monitoring the latest developments regarding the reauthorization of the FAA. This morning, the Senate’s Commerce, Science, and Transportation Committee voted on the FAA Reauthorization Act of 2023 (S. 1939), which is the Senate’s version of the FAA reauthorization bill. The House passed their version in July 2023. During today’s hearing, an amendment to the bill that would have raised the mandatory pilot retirement age to 67 was rejected on a 14-13 vote. The committee then unanimously approved a version of the bill that did not include any changes to the retirement age. The mandatory retirement age has been a hot topic in the aviation community. APA, in concert with ALPA and SWAPA, opposes a change to the mandatory retirement age. While today’s Senate committee vote is a significant development, the debate to raise the age is still not over. Once S.1939 reaches the Senate floor for a vote, this provision could be offered again as an amendment to the bill. Additionally, the Senate bill’s differences with the House bill will need to be reconciled in what is called a “conference.” The House of Representatives has included the increase to age 67 in their version. Although the retirement age issue has not been fully settled yet, there are many wins in S.1939 that your Government Affairs Committee has been tirelessly advocating for on your behalf. These advances have had broad bipartisan support. They include: Strengthening FAA oversight of foreign repair stations working on U.S. aircraft to ensure one level of safety and support for U.S.-certified mechanics. Improving a cabin air safety provision to advance rules for airlines to provide training and reporting for fume events. Expanding and increasing funding for the FAA Aviation Workforce Development Grant program to support the education and recruitment of pilots. We will continue to keep you updated on further developments as this bill reaches the Senate floor and is conferenced with the House. If you have further questions, please reach out to your Government Affairs Committee at CMTE-GAC@alliedpilots.org .
Government Affairs Public News

APA News Digest: Feb. 3, 2024

APA News Digest Feb. 3, 2024 Editor’s note: Some links in this message will work best if you log in to AlliedPilots.org before clicking them. In This Edition ... Telephone Polling – We Need Your Input Under Pressure, Boeing Withdraws MAX 7 Exemption Request Former CEO Crandall: “What the Captain Just Said is Correct” Laser Attacks Hit Record High – Increase by 41% Concourse Conversations at CLT on Feb. 8 Contract Compliance Committee: Next Contract Training Set for March 6-7 CIRP Subcommittee: Training Offered for CIRP Volunteers Safety Committee: Soliciting Data on Cabin Crew Complements Hotel Committee: Hotel Preferences for TDY Pilots Family Awareness Committee: Join Us at the Swamp Cabbage Fly-In Maintenance and Technical Analysis Committee: Pigs of the Week Membership Committee: APA Welcomes New Pilots Membership Committee: APA Welcomes Captains’ Leadership Classes Domicile Events CLT Domicile Election Week in Review Are You Willing to Serve? Professional Standards FAQ If You’re 50, Join The Grey Eagles Pilot Job Fairs and Future Pilot Seminars Telephone Polling – We Need Your Input In accordance with Section 4.07.A of the APA Policy Manual, APA will conduct telephone polling this month to continue to actively solicit your feedback. We will continue to poll the membership through a mix of methods (e.g., telephone polling and web surveys) in order to produce accurate results that are statically representative of all our members. The poll will be conducted by the University of New Hampshire, who will interview a number of randomly selected pilots across the system. Calls will occur from Monday, Feb. 5, through Friday, Feb. 16. Your input is important! If you receive a call, please take the time to answer and respond to the questions. Responses will be anonymous. Please look for the following information if a call comes in: All calls will come from 603-397-0660. Caller ID on landlines will indicate “UNH Surv Ctr.” Caller ID on cell phones will indicate “NH Call.” Call times will be between 0900 and 2100 (time zone appropriate). If the call is missed, UNH will attempt to call you back if additional sampling is needed. As more and more telephone carriers add “spam blocking” technology, some pilots may (dependent on carrier) see a message that says “spam likely” when the call comes through. This message may be generated based on the volume of calls the polling company makes. To avoid receiving this message, you may want to consider adding the number to your contacts. If you don’t receive a call from UNH in these next two weeks, you may be called in a future poll. We will continue to solicit feedback on a regular basis so that we can accurately gauge our members’ concerns and target our resources toward the continuous improvement of APA. Under Pressure, Boeing Withdraws MAX 7 Exemption Request This week, The Seattle Times published an article (“ Under pressure, Boeing drops request for a 737 MAX 7 safety exemption ”) that detailed how Boeing withdrew its request for an exemption for the 737 MAX 7 certification requirement to repair the engine anti-ice risk of catastrophic engine failure. APA spokesman CA Dennis Tajer told the newspaper that Boeing’s decision to withdraw is “good news for MAX airplanes not yet certified, but we’ve got miles to go before we rest. There are hundreds of airplanes flying with this same exposure, dependent on pilot memory to avoid a failure . We need the engine anti-ice issue resolved on the hundreds of MAX airplanes that are flying today.” Sen. Maria Cantwell of Washington – who chairs the Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation – echoed CA Tajer’s reaction. “This is good news,” she said in a statement. “I hope this means [Boeing] can quickly develop a compliant design across other MAX planes.” NOTE: An FAA Airworthiness Directive (highlighted in last week’s News Digest) details the risk and limitation placed on all 737 MAX aircraft. Also this week, The New York Times published an article (“ Boeing faces tricky balance between safety and financial performance ”) that covered the recent call by many to review the executive leadership at Boeing. Those expressing increasing frustration with Boeing and its repeated safety problems include airline executives, federal regulators, and APA. “Lately, Boeing appoints CEOs that seem more focused on stock price and dividends than on flight safety and production quality,” CA Tajer told The New York Times . Former CEO Crandall: “What the Captain Just Said is Correct” Fox Business recently asked former American Airlines CEO Bob Crandall to react to APA spokesman CA Dennis Tajer’s harsh critique of Boeing: “What the captain just said is correct, and the pilots and the flight attendants and the mechanics are all part of that culture of safety. And I think that that is what Dave Calhoun and the rest of the Boeing people have to do, is they have to rebuild that understanding of safety.” Click here to watch the interview . Laser Attacks Hit Record High – Increase by 41% The FAA reported a record number of laser strikes on airplanes in 2023. There were 13,304 incidents last year, compared to 9,457 in 2022. The previous record was 9,723 in 2021. NBC News covered the FAA’s report and turned to APA spokesman CA Dennis Tajer, who once landed a plane during a laser strike, for his perspective: “When you point a laser at a cockpit to blind the pilots, you’re not attacking two pilots. You’re attacking every person on that airplane. It’s a big deal.” “It comes quick. It’s a little bit of a shock. You can’t believe that you’re being laser attacked, and then you get back to doing a job of flying the airplane. Moments after that, it sinks in, and you frankly want to go return the favor.” “You don’t have to be a pilot to understand how if a pilot is blinded during landing that bad things could happen.” Concourse Conversations at CLT on Feb. 8 APA’s National Communications Network will be at CLT from 1100 to 1700 on Feb. 8 for another round of Concourse Conversations. If you will be at CLT that day, look for them in the food court on the B Concourse side nearest to the new KCM access point. These volunteers will be eager to hear from members in good standing so they can relay your feedback to APA leadership. Next Contract Training Set for March 6-7 This is an updated message from the APA Contract Compliance Committee. The Contract Compliance Committee wants to do everything we can to ensure that all APA members are well acquainted with the 2023 Collective Bargaining Agreement. Join us on March 7 in PHL for a full day of training on the new CBA. This training will be conducted in hybrid fashion, with members welcome to participate in person or virtually via Zoom. It will be preceded by a four-hour IMAX session on March 6 with no Zoom component. Please take a few moments before the training to familiarize yourself with the Electronic Document Index . You must be logged in to AlliedPilots.org for the links to be accessible. This Index connects you to a vast array of APA documents that we will reference. It is equally useful in the daily operation as a line pilot, so we recommend you retain the Index for future reference. During the training, it may be helpful to have two screens; one to run Zoom and one to reference these documents. Contract training on March 7 in PHL: Click here to RSVP for in-person attendance . Contract training on March 7 via Zoom: Click here to register . IMAX training on March 6 in PHL: Click here to RSVP for in-person attendance. Help us help you! The Contract Compliance Committee’s goal is for you – the membership – to be informed, educated, and knowledgeable. Every single pilot should strive to be a contract expert or, at the very least, strive for continued learning and engagement. Knowledge is power, and it will assist you in employing and being a watchdog of your negotiated work rules. Training Offered for CIRP Volunteers This is a new message from the APA Critical Incident Response Program Subcommittee. Are you a good listener? Would you like to assist other pilots? The Critical Incident Response Program (CIRP) wants you! CIRP volunteers talk to pilots after they experience a critical incident. If you are interested in becoming a CIRP volunteer, please consider attending a training session scheduled for Feb. 20-22 at APA headquarters in Fort Worth. We use the International Critical Incident Stress Foundation (ICISF) Critical Incident Stress Management (CISM) model. This session is for volunteers who have not been trained in this model or just want a refresher on previous training. Training will be from 0800 to 1630 daily. If you do not live near DFW, plan on traveling prior to Feb. 20 and returning home late on Feb. 22. Training materials (electronic book), certificate (upon completion), A12 travel to/from, hotel, and most meals will be provided. If you are interested in volunteering, or if you have questions, contact FO Jim Woodke at jwoodke@alliedpilots.org or 847-331-8409. Soliciting Data on Cabin Crew Complements This is a new message from the APA Safety Committee. During the pandemic, management reduced the number of flight attendants on some aircraft types. If you have experienced any issues regarding the number of available flight attendants, please let us know via safety-chair@alliedpilots.org . Hotel Preferences for TDY Pilots This is an updated message from the APA Hotel Committee. TDY bidding will open early next week. All pilots who are awarded or assigned a TDY will receive a CCI message on the 7th of the month to notify them of the TDY for the following month. This CCI message will include a link to the “Pilot Hotel Preference and Waiver Page,” where pilots can preference their hotel option. Pilots can select a “Airport/Short,” “Downtown/Long,” or the “TDY Hotel Waiver” option, which pays the TDY pilot $2,000 in lieu of a company-provided hotel room. This selection needs to be completed by 1200 Central on the 13th of the month prior to the TDY. AA is not able to wait until PBS awards are published to make hotel assignments, because allocations need to be accomplished prior to that point. If a pilot is awarded a TDY in a co-terminal location (i.e., JFK, LGA, EWR) the Flight Admin team will attempt to reach out to the pilot after the 18th to determine the most suitable option. APA’s PBS 3XP is a great tool to determine what kind of line or reserve schedule your seniority can hold in a particular bid status and can help you determine which hotel option is the best choice for you. If you bid for a TDY or are junior in a bid status with TDYs being offered, watch for a TDY assignment notification message in CCI on the 7th so you can properly preference for a hotel. For more information, see the QRH – Quick Reference Hotels document, which should answer 99 percent of all hotel and transportation questions while providing helpful solutions. Suggestion: Download this QRH document to your AA iPad for easy access in the future. Join Us at the Swamp Cabbage Fly-In This is a new message from the APA Family Awareness Committee. The Swamp Cabbage Fly-In will be held from 0900 to 1600 Eastern on Feb. 24 at X14, the airport in LaBelle, Fla., in conjunction with the annual LaBelle Swamp Cabbage Festival. The fly-in, which was organized by APA pilots, will feature static displays of warbird and vintage aircraft, food/beverages, and guests from Miami Air Traffic Control. This is a great event for the whole family! If you have questions, send them to swampcabbageflyin@gmail.com . Pigs of the Week APA commends American Airlines’ hardworking aircraft maintenance technicians for their outstanding work. We believe they are the best in the business. When repetitive problems do arise, they’re often due to managerial decisions that fail to properly prioritize tasks and to management’s decision to outsource a significant portion of the airline’s maintenance to offshore, third-party repair stations. In the last week, A321 aircraft 546 has been written up nine times for alternate brakes and has been out of service five times. It was most recently signed off on Feb. 2 and is restricted to Class 1 maintenance stations. In mid-October, B737 aircraft 3AM returned to service from storage. Since then, it has been written up 30 times for the aft cabin temperature being uncontrollable and has been out of service 15 times. At the time of this writing, it was on MEL and restricted to Class 1 maintenance stations. APA Welcomes New Pilots This is a new message from the APA Membership Committee. Click the image for a closer look. The APA Membership Committee welcomed the following pilots during a casual dinner on Jan. 30: Matthias Anderson, Shaun Asaro, Timothy Bean, Chad Brezina, Marius Caloianu, Robert Cawby, Byung Choi, Domonick Colletti, John Davis, Reginald Davis Jr., John Earle, Ethan Ehlers, Jacqulyn Greentree, James Hadrava III, Yann Irlinger, Darwin Justice Jr., Michael Kaveny, Thomas Kershul, Robert Krause, Shelby LaFerney, Nathaniel Lightfoot, Frank Madero Lindsey, Jose Maldonado Machuca, Robert Marshall, Andy Melo, Shlomo Menashi, Ohan Merguerian, Nelson Mogollon Castro, Stephen Morrison, Marcelo Novak, Brandon O’Neil, David Page, Benjamin Pietrowski, Brian Relin, Oscar Rodriguez Bolano, Brandon Smith, David Sparks, Matthew Thompson, William Tiefenbrun, Steven Vlasic, Derrick Watson, Bryan Wetzel, and Stefan Winkfield. APA Welcomes Captains’ Leadership Class This is a new message from the APA Membership Committee. Click the image for a closer look. On Jan. 31, the APA Membership Committee hosted a casual dinner for the following pilots who were in Fort Worth for American Airlines’ Professionalism, Leadership, and Mentoring class: Stephen Anim, Jarod Biehn, Claus-Martin Birkigt, Carlos Bonano Perez, Gary Bruyns, Sean Clark, Michael Crass, Brian Culver, Bobby Dahlquist, Mark Davies, Renard Davis, Constantinos Felios, Aaron Gajewski, Andrew Gawrilow, Karl Goerke, Nathaniel Haddox, Kevin Heartwell, Pierce Homsey, Cory Jeffers, Erwin Jocson, John Kapost, Frank Kletecka, Glenn Kohan, Stephanie Layman, Francis Lessett, Billy Mercader, Timothy Miller, Nathan Mooney, Howard Mooney, Kevan Nanton, Isai Ortiz Rosario, Brian Paddock, Scott Parrish, Janet Patton, Norman Reyes Celis, Neil St. Hill, Rhett Thompson, and Garin Wenninghoff. Domicile Events Click the image for a closer look. The LGA Family Awareness Committee hosted a “Winter Warmer” event on Jan. 26 at Long Island’s Cradle of Aviation Museum and Education Center. See more photos on our Facebook page. Visit AlliedPilots.org/Calendar to RSVP for any of these upcoming domicile events: CLT: Concourse Conversations on Feb. 8 DFW: IMAX Training on Feb. 15; Domicile Meeting on Feb. 27 LAX: Domicile Meeting at SoFi Stadium on Feb. 7; SAN Family Awareness Lunch on Feb. 13 ORD: Chicago Blackhawks game on March 2 PHL: Domicile Meeting on March 6; IMAX Training on March 6; Contact Compliance Training on March 7 CLT Domicile Election APA Secretary-Treasurer FO Pat Clark sent the following message to all CLT members on Wednesday. The following results of the CLT Election Round have been certified by the American Arbitration Association: CLT Domicile Chair FO Russ Blackwell FO Erik Knauff CA Dan Scola 153 160 330 Congratulations to CA Scola, who will serve as CLT Domicile Chair through Oct. 31. Thank you to FO Blackwell and FO Knauff for your willingness to serve. Week in Review Here are several recent messages you may have missed. Communications Committee: CA Johnathan Benton – A Life Well Lived  Communications Committee: Honoring One of Our Own: “The Father of ASAP” Communications Committee: USAir Flight 1493-SkyWest Flight 5569 Safety Committee: The Operation on the Ground: Pilots’ Biggest Concern Check Pilot Committee: CBA 6.F.1 Secretary-Treasurer: Opening Ceremony for DFW Domicile Election  Are You Willing to Serve? Each of these national committees or subcommittees has the indicated number of vacancies: Aeromedical Committee (2) Disabled Pilot Awareness Subcommittee (3) Human Intervention Motivation Study Subcommittee (1) Pilot Occupational Health Subcommittee (2) Project Wingman Subcommittee (3) Captain’s Authority Committee (2) Communications Committee (0) National Communications Network (7) Flight Time/Duty Time Committee (1) Grey Eagles Liaison Committee (1) Jumpseat/Non-Rev Committee (1) Scheduling Committee (5) Training Committee (4) Checkmate (1 on 777) If you would like to serve on one or more of these committees, visit the Member Engagement Portal . Professional Standards FAQs Do committee volunteers receive any kind of training? New committee volunteers receive an extensive two-day training course that includes more than 16 hours of classroom instruction. The training includes modules such as Conflict Resolution, Mediation, Mentoring, Pilot Personality, Generational Issues Affecting Cockpit Performance, Resources, and Communication Skills. Committee members also receive instruction on the Professional Standards process, the APA Policy Manual, and the importance of confidentiality. These concepts are reinforced through multiple role-play scenarios. To read all of the FAQs, click here . Professional Standards’ 24/7 hotline: 817-402-2181 If You’re 50, Join The Grey Eagles Are you a pilot for American Airlines, at least age 50, active or retired? Please join The Grey Eagles for food, fun, and fellowship. We offer cruises, conventions, monthly luncheons, retirement dinners, professional mentoring, and assistance to surviving spouses – all for a one-time lifetime fee. Pilot Job Fairs and Future Pilot Seminars Future text-decoration: underline; background-color: transparent; transition: all 0.2s ease 0s; cursor: pointer; box-sizing: border-box;" target="_blank"> Click here for more information . Industry News For more about what’s happening in the industry, be sure to visit the Industry News page on AlliedPilots.org . Connect with Us: Facebook | Instagram | Twitter | TikTok | YouTube Contact Us: Phone - 817.302.2272 | Website - AlliedPilots.org
News Digest

APA News Digest: Jan. 26, 2024

APA News Digest Jan. 26, 2024 Editor’s note: Some links in this message will work best if you log in to AlliedPilots.org before clicking them. In This Edition ... The Line Forums to Return at 1100 Central on Monday B737 Pilots, Beware – FAA AD on MAX Engine Anti-Ice Limitation “FAA Has Just Got to Stop This Madness” Compass Project Committee: Mentors Get Rave Reviews From New Hires Compass Project Committee: You Have Questions; We Have Answers Hotel Committee: How to Look Up an Open Time Hotel Assignment Flight Time/Duty Time Committee: Data Collection Opportunity for DEL AMOC Pairings Maintenance and Technical Analysis Committee: Pigs of the Week Membership Committee: APA Welcomes New Pilots Membership Committee: APA Welcomes Captains’ Leadership Classes Membership Committee: Retirements in November and December Save the LAX Employee Cafeteria Domicile Events CLT Domicile Election Week in Review Are You Willing to Serve? Professional Standards FAQ FAA Seeks 737 Pilots for Study in OKC FlightSafety Seeks New Instructors If You’re 50, Join The Grey Eagles Pilot Job Fairs and Future Pilot Seminars The Line Forums to Return at 1100 Central on Monday This week, the APA Board of Directors approved a motion to restore “The Line” discussion forums. The APA IT Department is in the process of restoring the forums, with a targeted completion of 1100 Central on Monday, Jan. 29. As a reminder, the Board suspended The Line last fall so changes to the Constitution and Bylaws could take effect following the required 100-day abeyance period. In addition to changes to the C text-decoration: underline; background-color: transparent; transition: all 0.2s ease 0s; cursor: pointer; box-sizing: border-box;" target="_blank"> R2023-47 , modifications were made to the Policy Manual and Acceptable Use Policy via R2023-48 that address reported posts, forum moderation, and member suspension. Members should read the new Acceptable Use Policy . B737 Pilots, Beware – FAA AD on MAX Engine Anti-Ice Limitation Recent media coverage has highlighted reaction to an FAA Airworthiness Directive (AD) that addresses a design flaw on the B737 MAX 8’s engine anti-ice system. Management has sent a CCI message regarding the new limitation, but you may find the FAA AD narrative helpful as you process and comply with the FAA-directed limitation. Here are a couple of excerpts from FAA AD 2023-15-05 : “This AD was prompted by a report indicating that use of engine anti- ice (EAI) in dry air for more than five minutes during certain environmental and operational conditions can cause overheating of the engine inlet inner barrel beyond the material design limit, resulting in failure of the engine inlet inner barrel and severe engine inlet cowl damage.” “This condition as previously described, if not addressed, could result in departure of the inlet and potential fan cowl failure and departure from the airplane. The departure of the inlet may cause fuselage and/or window damage, potentially resulting in decompression and hazard to window-seated passengers aft of the wing and/or impact damage to the wing, flight control surfaces, and/or empennage, which could result in loss of control of the airplane. Inlet loss also causes significantly increased aerodynamic drag and asymmetric lift due to wing blanking, which risks fuel exhaustion on certain flights, resulting in a forced off-airport landing and injury to passengers.” The Seattle Times has been investigating the situation. While these articles’ headlines focus on Boeing’s certification exemption request for the MAX 7, the engine anti-ice design flaw and FAA AD direction apply to all B737 MAX aircraft. Jan. 5: “ Boeing wants FAA to exempt MAX 7 from safety rules to get it in the air ” Jan. 25: “ Opposition grows to Boeing 737 MAX 7 safety exemption ” “FAA Has Just Got to Stop This Madness” This has been a bad month for Boeing. In addition to the problems with the MAX 8’s engine anti-ice system, the company has received plenty of negative attention for a variety of other issues, most notably the door plug that fell off an Alaska Airlines Max 9 during a revenue flight. Two television networks turned to APA spokesman CA Dennis Tajer this week for his perspective on Boeing’s troubles. “Boeing is failing right now to produce a reliable and most importantly safe product on a consistent basis,” he told News Nation . “This airplane, the MAX, is built on executive excuses and exemptions from rules that other airplanes have to have to fly safe. And the FAA has just got to stop this madness.” During an appearance on Fox Business , CA Tajer said, “They’ve got to get their act together. Stop acting like a company that builds airplanes and be one.” CA Tajer used these television appearances as opportunities to drive home APA’s point that single-pilot operations will not fly in commercial aviation. “We’re currently flying with an aircraft that’s depending on the memory of two pilots that don’t have to remember this on any airplane to keep us from having such horrific things possibly happen,” he told News Nation. “Two experienced and trained pilots can make the difference between life and death, and they did on that Alaska flight,” CA Tajer told Fox Business, “so we’ve got to make sure that the federal government doesn’t mess with that minimum level as well.” Mentors Get Rave Reviews From New Hires This is a new message from the APA Compass Project Committee. The Communications Committee recently highlighted the importance of being a Compass Project mentor for new hire pilots. These volunteers dedicate their valuable time to help new pilots navigate life at American Airlines for the better part of their first year. The Compass Project sends out a survey to these new hire pilots for them to share their experiences with our mentors, documents, and guides. The overwhelmingly positive feedback we receive almost weekly affirms the impact mentors have on our new hire pilots. Words like “supportive,” “attentive,” “knowledgeable,” “proactive,” and “outstanding” are often used to describe our mentors and the program. Here are three examples of feedback we received in 2023: “Sponsor was absolutely critical to my transition to AA. I have no idea how I would have figured out how everything works on the line without him, very grateful. Always took the time to explain things to me and told me all the important things I need to know that aren't taught in training. Thank you!” “Frank is an excellent mentor and was there for me when I had a question or just to talk about my transition from cargo to passenger airline flying! I am deeply appreciative of his guidance and mentoring! Knowing I have someone to turn to when I have a question makes a world of difference. Thank you!” “Outstanding program sets up the foundation for you to become a successful American Airlines pilot.” The Compass Project would not be what it is today if it weren’t for all the volunteers who dedicate their time to share experiences, knowledge, and guidance. Mentors have had such a positive impact that they have inspired new hire pilots to become sponsors themselves. If you would like to be part of this rewarding and fulfilling program, please visit the Compass Project webpage or click here to sign up . We are always looking for volunteers to be part of this special program. The APA Compass Project is an industry-leading pilot mentoring and support program. Compass offers one-on-one support from experienced line-pilot sponsors, as well as tutorial videos and an extensive database of stage-based documents covering a number of helpful topics that are beneficial to all pilots. Click here for more information . You Have Questions; We Have Answers This is a new message from the APA Compass Project Committee. Over the last two weeks, Compass Project Committee volunteers have seen an increase in questions from our pilot group regarding certain DECS entries, especially how to move, drop or delete Duty Free Periods (DFPs). Fortunately, we can refer to our robust library of documents to find the answers we are looking for. Searching for material on AlliedPilots.org is easy. The How to Search guide explains, with examples, how to search by content or by a document’s name. The Trip Trading guide contains everything you need to know about the Trip Trading System, Pilot to Pilot trades, and a link with instructions on how to move, drop, or delete DFPs. Tools and Ballots is a brief description, with links to more information, of some of the many tools available to pilots to enhance their monthly schedules, post and drop trips, open time, Reserve Preference Ballots (RPB), and others. If you want to be notified of trips that pop into open time, read the Set Up Notification Alerts guide. It will give you step-by-step instructions on how to set up open time notifications that will be delivered to the APA Pilot app on your mobile device. The APA Pilot app itself has an FAQ section with more details on how to manage notifications. Finally, the Decoding Guide contains most, if not all, FOS codes, acronyms, and abbreviations used at American Airlines. This is a very useful tool when trying to figure out what a code means in your schedule or HI10. There will be another great tool available next month. As championed by the Compass Project Committee, Papyrus will allow pilots a customized APA document storage platform, supporting search, offline viewing, and hands-free synchronization to ensure you always have the most up-to-date documents. To learn more about the latest developments and upgrades to the new APA Pilot app, read the latest message from the APA Information Technology Steering Committee. If you would like to learn more about the different resources available to you, visit the Compass Project webpage. Please contact our volunteers via email compassproject@alliedpilots.org , or call 817-302-2401 with any questions you may have. How to Look Up an Open Time Hotel Assignment This is a new message from the APA Hotel Committee. Have you ever thought about picking up a trip in open time but wanted to confirm the hotel assignment first? This is easy to do in the new mobileCCI app. Open mobileCCI and click on the “Search” function at the bottom right corner (1). Select the “Input Required” command (2). Select “CREW HOTEL LIMO INFO” (3). You will be prompted for the flight number, date, departure station, and arrival station of the layover you are looking up. Once you input this information, click “View” at the top right corner to display the Crew Hotel Limo information (4). Data Collection Opportunity for DEL AMOC Pairings This is a new message from the APA Flight Time/Duty Time Committee. Your Flight Time/Duty Time Committee would like to remind you of the data collection opportunity associated with the Delhi AMOC. Volunteer pilots will be asked to wear a watch that records arm movement to calculate sleep quantity and quality, as well as to complete a series of sleep logs and reaction time/workload tests. The study covers two days pre-trip, the footprint of the DEL FRMS AMOC pairing, and two more days post-trip. Data collection will be compensated at $50 per day. If you are planning to fly the JFK-DEL-JFK pairing and are interested in participating in this study, please contact FRMS@aa.com for further guidance. Data collection is critical to the ongoing validation process for this AMOC, and we encourage participation from interested members of our pilot group. Pigs of the Week APA commends American Airlines’ hardworking aircraft maintenance technicians for their outstanding work. We believe they are the best in the business. When repetitive problems do arise, they’re often due to managerial decisions that fail to properly prioritize tasks and to management’s decision to outsource a significant portion of the airline’s maintenance to offshore, third-party repair stations. In the last two weeks, B737 aircraft 3NN has been written up seven times for cabin pressurization and has failed three functional check flights. At the time of this writing, it remained out of service. Since Nov. 29, the right source light on B737 aircraft 3SY has been written up nine times and been out of service four times. It was most recently signed off on Jan. 25. APA Welcomes New Pilots This is a new message from the APA Membership Committee. Click the image for a closer look. The APA Membership Committee welcomed the following pilots during a casual dinner on Jan. 23: Robert Ayala, Wolfgang Baer, Georges Barnes, Jonathan Benne, Roy Beville Jr., Justin Brown, Colby Crowther, Sergio Diaz Medina, Ryan Durgarian, Eric Joeben Estandarte, Phillip Ford, Jack Fredricks, Daniel Fredrickson, Jakob Fritz, Kelli Gallagher, Eric Geertz, Jason Harding, Richard Hom, DeVonne Johnson, Alex Judd, Asem Khlaifat, Matthew Lynch, Steven McGill, Patrick Melton, Samuel Mezzell, David Nicol, Jason Peters, David Plavan, Barry Plemmons, Matthew Plicque, Robert Podolinski, Ryan Prestera, Benjamin Price, Collin Pyle, Christopher Reid, Michael Salviano, Peter Sheppard, Jordan Sturm, Robert Tobin Jr., and Christopher Willenborg. APA Welcomes Captains’ Leadership Class This is a new message from the APA Membership Committee. Click the image for a closer look. On Jan. 24, the APA Membership Committee hosted a casual dinner for the following pilots who were in Fort Worth for American Airlines’ Professionalism, Leadership, and Mentoring class: Rosemary Albrecht, Thomas Albright, Chad Anthony, Michael Barsema, Sean Bruce-Rennick, Kenneth Compher, Jeffrey Dempsey, Nathan Denman, Robert Dobbins III, Adam Flowers, Todd Hetrick, Michael Holdcroft, Daniel Ipson, Franchesca Kiel, Edmund Knetig, Jason Krueger, Steven Lanzer, Chase Manson, Brian Marshall, Gordon Moss, Isai Ortiz Rosario, John Poole, Jonathan Rios, Ryan Ross, Neil St Hill, Alexander Teta, Brett Thomas, Chad Voiland, and David Wiggins. Retirements in November and December This message from the APA Membership Committee has been updated to include pilots who retired on disability. We would like to recognize and congratulate these pilots who retired in November and December. BOS: CA Mark Beatty and CA Forrest Bornkessel CLT: CA Cynthia Abbott, CA John Anderson, FO James Augspurger, CA Campbell Barnett, CA Charles Boswell III, CA Jeffrey Cairns, CA Jeffrey Charlton, FO Alan Corey, CA Glen Dominy, CA William Dye, CA John Gowdy, CA Timothy Hartney, CA Steven Heinz, CA Christopher James, CA Brian Johnson, CA Arlington Johnson III, CA Randy Keever, CA Garry Kessler, FO John Kinneer, CA David Kratzer, FO Kelvin Peterson, CA Kenneth Potts, CA Jeffery Rausch, CA Mark Schoonover, CA James Tatum, CA Troy Wheeler, and CA Kevin Young DCA: CA Robert Cameron, FO Peter Lewis, CA Bryan Pullen, and CA Rand Wickham DFW: CA Daniel Alexander, CA Christopher Allen, CA Timothy Barrett, CA Richard Bennett, CA Dwight Bouck, CA Mike Brown, CA Kerry Burklow, FO Randall Campbell, CA Anthony Chapman, FO Mark Chapman, CA Dale Churchill, FO Scott Corns, CA David Davis, CA Brad Dusenbery, CA Martin Engelsen, CA Robert Etter, CA Howell Finch, CA Jeff Fisher, FO William Hopmeier, FO J.J. Jackson, CA Douglas Jacobs, CA Gary Kaup, FO Kimberley Lowe, FO Russell Mading, CA Christopher Mortensen, CA Glenton Murdock, CA Richard Nelson, CA Brian Olson, CA David Perfetti, CA James Rabun, FO Jonathon Reibach, FO Douglas Robertson, FO Raiford Rustin, FO Ernest Seiffert, CA Guy Shellhouse, FO Charles Smith, CA David Strickland, CA Bruce Walls, CA Thomas Westbrook, CA Philip White, and CA Kenneth Wood LAX: CA Marc Bingham, FO William Boyd, CA John Bruhn, CA Michael Chase, CA Bernard Clerx, CA Keith Daill, FO James David, CA Kevin Hart, CA William Kaufer, CA Craig Kronfeld, CA Hugh Malone, CA John Morgan, FO Christopher Nordeen, CA Henry Putek, CA Robert Ray, CA David Stromswold, FO Richard Van Tassell, and FO Twain West LGA: CA Larry Arken, CA David Ciabattoni, CA Larry Coleman, CA Michael Danley, CA Ronald Emerson, CA Walter Gershoff, CA Gregg LaPoint, CA James Myers, CA Kevin Reeves, CA Thomas Smith, and CA Brian Tighe MIA: CA Frank Aichelmann, CA Bjorn Andreassen, CA Donald Bishop, CA Douglas Causey, CA John Dahl, CA Tim Demetris, FO Swen Ekstrom, CA Paul Hutchinson, CA Jok Jevizian, FO John Martell, CA Antonio Ochagavia, CA Gary Ogle, CA Anthony Palhete, CA Jon Patrick, CA William Reed, CA Orestes Reina, FO Jeffrey Sturmthal, CA Richard Thiele, CA Tug Tura, and CA Ed Walker ORD: FO Thomas Calcagno, CA Paul Carrubba, CA Andrew Caudill, CA Kenneth Compere, FO Maria Eberle, CA Timothy Eilts, CA Joseph Garinger, CA Linda Kuhn, CA Steven Petersen, CA John Reed, and CA Maralyn Wilchynski PHL: CA Jeffrey Brough, CA Richard Burrus, CA Charles Fern, CA James Harrison, CA Terence Nyquist, CA David Ray, FO Michael Rhea, CA Jeffrey Ryan, FO Richard Scherer, FO Rinaldo Vivarelli, and CA Jeffrey Yanus PHX: CA William Brumitt, CA Paul Esterly, FO Timothy Hubbell, CA Patrick Lang, CA Paula McKinnon, CA Christopher McMillin, CA Donald Pelava, CA Mark Schulte, CA Nancy Wendel, CA John Wood, and FO Richard Woodward Save the LAX Employee Cafeteria The following is excerpted from a recent message from the LAX Domicile Officers. Six months ago, we learned American Airlines does not intend to offer a space in the new expanded terminal for the employee cafeteria. This has been a staple of LAX for decades, not just for our crews, but crews around the system, agents, mechanics, ramp employees, TSA, Customs, LAX Police, and other airport employees. We were told by the company this decision was made in 2018 by AA Corporate Real Estate. We made a flyer with a QR code to email those in charge at LAX and corporate real estate. Front-line employees sent hundreds of emails. Meanwhile, construction on Terminal 4 continues, and the last we’ve heard from management is the cafeteria is set to close in January 2025. If you’ve enjoyed the friendly staff, fresh sandwiches and wraps, salads, breakfast, and their other daily specials at a good price over the decades, and would like it to remain in the new expanded terminal, voice your opinion. Even if you haven’t had the opportunity to enjoy the food, the staff, or the convenience of the cafeteria, we still need you to let management know this ill-advised decision that affects so many of our LAX employees should be reversed. Click here to email those at AA who can right this bad decision . Let them know what this means for you and our front-line coworkers. Your email will go to: Robert Isom, Chief Executive Officer Brady Byrnes, Senior Vice President, Inflight and Premium Guest Services CA Russell Moore, Vice President, Flight-Line Operations Katherine Goudreau, Managing Director, Corporate Real Estate Facilities Radney Robertson, Managing Director, LAX Operations Andrew Masiello, LAX Senior Base Manager LAX Chief Pilots LAX Domicile Officers Domicile Events Nearly 400 pilots and guests enjoyed an evening at the Fort Worth Stock Show text-decoration: underline; background-color: transparent; transition: all 0.2s ease 0s; cursor: pointer; box-sizing: border-box;" target="_blank"> Facebook page. Visit AlliedPilots.org/Calendar to RSVP for any of these upcoming domicile events: DCA: Contract Compliance training on Feb. 1; IMAX training on Feb. 2 LAX: Domicile Meeting at SoFi Stadium on Feb. 7 CLT Domicile Election Election Round ballots listing the following pilots in alphabetical order were mailed to all CLT members on Jan. 9: CLT Domicile Chair FO Russ Blackwell FO Erik Knauff CA Dan Scola They will be tallied on Jan. 31. The winner will serve as Interim CLT Domicile Chair through Oct. 31. If you have any questions, contact the APA Elections Department via 817-302-2175 or elections@alliedpilots.org . Week in Review Here are several recent messages you may have missed. President: The Line Forums to be Restored Joint Implementation Action Committee: Joint Implementation Action Committee Update Information Technology Steering Committee: APA IT Update Safety Committee: Electronic AML Conversion for A32F Begins Next Week  Family Awareness Committee: Critical Pilot Response: DFW Pilot in Need Information Hotline: APA Board of Directors Convenes Winter Meeting Information Hotline: APA Board of Directors Reconvenes Winter Meeting Information Hotline: APA Board of Directors Continues Winter Meeting Information Hotline: APA Board of Directors Concludes Winter Meeting Are You Willing to Serve? Each of these national committees or subcommittees has the indicated number of vacancies: Aeromedical Committee (1) Disabled Pilot Awareness Subcommittee (3) Human Intervention Motivation Study Subcommittee (2) Pilot Occupational Health Subcommittee (2) Project Wingman Subcommittee (3) Captain’s Authority Committee (2) Communications Committee (0) National Communications Network (7) Grey Eagles Liaison Committee (1) Jumpseat/Non-Rev Committee (1) Retirement ">Scheduling Committee (5) Training Committee (3) Checkmate (1 on 777 and 1 on 320) If you would like to serve on one or more of these committees, visit the Member Engagement Portal . Professional Standards FAQs What is the process for handling issues that occur repeatedly? As human beings, it is expected that behavior changes slowly and, as such, some pilots will always behave as their personality dictates. The Professional Standards process should not be expected to “change” a personality, but more thought of as an opportunity to share how a certain behavior affects peers and colleagues. There will also be the possibility of an employee exhibiting the same behavior because they have yet to be informed there is a different expectation. If an issue has been referred to a committee member, and an employee exhibits the same issue, please be patient and give the committee the opportunity to re-address the issue. As a submitter, if you are concerned, you have the option of updating the committee volunteer on observed progress. If at any time you are concerned with the time needed to process any submission, contact any national deputy or your elected Domicile Officer for resolution. To read all of the FAQs, click here . Professional Standards’ 24/7 hotline: 817-402-2181 FAA Seeks 737 Pilots for Study in OKC The FAA is looking for 16 Boeing 737 captains with greater than 100 hours of HUD time and 30-day HUD currency to participate in a study of head-worn equipment. Pilots must be current and qualified in the B-737. Dates are Feb. 8, 12-15, and 20-22. Location is Oklahoma City. Duty day is eight hours starting at 0730. Captains from the same airline will be paired as a crew. Compensation is $1,000 plus hotel reimbursement of $110 per night, daily per diem of $48, and mileage reimbursement between 25 and 250 miles. Interested pilots should send an email to btaeronautical@gmail.com . FlightSafety Seeks New Instructors FlightSafety International is seeking experienced pilots to work as flight instructors at its Dallas North Learning Center at DFW. A hiring event has been scheduled from 1100 to 1700 Central on Feb. 1. Click here to register . If You’re 50, Join The Grey Eagles Are you a pilot for American Airlines, at least age 50, active or retired? Please join The Grey Eagles for food, fun, and fellowship. We offer cruises, conventions, monthly luncheons, retirement dinners, professional mentoring, and assistance to surviving spouses – all for a one-time lifetime fee. Pilot Job Fairs and Future Pilot Seminars Future text-decoration: underline; background-color: transparent; transition: all 0.2s ease 0s; cursor: pointer; box-sizing: border-box;" target="_blank"> Click here for more information . Industry News For more about what’s happening in the industry, be sure to visit the Industry News page on AlliedPilots.org . Connect with Us: Facebook | Instagram | Twitter | TikTok | YouTube Contact Us: Phone - 817.302.2272 | Website - AlliedPilots.org
News Digest

APA News Digest: Jan. 19, 2024

APA News Digest Jan. 19, 2024 Editor’s note: Some links in this message will work best if you log in to AlliedPilots.org before clicking them. In This Edition ... APA Board of Directors to Meet Next Week New Parents Can Count on Our Family Navigation Team Retirement and Benefits Committee: Check Out Our Updated Resources Contract Compliance Committee: Next Contract Training Set for Feb. 1 Maintenance and Technical Analysis Committee: Pigs of the Week Membership Committee: APA Welcomes New Pilots Membership Committee: APA Welcomes Captains’ Leadership Classes Membership Committee: Retirements in November and December Domicile Events CLT Domicile Election Week in Review Are You Willing to Serve? Professional Standards FAQ FAA Seeks 737 Pilots for Study in OKC FlightSafety Seeks New Instructors If You’re 50, Join The Grey Eagles Pilot Job Fairs and Future Pilot Seminars APA Board of Directors to Meet Next Week The APA Board of Directors will be at union headquarters next week for its winter meeting. The meeting is scheduled to convene at 0900 Central on Monday, Jan. 22, and continue through midday on Thursday, Jan. 25. Click here to review the agenda , which calls for the Board to consider resolutions on Tuesday and Wednesday. In accordance with Section 2.01.E of the APA Administrative Manual, “The Executive Office staff shall ensure the membership is notified of all pending resolutions, with a link to the resolution page on the APA website.” The 29 open resolutions can be reviewed on the Resolutions webpage (Quick Links > Board Meeting Information > APA Board Resolutions). New Parents Can Count on Our Family Navigation Team This is the latest in a series of articles highlighting the work done by APA’s national committees. Read the rest on our Armed With the Facts webpage. With so many new pilots joining the ranks at American Airlines, we are seeing more need for information about family planning. While adding to your family is a very exciting time, it can also be stressful. That’s why the Compass Project Committee is here to help each step of the way. The Compass Project features a Family Navigation Team whose goal is to reassure pilots with young children that they have support at this stage of life. The Family Navigation Team is led by FO Kailey Gonzalez. “My primary role is to ensure our pilot group has the resources needed to answer their questions and concerns,” FO Gonzalez says. “I help find ways to bring awareness to our pilot group that not only do we exist, but to also let them know that they have options, and they are not alone as they navigate those options.” Click here to review some of the specific ways the Family Navigation Team can assist new parents . Check Out Our Updated Resources This is a new message from the APA Retirement and Benefits Committee. Your Retirement and Benefits Committee has updated several documents and tools to assist pilots in planning for the new year: The Pre-Retirement Checklist has been updated with new links and health care information. The LTD Monthly Income Calculator has been updated with the new pay rates effective Jan. 1, 2024. The 401(k) Limits article has been expanded to include scenarios for pilots of various ages and seats. These can all be found on the top of the Retirement and Benefits Committee’s page on AlliedPilots.org. Help wanted: The Retirement and Benefits Committee is actively looking to add volunteers. Although all pilots are welcome to apply, we are seeking those with a Certified Financial Planner© or Accredited Investment Fiduciary© designation and experience. Those interested can apply through the Member Engagement Portal . Next Contract Training Set for Feb. 1 This is a repeated message from the APA Contract Compliance Committee. The Contract Compliance Committee wants to do everything we can to ensure that all APA members are well acquainted with the 2023 Collective Bargaining Agreement. Join us on Feb. 1 in DCA for a full day of training on the new CBA. This training will be conducted in hybrid fashion, with members welcome to participate in person or virtually via Zoom. Please take a few moments before the training to familiarize yourself with the Electronic Document Index . You must be logged in to AlliedPilots.org for the links to be accessible. This Index connects you to a vast array of APA documents that we will reference. It is equally useful in the daily operation as a line pilot, so we recommend you retain the Index for future reference. During the training, it may be helpful to have two screens; one to run Zoom and one to reference these documents. Feb. 1 in DCA: Click here to RSVP for in-person attendance . Feb. 1 via Zoom: Click here to register . Help us help you! The Contract Compliance Committee’s goal is for you – the membership – to be informed, educated, and knowledgeable. Every single pilot should strive to be a contract expert or, at the very least, strive for continued learning and engagement. Knowledge is power, and it will assist you in employing and being a watchdog of your negotiated work rules. Pigs of the Week APA commends American Airlines’ hardworking aircraft maintenance technicians for their outstanding work. We believe they are the best in the business. When repetitive problems do arise, they’re often due to managerial decisions that fail to properly prioritize tasks and to management’s decision to outsource a significant portion of the airline’s maintenance to offshore, third-party repair stations. In the last month, the elevator and aileron computers on A320 aircraft 647 have been written up nine times, been on MEL twice, and been out of service seven times. At the time of this writing, it remained out of service. In the last three weeks, the flight management guidance computer on A321 aircraft 182 has been written up seven times and has been out of service four times. It was most recently signed off on Jan. 14. In the last month, the digital flight data recorder on A319 aircraft 737 has been written up 12 times, been on MEL four times, and been out of service six times. It was most recently signed off on Jan. 16. APA Welcomes New Pilots This is a new message from the APA Membership Committee. Click the image for a closer look. The APA Membership Committee welcomed the following pilots during a casual dinner on Jan. 16: Javier Abalo Pineiro, Cody Anderson, Edi Avdic, John Balestrine Jr., Andrew Bradley, Dominik Buszek, Thomas Byrd, Justin Cedarleaf, Gregory Chase, Stephen Ching, Alexander Crew, Steven Dembkowski, Zachary Derkatch, James Dolson, Brystal Duppstadt, Stefan Edmiston, Ruben Gamero Aleman, Benjamin Gillian, Rafael Giraldo, Dasia Gorbea, Ajay Grover, Clark Hall, Joseph Hall, Nicholas Hargraves, Joseph Heintz, Steven Henderson, Daniel Holliday, Sky Lesh, Mark Lier Jr., John Lohr Jr., Timothy Miller, Ryan Mitchell, Norman Montgomery Jr., Ricardo Morales Jr., David Nickels, Luis Ortega, Michael Parrish Jr., Charles Paul, Christopher Rusciano, German Schindler, Casey Shotwell, Gavin Singh, Matthew Sinibaldi, Elliot Smith, Kevin Smith, Ananya Tafesse, Jeremy Taylor, Erik Van Osten, Brandon Vanderschaaf, Jessica Velasquez, Casey Walker, and Joshua Yeaste. APA Welcomes Captains’ Leadership Class This is a new message from the APA Membership Committee. Click the image for a closer look. On Jan. 17, the APA Membership Committee hosted a casual dinner for the following pilots who were in Fort Worth for American Airlines’ Professionalism, Leadership, and Mentoring class: Anthony August, Alessandro Baretta, Jarod Biehn, Mark Cameron, Martin Clarke, Kenneth Compher, Allen Dallas II, Frederick Evans, Lewis Gillett IV, David Gray, Derrick Harris, Jaime Hernandez, Cory Jeffers, Keaton Johnson, Thomas Kovac, Bradley Mertes, Camilo Monroy, Heather Morsie, Robert Neff III, Gregory Nix, Robert Norris, Eduardo Soto, Colin Stepney, Russell Wippenbeck, and James Woodburne. Retirements in November and December This is a new message from the APA Membership Committee. We would like to recognize and congratulate these pilots who retired in November and December. BOS: CA Mark Beatty and CA Forrest Bornkessel CLT: CA Cynthia Abbott, CA John Anderson, FO James Augspurger, CA Campbell Barnett, CA Jeffrey Cairns, CA Glen Dominy, CA William Dye, CA John Gowdy, CA Timothy Hartney, CA Steven Heinz, CA Christopher James, CA Brian Johnson, CA Arlington Johnson III, CA Randy Keever, FO John Kinneer, CA David Kratzer, CA Kenneth Potts, CA Jeffery Rausch, CA James Tatum, CA Troy Wheeler, and CA Kevin Young DCA: CA Robert Cameron, FO Peter Lewis, and CA NB Pullen DFW: CA Daniel Alexander, CA Christopher Allen, CA Timothy Barrett, CA Dwight Bouck, CA Mike Brown, CA Kerry Burklow, FO Randall Campbell, former APA Vice President CA Tony Chapman, FO Mark Chapman, CA Dale Churchill, CA David Davis, CA Brad Dusenbery, CA Martin Engelsen, CA Robert Etter, CA Howell Finch, CA Jeff Fisher, FO William Hopmeier, CA Gary Kaup, FO Kimberley Lowe, FO Russell Mading, CA Christopher Mortensen, CA Glenton Murdock, CA Richard Nelson, CA Brian Olson, CA David Perfetti, CA James Rabun, FO Jonathon Reibach, FO Ernest Seiffert, CA Guy Shellhouse, FO Charles Smith, CA David Strickland, CA Bruce Walls, former APA Vice President and DFW Domicile Chair CA Tom Westbrook, and CA Philip White LAX: CA John Bruhn, CA Michael Chase, CA Bernard Clerx, CA Keith Daill, CA Kevin Hart, CA William Kaufer, CA Craig Kronfeld, CA Hugh Malone, CA John Morgan, FO Christopher Nordeen, CA Henry Putek, CA Robert Ray, CA David Stromswold, FO Richard Van Tassell, and FO Twain West LGA: CA Larry Arken, CA David Ciabattoni, CA Larry Coleman, CA Michael Danley, CA Ronald Emerson, CA Walter Gershoff, CA Gregg LaPoint, CA James Myers, CA Kevin Reeves, CA Thomas Smith, and CA Brian Tighe MIA: CA Frank Aichelmann, CA Bjorn Andreassen, CA Donald Bishop, CA Douglas Causey, CA John Dahl, FO Swen Ekstrom, CA Paul Hutchinson, CA Jok Jevizian, FO John Martell, CA Antonio Ochagavia, CA Jon Patrick, CA William Reed, CA Orestes Reina, FO Jeffrey Sturmthal, CA Richard Thiele, CA Tug Tura, and CA Ed Walker ORD: FO Thomas Calcagno, CA Paul Carrubba, CA Andrew Caudill, CA Kenneth Compere, FO Maria Eberle, CA Timothy Eilts, CA Joseph Garinger, CA Linda Kuhn, CA John Reed, and CA Maralyn Wilchynski PHL: CA Jeffrey Brough, CA Richard Burrus, CA Charles Fern, CA James Harrison, CA David Ray, FO Michael Rhea, CA Jeffrey Ryan, FO Rinaldo Vivarelli, and CA Jeffrey Yanus PHX: CA William Brumitt, CA Paul Esterly, FO Timothy Hubbell, CA Paula McKinnon, CA Christopher McMillin, CA Donald Pelava, CA Mark Schulte, CA Nancy Wendel, CA John Wood, and FO Richard Woodward Domicile Events Visit AlliedPilots.org/Calendar to RSVP for any of these upcoming domicile events: BOS: Telephone Town Hall Meeting on Jan. 23 DCA: Contract Compliance training on Feb. 1; IMAX training on Feb. 2 DFW: Fort Worth Stock Show "> LAX: Domicile Meeting at SoFi Stadium on Feb. 7 LGA: Telephone Town Hall Meeting on Jan. 23; Winter Warmer event at the Cradle of Aviation Museum on Jan. 26 PHX: Domicile Meeting on Jan. 26 CLT Domicile Election Election Round ballots listing the following pilots in alphabetical order were mailed to all CLT members on Jan. 9: CLT Domicile Chair FO Russ Blackwell FO Erik Knauff CA Dan Scola They will be tallied on Jan. 31. The winner will serve as Interim CLT Domicile Chair through Oct. 31. If you have any questions, contact the APA Elections Department via 817-302-2175 or elections@alliedpilots.org . Week in Review Here are a few recent messages you may have missed. Membership Committee: Potential New Members of APA Joint Implementation Action Committee: 2023 CBA Implementation Update – Jan. 18 Scheduling Committee: February 2024 PBS Review Summary Contract Compliance and Hotel Committees: Prepare for Possible IROPs/BizHero is a NO-GO Are You Willing to Serve? Each of these national committees or subcommittees has the indicated number of vacancies: Aeromedical Committee (1) Disabled Pilot Awareness Subcommittee (3) Human Intervention Motivation Study Subcommittee (2) Pilot Occupational Health Subcommittee (2) Project Wingman Subcommittee (3) Captain’s Authority Committee (2) Communications Committee (0) National Communications Network (7) Grey Eagles Liaison Committee (1) Jumpseat/Non-Rev Committee (1) Retirement ">Scheduling Committee (5) Training Committee (3) Checkmate (1 on 777 and 1 on 320) If you would like to serve on one or more of these committees, visit the Member Engagement Portal . Professional Standards FAQs How do we add and who selects committee members? The Domicile Officers are responsible for determining the number of and selecting the candidates for the domicile Professional Standards committees. Typical volunteers possess qualities such as maturity, empathy, peer respect, tact, and strict adherence to standard operating procedures and protocols. The APA President selects the national committee members from an approved list of recommended candidates. To read all of the FAQs, click here . Professional Standards’ 24/7 hotline: 817-402-2181 FAA Seeks 737 Pilots for Study in OKC The FAA is looking for 16 Boeing 737 captains with greater than 100 hours of HUD time and 30-day HUD currency to participate in a study of head-worn equipment. Pilots must be current and qualified in the B-737. Dates are Feb. 8, 12-15, and 20-22. Location is Oklahoma City. Duty day is eight hours starting at 0730. Captains from the same airline will be paired as a crew. Compensation is $1,000 plus hotel reimbursement of $110 per night, daily per diem of $48, and mileage reimbursement between 25 and 250 miles. Interested pilots should send an email to btaeronautical@gmail.com . FlightSafety Seeks New Instructors FlightSafety International is seeking experienced pilots to work as flight instructors at its Dallas North Learning Center at DFW. A hiring event has been scheduled from 1100 to 1700 Central on Feb. 1. Click here to register . If You’re 50, Join The Grey Eagles Are you a pilot for American Airlines, at least age 50, active or retired? Please join The Grey Eagles for food, fun, and fellowship. We offer cruises, conventions, monthly luncheons, retirement dinners, professional mentoring, and assistance to surviving spouses – all for a one-time lifetime fee. Pilot Job Fairs and Future Pilot Seminars Future text-decoration: underline; background-color: transparent; transition: all 0.2s ease 0s; cursor: pointer; box-sizing: border-box;" target="_blank"> Click here for more information . Industry News For more about what’s happening in the industry, be sure to visit the Industry News page on AlliedPilots.org . Connect with Us: Facebook | Instagram | Twitter | TikTok | YouTube Contact Us: Phone - 817.302.2272 | Website - AlliedPilots.org
News Digest

New Parents Can Count on Our Family Navigation Team

New Parents Can Count on Our Family Navigation Team This is the latest in a series of articles highlighting the work done by APA’s national committees. Read the rest on our Armed With the Facts webpage. With so many new pilots joining the ranks at American Airlines, we are seeing more need for information about family planning. While adding to your family is a very exciting time, it can also be stressful. That’s why the Compass Project Committee is here to help each step of the way. The Compass Project features a Family Navigation Team whose goal is to reassure pilots with young children that they have support at this stage of life. The Family Navigation Team is led by FO Kailey Gonzalez. “My primary role is to ensure our pilot group has the resources needed to answer their questions and concerns,” FO Gonzalez says. “I help find ways to bring awareness to our pilot group that not only do we exist, but to also let them know that they have options, and they are not alone as they navigate those options.”  If you are expecting, contact the Family Navigation Team through their joint email address: FamilyNav@alliedpilots.org . Even if you are only in the planning stages, this group of volunteers is available to help. “There are many benefits, like fertility coverage and childcare coverage for example, that some pilots may be interested in learning more about,” FO Gonzalez says. The Family Navigation Team also assists pilots who are adopting a child. CA Marc Needham is the Family Navigation Team’s lead volunteer regarding parental leave support, which includes the ins and outs of the Family and Medical Leave Act. Pilots who adopt are eligible for leave under that federal law, allowing them the time they need to handle legal paperwork as well as bond time with their new child. “Starting or growing a family can be both challenging and stressful,” CA Needham says. “Reach out to Family Navigation early on so we can help you make informed decisions early.” Those decisions can include: How to bid for vacation to ensure the most time off around birth. Whether to delay bidding for a vacancy. Whether to switch bases to take advantage of your seniority. How to access state programs that offer paid leave and other options. “Let us help you understand the benefits and drawbacks in choices,” CA Needham says.  Pilots who are planning to have or adopt a child will often start their research on the company’s website, but the Compass Project has all the information such pilots will need. While our flight offices have very helpful administrators, our team of APA volunteers will make certain that you are getting all of the benefits available as well as the necessary information to make informed decisions.  The Compass Project’s Family Navigation Team always welcomes new volunteers who want to participate and help our peers in a very exciting time of their lives. “The time commitment is minimal, but the impact is huge,” CA Needham says. Reach out to the Compass Project Committee if you would like to be get involved as a sponsor: compassproject@alliedpilots.org or 817-302-2401.
Communications Facts

APA News Digest: Jan. 12, 2024

APA News Digest Jan. 12, 2024 Editor’s note: Some links in this message will work best if you log in to AlliedPilots.org before clicking them. In This Edition ... APA President Addresses State of the Union If You’re on TDY, Let Compass be Your Guide YOUnion 301: Captains’ Development Seminar Contract Compliance Committee: Next Contract Training Set for Feb. 1 Hotel Committee: How to Handle an Unsuitable Room Family Awareness Committee: Bringing APA to Commuter Cities Professional Standards and Aeromedical Committees: Don’t Come to Work Sick Professional Standards and Compass Project Committees: Hands-Free Undergarment Breast Pumps STOP Committee: Flight Attendants Need Our Support on Feb. 13 Maintenance and Technical Analysis Committee: Pigs of the Week Membership Committee: APA Welcomes Captains’ Leadership Classes APA Holiday Schedule Domicile Events CLT Domicile Election Week in Review Are You Willing to Serve? Professional Standards FAQ If You’re 50, Join The Grey Eagles FlightSafety Seeks New Instructors Pilot Job Fairs and Future Pilot Seminars APA President Addresses State of the Union In this short video update , APA President CA Ed Sicher acknowledges the recent progress our profession has made and enumerates APA’s priorities for 2024, which include protecting the margin of safety and increasing our pilots’ scheduling flexibility. CA Sicher also addresses the need for APA to be prepared for the unknown, including a potential merger with American’s wholly owned regional carriers and a possible change in pilot retirement age. “Certainly, 2024 is likely to present its share of challenges, and we must be prepared to act decisively and nimbly,” he said. “To that end, we always welcome volunteers who want to make this the best union it can become.” If You’re on TDY, Let Compass be Your Guide This is the latest in a series of articles highlighting the work done by APA’s national committees. Read the rest on our Armed With the Facts webpage. During our careers at American Airlines, many of us will change bases and equipment. Some will sit on reserve, and some will hold lines. We may also find ourselves doing TDY, either voluntarily or involuntary. With all the new changes in the contract, there is a lot to learn quickly if you find yourself awarded TDY. Our Compass Project Committee has an entire team of volunteers dedicated to just this topic, and they are here to help you as you plan for a month at a different base. “With the ratification of our new CBA, there have been numerous changes to policies and interpretations,” said FO Scott Newman, who maintains the Compass Project’s TDY Guide . “It’s our job to have the most current information available to the pilot group before TDY bidding opens each month.” He added that many pilots mistakenly assume the company will handle all the logistics for you. “If you are awarded TDY, you will need to schedule your travel. With the APA Pilot app, it is very simple to enter your deadheads to and from your home base.” FO Newman said it is important for pilots know what has changed regarding TDY as a result of the 2023 CBA. Click here for the highlights . YOUnion 301: Captains’ Development Seminar The Compass Project and APA Vice President CA Chris Torres will host a 45-minute “YOUnion 301” meeting via Zoom at 1100 Central on Jan. 17. This “Captains’ Development Seminar” is intended to help new captains and soon-to-be captains understand the possible hazards and resources of their new roles. Click here to register for the Jan. 17 seminar . Next Contract Training Set for Feb. 1 This is an updated message from the APA Contract Compliance Committee. The Contract Compliance Committee wants to do everything we can to ensure that all APA members are well acquainted with the 2023 Collective Bargaining Agreement. Join us on Feb. 1 in DCA for a full day of training on the new CBA. This training will be conducted in hybrid fashion, with members welcome to participate in person or virtually via Zoom. Please take a few moments before the training to familiarize yourself with the Electronic Document Index . You must be logged in to AlliedPilots.org for the links to be accessible. This Index connects you to a vast array of APA documents that we will reference. It is equally useful in the daily operation as a line pilot, so we recommend you retain the Index for future reference. During the training, it may be helpful to have two screens; one to run Zoom and one to reference these documents. Feb. 1 in DCA: Click here to RSVP for in-person attendance . Feb. 1 via Zoom: Click here to register . Help us help you! The Contract Compliance Committee’s goal is for you – the membership – to be informed, educated, and knowledgeable. Every single pilot should strive to be a contract expert or, at the very least, strive for continued learning and engagement. Knowledge is power, and it will assist you in employing and being a watchdog of your negotiated work rules. How to Handle an Unsuitable Room This is an updated message from the APA Hotel Committee. Is your hotel room “unsuitable”? If you arrive to your layover hotel and find that it is unsuitable due to location, noise, food availability, your inability to get FAR 117-required rest, etc., you have options available. The following guidance reflects the official position of the APA Hotel Committee: If there are issues with your hotel room , request a change of room from hotel management. If there are issues with the hotel itself , speak directly with the Hotel/Limo Desk and request a change of hotel. If you require further assistance or can’t get through to the Hotel/Limo Desk, call your Chief Pilot (normal business hours) or the IOC Duty Chief (after-hours telephone number is 682-315-4333). There is no requirement to wait for extended periods on hold. If you are in an off-schedule (IROPS) event , and/or you have not been assigned a hotel in a timely manner, our contract provides the provision for pilots to secure reasonable accommodations and expense them to the company. If transportation to/from the hotel is not available , or it is not timely, secure transportation and expense it. If you are unable to obtain required rest , call in fatigued. Please provide feedback early and often . Submit APA Hotel Debriefs, CERS Reports, and Fatigue Reports. (Remember, you don’t have to call in fatigued to file a Fatigue Report.) Sometimes, while suitable upon arrival, the suitability of your room changes during the stay. For example, the water or power may go out. In these cases, the process does not change. If the hotel cannot move you to an acceptable room, call the company and ask to be relocated. We have had crews need to be relocated in the morning for a couple of hours so they could get ready with water/power available. Typically, reaching out earlier is best, as the hotel is often not aware of when the utilities will be up and running again, and you take the brunt of a “rolling delay”! While not a contractual part of a flight duty period, the time spent securing accommodations and transportation should be factored in when assessing one’s rest requirements and subsequent fitness for duty. For more information, see Section 5 of the QRH – Quick Reference Hotels document, which should answer 99 percent of all hotel and transportation questions while providing helpful solutions. Suggestion: Download this QRH document to your AA iPad for easy access in the future. Bringing APA to Commuter Cities This is a new message from the APA Family Awareness Committee. This week, your national Family Awareness Committee hosted events in two commuter cities so that pilots and their families can get to know their neighbors better while learning more about what the union provides. On Sunday, we threw a Kansas City Chiefs watching party at a Topgolf near MCI (above). On Thursday, we hosted a gathering at a restaurant called Easy Tiger near AUS (below). If you have suggestions for which commuter cities we should visit next, please email c mte-familyaware@alliedpilots.org . Don’t Come to Work Sick This is a joint message from the APA Professional Standards and Aeromedical committees. Tis the season … the cold/flu/RSV/COVID season. We have a year-round professional obligation to report “Fit for Duty” – that means we shouldn’t come to work sick. The CBA provides for the inevitable by having the sick pay provision; use it when necessary. There has been an uptick in pilots reaching out to Professional Standards about coworkers being sick on the flight deck or in the cabin. Our coast-to-coast workspace exposes us to the cold/flu “hot zones,” no matter where we live. Be personally accountable and respectful of others by keeping the bugs at home. Don’t come to work sick!   Most of us are not medical professionals, so how do you have the polite conversation with coworkers who present with symptoms? As always, professionalism is the obligation of a professional. For additional info, see the following resources: FAA’s I’M SAFE Checklist I – Illness (Do I have an illness or any symptoms of an illness?) M – Medication (Have I been taking prescription or over-the-counter drugs?) S – Stress (Am I under psychological pressure? Worried?) A – Alcohol (Have I been drinking within eight hours? Within 24 hours?) F – Fatigue (Am I tired and not adequately rested?) E – Eating (Am I adequately nourished?) COVID Letters of Agreement between APA and American CDC’s Flu View Map Hands-Free Undergarment Breast Pumps This a joint message from the APA Professional Standards Committee and the APA Compass Project Committee’s Family Navigation team. The recent FOM revision includes a provision confirming our pilots’ ability to help effectively navigate their family planning. This new provision allows the accommodation of nursing mothers to use hands-free, undergarment breast pumps worn under a uniform shirt while on duty and on the flight deck. This new FOM provision formally addresses an important physiological need for pilots who are new mothers and allows women to continue to breastfeed after returning to work, which has presented a significant challenge in the past. These devices are worn under a pilot’s clothing. In most cases, these devices will not be noticeable by other pilots on the flight deck. This FOM provision establishes acceptable device criteria and use parameters to ensure a safe flight. The provision does not require a pilot to disclose to the rest of the flight crew that they will be utilizing this device. The provision is also designed to maintain the professionalism expected of each crew member and to promote healthy and respectful working relationships amongst the crew. The policy can be found in FOM 3.g.6.5 under Personal Electronic Devices (PEDs): If you have any questions about this policy, please feel free to reach out to the APA Compass Project Committee’s Family Navigation team via familynav@alliedpilots.org . Flight Attendants Need Our Support on Feb. 13 This is a new message from the APA Strike and Tactical Operations Planning Committee. The Association of Professional Flight Attendants will conduct informational picketing at more than 30 airports on Feb. 13. This event has been billed as the Worldwide Flight Attendant Day of Action . If your schedule allows, please make plans to stand with them that day. Pigs of the Week APA commends American Airlines’ hardworking aircraft maintenance technicians for their outstanding work. We believe they are the best in the business. When repetitive problems do arise, they’re often due to managerial decisions that fail to properly prioritize tasks and to management’s decision to outsource a significant portion of the airline’s maintenance to offshore, third-party repair stations. Since October, B737 aircraft 3HA has been written up 10 times and has been out of service eight times for an L2 door air leak. It was most recently signed off on Jan. 11. Since Jan. 1, A321 aircraft 579 has been written up and out of service four times for the left engine bleed air. It was most recently signed off on Jan. 6 and is restricted from all ETOPS. APA Welcomes Captains’ Leadership Class This is a new message from the APA Membership Committee. Click the image for a closer look. On Jan. 10, the APA Membership Committee hosted a casual dinner for the following pilots who were in Fort Worth for American Airlines’ Professionalism, Leadership, and Mentoring class: Thomas Ahonen, Manfred Arias, Peggy Cavanaugh, David Daugherty, Jeffrey Geeding, Lewis Gillett IV, Bogac Guney, Justin Holt, Francis Hoskin, Jared Johnson, Garrett Keaough, Kenneth Kovac, Stephen Lopez, Russell Mainor, Ryan Michon, Andrew Moore, Ronald Murtha Jr., John Owens, Carl Pachmayer, John Pavlock, Roland Redfield, John Rempe, Stephen Sims, Daniel Skelskey, Tami Smith, Aleksandar Stefoski, David Stroup, Christopher Tang, and Scott Watsey. APA Holiday Schedule APA headquarters, including Contract Administration, will be closed on Monday in observance of Martin Luther King Jr. Day. Contract Administration will be open from 0700 to 1900 Central on Saturday and Sunday. As always, your APA support team remains available 24/7. When Contract Administration is closed, calls will be forwarded to a phone service operated by Contract Compliance Committee and Flight Time/Duty Time Committee volunteers. Please note that call-back times may be longer than normal due to limited staffing. If your call is not urgent, we encourage you to wait until normal business hours resume. You may also want to consult the pilot volunteers on your domicile’s Contract Compliance Committee. Almost every domicile has one, and some of them have larger rosters than the national committee. Contact your local committee by visiting your domicile’s page on AlliedPilots.org and clicking the “Domicile Committee List” link. To reach a contract administrator, call APA HQ at 1-800-323-1470 and press Option 3. If you prefer to e-mail your question to the contract administrators, click here . For specific FAR 117/fatigue issues requiring immediate attention, you can also call the Emergency Help Line at 682-738-6670 manned 24/7 by Flight Time/Duty Time Committee volunteers. Domicile Events Visit AlliedPilots.org/Calendar to RSVP for any of these upcoming domicile events: BOS: Telephone Town Hall Meeting on Jan. 23 DCA: Washington Capitals game on Jan. 16; Contract Compliance training on Feb. 1; IMAX training on Feb. 2 DFW: Fort Worth Stock Show "> LAX: Domicile Meeting at SoFi Stadium on Feb. 7 LGA: Telephone Town Hall Meeting on Jan. 23; Winter Warmer event at the Cradle of Aviation Museum on Jan. 26 PHX: Domicile Meeting on Jan. 26 CLT Domicile Election Election Round ballots listing the following pilots in alphabetical order were mailed to all CLT members on Jan. 9: CLT Domicile Chair FO Russ Blackwell FO Erik Knauff CA Dan Scola They will be tallied on Jan. 31. The winner will serve as Interim CLT Domicile Chair through Oct. 31. If you have any questions, contact the APA Elections Department via 817-302-2175 or elections@alliedpilots.org . Week in Review Here are a few recent messages you may have missed. Secretary-Treasurer: Electronic Balloting in DCA and DFW Elections Information Technology Steering Committee: APA Pilot App Highlights Safety Committee: Safety: Off-Limits to Politics Military Affairs Committee: Military Affairs Update – China Widebody Flying Scheduling Committee: Vacation for Retiring Pilots Scheduling Committee: Vacation Bidding for Round 1 Closes Tomorrow Check Pilot and Negotiating Committees: Pay Calculator and Section 12 Implementation Communications Committee: Alaska Airlines Flight 1282 Are You Willing to Serve? Each of these national committees or subcommittees has the indicated number of vacancies: Aeromedical Committee (1) Disabled Pilot Awareness Subcommittee (3) Human Intervention Motivation Study Subcommittee (2) Pilot Occupational Health Subcommittee (2) Project Wingman Subcommittee (3) Captain’s Authority Committee (2) Communications Committee (0) National Communications Network (7) Grey Eagles Liaison Committee (1) Jumpseat/Non-Rev Committee (1) Retirement ">Scheduling Committee (5) Training Committee (3) Checkmate (1 on 777 and 1 on 320) If you would like to serve on one or more of these committees, visit the Member Engagement Portal . Professional Standards FAQs How long are terms for committee members? There is no set term. Due to the length of time it takes to train and release a volunteer to handle cases individually, we encourage a minimum one-year commitment. The current volunteer longevity average is seven years; some have been volunteering for more than 25 years. To read all of the FAQs, click here . Professional Standards’ 24/7 hotline: 817-402-2181 If You’re 50, Join The Grey Eagles Are you a pilot for American Airlines, at least age 50, active or retired? Please join The Grey Eagles for food, fun, and fellowship. We offer cruises, conventions, monthly luncheons, retirement dinners, professional mentoring, and assistance to surviving spouses – all for a one-time lifetime fee. FlightSafety Seeks New Instructors FlightSafety International is seeking experienced pilots to work as flight instructors at its Dallas North Learning Center at DFW. A hiring event has been scheduled from 1100 to 1700 Central on Feb. 1. Click here to register . Pilot Job Fairs and Future Pilot Seminars Future text-decoration: underline; background-color: transparent; transition: all 0.2s ease 0s; cursor: pointer; box-sizing: border-box;" target="_blank"> Click here for more information . Industry News For more about what’s happening in the industry, be sure to visit the Industry News page on AlliedPilots.org . Connect with Us: Facebook | Instagram | Twitter | TikTok | YouTube Contact Us: Phone - 817.302.2272 | Website - AlliedPilots.org
News Digest

If You’re on TDY, Let Compass be Your Guide

If You’re on TDY, Let Compass be Your Guide This is the latest in a series of articles highlighting the work done by APA’s national committees. Read the rest on our Armed With the Facts webpage. During our careers at American Airlines, many of us will change bases and equipment. Some will sit on reserve, and some will hold lines. We may also find ourselves doing TDY, either voluntarily or involuntary. With all the new changes in the contract, there is a lot to learn quickly if you find yourself awarded TDY. Our Compass Project Committee has an entire team of volunteers dedicated to just this topic, and they are here to help you as you plan for a month at a different base. “With the ratification of our new CBA, there have been numerous changes to policies and interpretations,” said FO Scott Newman, who maintains the Compass Project’s TDY Guide . “It’s our job to have the most current information available to the pilot group before TDY bidding opens each month.” He added that many pilots mistakenly assume the company will handle all the logistics for you. “If you are awarded TDY, you will need to schedule your travel. With the APA Pilot app, it is very simple to enter your deadheads to and from your home base.” FO Newman said it is important for pilots know what has changed regarding TDY as a result of the 2023 CBA. “Per diem is now a flat rate for the month,” he said. “No more having to calculate when the clock starts and stops, and it was different whether you were awarded versus assigned. Another change is regarding hotels. You now have the option to opt out of the company hotel in exchange for $2,000. Also you no longer have to make that decision when you bid. The company is giving pilots until the 13th of the month to decide on long layover, short layover, or the no-hotel option.” This gives pilots the flexibility to make TDY work for their personal needs and to make it as seamless as possible. The majority of our pilots are awarded TDY through proffer requests. However, some find themselves forced into TDY. FO Newman advises those pilots to visit the Compass Project page on AlliedPilots.org. The TDY Guide on that page has the most up-to-date information about TDY as well as frequently asked questions. The Compass Project Committee wants to make sure that our pilots are prepared for TDY if they find themselves temporarily assigned to a different base. As our pilots navigate the transition between TDY and home base, the Compass Project Committee is ready to assist and answer any questions our pilots have. If you’re still unsure about something after reviewing the TDY Guide, send an email to TDY@alliedpilots.org or call the Compass Hotline at 817-302-2401.
Communications Facts

APA News Digest: Jan. 5, 2024

APA News Digest Jan. 5, 2024 Editor’s note: Some links in this message will work best if you log in to AlliedPilots.org before clicking them. In This Edition ... APA President Hosts National Town Hall Compass Project Points Pilots in Right Direction “Positive Rate” Episode 20: Compass Project Committee YOUnion 301: Captains’ Development Seminar Report on Mental Health Highlights Project Wingman “You Get Our Attention When You Say People Might Get Killed” Jan. 12 Deadline: Ratification Bonus (LOA 23-002) and Your 401(k) Elections Participate in Concourse Conversations in January Hotel Committee: The Hotel Selection Process Professional Standards Committee: Deadhead Travel: FOM Prohibition on Alcohol Consumption Applies Contract Compliance Committee: Get Educated About Our New Contract Maintenance and Technical Analysis Committee: Pigs of the Week Membership Committee: APA Welcomes Captains’ Leadership Classes Domicile Events CLT Domicile Election DCA Domicile Election DFW Domicile Election Week in Review Are You Willing to Serve? Professional Standards FAQ If You’re 50, Join The Grey Eagles Pilot Job Fairs and Future Pilot Seminars APA President Hosts National Town Hall On Wednesday, APA President CA Ed Sicher hosted a national town hall, which included these briefings: Secretary-Treasurer FO Pat Clark on the union’s transition to electronic balloting. Grievance Resolution Committee Chair CA Sean Clarke on that committee’s ongoing efforts. Scheduling Committee Deputy Chair CA Andy Weingram on the status of trip trading. Joint Implementation Action Committee Chair FO Matt Stanley on implementation of the Collective Bargaining Agreement. The town hall also featured a wide-ranging question-and-answer session with members at large. Thanks to all who took the time to participate – your engagement is vital to APA’s success. If you missed the town hall, you can watch a recording of it at AlliedPilots.org/Videos . Compass Project Points Pilots in Right Direction This is the latest in a series of articles highlighting the work done by APA’s national committees. Read the rest on our  Armed With the Facts  webpage. When it comes to APA committees, there is one that nearly every new hire is familiar with. Not only is the Compass Project one of our largest committees, it’s also among the most necessary. The importance of this committee and what they provide for our pilots cannot be overstated. From their stockpile of documents to the one-on-one mentorship they provide, we can all agree that the pilots who volunteer for Compass are making a positive impact on all of us. Our Compass Mentors ensure that our new pilots learn how to navigate their new careers at American Airlines. As FO Josh Daneault says, “The main role of Compass Project Mentors is really summed up in our name: mentors. We are there for new hires, providing mentorship and a pathway to success for new hires through training.” The mentors assist our newest pilots with bidding for their monthly schedules or vacations, and they help find any of the documents a new hire may need in our system. “The biggest issue our new hires face is the amount of different systems needed to become familiar and proficient with flying at American,” FO Daneault says. “Beginning with TMS, and continuing on to finishing OE, becoming familiar with our Reserve system, looking at Open Time, understanding DOTC, TTS, TTS-RT, PBS, DECS and FOS, HI1s, 3s, and 5s, pay statements – the list really goes on and can become overwhelming. The team at Compass has put together great documentation to cover all of this, which is not only relevant to helping facilitate our new hires’ learning period but provides great reference material long after the first year.” Even after year one, there is so much we can learn, and the Compass Project is an asset we should all utilize. Click here to learn more . “Positive Rate” Episode 20: Compass Project Committee 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 . We welcome your feedback on this format. If you have a question or a comment, please send it to Communications Director Gregg Overman via goverman@alliedpilots.org . YOUnion 301: Captains’ Development Seminar The Compass Project and APA Vice President CA Chris Torres will host a 90-minute “YOUnion 301” meeting via Zoom at 1100 Central on Jan. 17. This “Captains’ Development Seminar” is intended to help new captains (and pilots who are about to upgrade) understand the possible hazards and resources of their new roles. Click here to register for the Jan. 17 seminar . Report on Mental Health Highlights Project Wingman CA Mike Doyle and FO Pete Gillespie talked to Scripps News about Project Wingman. In the wake of the October incident on a Horizon Air flight, news media outlets continue to focus on pilots’ mental health. This week, Scripps News aired a report that featured two Project Wingman volunteers . FO Pete Gillespie, the APA Aeromedical Committee’s Deputy Chair overseeing Project Wingman, said some pilots still have a hard time getting over the stigma attached to mental-health issues. “It’s in a pilot’s best interest to ‘not poke the bear,’” he said. “You know, a pilot almost doesn’t want to know what they have, because they inherently don’t want to deal with the FAA side of that equation.” CA Mike Doyle said he got involved as a Project Wingman volunteer after receiving so much support from his peers while dealing with his young daughter’s illness. “There became a need for me and a desire to pay it back,” he said. The Scripps News report also featured National Transportation Safety Board Chair Jennifer Homendy, who said not all pilots are able to benefit from programs like Project Wingman. “That doesn’t exist everywhere in the aviation industry,” she said. “There’s an entire group of general aviation pilots and others that don’t have access to peer-to-peer training programs.” “You Get Our Attention When You Say People Might Get Killed” In late December, Boeing petitioned the FAA for an exemption from key safety standards for the 737 MAX 7’s engine anti-ice system due to a defect with potentially catastrophic consequences. APA Communications Committee Chair CA Dennis Tajer said the pilot procedure the FAA approved as an interim solution is inadequate given the serious potential danger. “You get our attention when you say people might get killed,” he told The Seattle Times . “We’re not interested in seeing exemptions and accommodations that depend on human memory.” Read more from the Times : “ Boeing wants FAA to exempt MAX 7 from safety rules to get it in the air ” Jan. 12 Deadline: Ratification Bonus (LOA 23-002) and Your 401(k) Elections This article originally appeared in last week’s edition. The second installment of the Ratification Bonus (RB2) is on track for payment no later than Jan. 24. This bonus will include 17% Company non-elective contributions. The deadline for modifying your 401(k) employee and/or employer contributions on Fidelity NetBenefits is 1500 Central on Jan. 12. If you do not make any changes to your special election 401(k) contribution percentages before then, your existing special election percentages on file at Fidelity will be applied to your lump sum cash payout. If you have not done so already, we recommend consulting with your financial planner and tax advisor to make any desired adjustments. One of the more frequent questions the APA Retirement and Benefits Committee receives is how various Internal Revenue Code regulatory limits interrelate to affect pilots’ 401(k) personal planning. Click here for an explanation of how the 2024 limits can assist with your 401(k) planning. As American Airlines highlighted in its recent update on this topic , the IRS limits the amount of compensation that is eligible for 401(k) contributions. The compensation limit for 2024 is $345,000. Once an individual receives $345,000 in eligible compensation during the year, no further employee or employer contributions can be made to your 401(k) account. Participate in Concourse Conversations in January This is an updated version of an article that originally appeared in last week’s edition. MIA Chair CA Thomas Copeland and MIA Vice Chair CA Anne Witcher talked to pilots on Thursday. APA’s National Communications Network is hosting four editions of Concourse Conversations in January. On Thursday, they were at MIA along with Domicile Chair CA Thomas Copeland and Domicile Vice Chair CA Anne Witcher. Here is the rest of the schedule: DFW on Jan. 9 from 0800 to 1500, across from C24 next to Pinkberry JFK on Jan. 11 from 1500 to 2100, near the elevators by Starbucks LGA on Jan. 12 from 0500 to 1200, at the bottom of the escalators in the AA terminal These volunteers, along with your National Officers and Domicile Officers, will be in the terminals to gather feedback from the pilot group. They look forward to meeting with as many pilots as possible. If you’re scheduled to be at one of these airports on the listed dates, please take a few minutes to stop by and talk. The Hotel Selection Process This is a new message from the APA Hotel Committee. We often get questions such as “Why aren’t we at that nice hotel across the street?” or “How did we end up in this hotel?” To offer transparency, we wanted to explain the process. A lot of effort goes into the company securing a contract with a hotel in a market. American Airlines has a department that handles all the markets we lay over in, and they break up the markets among five hotel specialists. Those specialists are the ones who source the market and are responsible for securing contracts with the hotels. A contract between AA and a hotel typically lasts two years. As contracts are nearing expiration, AA must source the market again and select new hotels or chose to renew with the incumbent property. About four months before needing a new contract, the AA specialist will reach out to APA and APFA to see if we are interested in renewing with the incumbent or resourcing the market. Sometimes, we are not given a choice – the market must be resourced due to a vast rate increase or because the hotel is not interested in renewing. In these cases, the market specialist will send out requests for bids to other hotels, and APA will also request to add additional hotels to the sourcing we feel would be good for our membership. Often, more than 30 hotels are sourced for one market. Unfortunately, hotels often do not respond to the requests for bids or say they are not interested in crew business. Click here to find out why . Deadhead Travel: FOM Prohibition on Alcohol Consumption Applies This is a new message from the APA Professional Standards Committee. Your APA Professional Standards Committee would like to remind you that the FOM prohibits consumption of alcoholic beverages while on duty, which includes deadhead travel to and from work. Also, a pilot traveling nonrev cannot occupy the jumpseat if they consumed any alcohol in the terminal before the flight. Please reference FOM 20.6. New contract provisions provide upgrades to pilots traveling on A-1 and A-3 listings. Although alcoholic beverages are an amenity in business- and first-class seats, the restrictions of the FOM nevertheless apply. With that in mind, please be sure to remain in compliance with the FOM while traveling to and from training. Get Educated About Our New Contract This is a repeated message from the APA Contract Compliance Committee. The Contract Compliance Committee wants to do everything we can to ensure that all APA members are well acquainted with the 2023 Collective Bargaining Agreement. Join us on Jan. 11 in LAX for a full day of training on the new CBA. This training will be conducted in hybrid fashion, with members welcome to participate in person or virtually via Zoom. Please take a few moments before the training to familiarize yourself with the Electronic Document Index . You must be logged in to AlliedPilots.org for the links to be accessible. This Index connects you to a vast array of APA documents that we will reference. It is equally useful in the daily operation as a line pilot, so we recommend you retain the Index for future reference. During the training, it may be helpful to have two screens; one to run Zoom and one to reference these documents. Jan. 11 in LAX: Click here to RSVP for in-person attendance . Jan. 11 via Zoom: Click here to register . Help us help you! The Contract Compliance Committee’s goal is for you – the membership – to be informed, educated, and knowledgeable. Every single pilot should strive to be a contract expert or, at the very least, strive for continued learning and engagement. Knowledge is power, and it will assist you in employing and being a watchdog of your negotiated work rules. Pigs of the Week APA commends American Airlines’ hardworking aircraft maintenance technicians for their outstanding work. We believe they are the best in the business. When repetitive problems do arise, they’re often due to managerial decisions that fail to properly prioritize tasks and to management’s decision to outsource a significant portion of the airline’s maintenance to offshore, third-party repair stations. In the last month, B737 aircraft 3AW ’s cabin temperature control has been written up nine times and has been out of service five times. It was most recently signed off on Jan. 5. UPDATE: After more than three years in storage, B737 aircraft 3AM returned to service in mid-October. It has been written up 25 times, been on MEL eight times, and been out of service nine times for the aft cabin temperature being uncontrollable. It most recently returned to service on Jan. 5 and is restricted to Class 1 maintenance stations. APA Welcomes Captains’ Leadership Class This is a new message from the APA Membership Committee. Click the image for a closer look. On Jan. 3, the APA Membership Committee hosted a casual dinner for the following pilots who were in Fort Worth for American Airlines’ Professionalism, Leadership, and Mentoring class: Thomas Addison, Paul Ascher, Jason Baker, Jonathan Birdwell, Michael Bixler, Randall Black, Gary Bowles, Brian Campbell, Joel Chambers, Michael Costas, Michael Cranston, Sean Creech, Michael DeWalt, George Goldthwaite, Jeffrey Gordon, Cole Hatch, Benjamin Holland, James Howell, Marshall Huisman, Cassandra Johnson, Adam Jolly, Gerardo Juarez, Jon Kalberer, James Loewen, Jonathan Norman, Wayne Oetinger, Kenneth Orr II, Mark Pebler, Lex Ramsey, George Reazer, Samuel Ross, Robert Senft, Laurin Siivonen-Rowand, Tom Ten Haken, Timothy Wagner, Jonathan Walker, Jacob Wingers, Brian Wood, Tanya Woodall, Jeffrey Yeaton, and Bradley Zimmerman. Domicile Events Visit AlliedPilots.org/Calendar to RSVP for any of these upcoming domicile events: BOS: Telephone Town Hall Meeting on Jan. 23 DCA: Washington Capitals game on Jan. 16; Contract Compliance training on Feb. 1 DFW: AUS Family Awareness dinner on Jan. 11; Fort Worth Stock Show "> LAX: SAN Family Awareness lunch on Jan. 9; IMAX training on Jan. 10; Contract Compliance training on Jan. 11; Domicile Meeting at SoFi Stadium on Feb. 7 LGA: Telephone Town Hall Meeting on Jan. 23; Winter Warmer event at the Cradle of Aviation Museum on Jan. 26 PHX: Domicile Meeting on Jan. 26 CLT Domicile Election Election Round ballots listing the following pilots in alphabetical order will be mailed to all CLT members on Jan. 9 and tallied on Jan. 31: CLT Domicile Chair FO Russ Blackwell FO Erik Knauff CA Dan Scola The winner will serve as Interim CLT Domicile Chair through Oct. 31. If you have any questions, contact the APA Elections Department via 817-302-2175 or elections@alliedpilots.org . DCA Domicile Election The following individuals have been placed into consideration for nomination and have indicated a willingness to serve, if elected. In alphabetical order, they are: DCA Domicile Chair FO Brandon Lightly FO Chris Wachter DCA Domicile Vice Chair CA Timothy Doreen Jr. FO Thomas Lawler CA Aaron Webb The candidates’ resumes will be emailed to DCA members on Feb. 6, when they will also be posted on the Elections page on AlliedPilots.org. Election Round voting will begin at 0100 Eastern on March 13 and end at 1300 Eastern on April 2. If necessary, Runoff Round voting would begin at 0100 Eastern on April 10 and end at 1300 Eastern on April 30. The winners will begin their two-year terms on May 1. If you have any questions, contact the APA Elections Department via 817-302-2175 or elections@alliedpilots.org . DFW Domicile Election The following individuals have been placed into consideration for nomination and have indicated a willingness to serve, if elected. In alphabetical order, they are: DFW Domicile Chair CA Drew Coleman CA William Coogan CA Bradley Donner CA James Magee CA Kenneth Marczak CA Steven Pacheco CA Jon Sherrell CA Brian Smith DFW Domicile Vice Chair CA Drew Coleman CA William Coogan CA Bradley Donner FO Julio Gomez FO Jason Gustin CA James Magee CA Kenneth Marczak CA Andrew O’Hara CA Steven Pacheco CA Brian Smith The candidates’ resumes will be emailed to DFW members on Feb. 6, when they will also be posted on the Elections page on AlliedPilots.org. When there are four or more candidates for a single position, the APA Constitution and Bylaws call for a Nomination Round that narrows the field to three. Nomination Round voting will begin at 0000 Central on Feb. 10 and end at 1200 Central on March 1. Election Round voting will begin at 0000 Central on March 13 and end at 1200 Central on April 2. If necessary, Runoff Round voting would begin at 0000 Central on April 10 and end at 1200 Central on April 30. The winners will begin their two-year terms on May 1. If you have any questions, contact the APA Elections Department via 817-302-2175 or elections@alliedpilots.org . Week in Review Here are a few recent messages you may have missed. Scheduling Committee: Vacation Bidding for 2024-2025 is Open Communications Committee: Seniority Merger and Retirement Transition (SMART) Ad Hoc Committee Communications Committee: Accident at Tokyo Haneda Airport Family Awareness Committee: Chiefs Watching Party on Jan. 7  Are You Willing to Serve? Each of these national committees or subcommittees has the indicated number of vacancies: Aeromedical Committee (1) Disabled Pilot Awareness Subcommittee (3) Human Intervention Motivation Study Subcommittee (2) Pilot Occupational Health Subcommittee (2) Project Wingman Subcommittee (3) Captain’s Authority Committee (2) Communications Committee (0) National Communications Network (7) Grey Eagles Liaison Committee (1) Jumpseat/Non-Rev Committee (1) Retirement ">Scheduling Committee (5) Training Committee (3) Checkmate (1 on 777 and 1 on 320) If you would like to serve on one or more of these committees, visit the Member Engagement Portal . Professional Standards FAQs Can a previous, resolved submission to Professional Standards be referenced in a future action? No. A resolved issue cannot be used to support other disciplinary actions. An agreement exists with management that Professional Standards referrals are never part of an employee’s permanent record. Professional Standards volunteers will never be asked to relate any case information in the employee discipline process. Confidentiality rules apply to management also. Once an issue is released to the Professional Standards program, it is as if management “forgets“ the issue ever occurred. To read all of the FAQs, click here . Professional Standards’ 24/7 hotline: 817-402-2181 If You’re 50, Join The Grey Eagles Are you a pilot for American Airlines, at least age 50, active or retired? Please join The Grey Eagles for food, fun, and fellowship. We offer cruises, conventions, monthly luncheons, retirement dinners, professional mentoring, and assistance to surviving spouses – all for a one-time lifetime fee. Pilot Job Fairs and Future Pilot Seminars Future text-decoration: underline; background-color: transparent; transition: all 0.2s ease 0s; cursor: pointer; box-sizing: border-box;" target="_blank"> Click here for more information . Industry News For more about what’s happening in the industry, be sure to visit the Industry News page on AlliedPilots.org . Connect with Us: Facebook | Instagram | Twitter | TikTok | YouTube Contact Us: Phone - 817.302.2272 | Website - AlliedPilots.org
News Digest

Compass Project Points Pilots in Right Direction

Compass Project Points Pilots in Right Direction This is the latest in a series of articles highlighting the work done by APA’s national committees. Read the rest on our Armed With the Facts webpage. When it comes to APA committees, there is one that nearly every new hire is familiar with. Not only is the Compass Project one of our largest committees, it’s also among the most necessary. The importance of this committee and what they provide for our pilots cannot be overstated. From their stockpile of documents to the one-on-one mentorship they provide, we can all agree that the pilots who volunteer for Compass are making a positive impact on all of us. Our Compass Mentors ensure that our new pilots learn how to navigate their new careers at American Airlines. As FO Josh Daneault says, “The main role of Compass Project Mentors is really summed up in our name: mentors. We are there for new hires, providing mentorship and a pathway to success for new hires through training.” The mentors assist our newest pilots with bidding for their monthly schedules or vacations, and they help find any of the documents a new hire may need in our system. “The biggest issue our new hires face is the amount of different systems needed to become familiar and proficient with flying at American,” FO Daneault says. “Beginning with TMS, and continuing on to finishing OE, becoming familiar with our Reserve system, looking at Open Time, understanding DOTC, TTS, TTS-RT, PBS, DECS and FOS, HI1s, 3s, and 5s, pay statements – the list really goes on and can become overwhelming. The team at Compass has put together great documentation to cover all of this, which is not only relevant to helping facilitate our new hires’ learning period but provides great reference material long after the first year.” Even after year one, there is so much we can learn, and the Compass Project is an asset we should all utilize. Understanding what our union provides the membership is pivotal to a successful career. Another program that is provided is YOUnion 101. YOUnion 101 is about educating all pilots on all aspects of APA membership, and the benefits APA provides YOU. Compass is in place to ensure the success for each pilot as they navigate through different times in their career. The committee is about to offer its first YOUnion 301 seminar for new captains. FO Benixavier Perez, who is a documentation specialist for Compass, said the compilation of documents is the committee’s bread and butter. This is where pilots go when they have questions about anything. But the documents aren’t the only thing that Compass offers. Thanks to the committee’s roster of experts in different niches, our pilots can get the answers to just about anything related to this job. “Like a compass, it will always be there to guide you. Compass will grow, evolve, and learn as people, contracts, and the pilot group changes,” FO Daneault says. “We’re always here to provide reliable knowledge, references, and support to not only new hires, but we’re committed to ensuring ALL of our pilots can always find a way back to a ‘true north,’ so to speak. It is so important to us as volunteers that our pilots know we are here for them from the day they set foot on property to well into their retirement.” The Compass Project Committee is the go-to source when pilots need answers. As such, the committee is always looking for new volunteers. If you are interested, please send them an email: compassproject@alliedpilots.org .
Communications Facts

HND Accident

Accident at Tokyo Haneda Airport APA extends its heartfelt condolences to the families and friends of the five crew members who died on board a Japan Coast Guard Dash-8 that collided with Japan Airlines Flight 516 at HND on Tuesday. We also commend the outstanding response by the crew and ground personnel for safely evacuating all 379 passengers and crew on board the JAL A350, and we are hopeful for a full recovery by those who sustained injuries. APA stands ready to assist any APA member who has been affected by this tragic accident, and we extend that same offer of assistance to the broader aviation community. We look forward to learning all we can from what happened at HND to prevent any recurrence. APA’s robust team of safety subject-matter experts remains committed to preserving and enhancing the margin of safety throughout commercial aviation.
Communications Public News

APA News Digest: Dec. 29, 2023

APA News Digest Dec. 29, 2023 Editor’s note: Some links in this message will work best if you log in to AlliedPilots.org before clicking them. In This Edition ... “Positive Rate” Episode 19: APA Vice President CA Chris Torres Jan. 12 Deadline: Ratification Bonus (LOA 23-002) and Your 401(k) Elections National Town Hall Meeting Set for Jan. 3 Participate in Concourse Conversations in January APA Holiday Schedule Contract Compliance Committee: Get Educated About Our New Contract Maintenance and Technical Analysis Committee: Pig of the Week Membership Committee: APA Welcomes Captains’ Leadership Classes Domicile Events Domicile Elections Week in Review Are You Willing to Serve? Professional Standards FAQ If You’re 50, Join The Grey Eagles Pilot Job Fairs and Future Pilot Seminars “Positive Rate” Episode 19: APA Vice President CA Chris Torres 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. 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 goverman@alliedpilots.org . Jan. 12 Deadline: Ratification Bonus (LOA 23-002) and Your 401(k) Elections The Company has confirmed that the second installment of the Ratification Bonus (RB2) will be paid on Jan. 24 by day’s end. This bonus will include 17% Company non-elective contributions. The deadline for modifying your 401(k) employee and/or employer contributions on Fidelity NetBenefits is 1500 Central on Jan. 12. If you do not make any changes to your special election 401(k) contribution percentages before then, your existing special election percentages on file at Fidelity will be applied to your lump sum cash payout. If you have not done so already, we recommend consulting with your financial planner and tax advisor to make any desired adjustments. One of the more frequent questions the APA Retirement and Benefits Committee receives is how various Internal Revenue Code regulatory limits interrelate to affect pilots’ 401(k) personal planning. Click here for an explanation of how the 2024 limits can assist with your 401(k) planning. As American Airlines highlighted in its recent update on this topic , the IRS limits the amount of compensation that is eligible for 401(k) contributions. The compensation limit for 2024 is $345,000. Once an individual receives $345,000 in eligible compensation during the year, no further employee or employer contributions can be made to your 401(k) account. National Town Hall Meeting Set for Jan. 3 The APA Communications Committee sent the following message to all members on Thursday. Your APA National Officers will host a National Town Hall Meeting via Zoom at 1600 Central on Wednesday, Jan. 3. Click here to register for the Jan. 3 meeting . The following committees will be among the presenters: The Grievance Resolution Committee will provide a summary of the recent grievance caucus that resolved nearly 50 grievances worth more than $800,000. The Negotiating Committee and Joint Implementation Action Committee will provide an update on Collective Bargaining Agreement implementation. The Scheduling Committee will provide an update on efforts to improve TTS functionality. For those unable to participate live, we plan to upload a recording of the town hall to AlliedPilots.org/Videos after the meeting. If your schedule permits, we strongly encourage you to make plans now to join us on Wednesday afternoon. As the outcome of our Section 6 negotiations so clearly demonstrated, membership engagement is critical to our success as a pilot group. Participate in Concourse Conversations in January FO Jimmy Deragisch, FO Howard Kwon, and FO John Fisher of the National Communications Network APA’s National Communications Network will host four editions of Concourse Conversation in January. MIA on Jan. 4 from 0800 to 1600, by La Caretta and D38 DFW on Jan. 9 from 0800 to 1500, across from C24 next to Pinkberry JFK on Jan. 11 from 1500 to 2100, near the elevators by Starbucks LGA on Jan. 12 from 0500 to 1200, at the bottom of the escalators in the AA terminal These volunteers, along with your National Officers and Domicile Officers, will be in the terminals to gather feedback from the pilot group. They look forward to meeting with as many pilots as possible. If you’re scheduled to be at one of these airports on the listed dates, please take a few minutes to stop by and talk. APA Holiday Schedule APA headquarters, including Contract Administration, will be closed on New Year’ Day. Contract Administration will be open from 0700 to 1900 Central on Saturday and from 0700 to 1700 Central on New Year’ Eve. As always, your APA support team remains available 24/7. When Contract Administration is closed, calls will be forwarded to a phone service operated by Contract Compliance Committee and Flight Time/Duty Time Committee volunteers. Please note that call-back times may be longer than normal due to limited staffing. If your call is not urgent, we encourage you to wait until normal business hours resume. You may also want to consult the pilot volunteers on your domicile’s Contract Compliance Committee. Almost every domicile has one, and some of them have larger rosters than the national committee. Contact your local committee by visiting your domicile’s page on AlliedPilots.org and clicking the “Domicile Committee List” link. To reach a contract administrator, call APA HQ at 1-800-323-1470 and press Option 3. If you prefer to e-mail your question to the contract administrators, click here . For specific FAR 117/fatigue issues requiring immediate attention, you can also call the Emergency Help Line at 682-738-6670 manned 24/7 by Flight Time/Duty Time Committee volunteers. Get Educated About Our New Contract This is a repeated message from the APA Contract Compliance Committee. The Contract Compliance Committee wants to do everything we can to ensure that all APA members are well acquainted with the 2023 Collective Bargaining Agreement. Join us on Jan. 11 in LAX for a full day of training on the new CBA. This training will be conducted in hybrid fashion, with members welcome to participate in person or virtually via Zoom. Please take a few moments before the training to familiarize yourself with the Electronic Document Index . You must be logged in to AlliedPilots.org for the links to be accessible. This Index connects you to a vast array of APA documents that we will reference. It is equally useful in the daily operation as a line pilot, so we recommend you retain the Index for future reference. During the training, it may be helpful to have two screens; one to run Zoom and one to reference these documents. Jan. 11 in LAX: Click here to RSVP for in-person attendance . Jan. 11 via Zoom: Click here to register . Help us help you! The Contract Compliance Committee’s goal is for you – the membership – to be informed, educated, and knowledgeable. Every single pilot should strive to be a contract expert or, at the very least, strive for continued learning and engagement. Knowledge is power, and it will assist you in employing and being a watchdog of your negotiated work rules. Pig of the Week APA commends American Airlines’ hardworking aircraft maintenance technicians for their outstanding work. We believe they are the best in the business. When repetitive problems do arise, they’re often due to managerial decisions that fail to properly prioritize tasks and to management’s decision to outsource a significant portion of the airline’s maintenance to offshore, third-party repair stations. Since September, B737 aircraft 3HW has been written up eight times for “all lavatories will not flush.” It has been out of service eight times for the same reason. It was recently operated under a special flight permit to a maintenance base for repairs, where it remained out of service at the time of this writing. It is restricted to Class 1 maintenance stations. APA Welcomes Captains’ Leadership Class This is a new message from the APA Membership Committee. Click the image for a closer look. On Dec. 27, the APA Membership Committee hosted a casual dinner for the following pilots who were in Fort Worth for American Airlines’ Professionalism, Leadership, and Mentoring class: Robert Anderson, Stephen Anim, Brandon Chaloupka, Jeffrey Davis, Ryan Fletcher, Matthew Hall, Derrick Harris, Daniel Helberg, Jonathan Hudson, Erwin Jocson, Brian Lee Jr., Arthur Lotz, Steven Monteiro, Brigido Natera, Steven Schulze, Sergio Taborda, Andre Turner, and Russell Vanhoozer. Domicile Events Click the image for a closer look. A group of pilots who are based at BOS or reside in New England – or both – gathered at Hill Street Cemetery in Hampton, N.H., on Dec. 16 for a Wreaths Across America ceremony. Other BOS pilots and their families laid wreaths at the Massachusetts National Cemetery in Bourne. APA members participated in Wreaths Across America ceremonies in cemeteries near all 10 of our domicile cities, plus BNA and STL. You can see more photos on APA’s Facebook page. Visit AlliedPilots.org/Calendar to RSVP for any of these upcoming domicile events: BOS: Telephone Town Hall Meeting on Jan. 23 DCA: Washington Capitals game on Jan. 16; Contract Compliance training on Feb. 1 DFW: Fort Worth Stock Show "> LAX: IMAX training on Jan. 10; Contract Compliance training on Jan. 11 LGA: Telephone Town Hall Meeting on Jan. 23; Winter Warmer event at the Cradle of Aviation Museum on Jan. 26 PHX: Domicile Meeting on Jan. 26 Domicile Elections Election Round ballots listing the following pilots will be mailed to all CLT members on Jan. 9 and tallied on Jan. 31: CLT Domicile Chair FO Russ Blackwell FO Erik Knauff CA Dan Scola The winner will serve as Interim CLT Domicile Chair through Oct. 31. The deadline to submit pilots’ names for the regularly scheduled DCA and DFW Domicile Elections was 0001 Central on Dec. 26. Pilots whose names were submitted have until 0001 Central on Jan. 2 to confirm that they are seeking nomination. Nomination Round voting will begin at 0000 Central on Feb. 10 and end at 1200 Central on March 1. If you have any questions, contact the APA Elections Department via 817-302-2175 or elections@alliedpilots.org . Week in Review Here are a few recent messages you may have missed. Negotiating Committee: Updates on Reserve Reschedule and Sit Time Benefits Review and Appeals Board: Current Status of PMA and POD  Are You Willing to Serve? Each of these national committees or subcommittees has the indicated number of vacancies: Aeromedical Committee (1) Disabled Pilot Awareness Subcommittee (3) Human Intervention Motivation Study Subcommittee (2) Pilot Occupational Health Subcommittee (2) Project Wingman Subcommittee (3) Captain’s Authority Committee (2) Communications Committee (0) National Communications Network (7) Grey Eagles Liaison Committee (1) Hotel Committee (3) Jumpseat/Non-Rev Committee (1) Retirement ">Scheduling Committee (5) Training Committee (3) Checkmate (1 on 777 and 1 on 320) If you would like to serve on one or more of these committees, visit the Member Engagement Portal . Professional Standards FAQs Since the program is voluntary, can a person choose not to be a part of the program? The Professional Standards Program is completely voluntary. If you are approached by a committee volunteer, it is your choice whether to participate. However, please remember the choice to not participate may lead to the company resolving the issue at their sole discretion. To read all of the FAQs, click here . Professional Standards’ 24/7 hotline: 817-402-2181 If You’re 50, Join The Grey Eagles Are you a pilot for American Airlines, at least age 50, active or retired? Please join The Grey Eagles for food, fun, and fellowship. We offer cruises, conventions, monthly luncheons, retirement dinners, professional mentoring, and assistance to surviving spouses – all for a one-time lifetime fee. Pilot Job Fairs and Future Pilot Seminars Future text-decoration: underline; background-color: transparent; transition: all 0.2s ease 0s; cursor: pointer; box-sizing: border-box;" target="_blank"> Click here for more information . Industry News For more about what’s happening in the industry, be sure to visit the Industry News page on AlliedPilots.org . Connect with Us: Facebook | Instagram | Twitter | TikTok | YouTube Contact Us: Phone - 817.302.2272 | Website - AlliedPilots.org
News Digest

APA News Digest: Dec. 22, 2023

APA News Digest Dec. 22, 2023 Editor’s note: Some links in this message will work best if you log in to AlliedPilots.org before clicking them. In This Edition ... Merry Christmas and Happy New Year Armed With the Facts Global Grievance Caucus Update: Returning More than $800,000.00 to APA Members National Town Hall Meeting Set for Jan. 3 Southwest Pilots to Vote on Tentative Agreement FAA Expected to Name Mental Health Panel APA Holiday Schedule Flight Time/Duty Time Committee: Let Us Review Your Fatigue Narrative Hotel Committee: Hotel Survey is Available Again Contract Compliance Committee: Get Educated About Our New Contract Maintenance and Technical Analysis Committee: Pig of the Week Membership Committee: APA Welcomes Captains’ Leadership Classes Domicile Events Domicile Elections Week in Review Are You Willing to Serve? Professional Standards FAQ Sharing the Holiday Spirit with Christmas Epaulets If You’re 50, Join The Grey Eagles Pilot Job Fairs and Future Pilot Seminars Merry Christmas and Happy New Year This is a new message from APA President CA Ed Sicher. APA Pilots, On behalf of my fellow APA National Officers, I would like to wish you and your loved ones the very best for the coming year. As we look toward 2024, APA remains committed to protecting and advancing your interests in everything we do, including preserving and enhancing the margin of safety, timely and correct implementation of our Collective Bargaining Agreement, ensuring you get the training you need, and expediting your return to the cockpit following a medical-related absence. During this often-hectic time of year, please keep in mind the many member support services your union provides and do not hesitate to contact us for assistance. APA’s dedicated team of subject-matter experts is here for you 24/7. Stay safe, watch out for one another, and remember – we are all in this together . As the outcome of our Section 6 negotiations so aptly demonstrated, membership unity is a potent force for good. In closing, thank you for the opportunity to serve as APA President. It is one of the great honors of my life. All the best, Ed Armed With The Facts Make sure you are fully armed with the facts regarding APA and the value it provides to our members, and why any move to change representation would be a mistake. The Armed With The Facts webpage, readily accessible via the AlliedPilots.org member home page, features helpful background material posted on Nov. 28, Dec. 12, and Dec. 20 regarding the advantages of APA representation. Be sure to visit the page regularly for the latest updates, and also be sure to check out the latest video: Global Grievance Caucus Update: Returning More than $800,000.00 to APA Members This is a new message from APA Legal. APA President CA Ed Sicher, Vice President CA Chris Torres, members of the Grievance Resolution Committee, and APA Legal met with management this week to continue discussing some of the pending Presidential Grievances and Domicile Grievances. The parties were able to reach resolution on approximately 50 grievances, which will return more than $800,000.00 to the affected pilots. APA Legal will email the affected pilots with an update regarding the outcome of each grievance next week and APA will provide additional details on the caucus in the coming days. This was a good way to wrap up 2023 and we are looking forward to continued discussions of the remaining Presidential Grievances in January 2024. National Town Hall Meeting Set for Jan. 3 Your National Officers will host a National Town Hall Meeting via Zoom at 1600 Central on Wednesday, Jan. 3. Click here to register for the Jan. 3 meeting . Email  townhall@alliedpilots.org to submit your questions in advance – the deadline for submitting questions is 2359 Central on Jan. 2. Pre-submitted questions will be addressed during the call, with live questions taken as time permits. For those unable to participate live, we plan to upload a recording of the town hall to  AlliedPilots.org/Videos after the meeting. Southwest Pilots to Vote on Tentative Agreement The Southwest Airlines Pilots Association Board of Directors voted on Wednesday to send a Tentative Agreement to its membership for consideration. “We know that the last few years have been difficult for our pilots as well as our customers, but we believe that this TA rewards our pilots as well as improving reliability for our passengers,” SWAPA President Captain Casey Murray said in a press release . Ratification voting will open on Jan. 8 and conclude on Jan. 22. Meanwhile, the American Airlines passenger service agents represented by the CWA-IBT Association began voting on a TA on Thursday. Their voting period will end on Jan. 8. FAA Expected to Name Mental Health Panel Before December ends, the FAA is expected to appoint aviation and medical experts to a committee that will study the mental health of pilots and air traffic controllers and make recommendations. “We’ve got to make sure that when the FAA gets these recommendations, they actually institute them,” APA Communications Committee Chair CA Dennis Tajer told Fox News . “Don’t cherry-pick.” APA Holiday Schedule APA headquarters, including Contract Administration, will be closed on Christmas Day. Contract Administration will be open from 0700 to 1900 Central on Saturday and from 0700 to 1700 Central on Christmas Eve. As always, your APA support team remains available 24/7. When Contract Administration is closed, calls will be forwarded to a phone service operated by Contract Compliance Committee and Flight Time/Duty Time Committee volunteers. Please note that call-back times may be longer than normal due to limited staffing. If your call is not urgent, we encourage you to wait until normal business hours resume. You may also want to consult the pilot volunteers on your domicile’s Contract Compliance Committee. Almost every domicile has one, and some of them have larger rosters than the national committee. Contact your local committee by visiting your domicile’s page on AlliedPilots.org and clicking the “Domicile Committee List” link. To reach a contract administrator, call APA HQ at 1-800-323-1470 and press Option 3. If you prefer to e-mail your question to the contract administrators, click here . For specific FAR 117/fatigue issues requiring immediate attention, you can also call the Emergency Help Line at 682-738-6670 manned 24/7 by Flight Time/Duty Time Committee volunteers. Let Us Review Your Fatigue Narrative This is a new message from the APA Flight Time/Duty Time Committee. If you have a fatigue event, we recommend you send your draft narrative to us prior to submitting through the reporting system. The report should be sent to fatigue@alliedpilots.org , as that is the only email address that will route your draft to the appropriate reviewers. Thanks for sending us your drafts. We are usually able to reply within a few hours if you use that email address. Hotel Survey is Available Again This is a new message from the APA Hotel Committee. Make sure you have downloaded the new APA Pilot app to your smartphone or AA iPad. Once you have done so, the Hotel Survey should automatically appear on your device after your layover, approximately one hour prior to departure. If the survey is not completed then, it will be stored in your APA Pilot app inbox to fill out later. This survey is one of the most important items each pilot can complete to improve layovers. With the survey data on hotels and transportation, your Hotel Committee can address problems you are facing on your layovers. That data has helped us get out of RED/unsuitable hotels and has also facilitated us in keeping some great hotels even though hotel rates were rising. Since March 2017, your Hotel Committee has collected data from the Hotel Survey. The old version of “green, yellow, red” served its purpose, but we now need more concise data. The new survey gives us details on multiple categories of your layover, including climate control, noise, food options, location, safety, fatigue, etc. Transportation pickup and return each have one question with the option to select your experience as great, +15-minute wait, no show, “walked” to a different hotel, etc. This more-detailed survey lets us drill down deeper, identify issues, and allows us to find resolution. As an example, recent survey data showed a consistent problem with the LAX Renaissance hotel shuttle, which we addressed with the AA Hotel Contracts department. There is now third-party transportation provided to help pilots start their layovers and get pilots back to the airport on time. Thanks to all of you who took the time highlight the problem via the survey. If you have any problems with the Hotel Survey, send an email to hotel.chair@alliedpilots.org . For more information, see the QRH – Quick Reference Hotels document, which should answer 99 percent of all hotel and transportation questions while providing helpful solutions. Suggestion: Download this QRH document to your AA iPad for easy access in the future. Get Educated About Our New Contract This is a repeated message from the APA Contract Compliance Committee. The Contract Compliance Committee wants to do everything we can to ensure that all APA members are well acquainted with the 2023 Collective Bargaining Agreement. Join us on Jan. 11 in LAX for a full day of training on the new CBA. This training will be conducted in hybrid fashion, with members welcome to participate in person or virtually via Zoom. Please take a few moments before the training to familiarize yourself with the Electronic Document Index . You must be logged in to AlliedPilots.org for the links to be accessible. This Index connects you to a vast array of APA documents that we will reference. It is equally useful in the daily operation as a line pilot, so we recommend you retain the Index for future reference. During the training, it may be helpful to have two screens; one to run Zoom and one to reference these documents. Jan. 11 in LAX: Click here to RSVP for in-person attendance . Jan. 11 via Zoom: Click here to register . Help us help you! The Contract Compliance Committee’s goal is for you – the membership – to be informed, educated, and knowledgeable. Every single pilot should strive to be a contract expert or, at the very least, strive for continued learning and engagement. Knowledge is power, and it will assist you in employing and being a watchdog of your negotiated work rules. Pig of the Week APA commends American Airlines’ hardworking aircraft maintenance technicians for their outstanding work. We believe they are the best in the business. When repetitive problems do arise, they’re often due to managerial decisions that fail to properly prioritize tasks and to management’s decision to outsource a significant portion of the airline’s maintenance to offshore, third-party repair stations. After reactivation following more than three years in storage, B737 aircraft 3AM was returned to service in mid-October. Since then, it has been written up 20 times, been on MEL six times, and out of service eight times for the aft cabin temperature being uncontrollable. It was last signed off on Dec. 20 and is currently restricted to Class 1 maintenance stations. APA Welcomes Captains’ Leadership Class This is a new message from the APA Membership Committee. Click the image for a closer look. On Dec. 20, the APA Membership Committee hosted a casual dinner for the following pilots who were in Fort Worth for American Airlines’ Professionalism, Leadership, and Mentoring class: Bryan Allen, Matthew Bossert, Kane Cairncross, Charles Churchville, Gary Davis, Erik DeWinne, Edward Fong, Robert Forrester, Bryan Francis, Angel Gonzalez-Zeno, Kevaughn Hammond, Alejandro House, Jared Jacobs, Christopher Lavelle, Taylor Lee, John Llano, William Lockhart, Timothy Lunsford, Erin McWhorter, Matthew Miller, Robert Schindlar, Tami Smith, Michael Tice, Kevin Wilburn, James Wilson IV, and Daniel Winebrenner. Domicile Events Click the image for a closer look. Nearly 200 pilots and guests converged at Topgolf in Fort Worth last Saturday for the DFW Holiday Party. You can see more photos on APA’s Facebook page. Visit AlliedPilots.org/Calendar to RSVP for any of these upcoming domicile events: BOS: Telephone Town Hall Meeting on Jan. 23 DCA: Washington Capitals game on Jan. 16; Contract Compliance training on Feb. 1 DFW: Fort Worth Stock Show "> LAX: IMAX training on Jan. 10; Contract Compliance training on Jan. 11 LGA: Telephone Town Hall Meeting on Jan. 23; Winter Warmer event at the Cradle of Aviation Museum on Jan. 26 PHX: Domicile Meeting on Jan. 26 Domicile Elections The following CLT pilots have been placed into consideration for nomination as Interim Domicile Chair and have indicated a willingness to serve, if elected: CLT Domicile Chair FO Russ Blackwell FO Ryan Cianciolo CA Casey Granger FO Erik Knauff CA Dan Scola The candidates’ resumes were mailed to all CLT pilots on Dec. 5. Nomination Round ballots were mailed on Dec. 6, and they will be tallied on Dec. 28. The three candidates with the most votes will advance to the Election Round. Pilots’ names can be submitted for the regularly scheduled DCA and DFW Domicile Elections until 0001 Central on Dec. 26. Submissions can be made on the APA Elections webpage. If you have any questions, contact the APA Elections Department via 817-302-2175 or elections@alliedpilots.org . Week in Review The following messages were sent since the previous News Digest was published on Dec. 15. Communications Committee: Brazilian Visa: Do Not Apply as a Crewmember Communications Committee: PMA, POD, and the Welfare Benefit Trust: The Facts Communications Committee: We Remember American Airlines Flight 965 Are You Willing to Serve? Each of these national committees or subcommittees has the indicated number of vacancies: Aeromedical Committee (1) Disabled Pilot Awareness Subcommittee (3) Human Intervention Motivation Study Subcommittee (2) Pilot Occupational Health Subcommittee (2) Project Wingman Subcommittee (3) Captain’s Authority Committee (2) Communications Committee (0) National Communications Network (7) Grey Eagles Liaison Committee (1) Hotel Committee (3) Jumpseat/Non-Rev Committee (1) Retirement ">Scheduling Committee (5) Training Committee (3) Checkmate (1 on 777 and 1 on 320) If you would like to serve on one or more of these committees, visit the Member Engagement Portal . Professional Standards FAQs What issues are not appropriate for Professional Standards? Professional Standards will not normally address CBA disagreements, substance/alcohol abuse, and any immediate threat to safety of flight. The program is not designed to address issues related to security violations; legal, medical, or criminal issues; or gross negligence. Professional Standards is not able to address issues arising from “The Line” forums, nor should PS volunteers post to “The Line“ forums. However, if you are in doubt about which APA committee is best suited to handle your needs, all Professional Standards volunteers are familiar with the vast network of support offered at APA and through the company. Call Your Union First! To read all of the FAQs, click here . Professional Standards’ 24/7 hotline: 817-402-2181 Sharing the Holiday Spirit with Christmas Epaulets Aero Crew News recently published an article by CA Tim Knutson about how his family got involved in the annual Christmas epaulets effort. This popular, long-running program benefits the families of our nation’s fallen heroes and young people seeking ways to further their education. CA John Knutson – U.S. Army veteran and a pilot for North Central, Republic, and Northwest Airlines – lost his battle with cancer in 1997 at age 56. To honor his memory, John’s widow, Mary, decided to start making Christmas epaulets. Mary originally directed all proceeds to the Chetek-Weyerhaeuser Scholarship Foundation, since John was a 1959 graduate of Chetek High School. In an acknowledgement of John’s love of country, the proceeds have been shared between the Gary Sinise Foundation/Snowball Express and the Chetek-Weyerhaeuser Scholarship Foundation in recent years. You may buy your epaulets  here for $20 plus $5.50 for shipping and handling. They’re also available at Crew Outfitters stores at DFW and IAH. If you have any questions, please contact CA Tim Knutson via  info@christmasepaulets.com . Thank you for supporting this worthy cause. If You’re 50, Join The Grey Eagles Are you a pilot for American Airlines, at least age 50, active or retired? Please join The Grey Eagles for food, fun, and fellowship. We offer cruises, conventions, monthly luncheons, retirement dinners, professional mentoring, and assistance to surviving spouses – all for a one-time lifetime fee. Pilot Job Fairs and Future Pilot Seminars Future text-decoration: underline; background-color: transparent; transition: all 0.2s ease 0s; cursor: pointer; box-sizing: border-box;" target="_blank"> Click here for more information . Industry News For more about what’s happening in the industry, be sure to visit the Industry News page on AlliedPilots.org . Connect with Us: Facebook | Instagram | Twitter | TikTok | YouTube Contact Us: Phone - 817.302.2272 | Website - AlliedPilots.org
News Digest

From Hiring to Retiring, the Membership Committee Looks Out for Pilots

From Hiring to Retiring, the Membership Committee Looks Out for Pilots This is the latest in a series of articles highlighting the work done by APA’s national committees. Read the rest on our Armed With the Facts webpage. When we’re new hires, we submit applications to join the Allied Pilots Association. Our membership with the union protects us. It gives us access to APA’s aeromedical resources as well as the union’s incredible benefits plans. Our membership also gives us a voice in Washington, D.C. And while it may be as easy as submitting a quick application for us, there’s a lot going on behind the scenes of that application. That’s where the Membership Committee comes in. “It’s a lot of busy work,” Deputy Chair CA James Marberry says. “It’s not necessarily the glamorous work, but it’s a necessary part of structuring a union.” Membership Committee Chair CA Steve Pacheco (shown at left, hard at work) says the committee’s primary focus is taking care of new hires. “We monitor their progression from being a non-member, to being an apprentice member, to then a full member,” he says. “We’re working with new hires until they get their Compass mentors.” The process to becoming an APA member starts at the new hires’ Meet and Greet, which was recently moved up to day one of InDoc so pilots – and their families – know from the start that APA is available to support them. “We come over and introduce ourselves, and then invite them to a dinner at APA to help inform and guide them through the ins and outs of not only employment at American, but what the union has to offer,” CA Pacheco says. “We try to emphasize the importance of professionalism and being proud of our profession.” The Membership Committee hosted nearly 40 such dinners for new hires in 2023. The committee hosts similar dinners for captains who are in Fort Worth for American Airlines’ Professionalism, Leadership, and Mentoring class. “We also support new captains,” CA Pacheco says. “We strive to answer any questions they may have and provide support in any way we can.” This is just one of the dozens of new-hire classes the Membership Committee hosted this year. Supporting pilots and their families is a huge undertaking for the Membership Committee, especially if a pilot is returning from long-term disability or facing furlough. CA Marberry got involved with the committee just before the COVID-induced furloughs of 2020. “We wanted to take care of our pilots,” he says. “We put together a video to help our pilots prepare for furlough, get their financials in order, and any other ways we can help.” For CA Marberry, this is a personal cause, because he was furloughed in 2002. “At that point, it was just, ‘Turn your stuff in. We’re sorry.’ But now we’re helping give you information and support. We want our members to know that we’re still here for you, you’re still a member, and you still have APA resources, which is part of why we did Zoom calls,” he says. “There was a lot of really good information, but really, the biggest part was that the people that attended the Zoom calls knew that they weren’t on an island by themselves.” The Membership Committee’s efforts extend to retiring pilots, who are offered a personalized poster featuring their aircraft of choice. “In essence, Membership is a start-to-finish committee dedicated to supporting pilots for the entirety of their careers,” CA Pacheco says. “I want members to know that whenever they have an issue, there’s someone they can call at APA to get an answer. You can start with us, and we’ll help you figure it out. We are available to help answer questions regarding anything from IT support to directing members to appropriate departments for assistance with whatever information they may need.” CA Marberry echoes that sentiment: “We answer a lot of membership questions. We’re proud to support the pilot group. We get to help our pilots. I love doing that. It makes me feel really good.”
Communications Facts

PMA, POD, and the Welfare Benefit Trust: The Facts

PMA, POD, and the Welfare Benefit Trust: The Facts Disinformation on social media regarding the Pilot Mutual Aid (PMA) plan, Pilot Occupational Disability (POD) plan, and the Welfare Benefit Trust has generated questions from APA members. As APA President CA Ed Sicher has emphasized in recent updates, information integrity is critical. You need to have the facts to make informed decisions. Q: Are PMA and POD solvent? A: Yes, both plans are solvent. A team of experienced, credentialed investment advisors works closely with APA to constantly monitor the plans to ensure proper funding to meet our pilots’ long-term needs. These same outside advisors serve a blue-chip roster of clients across a broad range of industries — these are not “mom and pop” firms. The plans themselves are dynamic, with each one influenced by its individual plan design, claim utilization, funding, and investment performance. As we all know, 2022 was a challenging year for investors, with the Federal Reserve raising interest rates seven times to drive down inflation. Stocks and bonds alike reacted negatively to the rate hikes, leaving investors nowhere to hide. The Welfare Benefit Trust, which serves as the funding backstop for the APA-sponsored health and welfare benefits plans, posted a 16.2% loss for the year. By way of comparison, the Russell 3000 Index lost 19.2%, the MSCI EAFE lost 14.4%, and the Bloomberg U.S. Aggregate Bond index lost 13%. It’s important to evaluate an investment portfolio in comparison with its applicable benchmarks and with overall market performance during a period of multiple years. Setting aside 2022, the long-term performance of the Welfare Benefit Trust has been strong, averaging an annual return of 7.8% versus its benchmark target of 7.5%. The investment policy of the Welfare Benefit Trust is designed to weather investment storms and has done precisely that. Q: Is the Welfare Benefit Trust properly diversified? A: Yes, the Welfare Benefit Trust is invested in a well-diversified portfolio structured to achieve long-term goals through risk-adjusted returns. However, reputable investment advisors understand that even a properly diversified portfolio like the Welfare Benefit Trust cannot generate a positive return when both stocks and bonds are posting negative returns. Q: Where can I go for additional information about PMA and POD? A: If you have a question about the APA plans, we encourage you to email APA Benefits or call 817-302-2140.
Communications Facts

APA News Digest: Dec. 15, 2023

APA News Digest Dec. 15, 2023 Editor’s note: Some links in this message will work best if you log in to AlliedPilots.org before clicking them. In This Edition ... From Hiring to Retiring, the Membership Committee Looks Out for Pilots APA Contingent Meets with ITF in London Jumpseat/Non-Rev Committee: Clarification on CBA 19.C.1 – For Flight Deck Jumpseaters Only Safety Committee: Supplemental FOQA Airport FAM – Eagle, Colorado (EGE) Hotel Committee: Making the Most of a Holiday Sequence Contract Compliance Committee: Get Educated About Our New Contract Maintenance and Technical Analysis Committee: Pig of the Week Membership Committee: APA Welcomes Captains’ Leadership Classes Membership Committee: Gone West Domicile Events Domicile Elections Week in Review Are You Willing to Serve? Professional Standards FAQ Sharing the Holiday Spirit with Christmas Epaulets If You’re 50, Join The Grey Eagles Pilot Job Fairs and Future Pilot Seminars From Hiring to Retiring, the Membership Committee Looks Out for Pilots This is the latest in a series of articles highlighting the work done by APA’ national committees. Read the rest on our Armed With the Facts webpage. When we’re new hires, we submit applications to join the Allied Pilots Association. Our membership with the union protects us. It gives us access to APA’s aeromedical resources as well as the union’s incredible benefits plans. Our membership also gives us a voice in Washington, D.C. And while it may be as easy as submitting a quick application for us, there’s a lot going on behind the scenes of that application. That’s where the Membership Committee comes in. “It’s a lot of busy work,” Deputy Chair CA James Marberry says. “It’s not necessarily the glamorous work, but it’s a necessary part of structuring a union.” Membership Committee Chair CA Steve Pacheco (shown at left, hard at work) says the committee’s primary focus is taking care of new hires. “We monitor their progression from being a non-member, to being an apprentice member, to then a full member,” he says. “We’re working with new hires until they get their Compass mentors.” The process to becoming an APA member starts at the new hires’ Meet and Greet, which was recently moved up to day one of InDoc so pilots – and their families – know from the start that APA is available to support them. “We come over and introduce ourselves, and then invite them to a dinner at APA to help inform and guide them through the ins and outs of not only employment at American, but what the union has to offer,” CA Pacheco says. “We try to emphasize the importance of professionalism and being proud of our profession.” The Membership Committee hosted nearly 40 such dinners for new hires in 2023. The committee hosts similar dinners for captains who are in Fort Worth for American Airlines’ Professionalism, Leadership, and Mentoring class. “We also support new captains,” CA Pacheco says. “We strive to answer any questions they may have and provide support in any way we can.”  This is just one of the dozens of new-hire classes the Membership Committee hosted this year. Supporting pilots and their families is a huge undertaking for the Membership Committee, especially if a pilot is returning from long-term disability or facing furlough. CA Marberry got involved with the committee just before the COVID-induced furloughs of 2020. “We wanted to take care of our pilots,” he says. “We put together a video to help our pilots prepare for furlough, get their financials in order, and any other ways we can help.” For CA Marberry, this is a personal cause, because he was furloughed in 2002. “At that point, it was just, ‘Turn your stuff in. We’re sorry.’ But now we’re helping give you information and support. We want our members to know that we’re still here for you, you’re still a member, and you still have APA resources, which is part of why we did Zoom calls,” he says. “There was a lot of really good information, but really, the biggest part was that the people that attended the Zoom calls knew that they weren’t on an island by themselves.” The Membership Committee’s efforts extend to retiring pilots, who are offered a personalized poster featuring their aircraft of choice. “In essence, Membership is a start-to-finish committee dedicated to supporting pilots for the entirety of their careers,” CA Pacheco says. “I want members to know that whenever they have an issue, there’s someone they can call at APA to get an answer. You can start with us, and we’ll help you figure it out. We are available to help answer questions regarding anything from IT support to directing members to appropriate departments for assistance with whatever information they may need.” CA Marberry echoes that sentiment: “We answer a lot of membership questions. We’re proud to support the pilot group. We get to help our pilots. I love doing that. It makes me feel really good.” APA Contingent Meets with ITF in London Last May, the APA Board of Directors approved motions that made APA a dues-paying member of the International Transport Workers’ Federation (ITF) and the International Federation of Airline Pilots’ Associations (IFALPA). Before the Board’s votes, APA President CA Ed Sicher and APA International Alliance Committee Chair CA Kelly Ison made the case for membership in both federations by pointing out that many threats to our profession – including single-pilot operations and flags of convenience – are being pushed by airlines and regulators based in other countries. CA Sicher and CA Ison recently met with ITF leadership at their office in London, along with CA Eric McEldowney of the APA Strategic Planning Committee member and CA Shawn Gray of the APA Government Affairs Committee. APA’s membership in the ITF and IFALPA attest to your union’s commitment to ensuring your voice is heard globally on critical issues affecting all of our careers. Clarification on CBA 19.C.1 – For Flight Deck Jumpseaters Only This is a new message from the APA Jumpseat/Non-Rev Committee. As a reminder, the new 19.C.1 language for accommodating jumpseaters on weight-restricted flights applies only to flight deck jumpseaters. Any cabin jumpseaters may be seated only within existing weight limitations . Checklist for captains with a weight-restricted TPS: Upon initial check-in, advise Gate Agent to ensure all jumpseat-eligible pilots are listed and checked in for the flight. Advise Dispatch , “I am able to accommodate flight deck occupant(s).” Advise Gate Agent , either in person or using jetbridge phone, how many jumpseaters may be accommodated as soon as possible during the boarding process, and to board them at 15 minutes prior to departure. As with all flights, whenever possible at D-20, “Take the Walk” to ensure any jumpseaters will be accommodated. Priority for jumpseat occupants will be per FOM table 3s.5, and D2WP and D2WA will be accommodated before FDJ AA D1/D2 and OAL CASS-approved D6, who will be accommodated in priority list order. Gate Agents have been advised of the implementation of the new provision via WebRef Advisory ( APS23024 ). Please reference this, if needed, and advise your Chief Pilot or IOC Duty Pilot if questions arise. Your Jumpseat/Non-Rev Committee continues its efforts to ensure that all policies within Section 19 of the CBA are implemented and enforced. Supplemental FOQA Airport FAM – Eagle, Colorado (EGE) This is a new message from the APA Safety Committee. The AA/APA FOQA Team is happy to announce the supplemental familiarization resources for Eagle, Colorado (EGE) have been published for your viewing in Comply365. While APA’s position remains that technology is not an equal substitute for actually flying an airplane under the supervision of an experienced and qualified Check Pilot, using every tool we can to improve safety is a persistent goal. By combining animated FOQA data with GoPro footage captured from the flight deck, our pilots can receive an enhanced perspective of the unique threats flying into and out of challenging airports like EGE. For any technical assistance or any questions/concerns regarding these resources, please email the FOQA Team . Feedback is encouraged as the team strives to create the best possible user experience for our pilots. Making the Most of a Holiday Sequence This is a new message from the APA Hotel Committee. Flying over the holidays can be a disappointment; however, crews often find a way to make the most of their time away from home by planning a meal together or bringing family members or a guest along for their trip. Although food options can be limited, hotels typically have a list of options and hours for a holiday meal. Sometimes the hotel will offer a complimentary meal for crews. If we are made aware of this for a particular property, we will post a temporary notification on the Hotel Webpages . We also recommended reaching out to hotels ahead of time for market-specific information. Contact information can easily be found on our Hotel Webpages. If you are planning to bring family or guests with you on your layover, there are a couple of things to consider. American Airlines contracts for a hotel room for only one guest. Crews are sometimes charged extra if they bring a guest to Europe or an all-inclusive hotel. If you bring someone, you are responsible for any applicable cost incurred for your guest. We recommend that you call ahead and inquire what obstacles and costs are associated with bringing a guest. Additionally, transportation is only contracted for the crew. Typically, this is for insurance reasons. If there is no room in the vehicle for an additional rider or the transportation company provides pushback, please be prepared to secure alternate transportation. Often, information about bringing an additional guest is available on the APA Hotel Webpage for each property. If it is not, please submit feedback so we can populate the information for future crews. Your Hotel Committee wishes you a happy holiday season, and to those of you flying over the holidays, thank you. For more information on the Hotel Webpages, see page 10 of the QRH – Quick Reference Hotels document, which should answer 99 percent of all hotel and transportation questions while providing helpful solutions. Suggestion: Download this QRH document to your AA iPad for easy access in the future. Get Educated About Our New Contract This is a repeated message from the APA Contract Compliance Committee. The Contract Compliance Committee wants to do everything we can to ensure that all APA members are well acquainted with the 2023 Collective Bargaining Agreement. Join us on Jan. 11 in LAX for a full day of training on the new CBA. This training will be conducted in hybrid fashion, with members welcome to participate in person or virtually via Zoom. Please take a few moments before the training to familiarize yourself with the Electronic Document Index . You must be logged in to AlliedPilots.org for the links to be accessible. This Index connects you to a vast array of APA documents that we will reference. It is equally useful in the daily operation as a line pilot, so we recommend you retain the Index for future reference. During the training, it may be helpful to have two screens; one to run Zoom and one to reference these documents. Jan. 11 in LAX: Click here to RSVP for in-person attendance . Jan. 11 via Zoom: Click here to register . Help us help you! The Contract Compliance Committee’s goal is for you – the membership – to be informed, educated, and knowledgeable. Every single pilot should strive to be a contract expert or, at the very least, strive for continued learning and engagement. Knowledge is power, and it will assist you in employing and being a watchdog of your negotiated work rules. Pig of the Week APA commends American Airlines’ hardworking aircraft maintenance technicians for their outstanding work. We believe they are the best in the business. When repetitive problems do arise, they’re often due to managerial decisions that fail to properly prioritize tasks and to management’s decision to outsource a significant portion of the airline’s maintenance to offshore, third-party repair stations. Since Sept. 2, B737 aircraft 3HW has been out of service five times because the lavatories will not flush. It was most recently signed off on Dec. 15 and is restricted to Class 1 or 2 maintenance stations. APA Welcomes Captains’ Leadership Class This is a new message from the APA Membership Committee. Click the image for a closer look. On Dec. 13, the APA Membership Committee hosted a casual dinner for the following pilots who were in Fort Worth for American Airlines’ Professionalism, Leadership, and Mentoring class: Kristin Bodie, Mark Bono, Brian Butcher, Andy Chen, James Hankinson, Forrest Heintz, Skyler Hester, Andrew Hrynkiw, Matthew Inkel, Leonid Kozlovsky, Ryan Krietsch, Patrick Lyttle, Jose Masiclat, Andrew McGee Jr., Giuseppe Panedda, Daniel Petersen, Dwight Robertson, Frederic Rose, Scott Shepard, Phillip Sheridan, Tami Smith, William Talbot, Vincent Travis, Luis Urbina Anaya, Mark Wagner, and Christopher Wyatt. Gone West This is a new message from the APA Membership Committee. We extend our deepest sympathies to the loved ones of these pilots, whose deaths we learned of last month: Bob Lundy, 88, on Nov. 25, 2020; Arnie Detmer, 85, on Sept. 20; Ed MacTaggart, 87, on Sept. 21; Pat Ohnmeis, 84, on Oct. 4; Don Amato, 89, on Oct. 8; Ray Seidel, 85, on Oct. 11; Mike Diamond, 63, on Oct. 12; Dave Mengis, 70, on Oct. 14; Hank Dillenbeck, 94, on Oct. 18; Jay Archer, 87, on Oct. 20; Gordon Sieler, 89, on Oct. 22; Don Wells, 84, on Oct. 28; Ron Forte, 81, on Oct. 28; Raynard Makin, 74, on Nov. 2; Marty Morrissey, 72, on Nov. 3; Bill Williams, 89, on Nov. 6; Pat Breen, 83, on Nov. 11; Harvey Tidball, 72, on Nov. 11; D.C. Morris, 90, on Nov. 12; Joe Coulp, 65, on Nov. 16; Mike Oakes, 62, on Nov. 17; and Steve Behringer, 73, on Nov. 18. Domicile Events Click the image for a closer look. There were a whole lot of ugly Christmas sweaters in the ENW hangar of CA Steve Jones and CA Gail Jones on Thursday, when they hosted the ORD Holiday Party. Visit AlliedPilots.org/Calendar to RSVP for any of these upcoming domicile events: BOS: Holiday Party on Dec. 16 DCA: Washington Capitals game on Jan. 16 DFW: Holiday Party on Dec. 16 LGA: Winter Warmer on Jan. 26 Domicile Elections The following CLT pilots have been placed into consideration for nomination as Interim Domicile Chair and have indicated a willingness to serve, if elected: CLT Domicile Chair FO Russ Blackwell FO Ryan Cianciolo CA Casey Granger FO Erik Knauff CA Dan Scola The candidates’ resumes were mailed to all CLT pilots on Dec. 5. Nomination Round ballots were mailed on Dec. 6, and they will be tallied on Dec. 28. The three candidates with the most votes will advance to the Election Round. Pilots’ names can be submitted for the regularly scheduled DCA and DFW Domicile Elections until 0001 Central on Dec. 26. Submissions can be made on the APA Elections webpage. If you have any questions, contact the APA Elections Department via 817-302-2175 or elections@alliedpilots.org . Week in Review The following messages were sent since the previous News Digest was published on Dec. 8. Secretary-Treasurer: Dues / Electronic Balloting / LiteSabre Negotiating Committee: Negotiating Committee Joint Implementation Action Committee: 2023 CBA Implementation Update – Dec. 14 Government Affairs Committee: Call to Action: Contact Congress About Age 67 Retirement and Benefits Committee: Transition to Fidelity Deadline is Tomorrow Safety Committee: Taxi Operations Safety Committee: Safety Survey Results: Threat Mitigation Scheduling Committee: PVD Buyback Now Open Professional Standards Committee: Baggage Policies on 737 Are You Willing to Serve? Each of these national committees or subcommittees has the indicated number of vacancies: Aeromedical Committee (1) Disabled Pilot Awareness Subcommittee (3) Human Intervention Motivation Study Subcommittee (2) Pilot Occupational Health Subcommittee (1) Project Wingman Subcommittee (3) Captain’s Authority Committee (2) Communications Committee (0) National Communications Network (7) Grey Eagles Liaison Committee (1) Hotel Committee (3) Jumpseat/Non-Rev Committee (1) Retirement ">Scheduling Committee (5) Training Committee (3) Checkmate (1 on 777 and 1 on 320) If you would like to serve on one or more of these committees, visit the Member Engagement Portal . Professional Standards FAQs What types of issues will Professional Standards accept? Almost any issue that would benefit from the peer-to-peer method of resolution is acceptable, such as individual conflicts, ineffective operating methods/techniques, problems of a professional or ethical nature, conduct that could lead to discipline, and recognizing exceptional performance. To read all of the FAQs, click here . Professional Standards’ 24/7 hotline: 817-402-2181 Sharing the Holiday Spirit with Christmas Epaulets Aero Crew News recently published an article by CA Tim Knutson about how his family got involved in the annual Christmas epaulets effort. This popular, long-running program benefits the families of our nation’s fallen heroes and young people seeking ways to further their education. CA John Knutson – U.S. Army veteran and a pilot for North Central, Republic, and Northwest Airlines – lost his battle with cancer in 1997 at age 56. To honor his memory, John’s widow, Mary, decided to start making Christmas epaulets. Mary originally directed all proceeds to the Chetek-Weyerhaeuser Scholarship Foundation, since John was a 1959 graduate of Chetek High School. In an acknowledgement of John’s love of country, the proceeds have been shared between the Gary Sinise Foundation/Snowball Express and the Chetek-Weyerhaeuser Scholarship Foundation in recent years. You may buy your epaulets here for $20 plus $5.50 for shipping and handling. They’re also available at Crew Outfitters stores at DFW and IAH. If you have any questions, please contact CA Tim Knutson via info@christmasepaulets.com . Thank you for supporting this worthy cause. If You’re 50, Join The Grey Eagles Are you a pilot for American Airlines, at least age 50, active or retired? Please join The Grey Eagles for food, fun, and fellowship. We offer cruises, conventions, monthly luncheons, retirement dinners, professional mentoring, and assistance to surviving spouses – all for a one-time lifetime fee. Pilot Job Fairs and Future Pilot Seminars Future text-decoration: underline; background-color: transparent; transition: all 0.2s ease 0s; cursor: pointer; box-sizing: border-box;" target="_blank"> Click here for more information . Industry News For more about what’s happening in the industry, be sure to visit the Industry News page on AlliedPilots.org . Connect with Us: Facebook | Instagram | Twitter | TikTok | YouTube Contact Us: Phone - 817.302.2272 | Website - AlliedPilots.org
News Digest

APA News Digest: Dec. 8, 2023

APA News Digest Dec. 8, 2023 Editor’s note: Some links in this message will work best if you log in to AlliedPilots.org before clicking them. In This Edition ... Armed With The Facts “Positive Rate” Episode 18: APA Membership Committee Government Affairs Committee: Update on Possible Retirement Age Increase Two Federal Agencies Address Mental Health Hotel Committee: Do Not Base Your Bids on Listed Hotels Family Awareness Committee: Volunteers Needed to Sustain Fini Flight Retirement and Benefits Committee: 2024 Internal Revenue Code Limits Contract Compliance Committee: Get Educated About Our New Contract Contract Compliance Committee: Eligibility for Meal Reimbursements Widebody Fleet Review Project Wingman: Need to Connect With Your Partner? There’s an App For That Aeromedical Committee: Our Recommended Reading List Maintenance and Technical Analysis Committee: Pigs of the Week Membership Committee: APA Welcomes New Pilots Membership Committee: APA Welcomes Captains’ Leadership Classes Domicile Events Domicile Elections Week in Review Are You Willing to Serve? Professional Standards FAQ Wreaths Across America Sharing the Holiday Spirit with Christmas Epaulets If You’re 50, Join The Grey Eagles Pilot Job Fairs and Future Pilot Seminars Armed With The Facts In a new video conversation , APA President CA Ed Sicher and Communications Committee Deputy Chair FO Tami McBride address a range of timely topics, including the status of The Line forums, the card drive, APA’s work on Capitol Hill as the voice of American Airlines pilots, and the importance of information integrity. “Positive Rate” Episode 18: APA Membership Committee 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. 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 goverman@alliedpilots.org . Update on Possible Retirement Age Increase This is a new message from the APA Government Affairs Committee. Many APA members have been asking about the status of the proposed mandatory pilot retirement age increase from 65 to 67. The current FAA Authorization had been set to expire on Sept. 30. The House of Representatives approved its version of FAA Reauthorization, which included a provision in Section 330 to raise the mandatory pilot retirement age from 65 to 67, on July 20. However, when the Senate was unable to reach compromise on several provisions of the bill, both chambers voted to extend the current FAA Authorization until Dec. 31 to provide more time for discussion and debate. As we approach the new deadline, the bill continues to be stalled on the Senate side. It appears that senators may be making progress on ATP pilot training standards and are working through other amendments, including the issue of pilot retirement age. We don’t believe the Senate will advance an FAA bill by Dec. 31, so an extension to the current authorization would be required. The House proposed an extension until March 2024 to allow the Senate to continue its work. We will continue to update you as soon as we hear of any new developments. Two Federal Agencies Address Mental Health On Tuesday, FAA Administrator Mike Whitaker said his agency has officially established a committee dedicated to breaking down any barriers that would keep pilots or air traffic controllers from addressing mental health issues. “Just because they’re doing this doesn’t mean they’re going to take action,” APA spokesman Capt. Dennis Tajer told Fox Business . “With this committee being formed we say, ‘Thank you, but you better do something.’” The FAA plans to name the panel of experts on the Mental Health and Aviation Medical Clearances Rulemaking Committee soon, though it didn’t specify an exact date. Once a panel is named, they will be required to submit recommendations to the FAA by the end of March. Meanwhile, the National Transportation Safety Board hosted a “Navigating Mental Health in Aviation” summit in Washington, D.C., on Wednesday. APA Aeromedical Committee Chair FO Rondeau Flynn was among the panelists who participated in a roundtable discussion on where the industry goes from here. To learn more about the value that the Aeromedical Committee and its various subcommittees provide to APA members, visit AlliedPilots.org/ArmedWithTheFacts . National Transportation Safety Board Chair Jennifer Homendy with APA Aeromedical Committee Chair FO Rondeau Flynn Do Not Base Your Bids on Listed Hotels This is a new message from the APA Hotel Committee. PBS bid packages are built prior to hotel allocations being complete for that upcoming month. Sometimes, the hotel listed on the bid package will not be the allocated hotel for that sequence. Any layover with an ODL of 17 hours or more should be placed at a long hotel in accordance with the CBA. Layovers that are 13 hours or fewer should be at a short property. There is flexibility between 13 and 17 hours, so placement can vary by market. We recommend that you do not bid for a trip based solely on the hotel listed on the bid package. Hotel Survey: The Hotel Survey on the APA Pilot app is operational again. We appreciate you taking a bit of time after your overnight to fill out the survey. It is valuable tool that provides key data used to improve the pilot layover experience. Thank you for participating! For more information, see the QRH – Quick Reference Hotels document, which should answer 99 percent of all hotel and transportation questions while providing helpful solutions. Suggestion: Download this QRH document to your AA iPad for easy access in the future. Volunteers Needed to Sustain Fini Flight This is a new message from the APA Family Awareness Committee. CA Daniel Alexander was honored on Nov. 19 after Flight 133 arrived at DFW from DUB. Fini Flight is an APA program designed to honor our retiring members. If a pilot chooses to participate, we meet them at the gate after (or sometimes before) their final flight as an American Airlines pilot. We include friends and family, play some music, bring a cake, and make their last flight memorable! The future of the Fini Flight program is at risk. Due to a lack of volunteers, we were unable to host a few recent requests for celebrations. For more information on how to get involved, email finiflight@alliedpilots.org . Our thanks to CA Greg Storm for these photos of November celebrations at DFW. See more of them on APA’s Facebook page. CA Rick Nelson was honored on Nov. 10 after Flight 5 arrived at DFW from HNL. 2024 Internal Revenue Code Limits This is a new message from the APA Retirement and Benefits Committee. One of the more frequent questions asked of the Retirement and Benefits Committee is how various Internal Revenue Code regulatory limits interrelate to affect pilots’ 401(k) personal planning. Click here for an explanation of how the 2024 limits can assist with your 401(k) planning. Get Educated About Our New Contract This is an updated message from the APA Contract Compliance Committee. The Contract Compliance Committee wants to do everything we can to ensure that all APA members are well acquainted with the 2023 Collective Bargaining Agreement. Join us on Jan. 11 in LAX for a full day of training on the new CBA. This training will be conducted in hybrid fashion, with members welcome to participate in person or virtually via Zoom. Please take a few moments before the training to familiarize yourself with the Electronic Document Index . You must be logged in to AlliedPilots.org for the links to be accessible. This Index connects you to a vast array of APA documents that we will reference. It is equally useful in the daily operation as a line pilot, so we recommend you retain the Index for future reference. During the training, it may be helpful to have two screens; one to run Zoom and one to reference these documents. Jan. 11 in LAX: Click here to RSVP for in-person attendance . Jan. 11 via Zoom: Click here to register . Help us help you! The Contract Compliance Committee’s goal is for you – the membership – to be informed, educated, and knowledgeable. Every single pilot should strive to be a contract expert or, at the very least, strive for continued learning and engagement. Knowledge is power, and it will assist you in employing and being a watchdog of your negotiated work rules. Eligibility for Meal Reimbursements This is the latest in a series of Q box-sizing: border-box;"> Q: I was reassigned on Day Two of a three-day sequence. The Reassignment made us eligible for a crew meal because we did not have the minimum ground time in DFW (70 minutes). Neither the original nor the reassigned sequence was “allocated” to have a crew meal boarded. With no crew meal boarded, I purchased food in DFW. Am I eligible for the Allocated Crew Not Boarded provisions ($30 via Comply365) and/or reimbursement for a replacement meal (up to $30 via Concur)? A: Referencing the CBA language, a crew member is only eligible for the $30 “Not Boarded Penalty” on segments where the meal was pre-allocated. If a meal was purchased due to the Section 7.B.4.c requirements being met, the meal will be reimbursed for actual expenses up to $30. In this scenario, since neither segment was originally allocated a meal, the pilot would not receive the $30 “penalty.” If a segment/sequence becomes eligible for a meal based on the crew’s actual day, the Company reimburses the replacement meal(s) cost, up to $30 per meal, when accompanied by a Concur Expense Report and receipt. Please reference the Crew Meal Flow Chart for additional information, including the list of “Non-Catered” stations. “A replacement meal may be purchased prior to or after a flight for which the pilot was allocated a meal,” but should be proximate to the day and location of the missed meal. Also, a turn scheduled on an aircraft with MEL’d chillers or ovens is considered one event for the $30 penalty. Section 7.B.4.e – Allocated Meals Not Boarded If an allocated meal is not boarded, a pilot for whom such meal was to be boarded will be reimbursed for the expense of any replacement meal(s) purchased by the pilot, provided the amount is reasonable under the specific circumstances and the pilot submits receipts for the meal(s) to the Company. A replacement meal may be purchased prior to or after a flight for which the pilot was allocated a meal. (1) A meal is considered not boarded if it is not on board the aircraft, is materially incomplete, or is spoiled. (2) If a crew meal is unavailable due to the allocated meal being not boarded, the affected pilot will receive $30 increased annually in accordance with the percentage increase calculated in 7.B.1. above. Unappetizing meals are not considered “not boarded” under this provision. Widebody Fleet Review Thanks to third-quarter earning results and other corporate communications, we have been able to update fleet counts and order books for American, Delta, and United. AAL: 126 widebodies among 950 mainline aircraft DAL: 159 widebodies among 938 mainline aircraft UAL: 222 widebodies among 922 mainline aircraft Need to Connect With Your Partner? There’s an App For That This is a new message from the Project Wingman Subcommittee. Let’s face it: Relationships are hard, and airline relationships are even harder. Being away 15 to 18 days a month – along with fatigue, job stress, home life and the holidays – can take a toll on what’s normally a healthy, happy relationship. Of course, marriage counseling is always a good avenue to pursue if your relationship is at a critical juncture. But therapy aside, is there a way to enhance the connection to your spouse/significant other while you’re away on a trip? Funny enough, there’s an app for that. It’s called Paired . Full disclosure: This is not an endorsement by Project Wingman, and we have no connections to the makers of this app. That said, it may be helpful to those who like this kind of thing. As always, if you are struggling and need someone to talk to, there is no app that’s a substitute for speaking to fellow pilots here at Project Wingman. We are here 24/7, so don’t hesitate to give us a call at 817-823-7965, or 848-APA-CREW option 1. Our Recommended Reading List This is a new message from the APA Aeromedical Committee. In an effort to improve our members’ health, we have created a recommended reading list. Each month, we will highlight a book that has helped in the prevention of, treatment of, or recovery from an injury or illness, or has elevated a member’s education. Feel free to send your book recommendations to aeromed-committee@alliedpilots.org . The Big Fat Surprise: Why Butter, Meat and Cheese Belong in a Healthy Diet In The Big Fat Surprise , investigative journalist Nina Teicholz addresses the unthinkable: What if everything we thought we knew about dietary fat is wrong? She characterizes the low-fat nutrition advice of the past 60 years as a vast uncontrolled experiment on the entire population, with disastrous consequences for our health. Disclaimer: This recommendation is for general informational purposes only and does not constitute the practice of medicine or other professional health care services. Always consult with your medical provider when making health care decisions. Pigs of the Week APA commends American Airlines’ hardworking aircraft maintenance technicians for their outstanding work. We believe they are the best in the business. When repetitive problems do arise, they’re often due to managerial decisions that fail to properly prioritize tasks and to management’s decision to outsource a significant portion of the airline’s maintenance to offshore, third-party repair stations. In the last month, the right engine FADEC A320 aircraft 657 has been written up five times, and it has been on MEL and out of service three times. It was most recently signed off on Dec. 7 and is restricted to Class 1 or 2 maintenance stations. UPDATE: Since mid-September, the right engine thrust reverser on B737 aircraft 3NC has been written up 16 times, has been on MEL six times, and has been out of service 11 times. It was most recently signed off on Dec. 8 and is restricted to Class 1 or 2 maintenance stations. APA Welcomes New Pilots This is a new message from the APA Membership Committee. Click the image for a closer look. The APA Membership Committee welcomed the following pilots during a casual dinner on Dec. 5: Grant Adams, Antonio Albanese, Jose Aranda Vera, Daniel Barajas Jr., Kooper Bardin, Brandon Bator, Brian Black, Kyle Campbell, Robert Campbell, Fernando Colaci, Jared Donald, Alexander Eshete, Cole Fahey, Bryan Fair, Tyler Fliedner, William Francis Jr., Michael Frey, Joshua Gimre, Robert Haider, Christopher Halle, Jason Haywood, Louis Henry, Matthew Henschke, Shane Hosier, Michael Kaplan, Steven Kester, Matthew Kloby, Matthew Koch, Adam Lechlitner, Emily Lipp, Rafael Lizardo, Mehrdad Maleki, Collin McGeehan, Nathaniel McKean, John McLean, Jonathan Miller, Landon Mitchell, Shane Mitchiner, Javier Montes, Richard Mundy, Shane Obershaw, Yoelkys Perez, Andrew Petering, Blake Peterson, Nicholas Powers, Ted Price III, Yaasca Rahelan, Jake Raju, Danielis Rastonis, Alwyn Rhodd, Jessica Richard, Jason Riggs, Kevin Rosen, Joseph Roy, Anthony Sabos, Bruce Safford Jr., David Saito, Scott Saville, Ryan Scheibe, Yoav Shalev, Jason Shank, David Tippmann, Derek Watson, Everett Watson III, Nicholas Wilhelm, Alexander Wohlwend, and Michael Zamora. APA Welcomes Captains’ Leadership Classes This is a new message from the APA Membership Committee. Click the image for a closer look. On Dec. 6, the APA Membership Committee hosted a casual dinner for the following pilots who were in Fort Worth for American Airlines’ Professionalism, Leadership, and Mentoring class: Natalie Bartal, Leroy Benavidez, Jonathan Berroa, Robert Bickerstaffe, Matthew Bonivtch, Robert Burgess, Anthony Carufe III, Randall Chastant, Peter Costas, Shelly David, Dennis Dobkin, Christopher Fowler, Angel Gonzalez-Zeno, Cash Hair, Johnny Hamilton, Benjamin Huffines, Thomas Huggins, David Jung, Steven Longdon, Shawn McLaughlin, Bruce Mcmillin, Edward Molenaar, Kevin Netherton, Richard Nichols, Mircea Pamfil, Douglas Preston Jr., Brett Rawald, Paige Rogers, Mark Thomann II, Ellis Williams, George Wilson, and Dwight Wooden. Domicile Events Click the image for a closer look. About 100 pilots and guests gathered at Topgolf in Miami Gardens on Dec. 2 for the MIA Holiday Social. See more photos on APA’s Facebook or Instagram accounts. Visit AlliedPilots.org/Calendar to RSVP for any of these upcoming domicile events: BOS: Holiday Party on Dec. 16 CLT: Holiday Party on Dec. 10 DCA: Holiday Party on Dec. 14; Washington Capitals game on Jan. 16 DFW: Holiday Party on Dec. 16 LGA: Winter Warmer on Jan. 26 ORD: Domicile Meeting on Dec. 13; Holiday Party on Dec. 14 Domicile Elections The following CLT pilots have been placed into consideration for nomination as Interim Domicile Chair and have indicated a willingness to serve, if elected: FO Russ Blackwell FO Ryan Cianciolo CA Casey Granger FO Erik Knauff CA Dan Scola The candidates’ resumes were mailed to all CLT pilots on Dec. 5. Nomination Round ballots were mailed on Dec. 6, and they will be tallied on Dec. 28. The three candidates with the most votes will advance to the Election Round. If you have any questions, contact the APA Elections Department via 817-302-2175 or elections@alliedpilots.org . Week in Review The following messages were sent since the previous News Digest was published on Dec. 2. Strategic Planning Committee: APA Strategic Plan Communications Committee: APA’s Family Awareness Committee – What We Do Best Membership Committee: Apprentice Voting and Dues Scheduling Committee: February Mutual Base Exchange Update Scheduling Committee: June 2024 Vacancy Bid Reissue and Reminder Family Awareness Committee: Chiefs Watching Party on Jan. 7 Are You Willing to Serve? Each of these national committees or subcommittees has the indicated number of vacancies: Aeromedical Committee (1) Disabled Pilot Awareness Subcommittee (3) Human Intervention Motivation Study Subcommittee (2) Pilot Occupational Health Subcommittee (2) Project Wingman Subcommittee (3) Captain’s Authority Committee (2) Communications Committee (0) National Communications Network (7) Grey Eagles Liaison Committee (1) Hotel Committee (3) Jumpseat/Non-Rev Committee (1) Retirement ">Scheduling Committee (5) Training Committee (3) Checkmate (1 on 777 and 1 on 320) If you would like to serve on one or more of these committees, visit the Member Engagement Portal . Professional Standards FAQs How does management or an employee submit an issue to Professional Standards? Committee volunteers are identified for each domicile on AlliedPilots.org and on each domicile APA bulletin board. Management is furnished contact information for every domicile and national deputy, and they may approach a committee volunteer with an issue. Emails, texts, and detailed phone messages are to be avoided, as the information is not confidential and may not be protected. Telephone contact and face-to-face meetings are encouraged as confidentiality is paramount to the success of the program. You can reach your domicile Professional Standards committee via our phone tree: 817-402-2181. To read all of the FAQs, click here . Professional Standards’ 24/7 hotline: 817-402-2181 Wreaths Across America   Wreaths Across America is a national nonprofit whose primary mission is to fulfill its motto of “Remember, Honor, and Teach” — that is, remember our fallen U.S. veterans, honor those who serve, and teach your children the value of freedom. Part of that mission includes coordinating wreath-laying ceremonies each year at Arlington National Cemetery and more than 3,800 other locations. We are continuing our campaign of American Airlines pilots adopting a national cemetery in each of our domiciles, including BNA, STL, and GSW. This will enable our pilots to give as one group while supporting deceased veterans at their home base. Please visit www.aapwaa.com and click the link for your domicile. You will find information on this year’s ceremonies and opportunities to help the local coordinators.  There is also a link at the bottom of the main page to find a cemetery near you if you do not live in your domicile and wish to help your local area. This year’s ceremony will be on Saturday, Dec. 16. If you have any questions, please contact CA Dave Branzell at dsb81@live.com . Sharing the Holiday Spirit with Christmas Epaulets Aero Crew News recently published an article by CA Tim Knutson about how his family got involved in the annual Christmas epaulets effort. This popular, long-running program benefits the families of our nation’s fallen heroes and young people seeking ways to further their education. CA John Knutson – U.S. Army veteran and a pilot for North Central, Republic, and Northwest Airlines – lost his battle with cancer in 1997 at age 56. To honor his memory, John’s widow, Mary, decided to start making Christmas epaulets. Mary originally directed all proceeds to the Chetek-Weyerhaeuser Scholarship Foundation, since John was a 1959 graduate of Chetek High School. In an acknowledgement of John’s love of country, the proceeds have been shared between the Gary Sinise Foundation/Snowball Express and the Chetek-Weyerhaeuser Scholarship Foundation in recent years. You may buy your epaulets  here for $20 plus $5.50 for shipping and handling. They’re also available at Crew Outfitters stores at DFW and IAH. If you have any questions, please contact CA Tim Knutson via  info@christmasepaulets.com . Thank you for supporting this worthy cause. If You’re 50, Join The Grey Eagles Are you a pilot for American Airlines, at least age 50, active or retired? Please join The Grey Eagles for food, fun, and fellowship. We offer cruises, conventions, monthly luncheons, retirement dinners, professional mentoring, and assistance to surviving spouses – all for a one-time lifetime fee. Pilot Job Fairs and Future Pilot Seminars Future text-decoration: underline; background-color: transparent; transition: all 0.2s ease 0s; cursor: pointer; box-sizing: border-box;" target="_blank"> Click here for more information . Industry News For more about what’s happening in the industry, be sure to visit the Industry News page on AlliedPilots.org . Connect with Us: Facebook | Instagram | Twitter | TikTok | YouTube Contact Us: Phone - 817.302.2272 | Website - AlliedPilots.org
News Digest

APA’s Family Awareness Committee – What We Do Best

APA’s Family Awareness Committee – What We Do Best Clockwise from left: FO Melissa Monahan, CA Jerry Gemma, Compass Project Committee Chair CA Mark Erickson, LAX Domicile Vice Chair CA Tim Dick, APA Vice President CA Chris Torres, Jen Johnson, and CA Tim Jackson The holidays are approaching, and with them come holiday parties. And while parties are the APA Family Awareness Committee’s specialty, they do so much more. “In the past, Family Awareness was always known as the party crowd,” Chair CA Jerry Gemma says. “But we’re turning it into more of a resource.” Deputy Chair FO Melissa Monahan says the committee hosts events on the local level – in our domicile cities, of course, but also in commuter cities such as AUS, LAS, and PIT – to help pilots get to know each other. “If you’re on the 737, I might never meet you because I’m on the 787,” FO Monahan says. “And we build a sense of community within that. When times get tough – like during contract negotiations or after natural disasters – if you brought your family to these events, then they have a sense of family. They have a network.” More than 600 pilots and guests gathered at a Texas Rangers game in June. We all know that when we put on our uniform and walk out the door, our lives at work can be a mystery to our families. By meeting with other families at APA events, our spouses and partners can build a support structure with each other. “They gain knowledge and understanding about what we do and how tough it is for us,” CA Gemma says. “We gain the knowledge with how tough it is on our families when we leave. But having that sense of community and knowing that your family is taken care of makes the job easier.” Two of the goals for every Family Awareness event are education and transparency. That’s why the committee invites elected National Officers and Domicile Officers as well as volunteers from other national committees – such as Aeromedical and Government Affairs – so members have a chance to learn what’s going on behind the scenes at APA. “We want to create a sense of transparency within the union,” CA Gemma says. “When we host these parties, we really push to have the Board and committee members attend. That way the pilots can find out who they are and what they’re about. Building unity and transparency, getting the message out: That’s Family Awareness.”   CA Daniel Alexander was honored with a Fini Flight celebration at DFW on Nov. 19. However, CA Gemma and FO Monahan want the membership to understand that Family Awareness is more than just hosting parties. The committee oversees the Fini Flight celebrations to honor our retiring pilots, and they also recently initiated a new program called Critical Pilot Response, also known as CPR. “We wanted to facilitate pilot-to-pilot assistance,” CA Gemma says. “If someone needed help, they could reach out to some who can give that help, especially if there is a natural disaster like a hurricane or a fire. We’ll reach out and put together a list of who needs help. We’re taking care of each other as a community.” CA Gemma says other airline unions are starting to see what APA Family Awareness is doing and following our lead. “A few years ago, I was anti-APA altogether,” he says. “But I volunteered, got involved, and now I get to see firsthand the changes that are being made. I fully believe in APA.”
Communications Facts

APA News Digest: Dec. 2, 2023

APA News Digest Dec. 2, 2023 Editor’s note: Some links in this message will work best if you log in to AlliedPilots.org before clicking them. In This Edition ... Negotiating Committee: Clean Draft of CBA and Pay Tables Now Available Status of The Line Forums FAA Proposes 25-Hour Cockpit Voice Recorders NMB Denies Flight Attendants’ Request Contract Compliance Committee: Get Educated About Our New Contract Contract Compliance Committee: Short Notice for Short Call Reserves Compass Project Committee: Our Volunteers Can Take Your Calls Again Project Wingman Subcommittee: Our Volunteers Are Also Willing to Talk Hotel Committee: Debriefs System Has Been Restored Maintenance and Technical Analysis Committee: Pigs of the Week Membership Committee: APA Welcomes New Pilots Membership Committee: APA Welcomes Captains’ Leadership Classes Domicile Events Domicile Elections Weeks in Review Are You Willing to Serve? Professional Standards FAQ Wreaths Across America Sharing the Holiday Spirit with Christmas Epaulets If You’re 50, Join The Grey Eagles Pilot Job Fairs and Future Pilot Seminars Clean Draft of CBA and Pay Tables Now Available This is a new message from the APA Negotiating Committee. The Negotiating Committee continues to press with post-ratification issues and support to the Joint Implementation Action Committee (JIAC). A draft version of the 2023 Collective Bargaining Agreement has been prepared and is available for the membership, as are updated pay tables . The posted 2023 CBA remains marked as a draft only because it awaits final review by the Company. Please note: Both parties have been working hard to ensure accuracy and to clean up administrative items. We appreciate the many pilots and committees who have identified scrivener’s errors, which has allowed us to better prepare and manage this lengthy agreement. Status of The Line Forums As noted in the Nov. 10 edition of the APA News Digest , the APA Board of Directors passed Resolution 2023-49 , “Suspension of The Line Forums,” during its fall meeting. That resolution did not result in the permanent elimination of The Line. Rather, as noted in its title, R2023-49 suspended the forums until such time as the provisions of R2023-47 , R2023-48 , and R2023-52 Rev 1 can be put into place. These changes include forum moderator training, enhanced enforcement and penalties for violations of the Acceptable Use Policy, and revised procedures for reviewing reported posts. Because R2023-47 includes changes to the Constitution and Bylaws (which require a 100-day abeyance period prior to becoming effective), the earliest these changes can be implemented is Jan. 27. However, contingent on review of these modifications, the Board may vote on restoration of The Line during its winter meeting, which is scheduled to begin on Jan. 22. FAA Proposes 25-Hour Cockpit Voice Recorders The FAA announced yesterday that it is proposing to extend the cockpit voice-recording requirement to 25 hours for all newly manufactured aircraft. “This rule will give us substantially more data to identify the causes of incidents and help prevent them in the future,” FAA Administrator Mike Whitaker said in a prepared statement. A 25-hour requirement would align with International Civil Aviation Organization and European Union Aviation Safety Agency regulations. The proposed new rule is scheduled to be published in the Federal Register on Monday, Dec. 4. Interested parties will have 60 days to provide comment. NMB Denies Flight Attendants’ Request On Tuesday, the National Mediation Board rejected the Association of Professional Flight Attendants’ request to be released to a 30-day cooling-off period, which could have led to a strike. “We are not backing down. We will intensify our pressure on the company,” APFA National President Julie Hedrick said, adding that American Airlines management “continues to drag out bargaining with contract proposals that do not address the current economic environment.” APFA has proposed upfront raises of 35% followed by two yearly increases of 6%. American is offering immediate raises of 11% followed by annual increases of 2%. The airline says its proposal to pay flight attendants during boarding would make the 11% raise more like 18%. Get Educated About Our New Contract This is an updated message from the APA Contract Compliance Committee. Everything you wanted to know about the 2023 Collective Bargaining Agreement but were too afraid to ask! Join us on Dec. 4 in DFW for a full day of training on the new CBA. This training will be conducted in hybrid fashion, with members welcome to participate in person or virtually via Zoom. Please take a few moments before the training to familiarize yourself with the Electronic Document Index . You must be logged in to AlliedPilots.org for the links to be accessible. This Index connects you to a vast array of APA documents that we will reference. It is equally useful in the daily operation as a line pilot, so we recommend you retain the Index for future reference. During the training, it may be helpful to have two screens; one to run Zoom and one to reference these documents. Dec. 4 in DFW: Click here to RSVP for in-person attendance . Dec. 4 via Zoom: Click here to register . Help us help you! The Contract Compliance Committee’s goal is for you – the membership – to be informed, educated, and knowledgeable. Every single pilot should strive to be a contract expert or, at the very least, strive for continued learning and engagement. Knowledge is power, and it will assist you in employing and being a watchdog of your negotiated work rules. Save the date: Our next day of contract training is scheduled for Jan. 11 at LAX. Short Notice for Short Call Reserves This is the latest in a series of Q box-sizing: border-box;"> Q: I am a Short Call Reserve, Crew Scheduling assigned me a sign-in 90 minutes from now. I’m not sure if I will make it to the airport in that timeframe. What would happen if I am unable to report at my assigned sign-in? A: CBA Section 15.J.1.l.(2) defines a Short Call Reserve and the requisite reporting time. Once a Short Call Reserve receives an assignment within their RAP, they are released until sign-in (Section 15.J.6.a). Upon confirmation of the assignment, the Reserve has a contractual obligation to report “promptly,” but a specific call-out time is not contractually prescribed. If you do elect to speak to Crew Scheduling while in transit, it can be difficult to predict traffic conditions, adhere to safety, and also provide an arrival time. A pilot is free to request up-front parking for any assignment. Should an assignment be removed while you are en route to the airport, you have the option to voluntarily contact Crew Scheduling. This would effectively acknowledge the removal with the expected resumption of your RAP. A pilot may be unable to respond to Crew Scheduling while en route and also report promptly. If no assignment remains upon report, you could then request your “RPT NOGO” sequence. Contained within CBA Section 15.H.2.a, the five hours of “show, no go” pay would then be added to your schedule and serve as the release to Domicile Rest. This show, no go is a pay-only item that will contribute to Reserve Guarantee. It is not credited and will not contribute to GTD nor Variance Groups. Click here to read the cited sections of the 2023 CBA . Our Volunteers Can Take Your Calls Again This is a new message from the APA Compass Project Committee. The Compass Project hotline is once again operational! Our volunteers are ready to assist and point you in the right direction. We encourage everyone to take advantage of this very important and useful resource. The phone number for the Compass Project hotline is 817-302-2401. Press 1 for New Hire and general questions, 2 for Captain Support, or 3 for TDY and Vacation Support. The APA Compass Project is an industry-leading pilot mentoring and support program. Compass offers one-on-one support from experienced line-pilot sponsors for new hires, new captains, return-to-work pilots, as well as tutorial videos and an extensive database of stage-based documents covering a helpful topics that are of importance to all pilots. Click here for more information . Our Volunteers Are Also Willing to Talk This is a new message from the Project Wingman Subcommittee. The holiday season is here, which can lead to elevated stress levels on multiple fronts. There’s the stress at work associated with record numbers of air travelers taking to the skies, and then there’s the stress at home due to holiday commitments related to both children and parents. For some, this combination of work, children, and parents creates a perfect storm. Illuminating this further, an article published by Psychology Today classifies those in this life situation as the “sandwich generation.” “The sandwich generation is the group of adults with parents aged 65 or older that are either raising a young child or still financially supporting a grown child. These adults have to provide care for their own children and also, in some way, for their aging parents.” If you find yourself stressed this holiday season, perhaps from having to care for both parents and children simultaneously, you’re not alone. Project Wingman is here if you need to talk. Always feel free to give us a call at 848-APA-CREW, option 1. Debriefs System Has Been Restored This is a new message from the APA Hotel Committee. The Hotel Debrief system is working again. APA IT was able to recover all debriefs filed during the period that the system was down, and the Hotel Committee is addressing those debriefs with the company. Please continue to file debriefs for any issues that need to be addressed with AA or the hotel/transportation vendor. As a reminder, room wait times, transportation wait times, climate control problems, and lack of food options are all examples of issues that are best communicated through the Hotel Survey on the APA Pilot app. The survey is quicker to fill out than the debrief and helps the committee track trends to fully address with the company. For more information, see the QRH – Quick Reference Hotels document, which should answer 99 percent of all hotel and transportation questions while providing helpful solutions. Pigs of the Week APA commends American Airlines’ hardworking aircraft maintenance technicians for their outstanding work. We believe they are the best in the business. When repetitive problems do arise, they’re often due to managerial decisions that fail to properly prioritize tasks and to management’s decision to outsource a significant portion of the airline’s maintenance to offshore, third-party repair stations. Since mid-September, the right engine thrust reverser on B737 aircraft 3NC has been written up 15 times, been on MEL six times, and been out of service 10 times. It was most recently signed off on Nov. 29 and is restricted to Class 1 or 2 maintenance stations. In the last 60 days, B737 aircraft 3AS has been written up 16 times for cabin pressurization, been on MEL six times, and been out of service 15 times. It was recently operated under a special flight permit for the third time to a maintenance base for repairs, where it remained out of service at the time of this writing. APA Welcomes New Pilots This is a new message from the APA Membership Committee. Click the image for a closer look. The APA Membership Committee welcomed the following pilots during a casual dinner on Nov. 21: Christopher Akin, Jason Algya, Peter Arnold, Robert Arrighi, Cody Ballard, Landon Beck, Mitchell Bergman, Derrick Bradley, Collin Buesser, Roderick Cameron, Matthew Carner, Steven Dahl, Eric Dietz, Maurizio Dininno, Emerson Do Carmo Guerrero, Robert Dunn III, Daniel Ellis, Drake Ferruzzi, Bryan Fitch, Drew Frederick, William Frost, Blake Geyer, Nathan Gouvion, Kellyn Hall, Brian Harris, Michael Heekin, Matthew Hess, John Holland, Russell Hunt, Jordan Hutto, Austin Kendrick, Ki Tak Kim, Logan Koerwitz, Adam Krainski, Mats Kronberg, Antonio Nicolas Lapeira Uribe, Brent Lightfoot, Dante Mack, Jared MacNaught, Christopher Martinez, Marvin Matheny, Kevin McCollam, Garrett McDaniel, Mark McDonnell IV, Thomas McKeon, Nicholas Napolitano, Shadab Nasim, Michael Nettleingham, Mofe Osiname, Luiz Carlos Pereira Gago Jr., Daren Phillips, Lucas Rinaldi, Dylan Rosenberg, Guillaume Saget, Matthew Sanders, Brandon Shell, Jordan Smith, John Stanton, Samuel Suing, Francis Taype, Arnd Tjeerdstra, Miroslav Todorov, Chad Tracy, Thomas Westphall, Ryan Wilson, and Thomas Wineinger. APA Welcomes Captains’ Leadership Classes This is a new message from the APA Membership Committee. Click the image for a closer look. On Nov. 20, the APA Membership Committee hosted a casual dinner for the following pilots who were in Fort Worth for American Airlines’ Professionalism, Leadership, and Mentoring class: Naji Aziz, John Booker, Richard Couture Jr., George Graves, Corey Gray, Patrick Grimes, Brandon Hodge, Calvin Hunter, Ricardo Jimenez Jr., Stephen Landrum, Kathleen McPeak, John Miller, Jason Musgrove, Bryan Perfetti, James Schaible, Matthew Sheehan, Conor Shinnick, Benjamin Sigmundik, Michael Sutton, and Michael Wood. Click the image for a closer look. On Nov. 29, the APA Membership Committee hosted a casual dinner for the following pilots who were in Fort Worth for the same class: Scott Diller, Ryan Fandler, Thomas Gilfert, Matthew Gingrich, Michael Hamilton, Neil Hoy, Paul Ladwig, Monica McNally, Eric Rasmussen, Alex Rivera, Shachar Stern, Juan Velez, George Vess III, Wilbert Volson, Ellis Williams, Richard Williams, and Mark Yarian. Domicile Events Visit AlliedPilots.org/Calendar to RSVP for any of these upcoming domicile events: BOS: Holiday Party on Dec. 16 CLT: Holiday Party on Dec. 10 DCA: Holiday Party on Dec. 14; Washington Capitals game on Jan. 16 DFW: Contract Compliance training on Dec. 4; Holiday Party on Dec. 16 LAX: Family Awareness event in LAS on Dec. 5 MIA: Holiday Social on Dec. 2 ORD: Domicile Meeting on Dec. 13; Holiday Party on Dec. 14 Domicile Elections The following CLT pilots have been placed into consideration for nomination as Interim Domicile Chair and have indicated a willingness to serve, if elected: FO Russ Blackwell FO Ryan Cianciolo CA Casey Granger FO Erik Knauff CA Dan Scola The candidates’ resumes will be mailed to all CLT pilots on Dec. 5. Nomination Round ballots will be mailed on Dec. 6 and tallied on Dec. 28. The three candidates with the most votes will advance to the Election Round. If you have any questions, contact the APA Elections Department via 817-302-2175 or elections@alliedpilots.org . Weeks in Review The following messages were sent since the previous News Digest was published on Nov. 17. APA Leadership: Armed With the Facts APA Leadership: Happy Thanksgiving President: An Update on Our IT Situation President: APA Announces New General Counsel Joint Implementation Action Committee: 2023 CBA Implementation Update – Nov. 21 Joint Implementation Action Committee: 2023 CBA Implementation Update – Deadhead Seat Selection Joint Implementation Action Committee: 2023 CBA Implementation Update – Deadhead Seat Selection – Fully Operational Safety Committee: Cockpit Display of Traffic Information Military Affairs Subcommittee: Military Duty Reminders Are You Willing to Serve? Each of these national committees or subcommittees has the indicated number of vacancies: Aeromedical Committee (1) Disabled Pilot Awareness Subcommittee (3) Human Intervention Motivation Study Subcommittee (2) Pilot Occupational Health Subcommittee (2) Project Wingman Subcommittee (3) Captain’s Authority Committee (2) Communications Committee (0) National Communications Network (7) Grey Eagles Liaison Committee (1) Hotel Committee (3) Jumpseat/Non-Rev Committee (1) Retirement ">Scheduling Committee (5) Training Committee (3) Checkmate (1 on 777 and 1 on 320) If you would like to serve on one or more of these committees, visit the Member Engagement Portal . Professional Standards FAQs What time frame can be expected when Professional Standards is working an issue? Professional Standards issues will normally be resolved within a few days. Due to scheduling complexities, some cases may take longer. The expectation is that volunteers will be as timely as possible and not delay the processing of any issue submitted to the committee. Most cases are resolved within two days. To read all of the FAQs, click here . Professional Standards’ 24/7 hotline: 817-402-2181 Wreaths Across America   Wreaths Across America is a national nonprofit whose primary mission is to fulfill its motto of “Remember, Honor, and Teach” — that is, remember our fallen U.S. veterans, honor those who serve, and teach your children the value of freedom. Part of that mission includes coordinating wreath-laying ceremonies each year at Arlington National Cemetery and more than 3,800 other locations. We are continuing our campaign of American Airlines pilots adopting a national cemetery in each of our domiciles, including BNA, STL, and GSW. This will enable our pilots to give as one group while supporting deceased veterans at their home base. Please visit www.aapwaa.com and click the link for your domicile. You will find information on this year’s ceremonies and opportunities to help the local coordinators. There is also a link at the bottom of the main page to find a cemetery near you if you do not live in your domicile and wish to help your local area. This year’s ceremony will be on Saturday, Dec. 16. If you have any questions, please contact CA Dave Branzell at dsb81@live.com . Sharing the Holiday Spirit with Christmas Epaulets This popular, long-running program benefits the families of our nation’s fallen heroes and young people seeking ways to further their education. CA John Knutson – U.S. Army veteran and a pilot for North Central, Republic, and Northwest Airlines – lost his battle with cancer in 1997 at age 56. To honor his memory, John’s widow, Mary, decided to start making Christmas epaulets. Mary originally directed all proceeds to the Chetek-Weyerhaeuser Scholarship Foundation, since John was a 1959 graduate of Chetek High School. In an acknowledgement of John’s love of country, the proceeds have been shared between the Gary Sinise Foundation/Snowball Express and the Chetek-Weyerhaeuser Scholarship Foundation in recent years. You may buy your epaulets here for $20 plus $5.50 for shipping and handling. They’re also available at Crew Outfitters stores at DFW and IAH. If you have any questions, please contact CA Tim Knutson via info@christmasepaulets.com . Thank you for supporting this worthy cause. If You’re 50, Join The Grey Eagles Are you a pilot for American Airlines, at least age 50, active or retired? Please join The Grey Eagles for food, fun, and fellowship. We offer cruises, conventions, monthly luncheons, retirement dinners, professional mentoring, and assistance to surviving spouses – all for a one-time lifetime fee. Pilot Job Fairs and Future Pilot Seminars Future text-decoration: underline; background-color: transparent; transition: all 0.2s ease 0s; cursor: pointer; box-sizing: border-box;" target="_blank"> Click here for more information . Industry News For more about what’s happening in the industry, be sure to visit the Industry News page on AlliedPilots.org . Connect with Us: Facebook | Instagram | Twitter | TikTok | YouTube Contact Us: Phone - 817.302.2272 | Website - AlliedPilots.org
News Digest

Armed With The Facts

Armed With The Facts APA Members, As your Allied Pilots Association National Officers and Board of Directors, we want to make clear we unequivocally support retaining APA as your bargaining agent. We are aware that the membership has received solicitations regarding an effort to trigger a representation election. In the coming weeks, we will work to ensure information integrity as you consider participating in a process that could result in a change in representation and lead to various unintended consequences. We plan to highlight our union’s strengths and enumerate the many ways it serves our members’ best interests. Once you are fully armed with the facts, we believe you will clearly understand why any move to change representation would be a mistake. As your elected leadership, we are committed to ensuring that you are armed with complete, accurate information regarding APA and the value it provides to our members. In the end, we believe the advantages of APA representation will be obvious. Thank you.
Joint Leadership Facts

APA News Digest: Nov. 17, 2023

APA News Digest Nov. 17, 2023 Editor’s note: Some links in this message will work best if you log in to AlliedPilots.org before clicking them. In This Edition ... “If It’s a Constant Threat, It’s a Real Problem” Benefits Experts Honored by Board of Directors Compass Project Committee: Join Us for YOUnion 101 on Nov. 22 Contract Compliance Committee: Get Educated About Our New Contract Contract Compliance Committee: Sick Accrual Payout Provision Hotel Committee: Debriefs System Temporarily Unavailable Membership Committee: APA Welcomes New Pilots Membership Committee: APA Welcomes Captains’ Leadership Class Membership Committee: Gone West Domicile Events Domicile Elections Professional Standards FAQ Wreaths Across America Sharing the Holiday Spirit with Christmas Epaulets If You’re 50, Join The Grey Eagles Pilot Job Fairs and Future Pilot Seminars “If It’s a Constant Threat, It’s a Real Problem” APA Communications Committee Chair CA Dennis Tajer appeared on Fox News on Thursday to preview the Thanksgiving travel period. During his short interview , Fox News displayed statistics that showed the number of air traffic controllers declined by 1,175 between 2012 and 2022, which equates to a 10% drop over 10 years. “With the air traffic controllers, they’ve got my back, I’ve got theirs, but when they’re working overtime – forced 60-hour work weeks – they get fatigued. When you get fatigued, you start to make errors. And the system is wired to trap that when it happens, but if it’s a constant threat, it’s a real problem. You know, we’re the gold standard for safety, but we’re becoming the bronze standard for infrastructure.” Despite those staffing concerns – which were cited in a recent FAA report that called the airline industry’s safety levels “unsustainable” – CA Tajer assured Fox News that the traveling public will be safe over the Thanksgiving holiday because “the professional pilot is not going to allow that margin of safety to be squeezed down.” Benefits Experts Honored by Board of Directors During their fall meeting last week, the APA Board of Directors gave a standing ovation to CA Kerry Burklow and CA Tom Westbrook, whose years of service on the APA Benefits Review and Appeals Board recently ended due to their approaching retirements. CA Burklow – pictured with his wife, Patty, and APA Director of Benefits Marcy Scott – thanked the Board for the opportunity to serve, emphasizing that “we have the best benefits plan of any union in the industry.” CA Westbrook cited the value of the Pilot Occupational Disability and Pilot Mutual Aid plans, noting that pilots “protect themselves against dying” but don’t always safeguard against the potential loss of part of their incomes. Pilot Occupational Disability provides temporary financial assistance to mitigate the hardships experienced during medical disability. Pilot Mutual Aid provides short-term monthly payments to pilots who have a temporary financial need caused by a qualifying disability or death. For more information on these plans, visit the Benefits page on AlliedPilots.org. Join Us for YOUnion 101 on Nov. 22 This is a new message from the APA Compass Project Committee. APA Vice President CA Chris Torres and the Compass Project’s Member Engagement Team will host a “YOUnion 101” meeting via Zoom at 1100 Central on Wednesday, Nov. 22. This meeting focuses on all aspects of APA membership: The purpose and services of your union Governance, committee structure, probation, etc. What you and your family should expect from the APA How you can engage and volunteer with the APA While it is geared toward our newer pilots (6 to 18 months), all are welcome and encouraged to attend. Click here to register in advance . After registering, you will receive a confirmation email containing information about joining the webinar. Send your feedback to YOUnion101@alliedpilots.org . The APA Compass Project is an industry-leading pilot mentoring and support program. Compass offers one-on-one support from experienced line-pilot sponsors for new hires, new captains, return-to-work pilots, as well as tutorial videos and an extensive database of stage-based documents covering a helpful topics that are of importance to all pilots. Click here for more information . Get Educated About Our New Contract This is an updated message from the APA Contract Compliance Committee. Everything you wanted to know about the 2023 Collective Bargaining Agreement but were too afraid to ask! Join us on Dec. 4 in DFW for a full day of training on the new CBA. This training will be conducted in hybrid fashion, with members welcome to participate in person or virtually via Zoom. Please take a few moments before the training to familiarize yourself with the Electronic Document Index . You must be logged in to AlliedPilots.org for the links to be accessible. This Index connects you to a vast array of APA documents that we will reference. It is equally useful in the daily operation as a line pilot, so we recommend you retain the Index for future reference. During the training, it may be helpful to have two screens; one to run Zoom and one to reference these documents. Dec. 4 in DFW: Click here to RSVP for in-person attendance . Dec. 4 via Zoom: Click here to register . Help us help you! The Contract Compliance Committee’s goal is for you – the membership – to be informed, educated, and knowledgeable. Every single pilot should strive to be a contract expert or, at the very least, strive for continued learning and engagement. Knowledge is power, and it will assist you in employing and being a watchdog of your negotiated work rules. Sick Accrual Payout Provision This is the latest in a series of Q box-sizing: border-box;"> Q: I have 290 hours of AVBL SK displayed on my HI1. Am I eligible for the new and optional annual sick accrual payout provision? A: Yes, provided you have 235 hours or more of AVBL SK on Dec. 31, you may elect to receive a 50% payout of your regularly accrued hours during that accrual year. An eligible pilot electing this payout option will have the remaining 50% of the accrued hours – plus any Rapid Reaccrual hours – deposited into their Sick Bank. For example, if a pilot had a full year of service (15 or more days of service in each month for 12 months), they would have accrued 60 hours of sick for the year. With 290 hours of AVBL SK on Dec. 31, and at pilot election, 30 hours would be paid out. The remaining 30 hours would then be added to their Sick Bank, for a new total of 320 hours. NOTE 1 : The DEADLINE to complete the Annual Sick Bank Cash Payout Request (Comply365 > My Forms > Flight Ops Line) is no later than Dec. 1. The payout is not eligible for non-elective Company contribution (17% 401(k)). NOTE 2 : If a pilot does not elect to receive the cash payout, no action is necessary. All accrued hours will be deposited into the pilot’s Sick Bank. NOTE 3 : A pilot’s sick leave bank is capped at 1,000 hours. Pilots with more than 940 hours of AVLB SK should carefully consider their YTD SK ACRL value and its impact on the contractual maximum. Sick leave hours that are not optioned for payout (30 hour maximum) and/or exceed the 1,000 hour bank maximum will be lost. CBA Section 10.B. Sick Leave Bank Pilot sick leave will be provided through a single sick leave bank. 1. Application of Sick Accrual Hours to Sick Bank Each January 1, a pilot’s sick leave hours accrued in the preceding year shall be placed into the pilot’s sick leave bank, except, pilots with a sick leave bank balance of 235 hours or more as of the end of the accrual year (December 31), may elect to receive a cash payout of 50% of the sick leave hours accrued under the Regular Accrual Rate during that accrual year. (1) The cash payout shall not include any of the additional hours accrued under the Rapid Reaccrual Rate formula. (2) Pilots electing to receive a cash payout must make the election no later than December 1 of the accrual year. 2. Pilots who retire after January 1 of any given year will have the value of any sick accrued during that calendar year (i.e., the calendar year in which the pilot retires) either paid out at retirement or deposited into a Retiree Health Reimbursement Agreement (RHRA) account in accordance with the pilot’s election under the provisions of Section 5.E. 3. Sick Leave Bank Cap a. A pilot’s sick leave bank shall be capped at one thousand (1,000) hours effective each January 1. Debriefs System Temporarily Unavailable This is a new message from the APA Hotel Committee. As restoration of APA’s IT systems continues, the Hotel Committee is unable to receive Hotel Debriefs. This issue is not unique to our debrief form. We will notify the membership when the debriefs system is working again. In the meantime, if you have an issue that needs to be addressed immediately or is safety/security related, feel free to email us via cmte-hotel@alliedpilots.org . Please include all necessary information such as the market, the inbound flight number/date, the hotel name, and the room number, if applicable. For more information, see the  QRH – Quick Reference Hotels document, which should answer 99 percent of all hotel and transportation questions while providing helpful solutions. APA Welcomes New Pilots This is a new message from the APA Membership Committee. Click the image for a closer look. The APA Membership Committee welcomed the following pilots during a casual dinner on Nov. 14: John Abraham, Brian Altman, Ramin Amely, Robert Attebury, Michael Baillargeon, Kyle Benham, Gautam Bhutaiya, Peter Bodkin, John-Paul Bruno, Christopher Burnett, Michael Callejo, Mario Camarillo, Brian Campbell, Scott Cararas, Tatiana Carvajal Sandoval, Jorge Celaya Escobar, Ryan Close, Patrick Crisp, Curtis Dine, Zachary Dobis, Guillermo Dominguez, Marco Eshraghi, Troy Estes, Travis Freiermuth, Bryan Gammill, Sean Gipe, Stephen Hall, Ryan Hana, Mark Hankes, Jordan Hogg, Joshua Holmes, Richard Hunt, Andrew Inman, Brian Kellam, Jamin Kerby, Joshua Kofron, Jeffrey Lawton, Hong Lee, Andres Leiva, Matthew Leslie, Blair Lightcap, Donald Lodge Maragh, Nicholas Makowicz, Mario Mantica, Matthew McCann, Casey McMurry, Sean Morrell, Konstantinos Patsais, Craig Pedersen, Eric Phillips, Erwin Pinedo Sanchez, Thomas Plambeck Jr., Dale Ramsey Jr., Donald Ransom Jr., Roy Reta Ledezma, Justin Ripley, Michael Rogers, Eric Saldana Vasquez, Bryan Schmidt, Phillip Schwoob, Michael Spond, Brian Taylor, Alejandro Trujilo, Michael Vaknin, Alberto Vazquez, and Brandon Whitford. APA Welcomes Captains’ Leadership Class This is a new message from the APA Membership Committee. Click the image for a closer look. On Nov. 15, the APA Membership Committee hosted a casual dinner for the following pilots who were in Fort Worth for American Airlines’ Professionalism, Leadership, and Mentoring class: Matthew Bajerski, Kristof Cappoen, Robert Churchill, Paul Clifton, Joseph Coraggio, Rafael Cruet, Roysbel Estupinan, David Gordon, Blaine Hainebach, Dillon Jackson, Gregory Jones, Jonathan Laman, James Lapointe, Steve Libick, Michael Lind, Trenton McMillan, Kerry Pruitt, Christopher Robinson, Jarad Saunders, Louis Schmidt, Richard Silva Jr., Ellis Williams, Jacquie Willman, Craig Wirth, and Matthew Woodson. Gone West This is a new message from the APA Membership Committee. We extend our deepest sympathies to the loved ones of these pilots, whose deaths we learned of last month: Jay Harvey, 72, on June 19, 2022; Ed Cunningham, 67, on Feb. 18; James Mack, 76, on Aug. 23; J.H. Matos, 89, on Sept. 1; Henry Mattia, 85, on Sept. 7; Byron “Skip” Eberts, 80, on Sept. 11; Bill Beam, 78, on Sept. 12; Wayne “Pops” Plump, 81, on Sept. 12; Vincent “Buz” O’Brien, 93, on Sept. 21; Ralph Kirby, 92, on Sept. 22; Richard Wolter, 91, on Sept. 29; Henrik Jonsson, 58, on Oct. 4; Bill Winton, 87, on Oct. 4; and Edwin McNeil, 103, on Oct. 10. Domicile Events LGA Domicile Officers CA Jim Scanlan and CA Lawrence Cutler participated in Concourse Conversations on Wednesday. Once you’re able to log in, visit AlliedPilots.org/Calendar to RSVP for any of these upcoming domicile events: BOS: Holiday Party on Dec. 16 CLT: Holiday Party on Dec. 10 DCA: Holiday Party on Dec. 14; Washington Capitals game on Jan. 16 DFW: Contract Compliance training on Dec. 4; Holiday Party on Dec. 16 LAX: Family Awareness event in LAS on Dec. 5 MIA: Holiday Party on Dec. 2 ORD: Domicile Meeting on Dec. 13; Holiday Party on Dec. 14 Domicile Elections The following CLT pilots have been placed into consideration for nomination as Interim Domicile Chair and have indicated a willingness to serve, if elected: FO Russ Blackwell FO Ryan Cianciolo CA Casey Granger FO Erik Knauff CA Dan Scola The candidates’ resumes will be mailed to all CLT pilots on Dec. 5. Nomination Round ballots will be mailed on Dec. 6 and tallied on Dec. 28. The three candidates with the most votes will advance to the Election Round. If you have any questions, contact the APA Elections Department via 817-302-2175 or elections@alliedpilots.org . Professional Standards FAQs What happens with a management referral? When a committee volunteer and management member are both working the same issue, it is the responsibility of the PS volunteer to determine if Management intends to stay involved or is willing to hand the case over to Professional Standards. The PS volunteer and management will work together to determine if the issue could be completed through the Professional Standards process. If an agreeable resolution is not made, the parties are encouraged to elevate the issue to the national committee for resolution or guidance. In all cases, Professional Standards will not accept an issue if management remains involved. To read all of the FAQs, click here . Professional Standards’ 24/7 hotline: 817-402-2181 Wreaths Across America   Wreaths Across America is a national nonprofit whose primary mission is to fulfill its motto of “Remember, Honor, and Teach” — that is, remember our fallen U.S. veterans, honor those who serve, and teach your children the value of freedom. Part of that mission includes coordinating wreath-laying ceremonies each year at Arlington National Cemetery and more than 3,800 other locations. We are continuing our campaign of American Airlines pilots adopting a national cemetery in each of our domiciles, including BNA, STL, and GSW. This will enable our pilots to give as one group while supporting deceased veterans at their home base. Please visit www.aapwaa.com and click the link for your domicile. You will find information on this year’s ceremonies and opportunities to help the local coordinators.  There is also a link at the bottom of the main page to find a cemetery near you if you do not live in your domicile and wish to help your local area. This year’s ceremony will be on Saturday, Dec. 16, with the deadline to sponsor wreaths on Nov. 28. Please help support this cause by sponsoring wreaths at a cemetery of your choosing. If you have any questions, please contact CA Dave Branzell at dsb81@live.com . Sharing the Holiday Spirit with Christmas Epaulets This popular, long-running program benefits the families of our nation’s fallen heroes and young people seeking ways to further their education. CA John Knutson – U.S. Army veteran and a pilot for North Central, Republic, and Northwest Airlines – lost his battle with cancer in 1997 at age 56. To honor his memory, John’s widow, Mary, decided to start making Christmas epaulets. Mary originally directed all proceeds to the Chetek-Weyerhaeuser Scholarship Foundation, since John was a 1959 graduate of Chetek High School. In an acknowledgement of John’s love of country, the proceeds have been shared between the Gary Sinise Foundation/Snowball Express and the Chetek-Weyerhaeuser Scholarship Foundation in recent years. You may buy your epaulets  here for $20 plus $5.50 for shipping and handling. They’re also available at Crew Outfitters stores at DFW and IAH. If you have any questions, please contact CA Tim Knutson via  info@christmasepaulets.com . Thank you for supporting this worthy cause. If You’re 50, Join The Grey Eagles Are you a pilot for American Airlines, at least age 50, active or retired? Please join The Grey Eagles for food, fun, and fellowship. We offer cruises, conventions, monthly luncheons, retirement dinners, professional mentoring, and assistance to surviving spouses – all for a one-time lifetime fee. Pilot Job Fairs and Future Pilot Seminars Future text-decoration: underline; background-color: transparent; transition: all 0.2s ease 0s; cursor: pointer; box-sizing: border-box;" target="_blank"> Click here for more information . Industry News For more about what’s happening in the industry, be sure to visit the Industry News page on AlliedPilots.org . Connect with Us: Facebook | Instagram | Twitter | TikTok | YouTube Contact Us: Phone - 817.302.2272 | Website - AlliedPilots.org
News Digest

Veterans Day 2023

Veterans Day 2023 The tradition of celebrating our veterans on Nov. 11 began during World War I. The fighting between the Allied nations and Germany ceased on that date because an armistice, or temporary cessation of hostilities, went into effect on the eleventh hour of the eleventh day of the eleventh month. If you have an opportunity to thank a veteran today, please join me in doing so. A great many of our pilots are veterans, including your APA National Officers. Vice President CA Chris Torres and I flew fighter jets for the Air Force, and Secretary-Treasurer FO Pat Clark was a helicopter pilot for the Marine Corps. CA Torres, FO Clark, and every other veteran in our pilot ranks deserve our eternal gratitude for their service to this great nation. If they and countless others throughout our nation’s history had not stepped up, our world would be very different indeed.
President Public News
first_page arrow_back arrow_forward last_page
  • View All Articles
  • Press Releases
  • News Digest
  • Public News
  • Facts
task_alt

Toasting