Broncofan

From working at a major now for about a year, i have heard of many military guys getting hired, going through training, and then bailing for military leave until their seniority goes up. I am unfamiliar with how the system works. Is this a case of the military actually needing them back? Or are they taking advantage of the situation? I fully support our guys defending us however i know a lot of guys at the regionals that would kill to be at a major and it would be a shame if this were the case. Any enlightenment?

HeH8Me

BL: Yes, there are some people who take advantage of the system, but I will also caveat it that they are in the slim minority. I’ve been at my airline for almost 2 years now after I retired from active duty. After 21 years of working with ANG and AFRES folks I can tell you most are very dedicated patriots, good pilots who are working a difficult balancing act between their units and the airline. I’ve flown with folks from 11 different carriers throughout my career and was not envious of that balancing act between wearing the uniform and serving while also their obligations to the airline, with the addition of trying to be proficient in two separate airframes, which have completely different missions. I know personally it would have drained me quite a bit. So I do have a lot of respect for the guys who have and still do it. But again, MOST do not game the system, but unfortunately there are those that do and they are in a clear minority.

The Juice

Just like someone could get hired, have a baby, and then take FMLA leave up to the legal or contractual limit.

Airlines know the rules and they make the hiring decisions knowing the rules may be tweaked by some

Nonetheless, I don't think it makes them less deserving than a regional pilot "dying" for the job.

Broncofan

Good to hear it's just a minority situation. Thanks for clarifying for me. Like I said I don't really know the ins and outs so it's helpful to understand a bit.

Broncofan

I was not advocating the airlines not hire military guys at all. I'm sorry if that's how it came across. I was just saying that if guys were getting hired and then going back to complete their 20 years and intentionally turning its back on the airline to bypass the junior years then yes I believe in that circumstance a regional pilot would have been a better selection. However it seems this is not the case for the majority. Also, I don't believe having a baby and intentionally taking advantage of the system are the same thing. Just my opinion though.

Sliceback

Lots of guys went on AD, and stayed on AD, during the recent war years. Or they were furloughed and went on AD and finished their twenty years.

How do you define what is or isn't ok? If they're dodging billets it's okay? Dropping bombs on bad guys is okay? But a staff billet isn't?

The law allows it. The companies hire knowing the law. It's a plus in some circumstances, less so in others circumstances. I know guys activated right now. My guess is they'd prefer to be home with their young kids for Christmas vs sleeping in a tent overseas.

JetDoc

Didn't Delta have a problem with this over the last spring/summer?

cesnacaptn

Another perspective is any pilot who takes extended leave for any reason whether (s)he is junior or senior is just creating another open slot that you are able to compete for. The ability to immediately go back on MIL leave after being hired at a major is just a privilege one earns from being in the service.

Airbum

these kind of questions to me seem to imply that the pilot has some sort of obligation out side of the law to an employer.

The employer or airline has most likely declared bankruptcy to abdicate their labor contracts, purposely underfunded pensions which took them away from current and retired pilots, not to mention the reduction in QOL while fighting improvements in fatigue safety .

I get it its business, and its just business for the pilots also.

swamp

Not sure what airline the OP was referring to, but at Delta you must have a minimum of 12 months on property before you can use FMLA.