The Leading Edge Podcast with United Pilots

In this episode of The Flight Deck, Training Committee Chair Capt. Jeremy Lind and Vice Chair Capt. Aric Newsted explain how United’s training programs are built, how pilot feedback influences future training, and what pilots should know about grading, qualification events, and training transparency. Whether you’re preparing for recurrent training, an upgrade, or returning from leave, this episode...

This episode of Committee Compass explores the critical role pilot engagement plays as United pilots prepare for the UPA27 negotiating cycle. Members of the Strategic Preparedness and Strike Committee (SPSC) discuss lessons learned from UPA23, the importance of unity, communication, and education, and how every pilot can play a role in strengthening the pilot group moving forward. The conversation...

Get to know the leadership of the United MEC's Council 12 (ORD) as they discuss the issues impacting local pilots, why union engagement matters, and how pilot feedback helps shape the future of our contract. From parking and base growth to UPA27 priorities, this conversation offers an inside look at how your elected representatives are working on your behalf. UPA27.com

In this final Episode of the series, we focus on major career and life transitions, including new hire training, upgrades, retirement, and navigating mental health support within the aviation environment. The conversation also tackles common misconceptions about seeking help.   ual.alpa.org UPA27.com

In this Episode, we explore common stressors pilots face, from everyday stress and anxiety to grief and major life events. SOAR volunteers discuss how to recognize when stress may be becoming something more, healthy ways to manage it, and how peers can support one another.   ual.alpa.org UPA27.com

In this episode of The Flight Deck, we sit down with Council 93 leadership at the Flight Training Center to discuss their unique role representing instructors and evaluators across a rapidly growing operation. The team shares insights on PBS bidding challenges, committee support systems, and how they advocate on behalf of the pilots to resolve issues quickly and effectively. As preparations begin...

In this episode of The Flight Deck, we recognize Mental Health Awareness Month with a conversation featuring the SOAR Committee—the United MEC’s confidential peer support program for pilots. Committee leaders and volunteers discuss how SOAR helps pilots navigate stress, anxiety, depression, life challenges, and mental fitness for duty while keeping the focus on getting pilots healthy and back to t...

Listen to our new podcast episode with Military Affairs Committee Chair Captain Dennis Smith! In this episode, we discuss the origins of the Military Affairs Committee , how it helps pilots, and what resources are available to pilots who are currently or formerly in the military. ual.alpa.org .

The MEC Family Awareness Committee joins the the Flight Deck this week. Chair Captain Colleen Lambert and Vice Chair Captain Blake Ditlow share their experiences connecting not only with fellow pilots across the system, but also with their families. More information including upcoming events can be found at ual.alpa.org . 

We recently welcomed Training Committee Chair Captain Mark Rosenhahn and committee member Captain Jeremy Lind to The Flight Deck for a conversation about the committee, the training resources available to pilots, and the what it takes to upgrade to captain.

We recently welcomed Mentor Committee Chair Captain Gabe Ciochon to The Flight Deck for a conversation about the committee, the mentorship program, and the value of mentors to the pilot group. If you're interested in joining the committee please send a PDR .

In this episode of The Flight Deck, we sit down with Captain Cherie Krasovich, Chair of the United MEC Uniform Committee, to discuss how the new United pilot uniform came to life. With more than 18,000 pilots impacted, Krasovich shares the behind-the-scenes challenges and what’s next for the rollout. Pilots are encouraged to complete the joint ALPA–United uniform survey, open through October 31, t...

In this episode, Negotiating Chair Capt. Andy Riggs and Central Air Safety Chair Capt. Justin Pinkerton discuss the latest safety Letter of Agreement (LOA).    Read the full LOA here .

In this episode of the Flight Deck, we celebrate Hispanic Heritage Month. Our Communications Committee sit down with United Captains Claudia Zapata-Cardone and Manny Muñoz. They share their paths to the left seat, the power of mentorship, and how Latino Professionals in Aerospace inspires, mentors, and develops future aviation leaders. 

In this episode of The Flight Deck, we sit down with Captain Pete Zabel, Chair of the MEC Pass Travel Committee, to explore the often misunderstood world of pilot pass travel. From navigating ever-changing rules and dealing with gate agents to explaining Standby Process Automation (SPA) and commuter privileges, Capt. Zabel sheds light on how his small but dedicated team of volunteers helps 18,000...

In this week's Committee Compass, the SOAR Committee talks about its role and features for pilots to utilize.

In Around the System, we interview each Local Executive Council's (LEC) elected representatives and discuss a wide variety of topics ranging from pertinent domicile updates and how to get involved locally, to how different representatives ensure the line pilot's voice is heard during quarterly MEC Meetings. This episode we are joined by our Reps from Council 171 (IAH). Captain Leo Sherman, First O...

We wrap up Women’s History Month by sitting down with two standout ALPA volunteers and United captains: Becca Woods and Diana Klein. Both women bring years of experience, unique career paths, and powerful insights into what it means to lead in the flight deck and beyond.

Captain Brian Noyes, newly elected chair of the Master Executive Council (MEC), sat down to discuss his plans and vision for his term, set to end February 28, 2026. 

As we continue to celebrate Black History Month, the United MEC would like to recognize the outstanding contributions of First Officer Tennessee Garvey and First Officer Titus Sanders, two leaders in the aviation community who are shaping the future of diversity in our profession. Both are deeply involved with the Organization of Black Aerospace Professionals (OBAP), a group dedicated to expanding...

As we continue to celebrate Black History Month, the United MEC would like to recognize the outstanding contributions of First Officer Tennessee Garvey and First Officer Titus Sanders, two leaders in the aviation community who are shaping the future of diversity in our profession. Both are deeply involved with the Organization of Black Aerospace Professionals (OBAP), a group dedicated to expanding...

In this series, the MEC Communications Committee sits down with other MEC Committees to discuss day-to-day responsibilities, their structure at MEC and LEC levels, various relationships and interactions they might have with other airlines and the Company, and ways pilots with special interests can volunteer. The sixth episode is with Captain Mark Rosenhahn of the Training Committee.

In this series, the MEC Communications Committee sits down with other MEC Committees to discuss day-to-day responsibilities, their structure at MEC and LEC levels, various relationships and interactions they might have with other airlines and the Company, and ways pilots with special interests can volunteer. The fifth episode is with Captain Brad Hutchens and Vice Chair F/O Jack Knight.

In this series, the MEC Communications Committee sits down with other MEC Committees to discuss day-to-day responsibilities, their structure at MEC and LEC levels, various relationships and interactions they might have with other airlines and the Company, and ways pilots with special interests can volunteer. The fourth episode is with Captain Andy Sneller Chair of the MEC Hotel Committee and Vice...

In this series, the MEC Communications Committee sits down with other MEC Committees to discuss day-to-day responsibilities, their structure at MEC and LEC levels, various relationships and interactions they might have with other airlines and the Company, and ways pilots with special interests can volunteer. The third episode is with Captain George Mladsi, Chair of the MEC System Schedule Committe...