APA News Digest

April 11, 2025

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In This Edition ...

APA Board of Directors’ Spring Meeting Set for May 5-9

The APA Board of Directors will convene at union headquarters in Fort Worth on Monday, May 5, for its regularly scheduled spring meeting.

The meeting agenda will include a Membership and Guest Hour on the first day immediately following the APA President’s report. Policy stipulates that “Any APA member(s) in good standing or, with the consent of the Board, a guest of a member shall be allowed to address the board. Allocation of time will be 60 minutes divided by the number of members/guests desiring to speak; however, no individual will be afforded more than 10 minutes, including any questions/ answers by the Board. Members and guests must advise the meeting Chair of their desire to address the Board.” Please email asmith@alliedpilots.org if you wish to address the Board.

The Board is tentatively scheduled to receive briefings from the following committees during the meeting:

  • Captain’s Authority
  • Compass Project
  • Economic and Financial Analysis
  • Family Awareness
  • Financial Audit
  • Government Affairs
  • Grievance Resolution
  • Information Technology Steering
  • Investor Relations
  • Joint Implementation Action
  • Membership
  • Negotiating
  • Operational Analysis
  • Political Action Steering
  • Scheduling
  • Scope
  • Strategic Planning
  • Uniform
  • Membership

The meeting will also include these agenda items as required by policy:

  • 2 Hours of Domicile Issues Discussion
  • Action Taken on Previous Motions and Tasking Orders
  • List of Grievances Above a Step 2
  • Negotiating Priorities
  • Budget Update
  • Budget Variance Reporting
  • Update on General Reserve Fund Balance, Maximum and Minimum
  • APA Emergency Relief and Scholarship Fund Report
  • Daily Expense Allowance Review/Approval
  • Committee Budgets
  • National Committee Recommendation List
  • Approval of Newly Appointed National Committee Members
  • Approval of Annual Strategic Plan
  • Michael Michaelis Safety Award for Excellence (committee recommendations and vote)
  • Annual Contract Compliance Training

Don’t Forget to Vote Before April 30

a close-up shot of VOTE button in an airport

Voting in the Election Round of the National Officer elections will be open until 0001 Central on April 30. For those pilots based in LAX, the Runoff Round for the Chair and Vice Chair elections will also conclude at 0001 Central on April 30.

Visit the Candidate Information page on AlliedPilots.org to review their resumes and campaign emails.

The links for the respective voting sites can be found below. The Voting PIN previously provided to you for the earlier rounds of the election will be the same for this round of the election. If you are LAX-based, you will again have separate PINs, one for the national election and one for the domicile election. As a courtesy, PINs were emailed to all eligible voters on Monday. That email came from vote@votegrity.net.

As with all prior rounds, electronic and mail voting will be permitted during these elections. Any voter who is unable to vote electronically, or would prefer to vote by mail, can request a mail ballot by visiting this website: https://electiontrust.com/apabod. Alternatively, you may request a mail ballot by calling 1-888-454-3230. If you request a mail ballot in one round of the election, you will receive a mail ballot for all subsequent election rounds. Requesting a mail ballot does not preclude you from voting electronically. However, if you submit both an electronic and a mail ballot, only the electronic ballot will be counted.

For the National Election Round, you will log on to this website to vote electronically: https://apa-national.sequent.vote.

For the LAX Runoff Round, you will log on to this website to vote electronically: https://apa.sequent.vote.

To enter either voting page, you will need your AA Employee ID Number and your Voting PIN.

If you do not receive or misplace your Voting PIN, do not receive a mail ballot, and/or are experiencing difficulties casting your ballot, please call the Voting Support Call Center at 1-888-454-3230.

To verify your identity, the call center will ask you for your APA Unique Identifier Code, which can be retrieved by logging into AlliedPilots.org and selecting “Member Update.” Your APA Unique Identifier Code will be at the bottom of the page.

The Support Call Center is staffed by APA’s election vendor from 0900 to 1700 Central on every day of the voting period for each round of the election. On the last full day of each round, the call center will remain open until 2200 Central. You may direct any additional questions about the election to APA’s Election Coordinator, Kathy Lazenby, at 817-302-2175, or at elections@alliedpilots.org, between 0800 and 1600 Central.

Captain Dan Carey: A True Unionist

The LGA Domicile Officers sent the following message to their base on Monday.

four pilots laughing on an airport concourse

APA launched the Concourse Conversations initiative during CA Dan Carey’s term as president.

Tomorrow evening, April 8, Captain Dan Carey will depart on his retirement trip, capping a 40-plus-year career with American Airlines.

A true unionist, Captain Carey spent much of his career in service to his fellow pilots. Most notably, he served as LGA Domicile Vice Chair from 1993 to 1996, as LGA Domicile Chair from 1996 to 1998, and as APA President from 2016 to 2019. Captain Carey also chaired the Strategic Planning Committee and served on both the Strike Preparedness and Negotiating committees.

Captain Carey’s record of accomplishments is truly impressive. One of the original “Killer Bs,” he was at the forefront in the fight to eliminate the B-scale.

A steadfast supporter of pilots and the airline pilot profession, he championed our two most important tenets as APA President — safety and security. While American Airlines management wrung their hands as the security situation deteriorated in Venezuela, Captain Carey took the lead and directed APA pilots to stop flying to the unstable and unsafe country. Recognizing Captain Carey had made the right call, management shortly followed suit, canceling all Venezuelan service. During the 737 MAX grounding, Captain Carey was once again at the forefront, testifying before Congress and helping to ensure pilots played a major role in the 737 MAX return to service. Finally, his record of contract improvements outside of Section Six is unmatched in APA history.

Captain Carey was also a prominent figure in the international aviation community, playing a critical role in the successful organization of Ryanair pilots and fighting flags-of-convenience schemes such as Norwegian Air International.

a pilot speaking at an outdoor press conference

In 2017, CA Dan Carey spoke against flags-of-convenience carriers during a press conference on Capitol Hill.

We all owe an incredible debt of gratitude for Captain Carey’s service and his bold leadership. He has truly left this profession much better than he found it.

Additionally, as with so many of us who take on roles at APA, Captain Carey’s family was instrumental in their dedication and support throughout his years of union service. As Dan, Alison, and their daughters move on to the next chapter, we wish them the very best and share this Irish toast:

May your pockets be heavy and your heart be light,
May good luck pursue you each morning and night.

Sláinte Chugat

“More Than Just a Party”

This is a new message from the APA Family Awareness Committee.

Thank you to everyone who joined us at the Sun ’n Fun Aerospace Expo last week, when we hosted nearly 2,000 pilots and family members in our flightline chalet. Our contingent at Sun ’n Fun included the Communications, Disabled Pilots Awareness, Jumpseat/Non-Rev, Membership, Professional Standards, and Sudden Grief Response Program committees, plus APA Vice President CA Chris Torres, MIA Domicile Officers CA Jay Wilhelm and FO Jamie Funderburk, two of the APA Medical Advisors, and two employees from the APA Benefits Department.

In this video, Family Awareness Deputy Chair CA Jerry Gemma describes events such as Sun ’n Fun as “more than just a party” – they’re resources for our members.

We’re already making plans for Oshkosh in July, but in the shorter term, we will host an event for JAX commuters at Topgolf on May 18. Click here to RSVP.

Reminders Regarding Mandatory Off Time (MOT)

This is a new message from the APA Flight Time/Duty Time Committee.

Your Mandatory Off Time (MOT) is provided by FOS to ensure that the prospective limitations of Part 117 are available in an easy-to-reference manner. While compliance with the requirements of the regulation is a joint responsibility between the pilot and Certificate Holder, there is no expectation or reason for the pilot to calculate their MOT, but rather to be aware of and respect the MOT limits available via FOS. Absent a “garbage in” event such as an unrealistic ETO, the FOS-calculated MOT will be correct and controlling in all cases except when the “Silent Notification” provisions of CBA Section 15.C.5.a(5) are utilized.

Your MOT is available through the following sources:

  • NSC: The NSC will show the latest MOT/LMT for each pilot. A continuously updated MOT is available through the “All Commands” > “Crew” > “NSC” path in CCI and will provide the MOT/LMT that is current when the query is initiated in local time.
  • FI/FIL: Available through the Preflight Documents > All Commands or Flight Paperwork section of CCI and updated each time the command is queried. The FI presents in UTC and the FIL in local time.
  • HI117: Available through the Preflight Documents > All Commands or Flight Paperwork section of CCI and updated each time the command is queried. The HI117 is unique amongst these queries in that it provides not only the “what” for MOT/LMT, but also the “why” in the form of the ETO and the REMAIN column. This is the source for the most comprehensive information regarding your MOT and is presented in UTC.
  • MISC81: This ACARS query is available any time prior to takeoff. When the query is initiated, the most current MOT/LMT – presented in UTC time – will be distributed to the aircraft printer. Your FTDT Committee recommends entering a MISC81 query once an OUT time has been established, making sure that if at a DGS station you wait until the DGS OUT time is registered. Once an OUT time has been established, MOT can only change if an extension is proffered and accepted, the flight plan is changed, or there is a return to the gate.

Your FTDT Committee has long advocated for an ACARS-delivered “MOT at OUT” presentation. This project has been in development for some time, but other FOS tasking has taken precedence. We are pleased that this is now being programmed; when it is nearly complete, we will provide you with a comprehensive overview.

The above information constitutes a brief overview of MOT and the practical applications of obtaining it. A more comprehensive article titled “HI117 Explained” is available on the Flight Time/Duty Time page on AlliedPilots.org. It is important to remember that obtaining and respecting the MOT satisfies your requirements under the joint responsibility tenets of Part 117. There is no need to calculate your own MOT, and such actions were never contemplated when Part 117 was drafted due to the potential complexity of the process. Simply understanding where and how to obtain your most current MOT satisfies your requirements under the regulations, and doing so will offload a complex and at times frustrating calculation task when your efforts can be better directed to other safety-of-flight needs.

Changes Coming to Skyview 6 Fitness Center

The APA Hotel Committee sent the following message to all members on Thursday.

Your APA Hotel Committee has engaged with the Company about the challenges pilots have experienced at Skyview 6 since the facility opened, including the limited hours of its Fitness Center. We were informed today that the Fitness Center will be open 24/7 effective June 4.

This is great news for the pilot group. Because we train around clock, we will soon be able to exercise around the clock as well.

Also effective June 4, the Fitness Center will be under new management. The management group that oversees The Landing will also be responsible for the Fitness Center. 

Due to underutilization, the Fitness Center is moving away from offering classes and coaching, but it will still have staff available to assist with equipment and answer questions. Classes may be offered again in the future based on interest. Membership dues are being lowered to $25 a month, but SV6 guests and pilots in training, even if staying at another training hotel, may continue to use the Fitness Center free of charge.

We are confident that our discussions with the Company will soon result in more positive changes being made at Skyview 6.

For any questions or concerns, please email FitnessCenter@aa.com.

Town Hall for Military Pilots

This is an updated message from the APA Military Affairs Subcommittee.

The Military Affairs Subcommittee conducted a virtual town hall meeting on Wednesday, April 9, discussing a variety of topics that directly impact our Guard and Reserve pilots:

  • DFP movement issues
  • USERRA five-year limit issues
  • Military Leave count against five-year USERRA limit
  • Chinese visa issues
  • FAA 1,000-hour rule for upgrades
  • VA disability ratings and VA letters
  • PBS bidding strategies
  • 401(k) contribution calculations and AAL matching issues

The town hall also included an opportunity for members to get answers to questions on other topics.

Thanks to everyone who participated in this informative town hall. For those of you unable to attend, you may review a recording of the meeting.

May 6-8 Training Offered for CIRP Volunteers

This is a reminder from the APA Critical Incident Response Program Subcommittee.

The Aeromedical Committee’s Critical Incident Response Program (CIRP) Subcommittee is responsible for ensuring a coordinated response toward accident investigators, crewmembers, and their families after a critical incident.

Have you always wanted to assist pilots who’ve had a bad day at the office? Here’s your chance to become part of a rewarding crisis management team. We will conduct a three-day training course for new volunteers May 6-8 in Dallas.

If interested, please email Deputy Chair FO Ken Hagan at khagan@alliedpilots.org.

APA Welcomes New Pilots

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 April 8, the APA Membership Committee hosted a casual dinner for the following new-hire pilots: James Albers, Tyler Atkins, Allan Bald, Jonathan Benefield, Samuel Bickford III, Charles Cain, Samuel Carman, Fernando Casey, Michael Chivers, Jessica Christofersen, Cara Coates, Stuart Crouch, Starlin De La Cruz Bisono, Edwin Delgado-Ramirez, Andrew Douglas, Wesley Durst, Eric Esplin, Kodey Flynn, Brandon Gardner, Edgardo Guzman-Morales, Laura Hite, Ahmet Ismailoglu, Mark Jensen, Matthew Langford, Jonathan Leabeater, Mario Legel, Jeremy Lu, Robin O’Donnell, Eladio Pagan Jr., Benjamin Popp, Jordan Powell, Nicholas Price, Robert Rees, Brian Rieken, Kyle Rieman, Sebastian Sanchez, Caleb Sigua, Nathan Sleeper, Paul Sullivan, Jose Torres Lopez, Jeffrey Weber, Erick Wigdahl, and Erik Wilcox.

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 April 9, 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: DeMarko Bobino, Henry Cervantes, Joseph Conrad, Tyler Forsberg, Daniel Gerardo, Lisa Gish, Scott Holtmann, Jesper Jensen, Alexander Larson, Robert Ludwig, Arthur Mahl, James Manning, William Mason, Matthew McMenamin, Robert Narloch, Brian Nash, Christopher Nash, Todd Nelson, David Ng, John Pappalardo, Justin Patrick, Jonathan Platt, Roger Qualls, Susan Read, Scott Rice, Justin Roney, Christopher Sendra, Parv Sibal, Corey Smith, Matthew Smith, Lee Spechler, Gabriel Strom, Trent Tooms, David Trimble Jr., Grey True, Daniel Walsh, Joshua Wilson, and Daniel Zeljak.

Positive Rate Episode 49: Project Wingman

In the latest episode of our “Positive Rate” podcast, Communications Committee Deputy Chair FO Melissa Monahan talks with FO Pete Gillespie, Aeromedical Committee Deputy Chair-Project Wingman. FO Gillespie details the origins of Project Wingman and the vital role it plays in APA’s peer-support network.

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.

APA Contract Minute – Sit Time

In this encore edition of the APA Contract Minute, CA Jason Saxer details the sit time provision in our contract.

APA Medical Minute – Cardiac Calcium Score Testing

In this previously released edition of the APA Medical Minute, APA Medical Advisor Kathy Parr is back with a reminder about the benefits of cardiac calcium score testing, characterizing the procedure as “a quick, inexpensive way to detect coronary artery disease.”

You can watch previous Medical Minute videos on APA’s YouTube channel.

Domicile Events

a group of recently retired pilots smiling for the camera

APA and the Grey Eagles hosted a party on April 5 to honor Chicago pilots who had retired in the past 12 months. You can see more photos on APA’s Facebook page.

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

  • BOS: Boston Red Sox game on July 10
  • DCA: Domicile Meeting on April 17
  • DFW: Pilots for Kids Golf Tournament on May 19
  • LAX: Pasadena Lunch on April 15; Temecula Lunch on April 16
  • MIA: Air Dot Show on May 3; Domicile Meeting on May 15
  • ORD: Galt Fly-In and Pancake Breakfast on May 24
  • PHL: Philadelphia Phillies game on July 23

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)
    • Critical Incident Response Program Subcommittee (2)
    • 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)
  • International Alliance Committee (1)
  • Retirement and Benefits Committee (1)*
  • Training Committee (0)
    • Checkmate (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 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

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 Fairs and Future Pilot Seminars

The Future & Active Pilot Alliance’s next Pilot Job Fairs are scheduled for April 25 at ATL followed by May 16 at ORD. The next Future Pilot Seminars are scheduled for April 26 at ATL followed by May 17 at ORD. 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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