Best Delta MEC Communications Podcasts (2025)

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Engage Weekly - News You Need to Know - June 20, 2025 7:20

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4d ago7:20

7:20

Engage Weekly is back with host F/O Adam Uhan as he provides key updates, news, and information from the Delta MEC's week. Tune in to also hear an update from the Delta MEC Chair, Capt. Eric Criswell, as he recaps the MEC's June 2025 regular meeting, current issues facing the pilot group, and plans for Section 6 negotiations just around the corner.…

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E62: Engage Special Alert: Turbulence Ahead for Pilots in Training 17:25

6d ago17:25

17:25

In this episode, host F/O Ryan Argenta and Training Committee Chair, F/O Charlie Mader, unpack a growing pattern of dysfunction in Delta’s Training Planning Department. Based on a steady stream of pilot reports, we highlight how disorganized scheduling, vague guidance, poor hotel logistics, and a lack of proper training support are creating avoidab…

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Engage Weekly - News You Need to Know - June 13, 2025 4:35

11d ago4:35

4:35

Host F/O Adam Uhan wraps up the MEC’s week with news and information for the Delta pilot group. Have a great weekend, everyone – see you next week!

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Engage Weekly - News You Need to Know - June 6, 2025 2:55

18d ago2:55

2:55

For this week's Engage Weekly episode, F/O Adam Uhan steps in to wrap up the MEC’s week with news and information for the Delta pilot group. Have a great weekend, everyone – see you next week! Show Notes: Learn more about the Mental Health in Aviation Act (H.R. 2591) and see how you can advocate for pilot mental health!…

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E61: The Art of Hypocrisy: How Delta is Fighting Employee Benefits & Dismantling the Delta Family 31:28

20d ago31:28

31:28

On this episode of Engage, host First Officer Ryan Argenta discusses how Delta is actively opposing state laws that were enacted to provide employees with an enhanced sick leave benefit. Specifically, the Company is attempting to circumvent, ignore or litigate state sick laws that provide employees who live or work in that state with benefits more …

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Engage Weekly - News You Need to Know - May 30, 2025 2:07

25d ago2:07

2:07

Host F/O Ryan Argenta wraps up the MEC’s week with news and information for the Delta pilot group. Have a great weekend, everyone – see you next week!

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Engage Weekly - News You Need to Know - May 23, 2025 2:12

1M ago2:12

2:12

Host F/O Ryan Argenta wraps up the MEC’s week with the following news for the Delta pilot group. Highlights: U.S. Navy to conduct GPS interference testing May 22-27 affecting Washington, New York, Atlanta, Jacksonville, and Miami centers. The Engage podcast interviews the Scheduling Committee on short call issues. Congratulations and fleet pins go …

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E60: Short Call Shenanigans 25:18

1M ago25:18

25:18

On this episode of Engage, hosts Capt. Laura Woods and F/O Ryan Argenta speak with Captains Ian Turner and Josh Cantrell of the Scheduling Committee, discussing some of the hot topics, frustrations, and issues keeping the Scheduling Committee up at night. Reserve short calls have become a particular problem for pilots, and Ian and Josh explain what…

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Engage Weekly - News You Need to Know - May 16, 2025 6:32

1M ago6:32

6:32

Tune in to this week’s Engage Weekly episode for a recap of key updates from the Delta MEC. Topics include: Steps for filing pay claims A shout-out to pilots who participated in MEC News’ Rotation of the Week Updates on KCM and TSA Hotel changes in Amsterdam during the city’s 750th anniversary The release of the updated R&I Handbook A briefing from…

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Engage Weekly - News You Need to Know 2:32

2M ago2:32

2:32

Tune in to this week’s Engage Weekly podcast for highlights on reports of inoperative @RestWifi issues, potential legislation that could support ALPA's pilot mental health campaigns, and important reminders about sick leave carryover. Plus, test your iCrew knowledge for a chance to win new Delta MEC Fleet Pins! Finally, Happy Mother's Day to all of…

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E59: MBCBP Checkup, GVUL, & ALPA Insurance Products 24:43

2M ago24:43

24:43

Listen now to hear host Capt. Laura Woods and members of the Delta MEC's Retirement & Insurance Committee (R&I) discuss how the Delta pilot Market-Based Cash Balance Plan (MBCBP) is performing after just over a year in existence, how you can save big for the exact same coverage utilizing the Guaranteed Variable Universal Life (GVUL) plan, and suppl…

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E58: Parental Leaves & Navigating Impending Parenthood 21:39

2M ago21:39

21:39

Join host Capt. Laura Woods as she sits down with Capt. Muriel Triantafilo, Chair of the Delta MEC's Pilot Family Matters Committee (PFMC), to discuss parental leave and navigating this exciting time in a Delta pilot’s life. Learn when to notify the Company about your leave, what documentation you need from your doctor, and tips to maximize your pa…

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Chairman’s Update: Company Issues, Privacy, and Plans for 2025 25:35

2M ago25:35

25:35

On this special Engage update, host Capt. Laura Woods welcomes back to the show F/O Ryan Argenta as co-host and discusses several important issues with MEC Chair Capt. Eric Criswell, including a lack of pilot support from Flight Operations, continuing pay issues, and perceived anti-pilot sentiment from the Company. Capt. Criswell also explains how …

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E57: Deadhead Seating 16:44

3M ago16:44

16:44

On this episode of Engage, hosts Laura Woods and Gabbie Jordan sit down with Contract Administration Chair Mark Hinczynski to discuss Deadhead (DH) Seating. Listen now to learn more about this C2019 implementation item and a recent grievance the MEC filed regarding Delta’s seat blocking practices.

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E56: Recently Settled Grievances 13:58

3M ago13:58

13:58

On this latest episode of Engage, host Laura Woods and outgoing Negotiating Committee (NC) member Frank Wedding dive into MEC Grievance 23-10 (Uncovered Flight Segments) and Grievance 24-32 (Sick Leave Notification). They discuss the background of these grievances and why the date of June 02, 2025, is important to pay attention to.…

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E55: Jetway Trades 7:17

4M ago7:17

7:17

On this episode of the Engage Podcast, host Laura Woods sits down with Sherwin Liverpool from ALPA's Scheduling Committee to talk Jetway Trades. Jetway Trades are the latest provision negotiated as part of Contract 2019, and are scheduled for implementation in March. Listen now to find out what they are, how to use them, and how they will impact yo…

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E54: Q&A with MEC Master Chairman Eric Criswell 22:04

5M ago22:04

22:04

On this episode of the Engage Podcast, host Laura Woods sits down with Master Chairman Eric Criswell to talk goals for the year, the mediation process, and the importance of remaining tuned in as the Delta pilots gear up for the next contract cycle.

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E53: 2025 Profit Sharing with ALPA's R&I Committee 8:25

5M ago8:25

8:25

On this episode, Laura discusses profit sharing with Scott Bowles from the Retirement & Insurance Committee. They talk about some of the election options found on the Profit Sharing Election page on DeltaNet. Resources: Engage: The Podcast for Delta Pilots E43:Profit Sharing On this special edition episode of Engage, Captain Rich Wheeler, Chairman …

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E52: Delta MEC End of Year Message & Safety Climate 15:36

6M ago15:36

15:36

Episode 52 of the Engage Podcast is now live! On this latest episode, Communications Chair Capt. Chris Hughes offers a recap of the news and latest happenings, and Casey Songster from Central Air Safety’s SMS Committee shares a message about positive safety culture.

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E51: 2025 Open Enrollment 15:36

8M ago15:36

15:36

In this episode, Communications Committee Chair Capt. Chris Hughes talks to Retirement & Insurance Committee members Capt. Scott Bowles and Capt. John Doherty about this year’s open enrollment and changes to some of the benefits offered. Scott and John also discuss the benefits of the GVUL plan, which pilots can enroll in during the open enrollment…

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E50: Trip Design Power to the Pilots - The RCC and the Rotation Preference System 45:04

9M ago45:04

45:04

Description: On this episode, Jason discusses the dreaded Optimizer and how the Rotation Preference System gives pilots the power to fight back against bad trip design with Rotation Construction Committee volunteers Jeffrey Chang, JJ Sweetser. Stick around until the end where they discuss some industry-standard practices we could negotiate for in o…

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E49: The “S” in I’M SAFE - Calling in Sick 41:11

10M ago41:11

41:11

Description: On this episode, Jason discusses the nuances of sick calls with Evan Bach and Mark Cervantes, reps for Council 66, Mike Bell, FO, rep for Council 20, and MEC Contract Admin Chair Trevor Boswell. If you’re sick, call in sick! The Chief Pilot just called. Is it a “wellness check” or a Good Faith Basis call as outlined in the PWA, and wha…

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E47: PAN: Are You in the Green? 26:37

1y ago26:37

26:37

May is Mental Health Awareness Month, and in the spirit of pilot mental health, First Officer Forrest Pendleton, Chair of the Pilot Assistance Network (PAN), discusses the rollout of the “Are You in the Green?” campaign to assist pilots (and all humans) in identifying their own mental wellness.  Forrest walks us through the mental health continuum …

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E46: A Chat with Dispatch: Pilot Questions Asked and Answered 31:18

1+ y ago31:18

31:18

On this episode of Engage, we welcome Mr. Jim Starnes from Delta Flight Control Dispatch to discuss all things Dispatch-related. Did you know Delta Dispatchers are union members represented by the Professional Airline Flight Control Association (PAFCA)? Jim Starnes is the First Vice President of PAFCA and discusses the many similarities between pil…

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E45: Voluntary Airport Standby (VAS) 23:31

1+ y ago23:31

23:31

On this episode of Engage, Captain Ian Turner of the Scheduling Committee and Captain Rich Wheeler, the Chairman of the Negotiating Committee, explain how Voluntary Airport Standby (VAS) works. Discussion includes details of the completely voluntary program, how it prevents unwanted reroutes, and the lucrative pay treatments for both Regular and Re…

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E44: New Contract Implementation & Interpretation 22:21

1+ y ago22:21

22:21

On this episode of Engage, Captain Ian Turner of the Scheduling Committee and Captain Rich Wheeler, Chairman of the Negotiating Committee, are back again to discuss new contract implementation items that started in January 2024 beyond pay rate and 401(k) DC contribution increases. The group discusses new items such as improved sit pay provisions an…

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E43: Profit Sharing 30:09

1+ y ago30:09

30:09

On this special edition episode of Engage, Captain Rich Wheeler, Chairman of the Negotiating Committee, and Captain Eric Criswell, former Chairman of the Negotiating Committee, talk about profit sharing. From its origin and roots to this year’s profit sharing payout, Rich, Eric, and Ryan discuss how profit sharing was negotiated by pilots in 1996; …

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E42: How Advanced Entitlements (AEs) Work 22:52

1+ y ago22:52

22:52

On this episode of Engage, the Chair of Contract Administration (CA), Trevor Boswell, speaks with Host First Officer Ryan Argenta about the mechanics of Advance Entitlements (AEs) and how pilots can best bid and position themselves for success. Topics include how AEs are conceived by Crew Resources and the mechanics behind the scenes before the ope…

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Happy Holidays from the Engage Team! 1:33

1+ y ago1:33

1:33

Happy Holidays! Thanks to our listeners for making us the most listened-to-podcast at ALPA. With the holidays underway and in the giving spirit, we've got some swag for all our friends. If you love the Engage podcast, share it with friends by posting on your socials and tag @DeltaPilots and we'll send you a custom Engage podcast koozie. Keep all yo…

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E41: Grievances 29:28

1+ y ago29:28

29:28

On this episode of Engage, host First Officer Ryan Argenta sits down with Captain Trevor Boswell, Chair of the Contract Administration Committee, to discuss how the Contract Administration team, Negotiating Committee, and Delta MEC labor attorneys are handling current pilot grievances with the Company. Trevor explains ongoing contract implementatio…

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E40: From the Pilot Assistance Network (PAN) - We're All Just Walking Each Other Home 36:22

1+ y ago36:22

36:22

On this episode of Engage, host First Officer Ryan Argenta speaks with First Officer Forrest Pendleton, Chair of the Pilot Assistance Network (PAN), to find out how this committee and its volunteers help Delta pilots juggle family and their career while maintaining positive mental and physical health through peer-to-peer support. Pilots are in a un…

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E39: New Healthcare Insurance Options for Delta Pilots 27:55

1+ y ago27:55

27:55

On this episode of Engage, back with the Retirement & Insurance Committee gurus, Chair Captain Scott Bowles and Vice-Chair First Officer John Doherty, along with very special guest Sontia Green, Senior Benefits Specialist at the Delta MEC. This time the team discusses new healthcare insurance options for Delta pilots including updates to the Delta …

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E38: GVUL: What Pilots Need to Know About the New Group Variable Universal Life (GVUL) Insurance Option 41:19

1+ y ago41:19

41:19

Delta pilots now have a new contractual life insurance option, which can save them tax dollars now and opens a wide variety of investment options while offering benefits to pass along to families and beneficiaries. In a conversation with Jonathan Roman, MetLife’s GVUL administrator, the Engage team, along with Retirement & Insurance Committee membe…

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E37: How LATT Works (P.S. It's More Complex Than You May Think) 19:20

1+ y ago19:20

19:20

“How it Works” is part of a continuing series from the Central Air Safety Committee (CASC). On today’s episode, First Officer Jerimy Maclellan from CASC explains how Latest Allowable Takeoff Time (LATT) works. While seemingly simple, LATT is more complex and dynamic than most think. Did you know there are two LATTs? An FDP LATT and a Block LATT. Ev…

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Engage Short: All Call for Volunteers 20:35

1+ y ago20:35

20:35

On this episode of Engage, the Delta MEC Secretary, Captain Shane Corbett, discusses volunteering for the Delta MEC and asks pilots of all backgrounds to raise their hands in support of the pilot group. Shane explains how volunteers are compensated for their time, what positions are currently open, and how interested pilots can get in touch with pa…

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E36: How 30/168 Works 17:53

1+ y ago17:53

17:53

New to the Engage Podcast, introducing “How it Works,” as part of a continuing series from the Central Air Safety Committee (CASC). On today’s episode, First Officer Jerimy Maclellan from CASC explains how 30 hours required rest within the preceding 168 hours works. This FAR 117 regulatory rest period affects all pilots and is often misunderstood, …

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E35: New Contract Implementation - Reroute 23:43

2y ago23:43

23:43

On this episode of Engage, host First Officer Ryan Argenta meets with Capt. Shawn Kellett and Capt. Ian Turner of the Scheduling Committee, along with Capt. Frank Wedding, newly elected member of the Negotiating Committee (NC) and former Scheduling Committee Vice Chair, to discuss new contract implementation items relating to Section 23 L, Reroute.…

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E34: September Contract Implementation Items 19:24

2y ago19:24

19:24

Back again with Capt. Shawn Kellett and Capt. Ian Turner of the Scheduling Committee and Capt. Frank Wedding of the Negotiating Committee. The Engage podcast dives into the complexities of contract changes, beginning with rotations reporting on or after August 31, 2023. The crew discusses new scheduling items such as a new, hard-stop PWA Flight Dut…

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E33: How Shifted Report Times Work: Myths, Misunderstandings, and Implications for Pilots 22:29

2y ago22:29

22:29

New to the Engage Podcast, introducing “How it Works”, as part of a continuing series in collaboration the Central Air Safety Committee (CASC). On today’s episode, First Officer Jerimy Maclellan from CASC, explains how Crew Tracking may shift airport report times later than scheduled to accommodate delays while preserving pilot duty periods. While …

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E32: Age 67, Open Skies, & F/O Minimums - Coverage from the 2023 ALPA Legislative Summit 33:14

2y ago33:14

33:14

The Engage Podcast is on location from the 10th Annual Legislative Summit in Washington DC with special guests ALPA President Jason Ambrosi, ALPA Manager of Legislation and Policy, Jeff Pavlak, Delta MEC Government Affairs members Captain Jessie Elliott, and First Officer Brenden Cantwell. Covering hot topics brought to Capitol Hill directly by pil…

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E31: How to Succeed in Training - Tips, Tricks, and Tidbits from the Training Committee 32:00

2y ago32:00

32:00

Let’s face it – not many enjoy going to training. Being away from home, living on Virginia Avenue for weeks at a time, feeling the stress and pressure of a fast-paced course in a new airplane or an upgrade to Captain or both at the same time is never an easy feeling. Delta and the Delta MEC want you to succeed in training. On this episode of Engage…

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E30: Scheduling Implementation Items for June and Section 23 M.7 Abuse 38:56

2y ago38:56

38:56

On this episode of Engage, Shawn Kellett and Frank Wedding from the Scheduling Committee return to meet with Engage Host First Officer Ryan Argenta discussing new contract changes for Scheduling, PWA Section 23, coming in June. Items include new reserve rules, 18-hour minimum callouts, and changes to be aware of with second-day manual trip coverage…

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E29: Market-Based Cash Balance Plan (MBCBP) 26:13

2y ago26:13

26:13

The Market-Based Cash Balance Plan (MBCBP) is happening. All you need to know about the MBCBP as Engage Host First Officer Ryan Argenta discusses the MBCBP with Negotiating Chairman Eric Criswell, Retirement & Insurance Committee Member Dan Fusco, and Captain Jason Depew, a Delta pilot, author, and prolific writer on pilot-related finances. Delta p…

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E28: Improvements to Parental Leaves, Adoptions & More from Pilot Family Matters (PFMC) 28:26

2y ago28:26

28:26

On this episode of Engage, we welcome back Pilot Family Matters Committee (PFMC) Chairwoman Alison Britton to discuss new contract improvements for parental leaves and adoptions including birthing parents, non-birthing parents and surrogacy. Alison discusses with Host First Officer Ryan Argenta the details, timelines, and nuances of taking time off…

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E27: Contract Improvements in Training 12:09

2y ago12:09

12:09

On this episode of Engage, Captain Tony Rohloff from the Training Committee visits with Host First Officer Ryan Argenta to discuss improvements and changes to the Training section of the new contract. Tune in to learn more about increased training pay, premium pay treatments, AE awards and bidding for training, a once-in-a-career training mulligan,…

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E26: Pilots Are Still Fatigued - A Discussion with the Fitness Review Board 30:54

2y ago30:54

30:54

On this episode of Engage, host First Officer Ryan Argenta discusses with First Officer Matt Loveday, Fitness Review Board (FRB) Chairman, the issue of fatigue that still plagues pilots due to a grueling operations schedule despite being in the shoulder months. Matt explains while pilot fatigue calls are still at an all-time high, there are many pi…

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TA Episode 9: Scheduling Part 2 18:37

2+ y ago18:37

18:37

Part 2 of the TA Scheduling series continues with Host First Officer Ryan Argenta, Rich Wheeler of the Negotiating Committee and Shawn Kellett, Chairman of the Scheduling Committee. During this session, the group talks through new improvements to reserve including a new 18-hour call out and conversion for long-call pilots, reserve with conflict, pr…

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TA Episode 8: Scheduling Part 1 30:48

2+ y ago30:48

30:48

In this two-part series on TA Section 23: Scheduling, Host First Officer Ryan Argenta discusses this crucial section of the contract with Rich Wheeler of the Negotiating Committee and Shawn Kellett, Chairman of the Scheduling Committee. Major changes and improvements are afoot for Scheduling impacting quality of life, pilot pay and premium flying, …

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TA Episode 7: Hours of Service, Quality of Life and Pay Improvements 24:34

2+ y ago24:34

24:34

As the Engage TA Series gets into the thick of quality of life and "soft" pay improvements, Section 12: Hours of Service, comes into focus. While not sexy, this often-overlooked section adds significant value to pilots who want better quality of life and improved pay treatment for not so friendly scheduling issues such as airport sits, late night a…

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TA Episode 6: Deadhead 21:31

2+ y ago21:31

21:31

This TA series episode covers the nuances, details, and improvements to Section 8: Deadhead. Host First Officer Ryan Argenta speaks with Negotiating Committee Chairman Eric Criswell about the deadhead provisions gained in the new TA. Topics discussed include new First Class deadhead provisions, improved seat reservations for deadheading pilots, sea…