APA News Digest

Sept. 12, 2025

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In This Edition ...

We Will Never Forget the Tragedy of 9/11

This week, APA leaders and members remembered and honored the friends and colleagues we lost on Sept. 11, 2001, when nearly 3,000 innocent people were killed in an unforgettable act of terror.

a group of pilots at the 9/11 Memorial & Museum

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APA President FO Nick Silva, APA Secretary-Treasurer FO Philip Johnson, LGA Domicile Chair CA Mark Lokey, and LGA Domicile Vice Chair CA Jim Scanlan were among the pilots who joined representatives from the Association of Professional Flight Attendants for a wreath-laying ceremony on Wednesday at the 9/11 Memorial & Museum in New York. Many of those pilots returned on Thursday for the museum’s official anniversary event. You can see an album of photos from New York on Facebook, and you can watch a video of FO Silva’s remarks on Instagram.

a group of pilots in front of the Flight 11 memorial at BOS

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BOS Domicile Chair CA Lawrence Cutler and BOS Domicile Vice Chair CA Thomas Knox participated in anniversary ceremonies on Thursday morning at Boston Logan International Airport, where American Airlines Flight 11 and United Airlines Flight 175 originated. You can see a few more photos from Boston on Facebook and Instagram.

a pilot speaking at a Grapevine Fire Department lectern

DFW Domicile Vice Chair FO Jason Gustin spoke on APA’s behalf during the anniversary ceremony at the 9/11 Flight Crew Memorial in Grapevine, Texas. He is featured in this video, but you can watch his remarks in their entirety on YouTube.

“The Safe and Orderly Development of International Civil Aviation”

Clockwise from top: Members of the APA Jumpseat/Non-Rev Committee; NTSB Chair Jennifer Homendy with APA Safety Committee Chair CA Jason Sharp and Deputy Chair CA Stu Walker; a plaque in the Stevens Hotel

The Stevens Hotel in Chicago, site of ALPA’s 69th Air Safety Forum this week, has a unique and storied connection to commercial aviation. On Dec. 7, 1944, representatives of 54 nations gathered at the invitation of the United States in the hotel’s Grand Ballroom to conclude the Convention on International Civil Aviation, establishing the International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO). This gathering of nations toward the end of the Second World War became known as the Chicago Convention. A plaque in the Grand Ballroom pays tribute to the Chicago Convention’s “significant contributions to global peace and prosperity through the safe and orderly development of international civil aviation.” ICAO currently has 193 member states.

A delegation comprised of members of the Aeromedical Committee, the Committee for the Armed Defense of the Cockpit, the Jumpseat/Non-Rev Committee, the Safety Committee, and the Security Committee represented APA at this year’s Air Safety Forum, providing numerous opportunities for information-sharing and collaboration with industry peers and other participants.

APA Leadership Plans for 2026 and Beyond

The APA leadership and Negotiating Committee will meet next week in New York for strategic planning and preparation in advance of Section 6 early openers in 2026. Throughout this year, the Negotiating Committee has been developing its team and remaining actively involved with contract implementation efforts. Next week’s caucus at an offsite training facility in New York is designed to continue APA’s strategic planning efforts and build a common understanding of the bargaining process though formalized training as required by Policy Manual Section 10.02. Members of the Strategic Planning and Scheduling Committees will also be in attendance. A follow-on caucus is expected during the second quarter of next year.

Upcoming Events: Mark Your Calendar

CLT pilots and their families enjoyed beautiful weather at a Charlotte Knights game on Sept. 7, when the home team pulled out a 9-7 walkoff win over the Jacksonville Jumbo Shrimp.

Visit AlliedPilots.org/Calendar to RSVP for many of these upcoming events:

  • DCA: Baltimore Orioles game on Sept. 24
  • DFW: Concourse Conversations on Sept. 23
  • LAX: Redondo Beach Lunch on Sept. 16; Temecula Lunch on Sept. 17
  • MIA: Concourse Conversations on Sept. 19; IMAX Training on Sept. 24; Daytona Beach Meet-Up on Sept. 20; Retirement Dinner Cruise on Oct. 4; IMAX Training on Oct. 6; Domicile Meeting on Oct. 30
  • PHL:  Closing of Election Round on Oct. 1
  • PHX: Domicile Meeting on Sept. 24; Arizona Diamondbacks game on Sept. 24; Closing of Election Round on Oct. 1

Positive Rate Episode 63: Information Technology Steering Committee

In the latest episode of our “Positive Rate” podcast, Communications Committee Deputy Chair FO Melissa Monahan talks with FO Connor Denton, Information Technology Steering Committee Chair, about the continuing evolution of the APA Pilot app. FO Denton highlights the app’s extensive functionality and notes the union will be rolling out the next iteration, APA Pilot 3.0, in the coming months. The new version will reflect member feedback with what he terms a “calendar-based feel” and feature production versions of various features now in beta testing.

Each episode of “Positive Rate” features APA subject-matter experts working on the membership’s behalf. The podcast is available through popular streaming services, including Apple Podcasts, Stitcher, and Spotify. You can search for “Positive Rate” or “Allied Pilots Association” on your platform of choice to subscribe and download. Your first opportunity to listen will be via AlliedPilots.org/Podcasts.

Coming Soon: My117

This is a new message from the APA Information Technology Steering Committee.

We are excited to share that our latest product, My117, will soon be entering the beta testing phase.

As part of a slow launch, we are seeking a limited group of volunteers to help us test and refine the experience before the full release. Your feedback will play a vital role in ensuring that My117 is as useful and reliable as possible. If you're interested in being part of this early testing group, please email My117Feedback@alliedpilots.org.

My117 was designed to give pilots a clear and flexible workspace where they can test different strategies against their FAR 117 limitations. Rather than executing actual trades, the tool focuses on what-if scenarios by pulling available trips from the Trips Marketplace and PBS.

With their planned absences and scheduled flying already visible, pilots can quickly identify conflicts and build a more accurate plan for the month. Inside the workspace, trips can be activated or deactivated to quickly reflect the outcome a trade might have on the pilot’s 117 limitations.

Each trip is color-coded for clarity: blue for scheduled trips, red for when an exceedance exists, etc. This visual approach makes it simple to spot issues and opportunities while exploring different scenarios.

Ultimately, My117 will provide a one-stop, all-in-one tool that allows pilots to plan with confidence.

Document the Issue

This is a new message from the APA Hotel Committee.

When you send a Hotel Debrief regarding the condition of a room, please attach a picture if applicable. Videos can also be helpful. We have received debriefs with a great description of just how bad a room is, only to have the hotel manager send AA Hotel Contracts pictures of the “exact room” the pilot stayed in, conflicting with the debrief. The problem could have been remedied in the interim, or the hotel’s pictures could be of a different room.

Including pictures or videos with your debrief can help communicate exactly what the problem is, along with the severity of the problem and what needs to be remedied by the hotel or transportation company. If you have any issues with attaching a file to the debrief, send the debrief without an attachment but email the photo(s) or video to hotel.debriefs@alliedpilots.org or hotel-committee@alliedpilots.org.

For more information, check out the QRH – Quick Reference Hotels document. This resource answers 99 percent of all hotel, transportation, and layover questions while providing helpful solutions. Suggestion: Download this QRH document to your AA iPad for easy access in the future.

LOSA Observer Applications Open

This is a new joint message from AA Safey and the APA Safety Committee.

AA Safety and APA Safety are pleased to announce the hiring of additional Line Operations Safety Audit (LOSA) observers. The joint AA/APA LOSA program is an industry leader, and this is your chance to contribute to safety through American Airlines and the Allied Pilots Association.

Qualifications

  • Be in good standing with the Allied Pilots Association
  • Have your own laptop (Windows or Mac)
  • Possess and exhibit mastery of the following soft skills:
    • Safety driven nature
    • Self-motivation and attention to detail
    • Willingness to adapt to a myriad of situations
    • Professional, courteous demeanor in all interactions
    • Effective time management with ability to meet deadlines

To Apply - Please email the LOSA team (LOSA@aa.com) with the following:

  1. Resume in PDF format with the following file name format: LASTNAME_FIRSTNAME_RESUME
  2. Answers to the following in PDF format with the file name: LASTNAME_FIRSTNAME_ANSWERS
    1. Describe the function and purpose of a LOSA in your own words.
    2. In a few short sentences, describe why you would like to become a LOSA observer.
    3. Briefly explain a recent threat or error you encountered on a trip and how it was managed.

If selected, training will be conducted during the last week of January 2026 at American Airlines’ headquarters, Skyview 8. Observers can expect to work on a month-on/month-off basis. During the month of observing, the observer will have 4-5 days of flight duty replaced with their observer duties. Please don’t hesitate to reach out if you have any questions.

Brent Curlee
Manager, LOSA & LIT Programs
Brent.Curlee@aa.com

CA Hugh Morgan
APA Safety Deputy Chair-LOSA
hmorgan@alliedpilots.org

The deadline to apply is 1200 Central on Oct. 3.

MetLife Takes Over Long-Term Care Payments

This is a new message from the APA Retirement and Benefits Committee.

The Company has notified affected pilots that MetLife has taken over the Long-Term Care (LTC) monthly payroll deductions previously handled by the Company. If you have an LTC policy, future LTC premium payments must be paid directly to MetLife. To avoid risk of losing your policy, affected pilots should reference the letter mailed from MetLife last month or contact AA’s Benefits Service Center for more details.

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.

Blind Spots

When modern medicine issues recommendations based on good scientific studies, it shines. Conversely, when modern medicine is interpreted through the harsh lens of opinion and edict, it can mold beliefs that harm patients and stunt research for decades. In Blind Spots, Dr. Marty Makary explores the latest research on critical topics ranging from the microbiome and nutrition to childbirth and longevity, revealing the biggest blind spots of modern medicine and tackling the most urgent yet unsung issues in our $4.5 trillion health care ecosystem.

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.

APA Welcomes New Pilots

This is a new message from the APA Membership Committee.

a group of pilots in a lobby

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On Sept. 9, the Membership Committee hosted a casual dinner for the following new-hire pilots: Erik Anderson, Judah Anolick, Michael Araux, Glen Atwood, Christopher Bernard, Marcus Bolen, Bradley Borosak, John Castano, Clifton Chioda, Jeffrey Christopher, Christopher Cooper, Paul Coriell, Eloiza Da Costa Vieira, Jonathan Daniels, Alexander De Decker, Zachary De Decker, Patrick De Souza E Santos, Jeffry Dixon, Joseph Dowdy, Gregory Evans, Sebastian Fajardo, Daniel Fallon, Stephen Ferris, Ian Gillette, Joshua Grogan, David Hocevar, Luke Huston, Asif Kausar, Michael Kirkpatrick, Gabriel Kocon, James Kovarovic, Miles Laffitte, Robert Lathrop III, Olusayo Lawal, Kjetil Madland, Slade Marlow, Bill Morrison, Edwin Nowacki, Dustin Pachurra, William Parrish, Kien Pham, Mark Porter, Mark Reis, Jaden Risner, Elis Rosa Santaella, Gregory Sanders, Ryan Sasscer, Philip Scaglia, Joseph Schmidt, Clinton Scott, Ahmed Sheikh, Adam Smith, Sebastiano Sorbello, Patrick Stewart, Matthew Vedder, Christopher Ward, Daniel Weston, Brendan Williamson, Adam Wipf, and Willus Withrow.

APA Welcomes Leadership Class

This is a new message from the APA Membership Committee.

a group of pilots in a lobby

Click the image for a closer look.

On Sept. 10, the Membership Committee hosted a casual dinner for the following pilots who were in Fort Worth for American Airlines’ Professionalism, Leadership, and Mentoring class: Thomas Assal, Darryl Bell, Joshua Beltz, Paul Bickford, Johannes Bigot, Darrel Ekstrom Jr., Charles Ellison, Timothy Grunden II, Ernest Harris III, Stanley Hayes Jr., Charles Houston, Phillip Irwin Jr., Robert Jeffrey, Ryan Kenny, Gregory Le Crone, Nathanael Ludlum, Jason Michelizzi, Mark Montaperto, Owen Osullivan, Steven Petersheim, Todd Prine, Christine Schwab, Sean Soder, and Colin Tokarek.

Can American Score Runs on the Road?

In an article headlined “American Airlines says it can close margin gap with Delta and United,” Forbes reported on American Airlines Chief Strategy Officer Steven Johnson’s comments at a recent investors conference. Mr. Johnson reportedly said American focused on CLT and DFW during the pandemic and is now trying to build its presence in LGA and ORD, where it trails competitors.

The Forbes article includes commentary from APA spokesperson CA Dennis Tajer, who employed a baseball metaphor: “If you have a winning record in Charlotte and Dallas, but you still lose away games, the standings still show a losing record. The airlines are not about whether you win or lose in a hub; it’s the entire franchise.”

Domicile Elections

The Election Round voting period for PHL and PHX will be open until 0900 Central on Oct. 1. The deadline for receipt of mailed paper ballots is 1000 Central on Oct. 1. These pilots are listed on the Election Round ballots:

PHL Chair
CA Paul DiOrio
CA Christopher Henshall

PHL Vice Chair
CA Eric Friedman
CA Brian Sweep

PHX Chair
CA Jeremy Ryder
CA Mitch Vasin

PHX Vice Chair
FO Jadan Joyner-Fields
CA John McIlvenna
FO Adrian Osio

These candidates’ resumes are posted on the Elections page on AlliedPilots.org.

Week in Review

Here are some recent messages you may have missed:

Are You Willing to Serve?

Each of these national committees or subcommittees has the indicated number of vacancies:

  • Aeromedical Committee (0)
    • Disabled Pilot Awareness Subcommittee (3)
    • Human Intervention Motivational Study Subcommittee (1)
    • Pilot Occupational Health Subcommittee (2)
  • Captain’s Authority Committee (2)
  • Communications Committee (0)
    • National Communications Network (2)
  • Grey Eagles Liaison Committee (1)
  • Retirement and Benefits Committee (1)*
  • Training Committee (0)
    • Checkmate Subcommittee (1 on 777)

* Seeking volunteer with financial services experience and possible AIF®, CFP®, or related designations.

If you would like to serve on one or more of these committees, visit the Member Engagement Portal.

Professional Standards FAQs

What happens with a management referral?

When a Professional Standards Committee volunteer and manager are both working the same issue, it is the responsibility of the volunteer to determine whether management intends to stay involved or is willing to hand the case over to Professional Standards. The volunteer and manager will work together to determine whether 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

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. Our next cruise, a nine-night excursion across the southern Caribbean, launches Oct. 9.

Pilot Job Fair and Future Pilot Seminar

The Future & Active Pilot Alliance’s next Pilot Job Fair and Future Pilot Seminar are scheduled for Sept. 19 and 20 near DFW. 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.

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