E62: Engage Special Alert: Turbulence Ahead for Pilots in Training

Engage: The Podcast for Delta Pilots

In this episode, host F/O Ryan Argenta and Training Committee Chair, F/O Charlie Mader, unpack a growing pattern of dysfunction in Delta’s Training Planning Department. Based on a steady stream of pilot reports, we highlight how disorganized scheduling, vague guidance, poor hotel logistics, and a lack of proper training support are creating avoidable obstacles for pilots — and undermining the standards outlined in the PWA.

While our instructors remain professional and committed, it’s clear that deeper issues in management’s planning priorities and accountability are affecting pilot readiness and operational trust. We break down key concerns, explain what pilots need to watch for and what to do when affected, and discuss how the MEC is pushing for real solutions. Topics include:

• No-notice schedule changes and lack of required communication
• Inadequate hotel accommodations and rest protection
• Missing seat support
• PWA compliance concerns and ongoing grievances
• What pilots can do now to protect themselves and push for change

Delta pilots deserve a training system that works as hard as they do — this episode lays out what needs to change and how we get there.

For more details about issues concerning Training Planning, please read MEC Alert 25-11: Ongoing Issues with Delta’s Training Planning.