2026 Q1 Newsletter – A-PAN Committee Update

/by

A‑PAN Committee Update

Another quarter is in the books for our pilot group at Allegiant. We are encouraged by the continued expansion of support resources available through the Allegiant Pilots Assistance Network (A‑PAN), and we are excited about building stronger collaboration with our industry colleagues at Sun Country in the future.

Collaboration is fundamental to A‑PAN and is reflected directly in our name. Our recent evolution to include peer wellbeing support reinforces the importance of open communication and the exchange of information. To better serve the diverse needs of our pilot group, we have brought together volunteers from as many bases and backgrounds as possible.

Our April training includes pilot volunteers from HIMS, Professional Standards, Hotels, Payroll, Benefits, the instructor cadre, and the Executive Board. In total, volunteers from seven Allegiant bases are participating, along with two pilots from Atlas. If you are an engaged pilot and have questions or concerns, please seek us out and let us know how we can support you.

The recent accident at LGA and the ongoing operational stresses we face have understandably impacted many crewmembers. Incidents such as Jazz 8646 in LaGuardia highlight vulnerabilities that any crew can encounter. For many, feelings of helplessness or emotional strain are natural responses to seeing events like these unfold. These moments reinforce why a strong, safety‑focused culture and peer support network are essential.

We are pilots, but we are also human. Experiencing stress, emotional responses, and fatigue is normal. Often, having a confidential conversation with another pilot who understands aviation challenges can help process difficult experiences and support recovery.

A‑PAN volunteers are trained to engage with these emotions constructively and to help pilots work through stress‑related or trauma‑influenced mindsets. Do not wait for someone else to make the call — if you need support, reach out to us by phone, email, or text.

Looking ahead, “March Madness” provided an early glimpse of the busy summer period approaching. The loss of an hour to daylight saving time, increased flying, schedule disruptions, and late nights can quickly impact sleep quality. Despite sleep hygiene concepts being covered during annual training, these practices are often overlooked during peak operations.

Think of your day like baking a frozen meal — preparation matters. Just as you would not rush the cooking process, allowing time to properly wind up and wind down during your day supports better rest. Protecting sleep windows, managing routines, and avoiding extremes all contribute to improved recovery.

Practical Sleep & Wellbeing Strategies

Self‑Care: Maintain basic physical routines such as hydration, calming evening habits, appropriate environmental temperature (ideally 64–68°F), comfortable bedding, and consistent sleep attire. Regular check‑ins with family or significant others are also important to overall wellbeing.

Reflect: Journaling, mindfulness, spiritual practices, or meditation can help process daily stressors. Some professionals recommend scheduling designated “worry time” earlier in the day so concerns are not carried into bedtime.

Un‑Plug: Reduce light exposure and screen time beginning an hour before sleep. Avoid heavy meals, alcohol, tobacco, or intense exercise three hours prior to bedtime. Light reading or cognitive games can be helpful alternatives.

Rejuvenate: Gentle stretching, relaxation routines, and gratitude practices help end the day positively. Visualization techniques can also support relaxation as you prepare to sleep.

Reset: If sleep does not come after 20–25 minutes, step away briefly to reset — leave the bedroom, read lightly, or have hot tea. Return once drowsiness sets in.

Safeguards: Strong emotions and unprocessed concerns can disrupt sleep. Writing down thoughts, prioritizing the next day, and allowing yourself permission to disengage overnight can help mitigate these effects. If fatigue develops, call out fatigued and submit a report. If sleep challenges persist, reach out to A‑PAN or Fatigue Committee volunteers for additional support.

Chronological Keys (adapted from Sleep Scientist Matt Walker)

  • Set consistent bed‑time reminders for yourself and your family.
  • Limit caffeine and alcohol intake, particularly in the hours leading up to bedtime.
  • Maintain a cooler sleep environment — approximately 65°F (18°C) is ideal.
  • Dim lights and eliminate blue light exposure well before sleep.
  • Establish structured wind‑down routines to cue the body for rest.
  • Seek professional medical guidance for chronic sleep issues that do not improve with routine adjustments.

If you would like additional strategies or want to share what has or has not worked for you, please reach out to the A‑PAN team. We are here to support our pilot peers and assist with whatever challenges come your way.

Fly safe,
Allegiant Pilots Assistance Network (A‑PAN)
apan@apa2118.org