Engage: The Podcast for Delta Pilots
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Engage is a product of the Delta Air Lines ALPA Master Executive Council Communications Committee. Delivering important news, information and updates, the podcast touches on all areas of being a pilot at Delta Air Lines, with an emphasis on upcoming contract negotiations and quality of life for Delta pilots.
109 Episodes
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Engage Weekly has arrived. Let's fly through this week's headlines:The Delta MEC Negotiating Committee with a quick word about the C2026 survey. Take it now!The Engage Podcast demystifies ASAPMEC dues offer returns are on the wayNew Scheduling Reference Handbook is liveWait, it's only the beginning of October! Holiday ties and scarves are available now from the DPCF!Plus updates from the PBS, CA, Aviation Security, Hotel, Aeromedical, DPAC, and the DPN committees! Also, stay tuned for event news from your LECs.Have a good weekend and fly safe!
With work pressures at their peak, Section 6 fast approaching, and the contract survey now open, it’s easy for pilots to get distracted. Host First Officer Ryan Argenta sits down with First Officer Casey Songster, Vice Chair of the Safety Management System (SMS) Subcommittee of the Central Air Safety Committee (CASC), to demystify ASAP (Aviation Safety Action Program) beyond the “get out of jail free” myth and show how pilot reports actively drive risk controls and operational change. Casey explains where ASAP fits inside safety risk management and safety assurance, why culture and participation matter, and what happens to your report after you hit submit.
Here’s your weekly wrap-up from your Delta MEC. Help guide the Negotiating Committee by taking the Contract 2026 survey, MEC dues return offers are coming soon, learn about this year’s ALPA Scheduling Conference, the summary of August’s MSP regular meeting is now online, get updated on open grievances, and other quick news from the CA, Training, PAN, and DPN committees. Show Notes/Links:Take the C2026 surveyAugust 2025 MSP Regular Meeting Executive SummaryAll news and upcoming events are available in this week’s MEC NewsDon't forget to sign up for our Telegram channel!
Scope Chair Captain Justin Berg joins host First Officer Ryan Argenta to give Delta pilots the full story behind the WNBA charter scope violation first covered in Episode 65. With the grievance process now complete, Delta has formally acknowledged the breach, corrected the flying, and—thanks to vigilant pilot reporting—limited the impact before it could grow. The official remedy? Calculated damages totaling over $530,000 and a clear precedent that reinforces PWA Scope protections and proves that quick, detailed reporting can stop outsourcing in its tracks.
Here's what's on the radar for this week's Engage Weekly episode:The Contract 2026 Survey launchesBe on the lookout for the MEC dues return offerUniversity of New Hampshire polling continuesCouncil 44 ATL reps join the Engage podcastDelta pilots recognized at the Air Safety ForumHow to track current grievancesFinally, committee and council news to wrap up this week's episodeShow Notes:C2026 Contract SurveyDirect deposit for dues return offerC44 ATL Reps on EngageMore available in this week's MEC News!
What keeps Atlanta’s Council 44 reps awake at night? Two things: educating a largely new pilot group before Section 6 and stopping off-book deal-making with Scheduling that erodes unity and pay protections. In this candid roundtable, Captain Tony Rohloff, Captain Shawn Kellett, and First Officer Maggie Eickhoff explain why the Contract History and Contract Comparison aren’t “homework” - they’re essential to a strong opener - and how your narrative responses in the contract survey directly shape MEC direction and Negotiating Committee priorities. We break down the coverage ladder, why making deals for yourself cuts the line for everyone else, and how mentoring in the cockpit can curb bad habits before they spread. You’ll also hear a clear playbook for engagement: where to find surveys and polling, how resolutions flow into the “Green Book” for negotiations, and why participation matters even when things feel good on the line. We close with base-level ways to plug in and a reminder that unity isn’t a slogan; it’s a series of small, contract-compliant choices we make every day.
Join us for this week’s Engage Weekly podcast, where we pause to honor the courage of 9/11, share details on the upcoming University of New Hampshire polling, and highlight the newly published Contract 2026 Comparison and microsite. We also break down MEC grievances—what they are, where to find them, and why they matter.Plus, we run through committee news from safety to hotels, cover the latest on the Mental Health in Aviation Act, celebrate September retirements, and point you toward real-time MEC updates via Telegram. Finally, don’t miss details on upcoming council events in Los Angeles, Detroit, Atlanta, and more.Show Links: The Delta Pilot Contract Comparisonnew Contract 2026 microsite H.R. 2591, the Mental Health in Aviation ActContract Administration committee pageSection 23 M. 7 Issue SheetSection L. 4. Note four Issue SheetSection 14 F. 2. (Click to Sick) Issue SheetDeadhead Seat Reporting FormDelta pilots September retirements!Telegram App signup
Join us for this week's Engage Weekly podcast, where we dive into the latest updates from the Delta MEC. We're excited to announce that the new Contract Comparison has been published and the C2026 site is now live, offering pilots more educational resources leading into Section 6 negotiations. We recap the Labor Day Chairman's Letter and break down the Contract Administration's explanation of the new Parental Leave grievance. Plus, the Engage Podcast discusses Delta IT and how it could be impacting pilot pay and privacy, help ALPA preserve the mandatory pilot retirement age and, finally, we remind everyone to proudly wear your ALPA Pin! Show Notes: C2026 Site Labor Day Chairman’s Letter CA Open Grievances Engage - Behind the Curtain: Delta IT, Pilot Privacy, and the Fight for Accurate Pay Help ALPA Preserve the Mandatory Pilot Retirement Age Get Your ALPA Pin!
When pilots discovered Delta could see TikTok installed on their personal phones, alarm bells went off. Section 24 X. of the PWA is supposed to protect pilots from corporate snooping, but what was Delta really accessing through the Hub app? In this eye-opening episode, Engage host First Officer Ryan Argenta sits down with First Officer Justin Vandermark, Chair of ALPA’s IT Committee, to expose what the union discovered when it finally got “the grand tour” of Delta’s systems. From mobile device management profiles that can leak your location, to the truth about deleting the Hub app, pilots need to know how their privacy is protected – or not. But the fight doesn’t stop at data security. Vandermark also pulls back the veil on Delta’s decades-old DBMS scheduling system, why pay errors keep happening, and how contractual gains like Section 23 W.1.d. are setting the stage for long-overdue change. This episode isn’t just about apps and acronyms - it’s about control, transparency, and making sure Delta pilots are paid correctly the first time. If you’ve ever wondered why the Company can roll out flashy passenger tech but can’t fix pilot pay, this conversation will make you sit up and take notice.
Time to get engaged before the Labor Day weekend. Here is your weekly recap from the Delta MEC.Your MEC met in regular session in Minneapolis this week. While in the City of Lakes, the MEC hosted a PUB event at the Minneapolis State Fair and gave back to Gillette Children's HospitalSTS has been updatedWear your ALPA pin and Happy Labor Day!Show Notes:The Delta Pilots Charitable Fund helped donate to Gillette Children's this week. This was made possible thanks to donations from Delta pilots. You can continue to donate to the DPCF and Gillette's here!Need an ALPA pin? Get one at this link. Join Telegram for timely, transparent updates from the MEC!
Happy Friday from the Engage Podcast team. Get a recap of the MEC's week with our new Engage Weekly episode available now. Here's what's on the radar: Show your union pride. Wear your ALPA pin! The Engage Podcast takes a deep dive into disability Your MEC will meet in MSP next week! Get an update on Comply365 and other Committee news/events Have a great weekend and stay Engaged. Show Notes: Get your ALPA pinLearn more about Delta pilot disability Track open grievances Send a DART to R&I about Prudent RX Get Delta MEC updates via Telegram!
In this informative and candid episode of Engage, hosts Captain Laura Woods and First Officer Ryan Argenta sit down with Retirement and Insurance (R&I) experts Captains Scott Bowles and John Doherty to take a deep dive into the often-misunderstood world of disability for Delta pilots. Whether you're navigating a short-term medical issue, a planned procedure, or facing an unexpected long-term event, this conversation covers everything you need to know - from qualifying for disability, using your sick leave and understanding DPMA, to how your 401(k), healthcare, and income are affected. You’ll also hear practical advice about returning to work, how income offsets work, and the importance of staying off ladders (seriously). With real-life examples and clear guidance, this episode is essential listening for pilots at any seniority level.
Come aboard and run down the news checklist from the Delta MEC in this week's Engage Weekly.Air Canada flight attendants have issued a strike notice. Make the walk and ensure ACA flight crews can jumpseatHonor 9/11 victims at ALPA's annual remembrance ceremonyThe Delta MEC will hold its next regular meeting in MSP. Stay tuned for updates after the conclusion of the meeting.Learn how you can receive the most up-to-date MEC news via Textcaster and TelegramAlso, tune in for committee news and council events!Additional information is available in this week's MEC News. Have a good weekend and stay Engaged!
Engage Weekly is live! Join us as we dive into key updates from the Delta MEC. Highlights include UNH polling (live through August 13), the Engage Podcast interviews the Scope Committee, MEC leadership celebrates Aeromexico pilots on their 67th anniversary as a union, a pay verification video refresher, and a preview of the MEC Regular Meeting in Minneapolis at the end of this month. Plus, updates on rotation preferences, safety alerts, mental wellness resources, and more. Stay informed and engaged!Show Notes:Engage: Scope is Still DopeMEC News - August 7, 2025
Scope isn’t just a contract clause—it’s the foundation of every Delta pilot’s career security. In this in-depth and highly relevant episode, hosts First Officer Ryan Argenta and Captain Laura Woods welcome Scope Committee leaders Captain Justin Berg, First Officer Jim Burgess, and Captain John Pinkerton to break down why Scope matters in 2025 and beyond.They unpack how the Global Scope agreement—an industry-first—continues to directly translate into more widebody flying, more seniority movement, and more opportunities for Delta pilots. You’ll hear why block hours, not specific routes, are the true measure of growth and compliance, and how this smartly structured agreement ensures Delta can expand globally—without outsourcing pilot jobs.But it’s not all a smooth ride: the team also discusses current grievances, transparency issues, and why pilot-reported tips are often the key to uncovering violations. From WNBA charter violation concerns to cross-border flying limits, they’re watching every angle.If you’ve ever asked, “Why are our partners flying that route?”—this episode is your answer. Scope protects our flying. Scope grows our fleets. Scope moves the needle on our careers. And yes—Scope is still dope.
August is here, and with it is a new Engage Weekly! This week's episode includes:A breakdown of the Chairman's Update on the Engage podcastTracking scheduling issuesUNH polling starts next week—Let's hear your inputSocial media rules of the road refresherAnd congrats to PAFCA on ratifying their new contract!
In this special Chairman's Update on the Engage Podcast, host First Officer Ryan Argenta sits down with Delta MEC Chair Captain Eric Criswell to discuss major state sick law wins, frustration over how IROPs are handled, repeated contract violations, pilot and dispatcher unity, and the road ahead. Tune in and stay Engaged.
In this week’s Engage Weekly episode, producer Adam Uhan covers key developments across the MEC. Topics include Delta’s failure to meet the automation deadline under the Click to Sick settlement. Pilots will want to listen to the interview with Contract Administration & Enforcement Chair Mark Hinczynski to learn ALPA’s next steps. Also in this episode:Continuous Line Operations Safety Audit (C-LOSA) becomes official$49 million in dues refunds headed back to pilotsALPA’s presence at OshkoshContract prep resources, survey updates, and how to stay engaged with the new Telegram appTune in to stay informed, stay protected, and stay engaged.
It's been a busy week for the Delta MEC (Master Executive Council). The Negotiating Committee is kicking off Section 6 education with the release of their new Contract History publication. This document provides a comprehensive overview of past contract cycles.Other highlights from this week include Delta changing its tune on Minnesota State Sick leave, commuting policy differences between the PWA and FOM, the release of a new Engage episode featuring the Professional Standards Committee (ProStans), and AE bidding reminders for pilots about to enter training. Additionally, the Delta MEC is requesting your best memes! Read this week's MEC News on how to submit!Show Links:Delta Pilot Contract History Join the Delta MEC's new Telegram channel for direct, timely updates Engage - E64: ProStans RSVP for the MEC Meeting PUB event at the Minnesota State Fair by August 1!
On this episode of Engage, hosts Capt. Laura Woods and F/O Ryan Argenta sit down with Capt. Tom Thornton from the Professional Standards Committee—a man who’s been defusing cockpit conflicts since 1998. With over 17,000 pilots on property, ProStans fields a high volume of calls each week, tackling everything from CRM breakdowns to personality clashes in the flight deck. Tom pulls back the curtain on what really happens when pilots call in, how confidentiality works (hint: it’s not anonymous), and why ProStans should be your first stop—not your last—when facing peer-to-peer conflict. From misunderstandings and fatigue-fueled frustration to inappropriate cockpit banter, Tom shares insights from decades of experience, explaining how ProStans aims to keep conflict resolution in the hands of pilots—not HR. Whether you’re new to the Company or a seasoned captain, this episode is a must-listen for understanding how we keep our crews cohesive, professional, and focused on safety. If you need to speak to the Delta MEC Professional Standards Committee, please call 1- 855-778-2637.
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