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, miscalculated, and misapplied by both pilots and Crew Scheduling. Wondering how you got that last- minute reserve assignment when you thought you should be in rest? Ever miss out on a green slip because you weren’t given 30 hours rest? Puzzled how your 30-hour rest was scheduled on a layover? Jerimy explains it all and offers pilots an easy way to calculate the math. Tune in to find out how 30/168 works. (Recorded July 21, 2023) 

Scheduling Alert 23-12 - Reroute

Scheduling Alert 23-14 - Scheduling Implementation Items

Scheduling Reference Handbook

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 Duty Period (FDP) Limit of 13 hours for domestic rotations, including deadhead segments, new consecutive layover restrictions for bid package rotations, and break-in-duty requirements for rotation construction. Frank also explains new PWA language defining “redeye” flights, and if you know what a WOCL is or you fly redeyes, this episode is a must-listen for important changes and PWA protections coming on August 31. Finally, the group explains new Extended Duty Period (EDP) Pay beginning with un-augmented rotations reporting on or after August 31, in which pilots will now be paid on a minute-by-minute basis for duty time extending beyond ten (10) hours. New provisions and more, tune in and Engage. (Recorded August 16, 2023)

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 extra rest or time at the hotel seems beneficial, this seemingly innocuous event may actually extend duty periods and FDP limits, opening up pilots to reroutes, extended delays, additional legs, and fatigue. CASC is seeing numerous data and reports indicating shifted report times are affecting both international and domestic pilots alike. Listen in to find out how it works. (Recorded July 21, 2023) 

Resources:

Delta MEC Quick Reference Guide FAR 117

Scheduling Reference Handbook - TABLE B TO PART 117: Flight Duty Period

GUIDE TO PART 117 FLIGHT TIME LIMITATIONS AND REST REQUIREMENTS

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 pilot advocates, such as proposed Age 67 legislation, protecting Fair and Open Skies, maintaining the 1,500-hour minimum, Secondary Barriers, and more. The group also highlights how the Political Action Campaign (PAC) works, how ALPA has professional lobbyists working hard for pilots every day, and how pilots can help by getting involved. (Recorded June 6-7, 2023)

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, Host First Officer Ryan Argenta gets tips, tricks,

(Recorded May 5, 2023)

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. The group also discusses the hot topic of how the Company is utilizing a loophole in 23 M.7 to bypass steps of coverage allowing them to skip green slip coverage altogether. Additionally, under this loophole provision, Shawn and Frank explain how there are hundreds of pilots abrogating seniority and asking the Company to circumvent the contract in which they are calling for pilots to "knock it off". They also explain an important FRMS issue affecting A350 pilots. And finally, the Engage crew say farewell and good luck to Frank Wedding as he prepares to move to the Negotiating Committee. (Recorded May 24, 2023)

Resources:

Scheduling Alert 23-06: Scheduling Implementation for June

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 pilots will automatically be enrolled in the plan starting on October 1, 2023. Pilots wishing to maintain their status quo benefits must take action before August 1, 2023 on a one-time, irrevocable basis to not be a part of the MBCBP. Tune in now for all the details. (Recorded May 24, 2023)

Legal Disclaimer: This podcast does not constitute an official position or advice of the Air Line Pilots Association (ALPA) or the Delta Master Executive Council. The information provided in this podcast does not and is not intended to constitute legal advice, tax advice, or financial planning. All information and content presented are for general informational purposes only.

Resources:

Negotiators' Notepad 23-17: MBCBP

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 during and after pregnancy and where to find resources for a wide range of services provided by the PFMC. (Recorded April 26, 2023)

Resouces and Information:

Pilot Family Matters Website

Parental Leaves, Adoptions, & Surrogacy FAQs

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, and much more. (Recorded April 11, 2023)