Air Line Pilot Podcast

2025 in Review

Each year brings new opportunities and challenges for our union, and 2025 was a powerful reminder of just how unpredictable a single year can be. This year, ALPA mourned loss, confronted economic instability at several airlines, and felt the harsh impact of political turmoil, including the longest government shutdown in U.S. history. To close out 2025, ALPA President Capt. Jason Ambrosi had an in-depth discussion with ALPA general manager David Krieger on the challenges and successes of the past year.

Building One ALPA Through Strategic Collaboration

Capt. Ronan O'Donoghue, chair of ALPA's Strategic Preparedness and Strike Committee, joined ALPA president Capt. Jason Ambrosi to discuss the transformation of ALPA's culture. Collaboration, strategic and communication planning, and solidarity among pilot groups all play critical roles in ALPA’s recent successes. Informational pickets and the introduction of new initiatives like the fact team and virtual components are just a few examples that highlight these efforts.

Aviation from a Journalist’s Perspective: A Conversation with Elan Head

How does the aviation industry look from the outside? ALPA president Capt. Jason Ambrosi found out in this interview with Elan Head, senior editor at The Air Current, and a helicopter pilot herself. The conversation covers industry trends, media perspectives, pilot misconceptions, the impact of emerging technologies, and how reporting on aviation can influence understanding and accountability within the industry.

Headwinds and Tailwinds: The North American Airline Industry in 2025

As 2025 unfolded, the airline industry's initial optimism was met with unexpected challenges. ALPA president Capt. Jason Ambrosi sat down with Aviation Economist Patrick Cropper from ALPA’s Economic and Financial Analysis Department to discuss the factors that were fueling early confidence and the hurdles airlines now face. From high profits at Delta and United to the struggles of ultra-low-cost carriers like Spirit, this episode explores the state of the aviation industry and what it means for ALPA pilots. 

Canadian Accident Investigations: Interview with TSB Chair Yoan Marier

In aviation, we learn from the past to build a safer future. One of the most effective ways we do that is through accident investigation—identifying contributing factors to reform processes, designs, and policies to prevent similar accidents from happening again.  
 
ALPA president Capt. Jason Ambrosi interviews Transportation Safety Board of Canada Chair Yoan Marier about how the board investigates accidents and incidents and develops recommendations in Canada.  

ALPA Pilots Perform at Oshkosh

For many ALPA members, flying is more than a career—it is a passion. And that passion is on full display at EAA’s AirVenture Oshkosh every year. At the 2024 EAA AirVenture Oshkosh, the Air Line Pilot Podcast caught up with ALPA members who arrived in classic warbirds or other vintage aircraft, or who flew as part of the daily airshow. William “Skip” Stewart (FedEx Express) gave aerobatic performances in his modified Pitts S-2S, Bill Sleeper (United, ret.) provided rides in a 1929 Ford Tri Motor, Billy Janus (Delta) piloted a C-47 Skytrain, Jeff Linebaugh (FedEx Express) flew a P-51 Mustang, and Martin Gerhard (United) and Steve McGarry (Kalitta) reenacted as paratroopers to commemorate the 80th anniversary of World War II’s Normandy invasion.

Modernizing Air Traffic Control: Interview with NATCA President Nick Daniels

Air Traffic Controllers are critical to safe airline operations, but they have faced a chronic lack of support and infrastructure funding. ALPA president Capt. Jason Ambrosi sits down with Nick Daniels, the president of the National Air Traffic Controllers Association (NATCA).

In their conversation about the challenges that controllers face on the job, Daniels discusses how NATCA continues to fight and advocate for their members as they face increasing pressure and outdated equipment. The fight for aviation safety unites all airline unions, and Ambrosi and Daniels talk about how their two unions are supporting each other to protect their members and keep aviation safe.

President Ambrosi Shares His Furlough Experience

Nearly two decades after a significant number of ALPA pilots were furloughed, many ALPA members still remember what it feels like. ALPA’s Furloughed Pilot Support Program (FPSP) is built on the first-hand experience of members, like ALPA president Capt. Jason Ambrosi and FPSP volunteer F/O Quincy Flemming. Listen now to hear their furlough stories and suggestions for pilots facing career uncertainty today. They also discuss the Association’s stronger approach to supporting all pilots on furlough, including available resources.