Engage: The Podcast for Delta Pilots

E64: Behind the Flight Deck Door: Conflict, Resolution & the Role of Professional Standards

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. 

E63: Cockpit to Capitol: Why the Legislative Summit Matters to You

On this episode, host First Officer Ryan Argenta is joined by First Officer Brendan Cantwell, Government Affairs Chair, to unpack everything from ALPA's 2025 Legislative Summit in Washington, D.C. Each year, Delta pilots—alongside aviators from across the industry—descend on Capitol Hill to champion the issues that matter most to the pilot profession. From walking the halls of Congress to one-on-one meetings with lawmakers, we’re making sure pilot-partisan priorities are heard loud and clear. This year’s top issues included: Opposing Reduced Crew/Single-Pilot Operations (RCOs) for critical safety reasons, accelerating Air Traffic Control modernization, and advancing pilot mental health initiatives. Ryan and Brendan also discuss where things stand with proposed changes to the pilot retirement age, why backing the PAC is vital, how Delta pilots can step up as district advocates, and why responding to Calls to Action has a real impact on Capitol Hill. Whether you’re a seasoned advocate or just now getting involved, this episode gives you the tools, updates, and inspiration to help protect and elevate the pilot profession. (Recorded June 11, 2025) 

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

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 avoidable obstacles for pilots — and undermining the standards outlined in the PWA. While our instructors remain professional and committed, it’s clear that deeper issues in management’s planning priorities and accountability are affecting pilot readiness and operational trust. We break down key concerns, explain what pilots need to watch for and what to do when affected, and discuss how the MEC is pushing for real solutions. Topics include:No-notice schedule changes and lack of required communicationInadequate hotel accommodations and rest protectionMissing seat supportPWA compliance concerns and ongoing grievancesWhat pilots can do now to protect themselves and push for change Delta pilots deserve a training system that works as hard as they do — this episode lays out what needs to change and how we get there.For more details about issues concerning Training Planning, please read MEC Alert 25-11: Ongoing Issues with Delta’s Training Planning.

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

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 generous than those offered by their employers. Pilots based in LAX, MSP, DTW, SEA and NYC are familiar with Delta’s ongoing efforts to prevent them from using their state sick benefit in order to care for themselves and their families. Those attempting to use their sick leave are often meet with resistance, have their sick claims denied or receive “counseling” from Chief Pilots. Special guests David Martin, Senior Legislative Rep, and Jeff Pavlak, Manager of Policy and Legislation for ALPA National, discuss this concerning problem and address how ALPA is aggressively fighting for Delta’s compliance. The group talks about what pilots can do to affect change on a broader level and specifically what pilots can do who need to use their state sick enhanced benefits or have been denied by Delta. (Recorded May 22, 2025)

E60: Short Call Shenanigans

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’s going on and how pilots can avoid issues with short calls. The crew also discusses Crew Notification issues through the CNO and MiCrew app and how pilots can avoid potential pitfalls.

E59: MBCBP Checkup, GVUL, & ALPA Insurance Products

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 supplemental insurance offered by ALPA that all Delta pilots should consider.

E58: Parental Leaves & Navigating Impending Parenthood

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 parental leave experience. Also, be sure to listen to episodes 10 and 28, as they also have great information on parental leave!  

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

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 the Company may be using the HUB app to view personal information and track pilots on their personal devices, which is a direct violation of PWA 24 X. Capt. Criswell concludes by sharing some of his priorities for this year and beyond

E57: Deadhead Seating

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.

E56: Recently Settled Grievances

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.