Episodes
Oct. 8, 2026
Fly By Night: MEC Chair Update – October 2026
In this episode of our podcast, FDX MEC Chair Captain Jose Nieves discusses Middle East flying, implementation of the new CBA, and additional resources for Contract Enforcement. He also discusses fatigue resources as peak approaches, annual benefits enrollment, the pilot survey, and upcoming MEC and ALPA Board of Directors meetings. Jose closes with an important reminder about Phase 2 implementation and the new Captain and First Officer bid closing deadlines that begin with the December bid peri...
Oct. 1, 2026
Fly By Night: Scheduling Committee November 2026 Build Week
In this episode of our podcast, Scheduling Committee Chair Captain Marty Harrington discusses the November build, peak planning, staffing levels, and the preliminary pairing process. He also provides updates on Middle East flying, the continued MD-11 return to service, scheduling revisions, and updated Scheduling Matters articles that reflect the new CBA rules. Click here to view the transcript.
Sept. 23, 2026
Fly By Night: Block 1 Update September 2026
In this episode of our podcast, newly elected Block 1 Representative Captain Marty Harrington discusses his decision to serve, his approach to his new role, and his goals as a member of the MEC. He also talks about pilot engagement, upcoming MEC and ALPA meetings, future elections, and concerns he is hearing from pilots on the line. Click here to view the transcript.
Sept. 21, 2026
Fly By Night: R&I September Update – Open Enrollment
In this episode of our podcast, Retirement and Insurance Committee Chair Captain Kevin Biggins discusses the upcoming open enrollment period, benefit seminars, and important wellness deadlines. He also provides updates on APRP retirement contributions, improvements to the R&I Committee webpage, and the timeline and resources pilots can expect as the new retirement options are implemented. Click here to view the transcript.
Sept. 16, 2026
Fly By Night: Long Term Disability September 2026
In this episode of our podcast, Retirement and Insurance Committee member Captain Toby Cline discusses Long Term Disability (LTD), including how Company and ALPA LTD benefits work and how LTD works with each of the three retirement options under the new contract. He also discusses considerations involving regular sick account usage, the resources available to pilots navigating the LTD process, and the Pilot Benefit Review Board. Click here to view the transcript.
Sept. 11, 2026
Fly By Night: Fatigue Risk Management Committee September 2026 Update
In this episode of our podcast, Fatigue Risk Management Committee Chair Captain Rob Bassett provides an update on fatigue calls and reporting, operational fatigue challenges, and the resources available to pilots when dealing with fatigue. He also discusses the CARMA checklist, the importance of documenting operational issues, PureSomni, challenging pairings and schedule changes, and recognizing the potential effects of chronic fatigue. Click here to view the transcript.
Sept. 9, 2026
Fly By Night: Grievance Update September 2026
In this episode of our podcast, Grievance Committee Chair Captain Chris Wood discusses what happens after the Company denies a grievance, including the arbitration process, how cases are evaluated, and how settlements can occur at any point along the way. He also discusses the recent resolution of Grievances 23-18 and 23-19 and provides background on the cases, the issues involved, and the considerations that go into resolving a grievance. Click here to view the transcript.
Sept. 3, 2026
Fly By Night: Scheduling Committee October 2026 Build Week
In this episode of our podcast, Scheduling Committee Chair Captain Marty Harrington provides an update on the October build, including the current flight schedule, increased flying, and the continued return of the MD-11 fleet. He also discusses current staffing and hiring, Middle East flying, disputed pairings, and other scheduling issues affecting the crew force. Click here to view the transcript.
Aug. 14, 2026
Fly By Night: Trip Services Update – August 2026
In this episode of our podcast, Trip Services Committee Chair Captain Don Unwin and Vice Chair First Officer Jackie Crawford give an update on the issues affecting pilots while on the road. The discussion covers ground transportation and hotel concerns, recent and upcoming hotel changes, new CBA provisions affecting non-contract hotel expenses and international bedding, catering updates, and what pilots should do when accommodations or transportation don’t meet expectations. Don and Jackie also ...
Aug. 11, 2026
Fly By Night: Contract Implementation Team Update August 2026
In this episode of our podcast, Contract Implementation Team member First Officer Eric Moraes provides an update on the ongoing implementation of the new Collective Bargaining Agreement, including the expense receipt process and the rental car provision. He also answers common pilot questions about rental car deviations, including when they may be used, pre-approval requirements, reimbursable expenses, time limitations, and how to properly submit expenses for reimbursement. Click here to view t...
Aug. 6, 2026
Fly By Night: Scheduling Committee September 2026 Build Week
In this episode of our podcast, Scheduling Committee Chair Captain Marty Harrington provides an update on the September build, including continued high BLGs, increased Middle East flying, and the expanding return of the MD-11 fleet. He also discusses current staffing, hiring, the operational impact of tightly constructed pairings, disputed sequences, and updates to Scheduling Matters under the new Collective Bargaining Agreement. Click here to view the transcript.
July 9, 2026
Fly By Night: Scheduling Committee August 2026 Build Week
In this episode of our podcast, Scheduling Committee Vice Chair Captain Chris Leeuw and Airbus PSIT Member Captain Mike Kilmurray provide an update on the first full build month under the new Collective Bargaining Agreement, including the impact of the new MPDPs and duty rig provisions on domestic bid packs. They also discuss staffing and hiring trends, the anticipated system bid, the ongoing return of the MD-11 fleet, and the Secondary Line Replacement Working Group (SLRWG). Click here to view...
June 24, 2026
Fly By Night: R&I Educational Update June 2026
In this episode of our podcast, R&I Committee member Captain Toby Cline provides an educational update on the APRP payment, including the expected payment timeline. Toby also reviews key IRS...
June 10, 2026
Fly By Night: MEC Officers June 2026
In this episode of our podcast, MEC Chair Captain Jose Nieves, MEC Vice Chair First Officer Connor Wilm, and MEC Secretary Treasurer First Officer Tony Miles reflect on the recently concluded contract ratification vote and the remarkable level of pilot engagement throughout the process. The discussion highlights the success of the roadshows, the importance of family involvement, and the unity demonstrated by pilots across the system. Looking ahead, the officers discuss the union’s next phase, in...
June 4, 2026
Fly By Night: Scheduling Committee July 2026 Build Week
In this episode of our podcast, Scheduling Committee Chair Captain Marty Harrington provides an update on schedule stability, the ongoing return of the MD-11 fleet, recent wins in disputed pairing resolutions, and the continuing staffing challenges impacting bid line guarantees. He also shares insights from the recent SIG Quarterly meeting, discusses retirement and hiring trends, and explains how the timing of the Tentative Agreement vote could affect bidding and pay calculations for July. Clic...
May 8, 2026
Fly By Night: R&I Committee – TA Retirement Options May 2026
In this episode of our podcast, R&I Committee Chair Captain Kevin Biggins breaks down the retirement options included in the Tentative Agreement. The discussion walks through the three available paths,...
May 7, 2026
Fly By Night: Scheduling Committee June 2026 Build Week
In this episode of our podcast, Scheduling Committee Chair Captain Marty Harrington provides an update on the relative stability of 2026 bidpacks, highlights ongoing challenges such as MD-11 groundings and increased use of base hotel standbys, and shares insights into staffing trends, hiring uncertainty, and upcoming bid expectations. He also touches on the importance of pilot participation in fatigue data collection, recent DART topics, and how potential contract changes could impact scheduling...
April 9, 2026
Fly By Night: Scheduling Committee May 2026 Build Week
In this episode of our podcast, Scheduling Committee Chair Captain Marty Harrington discusses the May build, current bid trends, increased flying hours driven in part by hotel standby utilization, and what pilots can expect with higher BLGs and continued vacation buyback. He also discusses ongoing adjustments to international flying, the anticipated return of the MD-11, and key insights into the secondary line process. Click here to view the transcript.
April 6, 2026
Fly By Night: R&I Committee – April 2026
In this episode of our podcast, R&I Committee Chair Captain Kevin Biggins and committee member Captain Toby Cline discuss upcoming changes to the FedEx Pilots Retirement Savings Plan (PRSP). The...
March 5, 2026
Fly By Night: Scheduling Committee April 2026 Build Week
In this episode of our podcast, Scheduling Committee Chair Captain Marty Harrington discusses the April 2026 build, the first five-week bid month of the year, and the continued operational impact of the MD-11 grounding across the fleet. Marty also addresses bid line guarantees trending high near contractual limits and provides updates on scheduling changes. He also discusses retirements and record resignations, the potential need for future hiring, and broader concerns about staffing, morale, a...
Feb. 25, 2026
Fly By Night: R&I Committee – Enhanced Catch-Up Contribution February 2026
In this episode of our podcast, R&I Committee Member Captain Toby Cline breaks down the new Enhanced Catch-Up Contribution coming to the Pilot Retirement Savings Plan (PRSP) on March 1,...
Feb. 18, 2026
Fly By Night: Fact Team February 2026
In this episode of our podcast, P2P Committee Chair and Fact Team member First Officer Kevin Messmer and Fact Team member First Officer Eric Moraes discuss the purpose and structure of the Fact Team. They explain how the Fact Team supports pilots by providing clear and consistent answers about what the TA’d contract language says, outline how questions are submitted and handled, and review early participation data since launch. They also discuss how the Q&A process evolves based on pilot questi...
Feb. 13, 2026
Fly By Night: Trip Services Committee February 2026
In this episode of our podcast, Trip Services Committee Chair Captain Don Unwin and Vice Chair First Officer Jackie Crawford share how your Insites are driving improvements to our layover experience, both internationally and domestically. They also discuss ongoing challenges with Flight Services Desk staffing, how to properly submit “Day of Ops” Insites, updates on non-contract hotels, and provide insight on their recent tour of the Memphis catering facility. Click here to view the transcript.
Feb. 5, 2026
Fly By Night: Scheduling Committee March 2026 Build Week
In this episode of our podcast, Scheduling Committee Chair Captain Marty Harrington discusses the March 2026 build and the continued impact of the MD-11 grounding. Marty also addresses ongoing staffing pressures, the time and complexity involved in hiring and training, and how retirements and resignations are shaping the current environment. He provides brief updates on MD-11 discussions, upcoming system bids, and reinforces the importance of pilot engagement. Click here to view the transcript.