The United Master Executive Council (MEC) of the Air Line Pilots Association, International is the governing body that represents over 18,000 United Airlines pilots. The MEC, related committee members, and professional staff work to protect and promote the careers of United pilots, concentrating on safety, pay, working conditions, benefits, and job security.

United Pilots

Number of UAL Pilots

Pilot Rank

UAL Pilots by Rank

Pilots per LEC

UAL Pilots per LEC

As of March 1, 2026

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Calendar

Our Leadership

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Captain Brian Noyes joined United Airlines in January 1995. He is currently a 787 Captain based in IAH. Brian served ALPA in several roles including as the ALPA-I Flight Time Duty Time Chair and as a member of the Reduced Crew Operations Committee, Co-Chair of the IFALPA Fatigue Management Working Group, the UALMEC System Schedule Committee’s (SSC) FRMS Working Group Lead, an FAR 117 subject-matter expert, PBS trainer, pairing production subcommittee member, and as a member of the Central Air Safety Committee (CASC) serving as the Chair of the Crew Rest Oversight Committee. Brian and his wife Jenifer live in Houston, Texas.

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Captain Phil Di Costanzo was hired in 2007 and came to United through the merger in 2010. Currently, he is a Newark-based captain on the B-757 and 767 aircraft, having previously held positions as a First Officer on the B-757 and 767, First Officer on the B-777 and Captain on the B-737. Over the past 16 years, he has primarily worked in numerous roles on local and MEC Grievance Committees, most recently as Chair, representing pilots in contractual and disciplinary matters. Phil resides in New Jersey with his wife and two children.

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Captain Brian Bunkers was hired in 2001. Currently he is a LAS based Captain, having previously flown as a First Officer on the B-737, B-777, B-787 and as a Captain on the Airbus. Brian has held various volunteer positions including Local Scheduling, P2P, P2P Chair, LAS CA Rep, and ALPA-I Strategic Planning and Strike Committees. Brian resides in Phoenix with his wife and has a daughter attending Arizona State University.

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Captain Drew Minarcik began his career with United Airlines in November 2006 and is now a Houston based 737 Captain. He previously served on both the MEC Retirement and Insurance Committee and MEC Pilot Compensation Committee prior to his election as United MEC Treasurer in December of 2022. Drew and his wife J.J. reside in The Woodlands, TX.

What We Do

The United MEC is composed of member-elected representatives from New York City, Washington, D.C., Chicago, Denver, San Francisco, Los Angeles, Houston, Cleveland, Guam, Orlando, Las Vegas, and the Training Center in Denver. Local pilot volunteers form the backbone of our committee structure, and full-time ALPA staff round out our team with legal, administrative, and communications support.

As the formal collective bargaining agent for United Pilots, the MEC is charged with negotiating pilot contracts and promoting airline safety and security. ALPA’s motto, “Schedule with Safety,” guides the work we do every day. The initiatives of United ALPA volunteers have directly resulted in many of the safety features found in today’s modern aircraft and airports.

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Our History

The beginnings of the Air Line Pilots Association, International (ALPA) started with United pilots in 1931. United Captain Dave Behncke was ALPA’s first president, serving from 1931 until 1951. Under his administration, ALPA became a major presence in Washington, D.C., using its influence to secure legislation that made the airline piloting profession more stable and promoted safety in the industry.

Throughout the years, United pilots put on display ALPA’s “Schedule with Safety” motto. Always at the forefront of airline safety and security, United pilots have been trailblazers in ensuring safer skies for our passengers and a safer work environment not just for pilots but for all airline employees.

Today, the United MEC continues Captain Behncke’s legacy of involvement on Capitol Hill, promoting legislation that benefits the profession, advances airline safety, and enhances security.

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Contact Us

Call us:

(847) 292-1700

PILOTS:

pdr.alpa.org

MEDIA INQUIRIES:

unitedpilots@alpa.org

Address:

United Airlines Master Executive Council
9550 W. Higgins Road, Suite 1000
Rosemont, Illinois 60018

Air Line Pilots Association, International
7950 Jones Branch Drive, Suite 400S,
McLean, VA 22102
(703) 689-2270