I used the commuter clause once while on probation...It didn't seem to be a big deal at all. I think it's like everything else and they just don't want it to become a pattern.

I know of guys on probation with missed assignments (one guy had 4 of them...only 1 stayed on his hi10) and called in sick several times that are still around. I think they are pretty desperate for pilots and it would take a lot for them to actually fire you...it all just seems like scare tactics to me.