April 2, 2026
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Contract Awareness Bulletin 26-02 was published on March 31 detailing the most recent update to the progress of MOU 25-05 compliance. Delta has announced the sick verification suspension will cease and the requirements under PWA Section 14 F. 3. will resume on April 1, 2026. For more information, you can read the complete bulletin here.
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The Delta MEC invites all Delta pilots, families and friends to a Family Awareness event in Peachtree City, GA, at Airbase Georgia on Sunday, May 17, from 3 - 7 p.m. During the event, attendees can enjoy the festivities, meet the MEC Officers and Negotiating Committee, and learn more about their role in the process of securing a stronger future for us all. The strength of our unity comes from both pilots and the important people in our lives who support us every day.
Hogs, Hops and Warbirds will feature whole hogs roasted on site by The Curious Pig and a keg trailer featuring spring beer selections from Line Creek Brewing. For kids, there will be bounce houses, inflatables, and face painting activities, plus the chance to explore police and fire trucks up close. Not to mention the event is located at Airbase Georgia, home to many unique and historic warbirds.
Pilots are encouraged to fly in to attend this event! Those who RSVP will receive no tie down fees and based aircraft fuel prices from Falcon Field.
RSVP now to help show us your interest and you’ll be entered in a drawing to win one of our giveaway prizes! While an RSVP is not required to attend, it is strongly encouraged to help with planning.
Giveaway Prizes Include:
1st Prize: A warbird ride at Airbase Georgia
2nd Prize: A tabletop Airbus A350 model
3rd Prize: $50 gift card to The Curious Pig restaurant
Special recognition will be given to the pilot who has flown the furthest to attend the fly-in!
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The Delta MEC Offices will close early at 12 p.m. ET on Friday, April 3, 2026, in observance of the Easter holiday
If you need assistance:
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Strengthening Safety Through Collaboration: ALPA Engagement in Atlanta Operations
Recent discussions between the Delta MEC Air Traffic Services Committee, Delta Airspace Technical pilots, and Atlanta Air Traffic Control highlighted the strong collaborative culture that continues to drive operational success in one of the world’s busiest airspaces. Controllers emphasized that Atlanta’s effectiveness stems from professionalism, pride, and open communication, particularly during complex or high-tempo scenarios.
Looking ahead, ALPA will remain actively engaged in upcoming reviews of departure procedures, particularly as Delta continues to face challenges moving aircraft out of Atlanta during irregular operations.
Technology and equipage upgrades also remain a focus area for pilot groups. Expansion of LPV capability across fleets will provide crews with greater flexibility during degraded ILS conditions, while ongoing improvements in data link and onboard radar systems will enhance decision-making in dynamic weather environments.
Operationally, several pilot-driven concerns were reinforced during the discussion. Weather deviation management remains a critical safety issue, with emphasis on early, clear communication and the importance of PIREPs to support both controllers and fellow crews. Additionally, topics such as maintaining appropriate speeds on approach, managing conditional clearances, and navigating high workload frequency changes reflect ongoing opportunities to reduce ambiguity and improve shared expectations between pilots and ATC.
Discussions also emphasized the need for continued education, both for pilots and controllers, regarding aircraft capabilities during abnormal situations to support measured, informed decision-making.
As Atlanta continues to evolve with new technologies, procedural updates, and infrastructure changes, ongoing engagement between ALPA, Delta, and air traffic control will be essential to maintaining the highest levels of safety and operational excellence.
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Recent Hotel Changes
- AMS – all layovers
- CMH – long layover
- FSD – all layovers
- MLB – all layovers
- ORD – short layover
- VCE – all layovers
Upcoming Relocations
- CUN – all layovers April 1-9
- Moving to Canopy Cancun La Isla due to blackout dates at Kempinski
- JAC – all layovers April 1-30
- Moving to Wort Hotel due to seasonal closure of Snow King Resort
- IND – long layover April 3-7
- Moving to Sheraton Keystone Crossing due to anticipated noise/access issues at Marriott
- GRB – all layovers April 12-13
- Moving to Hotel Northland due to blackout dates at Hyatt
- RAK – all layovers April 15-17
- Moving to Sofitel Marrakech due to blackout dates at Park Hyatt
- ORF – all layovers April 22-23
- Moving to Marriott Norfolk due to blackout dates at Hilton
- BDL – long layover April 27-29
- Moving to Doubletree Hartford due to blackout dates at Marriott
- GIG – all layovers April 30-May 5
- Moving to Grand Hyatt Rio De Janeiro due to anticipated noise and traffic
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When CRM Breakdowns Impact Flight Deck Safety
We have all been there. A discussion about schedules that may turn into a conversation about contract negotiations. A casual comment about politics or world events that evolves into a debate. Stories about commuting, family matters, or previous trips that quickly pull both pilots’ attention away from monitoring automation, energy management, or the next phase of flight. Some conversations carry an additional risk because they can create emotional reactions or tension between crew members. Subjects that commonly degrade flight deck focus include:
- Politics and related debates
- Religious or personal beliefs
- Contract disputes or labor issues
- Management grievances or workplace conflicts
- Personal family matters
- Social issues
These topics may not be inappropriate in normal social settings with friends, but inside the flight deck they can quickly change the tone of the environment. A spirited debate can raise stress levels, shift attention away from flying, or create an uncomfortable dynamic between crew members who have just met for the first time.
Even when both pilots remain professional, the cognitive distraction can be real. The topics may be minor or major but knowing how to gently maneuver the conversation away from conflict and towards something less disagreeable is a soft skill that we all have difficulty with on occasion.
Problems like these happen and may impact flight deck safety. When there is a CRM breakdown, for whatever reason, Professional Standards is available to assist our pilot group. The goal is not to eliminate conversation. Casual interaction builds rapport, reduces fatigue during long flights, and helps establish a cooperative atmosphere.
Every pilot brings a different personality and background into the flight deck, and every pairing is unique. What remains constant is the professional standard expected in airline operations. The flight deck is ultimately a workspace where safety depends on attention, communication, and mutual respect. Maintaining that environment sometimes means recognizing that certain conversations—no matter how interesting—are better left out of the flight deck.
The Professional Standards Committee resolves conflicts between pilots and/or other individuals that might affect flight deck safety and/or professionalism in a nonjudgmental, non-accusatory, and non-confrontational manner. Common situations handled by Professional Standards include: personality conflicts, non-adherence to standard operating procedures, crew coordination issues, distracting personal habits, and harassment.
Help is available 24 hours a day and is the preferred resource for addressing interpersonal conflict when situations cannot be resolved on their own. All cases will be handled in a non-judgmental, non-accusatory, and non-confrontational manner. All Delta pilots can use Professional Standards, including new hires on probation. Likewise, all discussions are confidential, and early outreach is encouraged. The goal is to offer peer-to-peer support to resolve an issue before reaching out to the Company. The only exception applies if an imminent safety threat exists. In that case, standard safety reporting channels apply.
The Pro Stans Committee is comprised of 26 diverse pilots with varied backgrounds who have all received training to deal with the topics listed above. We are here to listen and help maintain the professional flight decks required to safely operate Delta’s flight schedule.
The next time you encounter an issue that you can’t seem to resolve on your own or just need an ear to listen regarding a situation you’d like to discuss, please reach out. Pro Stans is just a phone call away: (855) P-STANDS or (855) 778-2637.
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Layover Events
Currently, most pilots entering the DPAC/HIMS program reach out and ask for help on their own. A smaller group comes to the program after incidents—such as a DUI or a layover-related event—bringing attention to substance use or abuse. While layover-related incidents have declined significantly, our goal is to encourage all pilots to seek help proactively before an on-duty or layover event occurs.
The DPAC is comprised of volunteer pilots, many of whom have personally participated in the HIMS program. They give back by mentoring fellow pilots and answering questions for those who may be considering seeking assistance. When you first reach out to DPAC, you may remain anonymous; confidentiality is a cornerstone of the HIMS program.
Where can I find more information?
If you or someone you care about is struggling with substance abuse and would like to confidentiality speak to a DPAC volunteer, please use the following contact information:
Because of the sensitive nature of your situation, you will only speak to the DPAC chairman or vice chairmam. Your phone call is confidential and never recorded.
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Vacation Move-Up Bidding
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The deadline for submitting vacation move-up requests is May 1 at 8 a.m. EDT.
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Social Media
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Do you want to be featured on our social media channels? Check out the social media theme(s) below and send your photos and videos to DALComm@alpa.org for consideration!
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Flight Experiences
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Share your experiences as a pilot, including interesting flights, challenges, and memorable moments. This can include both professional and personal experiences!
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#WingViewWednesday
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Please submit photos of your favorite Delta jets from your professional or leisure travels!
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DPN Events Photos and Videos
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Please submit any photos or videos you took at DPN events to be considered for posts on social media or highlights in Delta MEC News.
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Feedback?
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Do you have any feedback or ideas for MEC News? Let us know at DALComm@alpa.org!
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