Best SWAPA Podcasts (2024)

1
$37 Million (Budget 2025, Hank Ketchum, Brian Hickman) 30:20

9h ago30:20

30:20

Today's SWAPA number is $37 million. That's the total proposed operating expenses in the budget for 2025. SWAPA pilots will have an opportunity to vote on the budget in the upcoming fall general election. So on today's show we talk to SWAPA second vice President, Hank Ketchum, and our SWAPA Director of Finance, Brian Hickman about all things financ…

1
139 What Does It Take to Lead 11,000 Pilots? w/ SWAPA President Casey Murray 1:12:05

5h ago1:12:05

1:12:05

In this episode, Dylan and Max sit down with Casey Murray, President of the Southwest Airlines Pilots Association (SWAPA), to discuss the challenges and triumphs of leading 10,000 pilots. From contract negotiations to managing pilot expectations, Casey sheds light on what it takes to keep a union strong and independent. Plus, we dive into the flexi…

1
140. Ever Been Stuck with a Boring Co-Pilot? 1:07:55

3h ago1:07:55

1:07:55

Dylan and Max reflect on the surprising amount of time pilots spend together, from shared meals to long-haul convos in the cockpit. We cover Chapter 9 of Hard Landing in the book club. A listener writes in about a vibrating seat mystery on a recent 787 flight. And in Flight Advice, the hosts help a commuting pilot navigate the unwritten rules of ju…

1
The SWAPA Ride Report: Vacation Bidding Accrual 7:03

12d ago7:03

7:03

In this week’s edition, Communications Committee member Tony Mulhare discusses some vacation accrual errors that have been made for Pilots out on a medical leave of absence and how to check that the numbers in CWA are correct. Round 1 of vacation bidding closes tomorrow, so time is of the essence. He also recaps several questions that were fielded …

1
138. Feeling Stalled Out as a CFI? Here's How to Start Learning Pro Pilot Skills 1:07:44

3d ago1:07:44

1:07:44

In this episode, Dylan and Max dive into the surprising results from the 2024 AIN product survey, revealing a major shake-up in aircraft rankings—Bombardier is on top, while Gulfstream slips. The mailbag features a listener sharing their experiences with tricky aircraft maintenance, sparking a hilarious yet insightful discussion on handling service…

1
86 (SAC Implementation Update, Scott Plyler, Meagan Nelan, Eric Gavin) 27:13

4d ago27:13

27:13

Today's SWAPA Number is 86. That's the percentage of Contract 2020 provisions that will be implemented by the end of the third quarter of 2024. That said, the remaining 14 percent includes some very big ticket items like a training bid, major changes to ELITT, and a new vacation bidding process. So on today's show, we're going to talk to Scheduling…

1
137. What Should Pilots Do with Election-Year Market Jitters? 37:27

10d ago37:27

37:27

In this episode, Dylan and Max sit down with financial guru Timothy P. Pope to navigate the complexities of financial planning for pilots. From managing retirement funds during an election year to deciding whether to pay back a hefty retention bonus, Tim offers sage advice tailored to the unique needs of aviation professionals. If you've ever wonde…

1
The SWAPA Ride Report: Annotated CBA Overview, Scheduling IT Update & Vacation Bidding Q&A 7:17

15d ago7:17

7:17

In this week’s edition, Captain Matt McCants takes the membership through the high points of the latest update to the Annotated CBA. This revision touches on a lot of sections, so be sure to download the latest version to your mobile device. He also gives a recap of the latest IT summit between the Scheduling and Analytics Committee and the Company…

1
153 (Communications, Mike Panebianco, Amy Robinson) 32:47

19d ago32:47

32:47

Today's SWAPA Number is 153. That's the number of emails, education materials, videos, and podcasts you've received from SWAPA in 2024 so far. And each one has passed through the Communications Committee before you saw or heard it. So today's podcast is about exactly that. We're sitting down with Communications Chair, Mike Panebianco and Communicat…

1
136. The Misadventures of Max plus Mailbag and Flight Advice 54:23

1M ago54:23

54:23

They guys catch up on their latest adventures. Book Club: Hard Landing Chapter 7. In this episode’s mailbag, they discuss listener feedback on braking roll-aboards and tough non-rev adventures. Finally, in Flight Advice, they dig into the dilemma of choosing between a tough commute at a struggling ULCC or trying out the cargo life, all while aiming…

1
The SWAPA Ride Report: Vacation Accrual, Payroll Audit Process & Contract Q&A 10:12

28d ago10:12

10:12

This week, Communications Committee member Tony Mulhare takes a deep dive into how your sick bank and vacation accrual are related if you were to go out on disability and the importance of making sure you don’t get awarded a line for a month that you won’t fly in (unless you have vacation, of course). Check the Benefits Committee page on swapa.org …

1
6,529 (Plan-to-Plan Transfer, Drew Payne, Mike Haynes) 31:07

1M ago31:07

31:07

Today's SWAPA Number is 6,529. That's the number of our pilots who are qualified to participate in this year's profit sharing transfer. A new provision in Contract 2020 allows pilots a one-time transfer of their profit sharing balances into the top ranked SWAPA 401(k) plan. Since it's a one-time benefit, it's important that our pilots understand th…

1
135. INTL Ops Update: GPS Spoofing and New Clearance Procedures 51:29

1M ago51:29

51:29

In this episode, Dylan and Max are joined by Greg from Advanced Air Crew Academy to discuss the latest updates in international operations. They dive into changes in oceanic clearance procedures, the impact of GPS spoofing, and essential tips for flying internationally. Check out Advanced Aircrew Academy's International Training Modules. OpsGroup G…

1
The SWAPA Ride Report: 401k and MBCBP Recap, Grievance Update, & Contract Q&A 9:11

2M ago9:11

9:11

If you have any feedback for us at all, please drop us a line at comm@swapa.org Follow us online: Twitter - https://twitter.com/swapapilots Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/swapa737By SWAPA

1
4 (Pro Standards, Jon Ross) 34:33

2M ago34:33

34:33

Today's SWAPA Number is 4. That's the number of different generations in Southwest cockpits on any given day around the system. Today we're sitting down with Jon Ross, Chair of the Professional Standards Committee, to talk about how we can keep conflict resolution at the lowest level and safety at the highest. If you have any feedback for us at all…

1
134. Should I leave my comfortable job to fly the 747? 1:04:09

2M ago1:04:09

1:04:09

In this episode, Dylan and Max dive into the bizarre trend of passengers "raw dogging" flights and wonder what the pilot equivalent would be. Then the guys dive into Chapter 6 of Hard Landing. The Mailbag segment features listener reviews and heartfelt stories, while Flight Advice tackles a career decision about flying the 747 versus staying at a r…

1
The SWAPA Ride Report: Market Based Cash Balance Plan Update, Vacation Shifts, & Contract Q&A 7:17

2M ago7:17

7:17

This week, Communications Committee member Tony Mulhare updates the membership on the Market Based Cash Balance Plan as well as the upcoming transfer window from Empower to Schwab accounts. He also continues the deep dive into vacation shifts and the timing required for those shifts. Several pilot questions about Legal Duty, Ground Transportation i…

1
15 (Elliott Management Update #2, Casey Murray, Hank Ketchum, Erich Schnitzler) 28:33

2M ago28:33

28:33

Today's SWAPA Number is 15. That is the size of the expanded Southwest Airlines Board of Directors, Now that Rakesh Gangwal, a familiar name to those in our ranks with US Air history was added to the board. Two weeks ago, we released a SWAPA Number podcast about Elliot Investment Management's initial 12% equity position in Southwest. But it's been …

1
133. Should You Sign an Airline Training Contract? 1:08:50

3M ago1:08:50

1:08:50

In this episode, Dylan and Max dive deep into the topic of airline training contracts with industry expert James Onieal from Raven Careers. They explore the pros and cons, legal considerations, and long-term career impacts of signing such agreements. Whether you're a Gen Z pilot or a seasoned aviator, this discussion will help you make an informed …

1
The SWAPA Ride Report: Q3 Implementation Preview, Vacation Shift How-To-Guide, & Contract Q&A 10:46

3M ago10:46

10:46

This week, Captain Matt McCants tells the membership what to look forward to during third quarter implementation. The landscape of the duty day will look different whether you are on reserve or a line holder, so listen in to hear the details and timelines with the coming changes. He also does a deep dive into vacation shifts. From how much more TFP…

1
12 (Elliott Management Update, Casey Murray, Tom Nekouei, Hank Ketchum, Erich Schnitzler) 32:57

3M ago32:57

32:57

Today's SWAPA Number is 12. That's the approximate percentage of Southwest Airlines shares that Elliott Investment Management took hold of in early June, challenging the leadership landscape of the company and bringing some uncertainty as to what the future of the airline holds. Today we're sitting down with your SWAPA executive officers, along wit…

1
The SWAPA Ride Report: Contract Housekeeping, Reserve Q&A, and Overrides Refresher 6:20

3M ago6:20

6:20

This week, guest host Ella Ziober reviews the most recent versions of the CBA source documents as we near the end of the second quarter. With Q3 around the corner, take a listen to hear about the mountain of IT work being done for the next phase of implementation. The Q&A has something for everyone this week. Whether you’re contemplating a Nashvill…

1
132. The Balancing Act: Parenthood and Pilot Life 1:13:19

3M ago1:13:19

1:13:19

Dylan and Max dive into their recent Father's Day cold plunge experience and its benefits for muscle recovery, then talk about recent trips to DC, Aspen, and Havana. They read listener emails about the best luggage for pilots. In the Flight Advice segment, they tackle the challenge of balancing a pilot career with impending fatherhood, offering tip…

1
26 (Fatigue, Scott Hutchinson) 19:23

3M ago19:23

19:23

Today's SWAPA Number is 26. That's 26 fatigue calls per 10,000 duty periods, which is our current fatigue rate. That's less than half of what it was a year ago and one of the lowest since the start of the pandemic. So today on the show, we're going to talk with SWAPA Safety and FSAC member Scott Hutchinson about recent fatigue trends, what's new in…

1
131. What is the Pilot's role in an Aircraft Transaction? 51:35

3M ago51:35

51:35

In this episode, we welcome back Brooks Pettit, an expert in aircraft transactions with Vaerus Jet Sales. Brooks shares his insights on the ongoing debate between the Challenger 350 and the G280. He provides a balanced view, discussing the advantages and disadvantages of both jets from an operational and ownership perspective. We also delve into th…

1
The SWAPA Ride Report: Scheduling Tech Development, SWAPA App Update, and 401K Recap 6:27

4M ago6:27

6:27

This week, guest host Alexis Thomas reviews the recent Empower accounts merger, and points to all the resources that Pilots have at their disposal when the ability to move funds to the Schwab 401k becomes available. It was a big tech week for SWAPA as the Scheduling and Analytics Committee presented at the Flight Ops IT kickoff, and the revamped SW…

1
130. Should You Take a Once-in-a-Lifetime Flying Opportunity? 1:18:44

4M ago1:18:44

1:18:44

Dylan and Max delve into the unexpected challenges of flying during the Cicada Fiasco of 2024, sharing firsthand accounts and tips for dealing with these pesky insects. They then transition to a deep dive into the history and impact of airline deregulation, discussing how it has shaped the modern aviation industry and what it means for today's pilo…

1
16 (Hotels, Seth Kornblum) 23:14

4M ago23:14

23:14

Today's SWAPA Number is 16. That's the section of the contract that covers hotel standards. So on today's episode, we spoke to Hotels SME, Seth Kornblum, about the Crew Accommodations Board, hotel language, and some of the issues that have arisen since the ratification of the CBA. If you have any feedback for us at all, please drop us a line at com…

1
129. From Paychecks to Perks: Maximizing Pilot Compensation with Dr. Broyhill 50:09

4M ago50:09

50:09

In this episode, hosts Dylan and Max interview Dr. Chris Broyhill, the creator of the AirComp Calculator, to discuss the current state of pilot compensation in business aviation. Dr. Broyhill shares insights on market trends, noting the ongoing high demand for qualified pilots and the increasing importance of comprehensive benefits packages. The di…

1
The SWAPA Ride Report: Training Elections & Side Letter One 5:50

4M ago5:50

5:50

This week, Casey Casteel from SWAPA Communications discusses upcoming implementation items like the training elections form that will go live soon as well as several items that were clarified or added in Side Letter One to the CBA, including open time pay multiples, open time alert timelines, and document-based training. If you’ve ever had a questi…

1
128. Luggage Reviews, Mailbag Revelations, and Life-Changing Flight Advice 1:00:02

4M ago1:00:02

1:00:02

The guys kick the show off with their latest piston engine adventures. Then they dive into the luggage review video series and discuss listeners' feedback. Hard Landing chapter 3 is discussed in the book club segment. In the mailbag we continue the discussion on AI and how pilot shirts should fit. We have a good one for flight advice...how do I lea…

1
4,200 (Training, Casey Murray, Greg Bowen) 23:07

4M ago23:07

23:07

Today's SWAPA Number is 4,200. That's how many Southwest pilots will retire by 2035. We may have stopped hiring for now, but those 4,200 pilots will need to be replaced and trained. Today we'll be talking with SWAPA President, Captain Casey Murray, and Training and Standards Committee Chair, Captain Greg Bowen, about how things are going in the tra…

1
17.A.2 (VPTO, Jody Reven, Greg Auld, Erich Schnitzler, Scott Plyler) 24:58

4M ago24:58

24:58

Today's SWAPA Number is 17.A.2. That's the section of our new CBA that deals with VPTO, or Voluntary Paid Time Off. On this special episode of The SWAPA Number, we are welcoming NC Chair Jody Reven, EFA Committee Chair Erich Schnitzler, Committee Member Greg Auld, and Scheduling Research Committee Chair, Scott Plyler, to discuss a voluntary paid ti…

1
127. How can I get airline like benefits as a BizAv Pilot? 1:12:08

4M ago1:12:08

1:12:08

Dylan and Max are joined by Whitney Bohac and Dave Retnam, co-founders of Crewise, a company designed to bring airline-style HR and support services to business aviation. Whitney and Dave, both with extensive backgrounds at Southwest Airlines, discuss the genesis and mission of Crewise, emphasizing the need for robust support systems in business av…

1
The SWAPA Ride Report: Scheduling Handbook Highlights and Pro Tips for Open Time Priority and Vacation Overlap 8:11

5M ago8:11

8:11

This week, host Captain Matt McCants gives us the high points of the newly released Scheduling Handbook – a must have in a Pilot’s tool box to resume own navigation through the new CBA. He also covers how much error pay and fixed audit pay have been recovered by SWAPA since date of ratification. The Q&A this week has topics ranging from online lega…

1
126. Mailbag Insights: Listener Stories & Flying Wisdom + Should a Junior Spirit FO Bail? 1:01:50

5M ago1:01:50

1:01:50

Max recounts the complications following his seemingly routine knee surgery, underscoring the precarious nature of pilot health and the implications on flying careers. We cover chapter 2 of Hard Landing for the book club segment plus an actual hard landing of a 747 at LAX. Mailbag: Luggage Review Update, Allegiant Pilot Perspective, and life of a f…

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