APA News Digest

May 10, 2024

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In This Edition ...

Senate Approves FAA Reauthorization Act of 2024

This is a new message from the APA Government Affairs Committee.

On Thursday, the U.S. Senate voted 88-4 to authorize more than $105 billion in funding for the Federal Aviation Administration through fiscal year 2028. After days of debate regarding various amendments — including some unrelated to aviation policy — the Senate approved the bill without any additional amendments. In addition, the Senate voted to approve a one-week extension in stopgap funding for the FAA through May 17.

The U.S. House of Representatives will now take up the bill for consideration.

“We would like to express our appreciation for the Senate’s strong, bipartisan approval of this important legislation, and are optimistic that the House will likewise approve it promptly in its present form,” said CA Harvey Meek, APA Government Affairs Committee Chair. “Among other important provisions, the FAA Reauthorization Act of 2024 includes pro-labor initiatives to augment staffing in our industry, and it strengthens pilot training requirements. This bill represents a clear win for airline labor, and we look forward to seeing it enacted into law.”

In his Monday update on the bill, APA President CA Ed Sicher noted that the legislation includes measures to ensure fair treatment of pilot mental health issues to encourage self-disclosure. “Currently, disclosing an issue and seeking support puts our certifications at risk — an instant loss of income and the ability to practice our profession,” he said.

Jumpseat Reservation System: Listing Solutions

This is a new message from the APA Jumpseat Committee.

The Jumpseat Reservation System (JRS) was implemented on April 16, 2024. Your APA Jumpseat Committee has confirmed the following solutions for pilots listing via the new JRS:

JRS Listings:

  1. Each pilot may make one listing per calendar day, per city pair (including co-terminals) when they hold the #1 position on the JRS list. The JRS list is accessed by selecting “Priority List” in JetNet Travel Planner “tools” for any AA Mainline flight.
  2. Each pilot who holds a #2 or lower position on the original listing between city pair (including co-terminals) may make an additional listing for a different flight.
  3. The maximum number of JRS listings between a city pair (including co-terminals) on a given calendar day is two.
  4. A pilot may only check-in for one PNR at a time.

Multi-leg Listings:

  1. To secure a multi-leg reservation, each pilot may list D1/D2 for all segments of a desired trip and check-in for this PNR only. This multi-leg PNR check-in will allow a pilot to establish “T” (through) status and/or check a bag to their final destination.
  2. The pilot may also list for any eligible (AA mainline) segments via the JRS in accordance with 1-3 above. The pilot will not check in for the JRS listing(s), but the agent will be able to issue the “W” pass by their priority on the JRS list.

For additional JRS question, please refer to the Compass Project Jumpseat Guide. If you have questions or encounter difficulties with the new system, please submit a Jumpseat Debrief.

NOAA Forecasts Severe Solar Storm

This is a new message from the APA Aeromedical Committee.

The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration’s Space Weather Prediction Center (SWPC) — a division of the National Weather Service — is monitoring the sun following a series of solar flares and coronal mass ejections (CMEs) that began on May 8. Space weather forecasters issued a Severe (G4) Geomagnetic Storm Alert for the evening of May 10. Additional solar eruptions could cause geomagnetic storm conditions to persist through the weekend.

A large sunspot cluster has produced several moderate to strong solar flares since Wednesday at 0500 Eastern. At least five flares were associated with CMEs that appear to be earth-directed. SWPC forecasters will monitor NOAA and NASA’s space assets for the onset of a geomagnetic storm.

CMEs are explosions of plasma and magnetic fields from the sun’s corona. They cause geomagnetic storms when they are directed at Earth. Geomagnetic storms can impact infrastructure in near-Earth orbit and on Earth’s surface, potentially disrupting communications, the electric power grid, navigation, radio and satellite operations. SWPC has notified the operators of these systems so they can take protective action. Geomagnetic storms can also trigger spectacular displays of aurora on Earth. A severe geomagnetic storm includes the potential for aurora to be seen as far south as Alabama.

BPA Flight Crew Hazard

This is a new message from the APA Aeromedical Committee-Pilot Occupational Health Subcommittee.

A little-known pilot health concern involves BPA (Bisphenol-A). For the general population, BPA is commonly found in packaging materials and receipts from retailers. Most receipts are printed using thermal paper using BPA or BPS, a common alternative. BPA/BPS aid the heat-activation process of thermal paper, removing the need for toner. BPA/BPS have similar negative health impacts in high saturation.

BPA influences the body’s hormonal functions. Health impacts include thyroid issues, heart disease, obesity, reproductive harm, reduced libido, and aggression. The FDA has banned use of BPA in baby products and set permissible limits of BPA in the body (2.25 milligrams per pound of body weight per day), and there are various bans on its use in different applications around the world.

Exposure to BPA for pilots is increased by thermal paper usage on the flightdeck (ACARS paper). Touching thermal paper with wet hands can increase BPA absorption into the body. BPA absorption through skin contact increases 22-200 times when skin is wet, for example by hand sanitizer (also by SANI-COM wipes found on the flightdeck).

There are ways to reduce exposure to BPA. Replacing BPA/BPS thermal paper with phenol-free thermal paper is the easiest (although usually the responsibility of the business and can be costly). The 737 fleet has AstroNova BPA free paper available, but not all fleets use it. One way to test if you are using BPA thermal paper is the scratch test. Using a hard surface like a coin or edge of a pen (not the writing side), scratch the printing side of the thermal paper. If the heat from friction causes a dark scratch color similar to printed text, it contains BPA.

Reducing contact with thermal paper is another mitigation strategy. You can request a text/email receipt (or no receipt) at retail stores. Limiting use of ACARS/thermal paper, particularly with wet hands, can reduce exposure. Alternate methods include using electronic means for ATIS/FPR, using gloves, or keeping hands dry when handling thermal paper. You can also avoid touching the printed side of ACARS paper, as the non-printed side should not contain a BPA coating.

“Positive Rate” Episode 23: APA’s Voice in Global Aviation Policy

In the latest episode of our “Positive Rate” podcast, Communications Committee Deputy Chair FO Melissa Monahan talks with CA Shawn Gray, who chairs the International Alliance Committee. CA Gray characterizes the committee’s role as the union’s “foreign affairs” arm, identifying threats and opportunities beyond U.S. borders, and securing access to the forums where global aviation policy is crafted to ensure APA’s voice is heard.


CA Shawn Gray and International Alliance Committee member CA Eric McEldowney at this week’s IFALPA conference in Mexico City.

Each episode of “Positive Rate” features various APA leaders and the subject-matter experts working on the membership’s behalf. The podcast is available through popular streaming services, including Apple Podcasts, Stitcher, and Spotify – you can search for “Positive Rate” or “Allied Pilots Association” on your platform of choice to subscribe and download. Your first opportunity to listen will be via AlliedPilots.org/Podcasts.

We welcome your feedback on this format. If you have a question or a comment, please send it to Communications Director Gregg Overman via goverman@alliedpilots.org.

YOUnion 301 Zoom Call for New Captains

This is a revised message from the APA Compass Project Committee.

The Compass Project committee would like to thank 161 new captains who participated in the YOUnion 301 Zoom call on Wednesday. We received several requests for access to the recording — it’s now posted on the Member Engagement Portal. Please view at your convenience and thank you for completing our survey.

Join Us for YOUnion 401

This is a revised message from the APA Compass Project Committee.

The Compass Project will host a “YOUnion 401” meeting via Zoom at 1100 Central on May 22. This “APA Retirement Summary” is intended to help pilots who are within 15 years of retirement understand their APA benefits. Please note: This session will not encompass AA-specific programs.

Click here to register for the May 22 meeting.

May is Mental Health Awareness Month

This is a revised message from the APA Project Wingman Subcommittee.

The month of May is Mental Health Awareness Month, and Project Wingman volunteers are hard at work attending recurrent training workshops throughout this year. Volunteers have been reviewing how best to provide support when fellow pilots call our Wingman hotline (848-APA-CREW #1, or 817-823-7965).

If you or a member of your family are in a life crisis, never hesitate to give us a call and talk to a fellow pilot. Likewise, if you see a fellow pilot wearing a Project Wingman lanyard, don’t hesitate to strike up a conversation. We are here 24 hours a day, seven days a week, to listen and support you through the many challenges that life throws at us.

Pigs of the Week

APA commends American Airlines’ hardworking aircraft maintenance technicians for their outstanding work. We believe they are the best in the business. When repetitive problems do arise, they’re often due to managerial decisions that fail to properly prioritize tasks and to management’s decision to outsource a significant portion of the airline’s maintenance to offshore, third-party repair stations.

  • Since April 4, A319 aircraft 769 has been written up seven times and out of service six times for excessive Nose Landing Gear (NLG) vibration/shimmy. It was last signed off on May 8 and is currently restricted to AA maintenance stations only.
  • Previous Alaska A321 aircraft 959 entered AA revenue service on April 21. In 65 flight hours, it has been written up eight times and on MEL twice, and has been out of service seven times for high left engine nacelle temperature indication. It remains out of service and is restricted to Class 1 or 2 maintenance stations only.
  • Since April 1, A321 aircraft 180 — either the APU generator, External Power or Transformer Rectifier 2, or a combination of the three — has been written up 15 times. Four related MELs have been issued and it has been out of service six times. It remains out of service and is restricted to AA maintenance stations only.

APA Welcomes New Pilots

This is a new message from the APA Membership Committee.

Click the image for a closer look.

The APA Membership Committee welcomed the following pilots during a casual dinner on May 7: Joel Barker Jr., Hugo Beltran Manrique, Javier Bernal Mondragon, Robert Bussmann, Alfredo Caraveo, Brian Coley, Aaron Craig, Jeremy Criddle, Austin Decker, Christopher Dingman, James Ellerbe, Daniel FitzPatrick, Mathias Franceries Rodriguez, Clara Gandarilla, Nicholas Garren, Pedro Gonzalez Jr., Zachary Haney, Brent Hoffman, Torrance Hollins, Russell Kenny, Ramy Khalil, Devin Lew, Sebastian Matysiak, Thomas Maxfield, Jack Miller, Kirk Morrow, William Nash, Evangelos Natsis, Kara Pollinger, Jason Powell, Joel Ramos-Falcon, Stuart Redman, Taylor Roberts, David Rousseau, Alex Sanso, Jacob Santangelo, Aaron Smith, Trevor Smith, Patrick Toon, David Vanderford Jr., Brian Weeks, Anthony West, Dylan Willis, Seth Woodhull, and Robert Youmans.

APA Welcomes Captains’ Leadership Class

This is a new message from the APA Membership Committee.

Click the image for a closer look.

On May 8, the APA Membership Committee hosted a casual dinner for the following pilots who were in Fort Worth for American Airlines’ Professionalism, Leadership, and Mentoring class: Robert Beeks, Tyler Carter, Joseph Gallucci, Ryan Giampietro, Matthew Grondin, Christopher Haddy, John Hough, Roman Kosovan, Rein Lewis, Vincent Milazzo, Paul Nelson, Matthew Rhodes, Aaron Schafer, Timothy Smith, and Jerald Weitzel.

Domicile Events

Do you know how to check APA’s master calendar for upcoming events and confirm your attendance? This short video provides a tutorial.

Visit AlliedPilots.org/Calendar to RSVP for any of these upcoming domicile events:

  • DCA: Retirement Party on June 29
  • DFW: Pilots For Kids Golf Tournament on May 20; Domicile Meeting on June 18; Texas Rangers game on Aug. 6; Retirement Party on Nov. 9
  • LAX: Family Awareness lunch in San Diego on May 14; Family Awareness lunch in Temecula on May 15; San Diego lunch on June 11; Thousand Oaks lunch on June 12; Dana Point lunch on June 13
  • LGA: Refinery Rooftop Social on May 18; New York Mets game on Sept. 2; Retirement Party on Oct. 26
  • MIA: Air Dot Show at FLL on May 11 and 12; Domicile Meeting on June 18; Retirement Party on Sept. 14
  • ORD: Galt Airport Fly-In and Pancake Breakfast on May 25
  • PHL: Philadelphia Phillies game on June 18; Retirement Party on Oct. 19

Also, save the date for these upcoming commuter events, details to follow soon:

Week in Review

Here are some recent messages you may have missed.

Are You Willing to Serve?

Each of these national committees or subcommittees has the indicated number of vacancies:

  • Aeromedical Committee (0)
    • Disabled Pilot Awareness Subcommittee (3)
    • Human Intervention Motivation Study Subcommittee (2)
    • Pilot Occupational Health Subcommittee (2)
    • Project Wingman Subcommittee (3)
  • Captain’s Authority Committee (3)
  • Communications Committee (0)
    • National Communications Network (7)
  • Flight Time/Duty Time Committee (1)
  • Grey Eagles Liaison Committee (1)
  • Scheduling Committee (6)
  • Training Committee (5)
    • Checkmate (1 on 777)

If you would like to serve on one or more of these committees, visit the Member Engagement Portal.

Professional Standards FAQs

What if I have a challenge with a Check Airman?
Professional Standards is a natural necessity for the Check Airman community, just as it is for the line pilot. Make your union the first call in an attempt to assist in a solution with human interaction issues that arise on a daily basis. We have established a specialized “domicile” for the Check Airman community. When you call the phone tree (817-402-2181), simply input “CKA” or say “Check Airman” to be routed to the appropriate volunteer for handling your case.

To read all of the FAQs, click here.

Professional Standards’ 24/7 hotline: 817-402-2181

Free PGA Tour Tickets for Military Personnel

The PGA Tour’s Charles Schwab Challenge is scheduled for May 23-26 at Colonial Country Club in Fort Worth. All active, reserve, and retired military personnel can get free tickets, a parking pass, and access to a hospitality tent for one day of the tournament. Click here for more information.

If You’re 50, Join The Grey Eagles

Are you a pilot for American Airlines, at least age 50, active or retired? Please join The Grey Eagles for food, fun, and fellowship. We offer cruises, conventions, monthly luncheons, retirement dinners, professional mentoring, and assistance to surviving spouses – all for a one-time lifetime fee.

Pilot Job Fairs and Future Pilot Seminars

Future & Active Pilot Advisors’ next Pilot Job Fair and Future Pilot Seminar are scheduled for May 18 at HNL followed by June 14 at JFK. Click here for more information.

Industry News

For more about what’s happening in the industry, be sure to visit the Industry News page on AlliedPilots.org.

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