FOQA Committee Update – April 2025

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FOQA Committee Update

Increase in Exceedance Events

FOQA has recently observed a surge in exceedance events, including but not limited to:
✈ Flap overspeed
✈ Gear overspeed
✈ VMO/MMO exceedances
✈ General airspeed events

Given these trends, we urge all pilots to remain vigilant regarding aircraft limitations and airspace regulations.

Key Considerations:
✔ The Airbus fleet may not notify crews of an overspeed condition until well beyond the stated limitation.
✔ The Boeing fleet lacks aural overspeed indications in most cases, requiring pilots to visually monitor speeds.
✔ The Flap Load Relief function provides only a visual indication via the flap position indicator—another reason to remain extra attentive to speed limitations.

Stabilized Approaches: A Critical Reminder

The FOQA Monitoring Team (FMT) has also identified a significant increase in flights that remain unstable beyond stabilization height.

🚨 Key Reminder: 500 feet is not a goal—it is a limit. If an aircraft is not stable and in the planned landing configuration at 1,000 ft HAA (IMC) or 500 ft HAA (VMC), a go-around should be initiated without hesitation.

Per the GOM, an approach is considered stabilized only if ALL of the following conditions are met before reaching stabilization height:
✔ The aircraft is on correct lateral and vertical flight path.
✔ Only small changes in heading and pitch are required to maintain flight path.
✔ Thrust is stabilized to maintain the target approach speed.
✔ The landing checklist is complete.

For Boeing pilots: Be aware that Flap Load Relief may automatically alter your flap configuration, potentially at undesired moments, particularly at or beyond flap limitation speeds. Increased vigilance is required in windy conditions.

New FOQA Data Analysis & Flight Review System

FOQA has introduced a new backend system that automates data analytics, providing significantly enhanced graphical interfaces and replay capabilities.

🚀 What This Means for You:
✔ Individual flights can now be shared with crews for replay, offering deeper insights into how events unfolded.
✔ Crews can review their own flights to enhance understanding and prevent future exceedances.
✔ A new commenting feature allows crews to provide feedback without unnecessary phone calls.
✔ Coming next year: Flights will be automatically available for review on your iPad shortly after landing.

2025 Q1 FOQA Committee Update

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The FOQA Committee has observed a notable increase in the frequency and severity of aircraft handling events in the first quarter. Many of these incidents stem from pilot monitoring deficiencies and exceedances, reinforcing the importance of adherence to aircraft limitations and best practices.

Key areas of concern include:
✈ High Speed Below 10,000 ft. – Managed speed deviations may occur momentarily, but selected speed descents causing violations are not acceptable.
✈ Structural Exceedances – Poor airmanship and insufficient monitoring have led to preventable exceedances. Pilots must maintain awareness and avoid operating at absolute limits.
✈ Stabilized Approaches – Stability must be achieved by 500 ft. VMC / 1,000 ft. IMC, with the aircraft in the correct configuration. If stability criteria are not met, an immediate go-around should be executed—no hesitation, no questions asked.

The FOQA Committee urges all pilots to stay vigilant, communicate effectively, and prioritize airmanship to uphold safety standards.

2025 Q1 Jumpseat Committee Update

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Jumpseat Committee Update

Expanded FedEx Jumpseat Access
FedEx now allows non-FedEx pilots to jumpseat in and out of Puerto Rico. Pilots interested in utilizing this option must call FedEx Jumpseat Administration for flight schedules and listing information. Contact details can be found in the Jumpseat Directory on the Union website.

Currently, FedEx operates flights from:
✈ MEM to SJU (San Juan)
✈ MEM to BQN (Aguadilla)

Important: Pilots are required to carry a passport when flying to or from Puerto Rico on FedEx, in the unlikely event of an international diversion.

Ensuring No Jumpseater is Left Behind
A huge thank you to all the pilots who continue to walk the gate area and ensure no jumpseaters are left behind. Your efforts make a difference.

Reminder for OAL Pilots Using the Allegiant Jumpseat

✔ OAL pilots must list for the Allegiant jumpseat via MyIDTravel at least one hour before departure.
✔ If MyIDTravel is down or experiencing technical issues, gate agents can manually assist with listing jumpseaters.
✔ If a gate agent is unsure of the process, they should contact Customer Ops for guidance on manually listing the jumpseater.

Thank you for your continued support and vigilance in ensuring a smooth jumpseat experience for all pilots.

2025 Q1 Professional Standards Committee Update

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Your Professional Standards committee would like to take the time to first thank its volunteers. Working in a Union position can often be challenging and mainly done behind the scenes so very few get to see just how hard our Committee members are working for their fellow pilots. A Union will only be as strong as the people who volunteer make it. And those of you that are volunteering, we commend your efforts. I encourage all of our pilots to express this message.

  1. As stated this has been a busy year for your Prostandards Committee. On top of our normal workload we have branched out to help with our Fatigue program and Instructor Pilots. First Officer Nick Bordes has also joined our team to help assist with any issues or challenges our International Pilots May be having. If you are an International Pilot and having issues please feel free to reach out to Nick either directly or through our prostandards@apa2118.org email.
  2. This year and the past have been especially trying for our pilot group. We implore you to maintain professionalism and be respectful of our fellow pilots and other work groups regardless of what is going on around you. Control what you can control. If you are having an issue with someone or something from another workgroup we strongly encourage you to file and AirSMS. Too often reports are filed from one side and our pilots are left out to dry. The AirSMS can help explain scenarios in greater detail and help avoid one sided understandings.
  3. It has come to our attention that pilots have been changing their names in the CrewMobile app. While pilots changing from a formal name to a preferred one is perfectly acceptable and encouraged. We need to make sure that we are keeping it Professional as this is an important tool for our crew members in identifying their fellow crew-members.

Mission Statement of the Professional Standards Committee (ProStandards)
The Professional Standards Committee (ProStandards) is dedicated to fostering a culture of professionalism, integrity, and mutual respect among Allegiant pilots. Comprised of trained peer representatives who are union volunteers and line pilots, our committee addresses highly sensitive personal, ethical, and professional issues with strict confidentiality to protect the privacy of all involved. The Professional Standards Committee operates with a commitment to confidentiality and respect for privacy, ensuring that all matters are handled discreetly and professionally. We aim to help conflicted parties reach mutually agreed-upon solutions, fostering a safe and collaborative working environment.

Please if you have any questions or concerns reach out to us.

Fraternally

Your Professional Standards Committee

2025 Q1 Stewards Committee Update

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Meet Your Union Steward Group

Your Union Steward Group is a team of experienced Captains who serve as a front-line resource for Allegiant pilots, assisting with contractual issues, company policy, and disciplinary hearings when needed.

Your Current Union Stewards:

  • FLL – Captain Hansel Duran

  • AVL – Captain Byron Girmscheid

  • AVL – Captain Jesse Peek

  • FNT – Captain Jason Johnston

  • PGD – Captain Kevin Leach

  • LAS – Captain Ryan Joseph

  • BNA – Captain Richie Mercado

  • ATW – Captain Dean Rodgers

  • VPS – Captain Brad Keller

  • PVU – Captain Greg Harris

How We Support You

  • We meet weekly with union leadership and maintain active communication to stay aligned on pilot concerns.

  • If you have questions about union matters, a steward is your best first contact—and if we don’t have the answer, we’ll connect you with the right committee.

  • If you are notified of a Section 18 disciplinary hearing, a steward will represent you at the hearing.

Avoid Preventable Discipline

To protect yourself, take note of these key reminders:
✅ Missed Assignments – Update your Crew Services contact ringtone to “Emergency Bypass” so it rings even when on Do Not Disturb or vibrate.
✅ CBT Deadlines – Complete all required CBTs on time.
✅ Aircraft Issues – If you report an issue or have an exceedance (vibration, bird strike, fume event, minor flap overspeed), ensure an M300 logbook entry is completed.
✅ Medical Certificate – Upload your medical certificate to Prodefis before the due date. If delayed, notify your Chief Pilot by the 25th of the month.
✅ Team Member Handbook – Review it, as it is increasingly cited in disciplinary hearings.

We’re Here to Help

The Steward Group is here to support and guide you—reach out anytime.

📩 Contact us at: stewards@apa2118.org

2025 Q1 Military Committee Update

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Military Committee Update

The Military Committee information and FAQ section on APA2118.org was updated a few months ago. Please take a moment to review the FAQs. If you have any additional questions, you can submit them at the bottom of the page.

Supporting Our Veteran Pilots

Many pilots are unaware that the Military Committee assists not only those currently serving in the Guard and Reserve but also Veterans and Retirees. Our committee provides support for:

✔ FAA Medical Certification
✔ VA Disability Concerns
✔ Mentorship for Military Program Hires

Please help spread the word that our committee is here to support our entire Veteran pilot group.

Committee Updates

Military Leave of Absence (MTLV) – GOM 1.F

Pilots submitting for MTLV are reminded to follow the General Operations Manual (GOM) 1.F guidelines, as there are no additional references in the CBA regarding the MTLV bidding or submission process.

  • GOM 1.F.1 – “Crewmembers who plan to attend military reserve training are strongly encouraged to bid or trade to get their reserved duty days off.”
    ➡ Action Required: Bid around your MTLV dates and only submit MTLV for conflicting days.
  • GOM 1.F.3 – “A crewmember scheduled for annual two-week active duty periods will notify the Chief Pilot/Director, Flight Operation’s Office of that fact no later than the fifth (5th) day of the preceding month, so their absence may be accommodated.”
    ➡ Recommendation: Submit Annual Training (AT) MTLV as far in advance as possible. Orders may change, but MTLV can be amended through FMLAsource if needed.

Why is this important?
🔹 Early submissions help ensure proper staffing at bases.
🔹 Bases with multiple pilots in the same unit may require TDY pilots if AT requests overlap.
🔹 Failure to submit in advance could result in staffing shortfalls, impacting operations, fellow pilots, and customers.

Need Assistance?

If you have questions about Veteran benefits or MTLV, please reach out to the Military Committee at  military@apa2118.org.

2025 Q1 SPC Committee Update

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Fellow Allegiant Pilots,

After four years of negotiations, we have reached a critical point. As the company continues to delay a new contract, it is imperative that our members be further educated on the process in the event an agreement isn’t reached. The Strategic Preparedness Committee (SPC) has been actively fighting for a contract that reflects our worth, but management continues to stall.

Recap of SPC Efforts

Since the Strategic Preparedness Committee (SPC) was officially activated in September 2024, we have:
✔ Held informational picketing across the country
✔ Deployed multiple advertising billboards
✔ Participated in countless media interviews (both Zoom and in-person)
✔ Strategically positioned mobile billboard advertising trucks
✔ Voted overwhelmingly—97.4% in favor—to strike
✔ Continued to publicize our message

The company must come to terms with the fact that we have earned a competitive, market-based contract that reflects our invaluable contributions to Allegiant’s success.

The new contract must:
🔹 Protect and improve our working conditions
🔹 Provide fair and competitive compensation

However, one thing is clear—management is not interested in providing us with a deal that values our work and respects the profession.

We have been more than patient, and we refuse to accept any further:
❌ Management delays
❌ Empty promises
❌ Excuses as to why this deal is not complete

Next Steps: Be Ready

🚨 Our patience has run out, and it is time for management to deliver on its message of making a new contract a “top priority.”

In the coming days, we will be releasing the official Allegiant Pilots Strike Preparation Handbook. Please take the time to thoroughly review this handbook, as it contains essential information should a legal strike become necessary.

📢 If legal self-help is imminent, you will receive direct communication and updates from the SPC Chairman and your base SPC contacts.

Know Your Rights

The SPC is committed to ensuring that Local 2118 members are fully prepared to exercise their rights under the Railway Labor Act (RLA).

⚠ We have the right to strike once we have exhausted the RLA dispute process—AND WE WILL DO IT IF NECESSARY TO GET THE CONTRACT WE DESERVE.

📢 Stay tuned for critical updates coming soon.

Fight On!

In Unity,


Aaron Adrian
SPC Chairman
APA Teamsters Local 2118

2025 Q1 Benefits & Compensation Committee Update

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Disclaimer: If you notice any errors in the information below, please let Benjamin Phillips know so he can make corrections. This information is for reference only, and you should consult with your financial or tax professionals before making any decisions.

2025 401(k) Limits

Participant Contributions

  • Age 49 & Younger (ROTH & Pre-tax): $23,500
  • Age 50 & Older (includes $7,500 catch-up contribution): $31,000
    • Note: The mandatory ROTH catch-up contribution requirement has been delayed by the IRS until 2026.

Maximum Income Considered for Employer Contribution

  • $350,000 – This is the maximum income the company can consider for their contribution.
  • Company 10% Match: The most you can receive from the company in 2025 is $35,000.
    • Unlike other airlines, Allegiant does not provide the 10% match beyond this limit in any form.

All Sources Contribution Limit

  • $70,000 – This is the maximum amount that can be contributed to your 401(k) in 2025, including:
    • Participant ROTH
    • Pre-tax
    • After-tax
    • Company contributions
  • For those 50 & older: The limit increases to $77,500, but the additional $7,500 can only be contributed as ROTH or Pre-tax.

After-Tax Contributions

Warning 1: Contributing too much to After-tax can reduce your company contribution. Unlike other airlines, you will not receive this lost contribution in any other form.

Warning 2: After-tax contributions are not matched by the company. Only ROTH and Pre-tax contributions receive matching funds.

  • Safe After-tax Contribution: You can contribute up to $11,500 in After-tax funds in 2025 without reducing your company contribution (if you earn $350,000 or more).
  • If earning less than $350,000: Use this formula to calculate your After-tax limit:
    • After-tax limit = $70,000 – (ROTH + Pre-tax + 10% of company income for 2025)

Example: $250,000 Income & Max ROTH/Pre-tax Contributions

  • Company contribution: 10% of $250,000 = $25,000
  • Your ROTH/Pre-tax contribution: $23,500
  • Total contributions so far: $48,500
  • Remaining After-tax space: $70,000 – $48,500 = $21,500
  • In this example, you can safely contribute $21,500 in After-tax funds without affecting your company contribution.

After-tax to ROTH Conversions

If you contribute to After-tax, do not leave it there. Instead:

  1. Call Fidelity after your first contribution to set up an automatic conversion to a ROTH 401(k).
  2. Alternatively, you can manually convert After-tax contributions to an external ROTH IRA.
  3. You also have the option to auto-convert to a ROTH 401(k) first, then later transfer to a ROTH IRA at your convenience.

2025 IRA Limits

Important: IRA limits are completely independent of 401(k) limits. Contributions and conversions between 401(k) and IRA accounts do not affect each other.

Contribution Limits

  • Traditional & ROTH IRA Contribution Limit:
    • $7,000 (if under 50)
    • $8,000 (if turning 50+ in 2025)
    • Limit applies to all IRA types combined per year.

Income Limits for Deductible Traditional IRA Contributions

  • Single: Full contribution up to $79,000 (partial contribution up to $89,000).
  • Married: Full contribution up to $126,000 (partial contribution up to $146,000).

Income Limits for ROTH IRA Contributions

  • Single: Full contribution up to $150,000 (partial contribution up to $165,000).
  • Married: Full contribution up to $236,000 (partial contribution up to $246,000).

Non-Deductible Traditional IRA Contributions

  • No income limits.
  • There are also no income limits on Traditional IRA to ROTH IRA conversions.
  • Converted amounts do not affect annual contribution limits.

2025 Social Security Limits

  • Taxable Wage Base: $176,100
  • Maximum Social Security Tax: $10,918.20

2025 Q1 Scheduling Committee Update

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Scheduling Committee Update

Allegiant Air Pilots,

When reaching out to the Scheduling Committee for clarification or to report a potential issue, please be sure to include the following information in your message:

  • Full Name

  • Employee Number

  • Base

  • Seat (Captain or First Officer)

  • A Contact Phone Number (if reaching out via email)

This information helps us address your concern more efficiently and accurately.

We understand that many scheduling issues are time-sensitive; however, please keep in mind that the committee currently consists of only two volunteers. While we strive to respond as quickly as possible, your patience and understanding are appreciated.

Help Wanted: Scheduling Committee Volunteers

At this time, the Scheduling Committee is staffed by just two SFB-based Captains working to support the entire pilot group. We are actively seeking additional volunteers to help serve the needs of our members.

If you’re interested in supporting your fellow pilots and being part of the solution, please email: scheduling@apa2118.org

2025 Q1 Peer2Peer / CIRP UPDATE

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PEER2PEER / CIRP UPDATE

You may have experienced what many would consider a traumatic event or a critical incident—any situation that triggers unusually strong emotional reactions, potentially interfering with your ability to function, either immediately or later.

Even though the event may be over, you might be experiencing—or could experience later—strong emotional or physical reactions. This is completely normal. Emotional aftershocks can appear:

  • Immediately after the event
  • A few hours or days later
  • Weeks or even months later

With understanding and support from a peer or loved ones, these stress reactions usually pass more quickly. However, sometimes the event is so overwhelming that professional assistance is necessary. Seeking help is not a sign of weakness, but rather an indication that the event was powerful enough to require additional support.

COMMON SIGNS OF A STRESS REACTION

Physical

  • Chills, thirst, fatigue, nausea, dizziness, headaches, muscle tremors
  • Rapid heart rate, chest pain, difficulty breathing, excessive sweating
  • Teeth grinding, visual difficulties, fainting, vomiting
    If you experience any of these symptoms, seek medical evaluation.

Cognitive

  • Confusion, nightmares, difficulty concentrating, memory problems
  • Hyper-vigilance, intrusive thoughts, trouble identifying people or objects
  • Poor decision-making, disorientation, heightened/lowered awareness

Emotional

  • Fear, guilt, grief, anxiety, depression, panic
  • Irritability, intense anger, emotional numbness or outbursts
  • Feeling overwhelmed or a loss of emotional control

Behavioral

  • Withdrawal, inability to rest, pacing, change in social activity
  • Loss or increase in appetite, hyper-alertness, change in communication
  • Increased alcohol or substance use

Spiritual

  • Anger at God, questioning faith, withdrawal from religious practices
  • Loss of meaning or purpose, feelings of isolation

SELF-CARE STRATEGIES

  • In the first 24-48 hours, alternate physical activity with relaxation to ease physical symptoms.
  • Keep a structured schedule—stay busy.
  • Talk it out—expressing your feelings is healing.
  • Avoid numbing emotions with alcohol or drugs.
  • Spend time with others—don’t isolate yourself.
  • Maintain a normal routine as much as possible.
  • Give yourself permission to feel and share your emotions.
  • Write in a journal—it can help process emotions.
  • Eat well and stay hydrated, even if you don’t feel like it.
  • Rest and sleep—your body needs recovery time.
  • Make small decisions to regain a sense of control.
  • Understand that recurring thoughts, dreams, or flashbacks are normal—they will decrease over time.

INFORMATION FOR FAMILY MEMBERS & FRIENDS

  • Listen carefully without giving unsolicited advice.
  • Spend time with them—your presence matters.
  • Offer help with daily tasks (cooking, cleaning, child care).
  • Reassure them that they are safe.
  • Give them private time when needed.
  • Don’t take their emotions personally.
  • Avoid dismissive phrases like:
    • “You’re lucky it wasn’t worse.”
    • “You should be over this by now.”
    • “Everything will be okay.”
    • “I know how you feel.”
  • Create a safe space for them to share, but don’t force them to talk.
  • Seek help for yourself if you feel overwhelmed. CIRP is also here for family members and loved ones.

If you or someone you know is struggling, reach out for support. You are not alone. The CIRP Peer2Peer program is here to help.