2025 Q3 Peer2Peer / CIRP Committee Update

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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).

2025 Q2 CIRP Committee Update

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Accidents, Incidents, Distractions… Oh My!

As part of the APA 2118 Safety Department, the Critical Incident Response Program (CIRP)/Peer2Peer team is here to provide confidential, peer-based support for pilots dealing with challenging life or work events—whether they happen in the flight deck or beyond.

Life happens. Divorce, separation, loss, family issues, health concerns, operational incidents, or just the overwhelming pressures of daily life—whatever the burden, big or small, recent or lingering—we may be able to help.

We’re Pilots, Just Like You

Sometimes it helps just to talk with someone who understands the unique demands of our profession. We’re fellow pilots with diverse backgrounds, and we’ve all faced situations that affected our family lives, health, and job performance. The coping tools we’ve developed might benefit you, too.

Don’t wait for someone else to notice you’re struggling. If you feel like something’s weighing on you, chances are—it is. And that means you could benefit from a peer connection. With support and understanding, stress reactions often pass more quickly.

Confidential, Compassionate, and Trained

Our peer team is trained in Go Team protocols and CIRP-specific listening skills—not as clinicians, but as trained peers, well-equipped to support colleagues in a high-stakes profession. Every interaction is completely confidential and anonymous.

Meet Your Peer2Peer Team

We’re proud of the life experience and professional insight our volunteers bring. Here are just a few of us:

  • Liana Hart (AVL-A320CA): 27 years in the airline industry, 22 in CIRP, married to a retired ATC, mother of three grown children, and former company safety department member.
  • Christian Aracena (SFB-737FO): Army veteran, father, aviation mental health advocate, and human factors student.
  • Andrew Black (PIE-737FO): Certified personal trainer with a focus on injury prevention, former CFI and Part 135 pilot, background in behavioral health and family support.
  • Gerry Merk (CVG-A320CA): Marine Corps veteran, father of five, with nine years in the regionals and nine years at Allegiant.
  • Lauren Scott (LAS-A320FO): Pastor/counselor’s wife, homeschooling mom of three, business owner, corporate pilot, and GA DPE.
  • Tim “Ruitan” Sun (SFB-737FO): First-time 121 pilot. Having lived in China, Japan and US, he is fluent in Mandarin, Cantonese, Japanese, and English with a background in flight safety and MRO.

Thinking About Joining Us?

We’re always looking for more volunteers to help reflect the diversity of our pilot group. If you’re someone who cares deeply about your fellow pilots and has an interest in supporting others, let’s talk.

Don’t Wait for a Crisis

While we absolutely want to speak with crews involved in incidents or accidents, we’re just as eager to talk before things escalate to a safety concern. Stress and distraction don’t wait until your next day off—neither should you.

Reach out to any of us. In person, on the line, or by phone—we’re here when you need us.

In Solidarity,
Liana Hart
Chair, Peer2Peer / CIRP Committee

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.