2025 Q3 Peer2Peer / CIRP Committee Update
CIRP NEWS
It’s been a busy year for our CIRP Volunteers!
We are actively supporting our line pilots through some challenging circumstance. While we cannot breach confidentiality and share specifics, we are pleased to share that we have helped dozens of crews navigate some emotion filled circumstances this year. We sometimes get notice through the proper company channels, but mostly we hear about it from our safety people and diligent pilots like yourself.
We know we aren’t getting every event worthy of support. We encourage you to email CIRP@apa2118.org if something in your base warrants our attention. The most likely event would be a systems failure that necessitates a diversion or a significant passenger disturbance that might garner media attention or require pilot intervention. Pretty much anything that you hear of from the news should be brought to our attention and that of our Union Safety Department Safety@apa2118.org.
It’s been busy on the peer support side too!
We are actively working to establish a formal peer support program (Peer 2 Peer). While we have the framework in mind, we need to hear specifics of what you, the line pilot, need support with! We feel our backgrounds and CIRP training give us a tremendous head start in supporting you. We have tailored training in mind for our volunteers and a few Peer 2 Peer specific volunteers. To that end, please email us at CIRP@apa2118.org with any areas you feel our crews might need more support on. We are targeting family dynamics and past traumas presently.
Our Volunteers are getting the tools they need to support you!
On October 28th, we have five pilots headed to GoTeam Training in Houston alongside United Mechanics Teamsters. This past August, Liana Hart and Gerry Merk attended Peer Support Training alongside Atlas Air pilots in Cincinnati, Ohio. In July, we had three pilots trained in group Critical Incident Response. Back in May, we had four volunteers accompany APA 2118 Safety Committee Chairman, Shawn Rials in GoTeam Basic Training. We have met for monthly zoom calls to provide ongoing training and support since August. Additionally, we redesigned our interview process to provide insights into the program and an initial training to facilitate a more direct line of support immediately following the interview process.
We are proud to introduce our newest members! They went through a lengthy vetting process and we are proud to include them in our team and provide them training to meet our pilots needs.
Chris Crotzer (VPS-A320 FO): is a 28 year former Army aviation veteran, from Fort Walton Beach, Florida. He is a graduate of the University of Central Florida with a BS in Industrial Engineering. Chris is married to his wife of 30 years with six children and three grandchildren.
Sam Seidman (SFB-B737FO): UND Alumni, bass trombone performer, and travel enthusiast. While from Los Angeles, he calls Florida home following stays in Flint and Grand Forks. Sam was an early Accelerate Pathway pilot coming from UND’s flight instructor ranks.
Adam Smith (PIT-A320CA): Marine Corps airport firefighting veteran, high school woodshop teacher, business owner, 25 year flying and airplane mechanic. Adam is a father, aircraft owner, and just began his ninth year as an Allegiant pilot. Adam is a Pittsburgh native and sports fan.
Dan Spykerman (SAV-A320 FO): Marine Corps F/A-18 Reservist with an Aviation Maintenance degree and safety department leadership background. Dan is a husband of 11 years and father of two. He is guided by a strong christian faith and a belief in the strength of a humans ability to overcome adversity.
Annie Targosz (GRR-A320 FO): a Western Michigan graduate and a Chicago native, Annie now calls Grand Rapids home. She is a first time 121 pilot after completing the WMU Accelerate Program and nearly three years flight instructing. Annie is a strong aviation mental health advocate, comes from a family of pilots and has been at Allegiant almost two years.
We also, want to take a moment to recognize our own volunteer, Lauren Scott, and her recognition as Professional Woman Pilot of the year by the Las Vegas Chapter of the Ninety-Nines. She was interviewed by Fox 5 in Las Vegas on August 29 following this award and NPR on July 18 following her winning the Women’s Air Race Classic. Lauren has been a standout volunteer on our CIRP and Peer Support Committee since May. Way to go Lauren!!!
Finally, we updated our committee page with FAQ’s. Most notably, we speak to when one reach out for assistance and when we might reach out to you. We also talk to the nuanced difference between peer support and CIRP (yes, they are both led by pilot peers and supportive).