The Leading Edge Podcast with United Pilots
Episodes
Committee Compass: Military Affairs
19 Feb 2026
Contributed by Lukas
Listen to our new podcast episode with Military Affairs Committee Chair Captain Dennis Smith! In this episode, we discuss the origins of the Military...
Committee Compass: Family Awareness
06 Nov 2025
Contributed by Lukas
The MEC Family Awareness Committee joins the the Flight Deck this week. Chair Captain Colleen Lambert and Vice Chair Captain Blake Ditlow share their ...
Committee Compass: Training
30 Oct 2025
Contributed by Lukas
We recently welcomed Training Committee Chair Captain Mark Rosenhahn and committee member Captain Jeremy Lind to The Flight Deck for a conversation ab...
Committee Compass: Mentor Committee
23 Oct 2025
Contributed by Lukas
We recently welcomed Mentor Committee Chair Captain Gabe Ciochon to The Flight Deck for a conversation about the committee, the mentorship program, an...
Committee Compass: Uniform
16 Oct 2025
Contributed by Lukas
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 Unite...
The Flight Deck - JEDI LOA
04 Oct 2025
Contributed by Lukas
In this episode, Negotiating Chair Capt. Andy Riggs and Central Air Safety Chair Capt. Justin Pinkerton discuss the latest safety Letter of Agreement ...
The Flight Deck - Hispanic Heritage Month
15 Sep 2025
Contributed by Lukas
In this episode of the Flight Deck, we celebrate Hispanic Heritage Month. Our Communications Committee sit down with United Captains Claudia Zapata-Ca...
Committee Compass: Pass Travel
12 Jun 2025
Contributed by Lukas
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 wo...
Committee Compass: SOAR
05 Jun 2025
Contributed by Lukas
In this week's Committee Compass, the SOAR Committee talks about its role and features for pilots to utilize.
The Flight Deck - Around the System Series: Episode 10 - Council 171 (Houston)
16 Apr 2025
Contributed by Lukas
In Around the System, we interview each Local Executive Council's (LEC) elected representatives and discuss a wide variety of topics ranging from pert...
The Flight Deck - Women's History Month: Two Captains Share Inspiring Stories
31 Mar 2025
Contributed by Lukas
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 brin...
The Flight Deck: MEC Chair Capt. Brian Noyes
10 Mar 2025
Contributed by Lukas
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 Febr...
The Flight Deck - OBAP and Inspiring Future Aviators: Episode 2
28 Feb 2025
Contributed by Lukas
As we continue to celebrate Black History Month, the United MEC would like to recognize the outstanding contributions of First Officer Tennessee Garve...
The Flight Deck - OBAP and Inspiring Future Aviators: Episode 1
27 Feb 2025
Contributed by Lukas
As we continue to celebrate Black History Month, the United MEC would like to recognize the outstanding contributions of First Officer Tennessee Garve...
Committee Compass: Training
20 Feb 2025
Contributed by Lukas
In this series, the MEC Communications Committee sits down with other MEC Committees to discuss day-to-day responsibilities, their structure at MEC an...
Committee Compass: Strategic Planning Committee
13 Feb 2025
Contributed by Lukas
In this series, the MEC Communications Committee sits down with other MEC Committees to discuss day-to-day responsibilities, their structure at MEC an...
Committee Compass: Hotel
06 Feb 2025
Contributed by Lukas
In this series, the MEC Communications Committee sits down with other MEC Committees to discuss day-to-day responsibilities, their structure at MEC an...
Committee Compass: System Schedule
23 Jan 2025
Contributed by Lukas
In this series, the MEC Communications Committee sits down with other MEC Committees to discuss day-to-day responsibilities, their structure at MEC an...
Committee Compass: Grievance
20 Dec 2024
Contributed by Lukas
In this series, the MEC Communications Committee sits down with other MEC Committees to discuss day-to-day responsibilities, their structure at MEC an...
Committee Compass: Central Air Safety
12 Dec 2024
Contributed by Lukas
In this series, the MEC Communications Committee sits down with other MEC Committees to discuss day-to-day responsibilities, their structure at MEC an...
LOA 24-05: FAQs - Market-Based Cash Balance Plan
05 Dec 2024
Contributed by Lukas
This is an audio version of a video FAQ recording for LOA 24-05. The Communications, Negotiating, and Retirement & Insurance Committees produced t...
The Flight Deck - Around the System Series: Episode 9 - Council 12 (Chicago)
27 Nov 2024
Contributed by Lukas
In Around the System, we interview each Local Executive Council's (LEC) elected representatives and discuss a wide variety of topics ranging from pert...
LOA 24-05: Market-Based Cash Balance Plan
22 Nov 2024
Contributed by Lukas
The MEC voted to accept Letter of Agreement (LOA) 24-05 Market Based Cash Balance Plan Implementation on November 21, 2024. That LOA will now go to pi...
The Flight Deck - Around the System Series: Episode 8 - Council 34 (San Francisco)
21 Nov 2024
Contributed by Lukas
In Around the System, we interview each Local Executive Council's (LEC) elected representatives and discuss a wide variety of topics ranging from pert...
The Flight Deck - Around the System Series: Episode 7 - Council 11 (Washington, D.C.)
19 Nov 2024
Contributed by Lukas
In Around the System, we interview each Local Executive Council's (LEC) elected representatives and discuss a wide variety of topics ranging from pert...
The Flight Deck - Around the System Series: Episode 6 - Council 57 (Los Angeles)
14 Nov 2024
Contributed by Lukas
In Around the System, we interview each Local Executive Council's (LEC) elected representatives and discuss a wide variety of topics ranging from pert...
The Flight Deck - Around the System Series: Episode 5 - Council 150 (Orlando)
08 Nov 2024
Contributed by Lukas
In Around the System, we interview each Local Executive Council's (LEC) elected representatives and discuss a wide variety of topics ranging from pert...
The Flight Deck - Around the System Series: Episode 4 - Council 153 (Las Vegas)
06 Nov 2024
Contributed by Lukas
In Around the System, we interview each Local Executive Council's (LEC) elected representatives and discuss a wide variety of topics ranging from pert...
The Flight Deck - Around the System Series: Episode 3 - Council 173 (Guam)
24 Oct 2024
Contributed by Lukas
In Around the System, we interview each Local Executive Council's (LEC) elected representatives and discuss a wide variety of topics ranging from pert...
The Flight Deck - Around the System Series: Episode 2 - Council 5 (Newark)
24 Oct 2024
Contributed by Lukas
In Around the System, we interview each Local Executive Council's (LEC) elected representatives and discuss a wide variety of topics ranging from pert...
The Flight Deck - Around the System Series: Episode 1 - Council 171 (Houston)
17 Oct 2024
Contributed by Lukas
In Around the System, we interview each Local Executive Council's (LEC) elected representatives and discuss a wide variety of topics ranging from pert...
The Flight Deck - A Leading Edge Podcast: Episode 23 - P2P Deployment & Family Awareness
04 Sep 2024
Contributed by Lukas
Our P2P Chair and Vice Chair join this episode to detail the upcoming deployment Sept. 6-9. Please take a few minutes to hear from our committee volun...
The Flight Deck - A Leading Edge Podcast: Episode 22 - C11 (DCA) Reps pt. 2
29 Jul 2024
Contributed by Lukas
Recently-elected C11 Secretary-Treasurer First Officer Matt Jordan joins the C11 (DCA) Reps. Captains Dewey Duhadway & Tony DiCarlo to discuss the...
The Flight Deck - A Leading Edge Podcast: Episode 21 - Reserve Guide pt. 2
24 Jul 2024
Contributed by Lukas
The Flight Deck, a Leading Edge Podcast welcomes back a System Schedule Committee volunteer to discuss many of the new reserve rules in effect for the...
The Flight Deck - A Leading Edge Podcast: Episode 20 - Reserve Guide
08 Jul 2024
Contributed by Lukas
MEC Communications Committee member F/O Maggie is joined by two captains from the System Schedule Committee. This podcast is first in a series of thre...
The Flight Deck - A Leading Edge Podcast: Episode 19 - C11 (DCA) Reps
07 May 2024
Contributed by Lukas
In this episode we introduce you to the Council 11 (DCA) Reps Capt. Dewey Duhadway & Capt. Tony DiCarlo. They share their background and how they ...
The Flight Deck - A Leading Edge Podcast: Episode 18 - MEC Chair Capt. Anne Worster
01 Mar 2024
Contributed by Lukas
In this episode, meet the new MEC Chair Capt. Anne Worster. Capt. Worster begins her term today, March 1, 2024. Some of the topics discussed include C...
The Flight Deck - A Leading Edge Podcast: Episode 17 - Next Steps 6
28 Feb 2024
Contributed by Lukas
In this episode, Communications Committee Chair Capt. Michael Wilson speaks to Negotiating Committee Vice Chair Capt. Andy Riggs about some of the new...
The Flight Deck - A Leading Edge Podcast: Episode 16 - Next Steps 4
04 Jan 2024
Contributed by Lukas
In this episode, Communication Committee Chair Capt. Michael Wilson is joined by Negotiating Committee Vice Chair Capt. Andy Riggs and System Schedule...
The Flight Deck - A Leading Edge Podcast: Episode 15 - Next Steps 3
06 Dec 2023
Contributed by Lukas
In this episode, Negotiating Committee Vice Chair Capt. Andy Riggs provides an overview of the Next Steps 3 document found on UPA23.com. Many new item...
The Flight Deck - A Leading Edge Podcast: Episode 14 - New Hire Captains
21 Nov 2023
Contributed by Lukas
In this episode, System Schedule Committee Chair Capt. George Mladsi discusses many new provisions in UPA 23. Visit alpa.org/ual for more information....
The Flight Deck - A Leading Edge Podcast: Episode 13 - UPA23 Long-Term Disability
14 Sep 2023
Contributed by Lukas
In this episode we talk about long-term disability. This is an insurance product ultimately that's going to apply to every pilot in our pilot group. V...
The Flight Deck - A Leading Edge Podcast: Episode 12 - UPA23 Lineholders & Trip Construction
12 Sep 2023
Contributed by Lukas
In this episode Negotiating Committee Vice Chair Capt. Andy Riggs discusses Trip Construction and Lineholder provisions. Visit UPA23.com for more info...
The Flight Deck - A Leading Edge Podcast: Episode 11 - UPA23 Market-Based Cash Balance Plan
12 Sep 2023
Contributed by Lukas
In this episode MEC Treasurer Capt. Drew Minarcik joins Retirement & Insurance Committee Chair Capt. Fred Greene for a discussion on the Market-Ba...
The Flight Deck - A Leading Edge Podcast: Episode 10 - UPA23 Sick Leave
12 Sep 2023
Contributed by Lukas
This episode has to do with sick leave. This is section 13 in our pilot agreement. For more information visit UPA23.com
The Flight Deck - A Leading Edge Podcast: Episode 9 - UPA23 Extended Sick Bank
12 Sep 2023
Contributed by Lukas
In this episode MEC Treasurer Capt. Drew Minarcik and Retirement & Insurance Chair Capt. Fred Greene discuss something that's new in the UPA 23 ca...
The Flight Deck - A Leading Edge Podcast: Episode 8 - AIP and an Interview with the Chair
19 Jul 2023
Contributed by Lukas
MEC Chair Capt. Garth Thompson looks back through the process from his January election to the AIP reached last week. Visit www.UPA23.com for the late...
The Flight Deck - A Leading Edge Podcast: Episode 7 - The FACT Team
19 Jul 2023
Contributed by Lukas
This episode will focus on the Fact Team. F/O Dewey DuHadway sits down with Capt. Marty Miller to discuss the FACT Team, what it is, and when it will ...
The Flight Deck - A Leading Edge Podcast: Episode 6 - Agreement in Principle (AIP) process
18 Jul 2023
Contributed by Lukas
The MEC Negotiating Committee reached an Agreement in Principle (AIP) with Company Management. In this brief episode, Communications Committee member ...
The Flight Deck - A Leading Edge Podcast: Episode 5 - PDR Hotline
21 Jun 2023
Contributed by Lukas
In episode 5, United MEC PDR hotline expert Capt. Scott Kinder explains his role in helping guide pilots to answers for any contract question. Capt. K...
The Flight Deck - A Leading Edge Podcast: Episode 4 - SPSC and Negotiations
11 May 2023
Contributed by Lukas
In episode 4, United MEC Chair Capt. Garth Thompson is joined by MEC Strategic Preparedness and Strike Committee Chair Capt. David Smith. They discuss...
The Flight Deck - A Leading Edge Podcast: Episode 3 - SPSC
20 Apr 2023
Contributed by Lukas
In episode 3, The United MEC Strategic Preparedness and Strike Committee Chair Capt. David Smith is joined by MEC Executive Administrator F/O Quincy F...
The Flight Deck - A Leading Edge Podcast: Episode 2 - New Hire Mentors
16 Mar 2023
Contributed by Lukas
In this edition of the Flight Deck you will hear from the United MEC New Hire Mentor Committee. Chair Gabe Ciochon and Member Laurel Armstrong discuss...
The Flight Deck - A Leading Edge Podcast: Episode 1 - Chairman and Negotiating Update
15 Feb 2023
Contributed by Lukas
Welcome to our new podcast - The Flight Deck with United MEC Chair Capt. Garth Thompson and Negotiating Committee Chair Capt. Phil Otis. In this editi...
United Aviate: The Leading Edge Podcast
22 Sep 2022
Contributed by Lukas
As the Aviate program evolves, ALPA will continue to ask the questions our pilots expect to have answered concerning the manner in which United attrac...
Negotiating Committee Chair Capt. Phil Otis: The Leading Edge Podcast
18 Aug 2022
Contributed by Lukas
Capt. Phil Otis was elected as the UAL MEC Negotiating Committee Chair on August 16, 2022. This podcast serves as his introduction to United pilots.
Life After Retirement - The Leading Edge Podcast
12 May 2022
Contributed by Lukas
Many pilots at United Airlines plan for life after the flight deck financially, but what about socially? Mary Blissard joins United Capt. James Belton...
Incoming United MEC Officers - The Leading Edge Podcast
23 Mar 2022
Contributed by Lukas
The United Pilots welcome incoming MEC Officers: Capt. Mike Hamilton, Capt. Tom Murphy (third term), Capt. Mike Harrison, and First Officer Paul Ryder...
Outgoing United MEC Officers - The Leading Edge Podcast
23 Mar 2022
Contributed by Lukas
Thank you to our outgoing MEC officers Capt. Todd Insler, Capt. Bill Neveu, and Capt. Rick Cameron
United Pilots Fly Afghanistan Rescue Missions: The Leading Edge Podcast
02 Sep 2021
Contributed by Lukas
This episode of the Leading Edge Podcast includes an interview with United First Officer Jeff Godfrey. F/O Godfrey flies the 777 and he volunteered fo...
Piloting Your Mind: Episode 12
22 Apr 2021
Contributed by Lukas
In this episode, Capt. James Belton leads an interesting discussion with our guest, DJ Eidson - the co-founder and COO of Limitless Minds. The mission...
Piloting Your Mind: Episode 11
25 Mar 2021
Contributed by Lukas
Podcast host Capt. James Belton and SOAR Committee Chair Capt. Lynn Tatum talk with two firefighters from the Denver area about work stress and high-p...
Women in Aviation: The Leading Edge Podcast
11 Mar 2021
Contributed by Lukas
March 8 marked International Women's Day in the month that celebrates Women's history. The Leading Edge Podcast presents our Women in Aviation episode...
Piloting Your Mind: Episode 10 - Family Resilience
05 Feb 2021
Contributed by Lukas
Today we sit down with a pair of United pilots who are also husband and wife. This United couple, along with their teenage daughter, share their extre...
Piloting Your Mind: Episode 9 - Emotional Intelligence and Holiday Stress
10 Dec 2020
Contributed by Lukas
In episode 9 of Piloting Your Mind, you can learn how to harness your emotional intelligence to cope with the stress and anxiety of life, both in and ...
The Brief: LOA 20-05 First Class Deadhead Provisions Now in Effect
03 Dec 2020
Contributed by Lukas
This audio reading is an excerpt from the Brief published by the UAL MEC Negotiating Committee on November 30, 2020.
Piloting Your Mind: Breathing Exercise - Pilot Nidra
03 Dec 2020
Contributed by Lukas
This relaxation tool is released in conjunction with Episode 8 - Breathing Techniques part II.
Piloting Your Mind: Breathing Exercise - 61 Points
03 Dec 2020
Contributed by Lukas
This is a guided relaxation episode in conjunction with Episode 8 - breathing techniques part II.
Piloting Your Mind: Breathing Exercise - Three Part Breath
03 Dec 2020
Contributed by Lukas
A diaphragmatic breathing exercise audio file is included to allow you to deeply relax.
Piloting Your Mind: Episode 8 - Breathing Techniques Part II
03 Dec 2020
Contributed by Lukas
Part two of this series focuses on the practices that can help you change your reactions to stress. Our recent podcast guests have taught us that duri...
Piloting Your Mind: Episode 7 - Breathing Techniques
19 Nov 2020
Contributed by Lukas
This first episode in a two part series will be instructional on what happens to our physical bodies when we do these mindful breathing and focusing t...
Piloting Your Mind - Episode 6: Coping
29 Oct 2020
Contributed by Lukas
This week's Piloting Your Mind podcast focuses on coping with change. There's no question the last eight months have been personally and collectively ...
P-VSL 2 Explained: Pandemic Recovery LOA
30 Sep 2020
Contributed by Lukas
United MEC Spokesman Capt. James Belton helps explain P-VSL 2 as contained in LOA 20-05.
The Brief: Pandemic Recovery LOA Tentative Agreement
17 Sep 2020
Contributed by Lukas
Captain James Belton provides a reading from the Negotiating Committee's publication of 'The Brief' dated September 16, 2020. 4:00 – Furlough Pro...
Executive Summary - Pandemic Recovery LOA Tentative Agreement
17 Sep 2020
Contributed by Lukas
MEC Spokesman Captain James Belton provides a reading of the high-level overview of the Pandemic Recovery LOA Tentative Agreement (TA). This will beco...
Piloting Your Mind - Episode 5: Fighter Pilot Resiliency
03 Sep 2020
Contributed by Lukas
During this Piloting Your Mind episode, our guest will share his experience as an AF F-35 fighter pilot and the importance of resilience during decisi...
Piloting Your Mind: Episode 4 - AMAS & Pilot Testimony
20 Aug 2020
Contributed by Lukas
In this episode we are joined by Dr. Quay Snyder President/CEO of Aviation Medicine Advisory Service (AMAS) and United Captain Luis Perez. They discus...
Piloting Your Mind: Episode 3 - Semper Resilient
28 Jul 2020
Contributed by Lukas
Semper Resilient Resources Lessons from the Hanoi Hilton: 6 Characteristics of High-performance Teams Harvard Business review: 10 Must reads ...
Piloting Your Mind - Episode 2: The Leading Edge Podcast
09 Jul 2020
Contributed by Lukas
The episode is about Mindfulness and Resiliency. “What is Resiliency and how does Mindfulness tie-in to our training, professions and personal lives...
Pilot Assistance Committees: The Leading Edge Podcast
25 Jun 2020
Contributed by Lukas
This edition of the Leading Edge podcast is a round-table interview with the committee chairs from the following committees: Aeromedical - First Offic...
Piloting Your Mind - Episode 1: The Leading Edge Podcast
19 Jun 2020
Contributed by Lukas
The new series, Piloting Your Mind, is a collaboration between the UAL MEC SOAR Committee and United's Human Factors and Pilot Development team at the...
Central Air Safety Committee Update from April 1, 2020: The Leading Edge Podcast
09 Apr 2020
Contributed by Lukas
United MEC Spokesman Captain James Belton provides a reading of the full CASC update dated April 1, 2020.
System Schedule Committee Update from April 4, 2020: The Leading Edge Podcast
08 Apr 2020
Contributed by Lukas
In this episode, UAL MEC Spokesman Captain James Belton provides a reading of the SSC Update from April 4, 2020.
Aeromedical Committee Update from March 31, 2020: The Leading Edge Podcast
06 Apr 2020
Contributed by Lukas
United MEC Spokesman Captain James Belton reads the most recent Aeromedical Committee update from March 31, 2020. Be sure to visit the MEC's COVID-19 ...
Legislative Committee Update March 27, 2020: The Leading Edge Podcast
03 Apr 2020
Contributed by Lukas
MEC Spokesman Captain James Belton reads the full March 27, 2020 update published by the Legislative Committee
Voluntary Enhanced Leave and Line Options LOA: The Leading Edge Podcast
31 Mar 2020
Contributed by Lukas
The "Voluntary Enhanced Leaves and Line Options" Letter of Agreement was unanimously passed by the MEC. United MEC Spokesman Captain James Belton read...
Legislative Committee & ALPA PAC: The Leading Edge Podcast
03 Mar 2020
Contributed by Lukas
United Airlines First Officer and former United States Congressman John Boccieri (D) Ohio provides his perspective as a member of congress and how ALP...
Pilot 2 Pilot Committee - The Leading Edge Podcast
23 Jan 2020
Contributed by Lukas
The Pilot to Pilot committee of 60 members was commissioned to meet regularly with the Master Chairman and others in order to coalesce the information...
Labor Day Section 6 Update: The Leading Edge Podcast
19 Sep 2019
Contributed by Lukas
This podcast focuses on the Labor Day Chairman's message on the status of Section 6 negotiations. United MEC Chairman Captain Todd Insler sat down wit...
SOAR Committee: The Leading Edge Podcast
27 Jun 2019
Contributed by Lukas
Contact the SOAR Committee at 866-653-SOAR.
The Brief Vol 3: The Leading Edge Podcast
13 Jun 2019
Contributed by Lukas
The Brief Vol 2: The Leading Edge Podcast
02 Jun 2019
Contributed by Lukas
Railway Labor Act: The Leading Edge Podcast
16 Apr 2019
Contributed by Lukas