In this in-depth episode of the Engage Podcast, host First Officer Ryan Argenta is joined by MEC Executive Administrator Captain Rich Wheeler and Scheduling Committee Vice Chairman Captain Josh Cantrell to unpack the growing complexity behind open time, inverse assignments, and the rollout of Quick Slips under MOU 25-05. The conversation traces how chronic understaffing, outdated staffing formulas, expanding flying schedules, and evolving contract provisions have combined to create today’s operational pressure cooker.

Rich and Josh explain how PCS, manual trip coverage, batch sizes, proactive rest, and 23 M.7 usage interact behind the scenes, often in ways that are invisible to line pilots but deeply impactful to pay, quality of life, and schedule stability. They break down why inverse assignments exploded in recent years, how “race-to-the-phone” coverage undermined seniority, and why Quick Slips represent a major shift toward restoring transparency, structure, and fairness in last-minute flying.  

With historical perspective and practical insight, this episode separates fact from rumor and explains what “controlled chaos” really means in today’s scheduling environment. Whether you’re chasing premium flying, protecting your days off, or simply trying to understand why the system feels so strained, this conversation offers clarity, context, and a realistic path forward.   

 Welcome aboard your weekly MEC engagement. Here's what's on the radar:

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Here is this week's Engage Weekly! Checklist below ✏️ 📋

✅ Delta MEC Special Meeting: Direction to Negotiating Committee

✅ Engage - ASAP Explained: What Really Happens After You Hit “Submit”

✅ February Grievances Available in New Tracker

✅ MOU 25-05 Update - Sick/Well Notification

✅ Delta MEC March Regular Meeting - Austin, TX

✅ Presidents Day - Holiday Office Hours

✅ Plus, Committee Updates and Pilot Events!

What actually happens after a pilot submits an ASAP? Where does it go, who reads it, and what outcomes can follow? In this episode of the Engage, Host First Officer Ryan Argenta sits down with Captain Jason Herman, Chairman of the Airport & Ground Environment (AGE) Subcommittee of the Central Air Safety Committee (CASC), to pull back the curtain on the Aviation Safety Action Program (ASAP) step by step.  

They walk through the full ASAP lifecycle, from de-identification and triage to Event Review Committee (ERC) discussions, closeouts, and potential follow-ups. Along the way, they tackle common myths (no, ASAP isn’t a black hole or a “get out of jail free card”), explain how ASAP interacts with ASRs and FOQA/Flight Pulse data, and share practical guidance on writing reports that actually lead to change.  

If you’ve ever wondered whether your ASAP is read, how outcomes are decided, or how pilot reports drive real-world improvements to procedures, training, and airport operations - this episode is required listening. 

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Welcome to 2026, and welcome to The Negotiators’ Series on the Engage Podcast. As we move toward Section 6 and April openers, host F/O Ryan Argenta sits down with your Negotiating Committee: Captains Bill Finlay, Mike Cowan, Cash McLaughlin, and Ben Wallander for an introduction to the team and the work already underway behind the scenes.

In this kickoff episode, the committee breaks down what Section 6 is, how the Railway Labor Act shapes the process, what the April opener represents—and what it doesn’t. They also tackle common myths, explain who’s on the other side of the table, and share why this is far more than “four pilots negotiating alone.” It’s a deep bench of experts, resources, and elected leadership driving a pilot-led strategy to achieve major gains for Contract 2026.

Most importantly: the message is clear—pilot engagement matters. From record survey participation to ongoing polling and direct rep feedback, your voice helps set direction and strengthens unity at the table.

This is your career, your quality of life, and your contract. Stay informed. Stay engaged. Stay unified, because this is a marathon, and it’s one we run best together.

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Happy New Year from the Engage Weekly team! Here is what's on the radar as we head into 2026:

Grab all important links and details in this week's MEC News!