Originally Posted by
vl782
Hey guys I am currently flying for a 135/91 operator on the LR-45 and C-550 and I have been with the company for 4 1/2 years and am still in the right seat...although we are typed on the planes. I had shoulder surgery in December and the healing process is most likely going to take me into long term disability and it is the companies policy to terminate the employee (I would receive part of my paycheck through insurance) and if your position is still around you start over at the bottom. After hearing this and freaking out I put a resume into Express Jet and got called for an interview the next day. ....
Something about this does not add up. Why would you not be protected by the Family Medical Leave Act after President Obama signed the Technical Corrections Act? Are you considered to be full time? Are medically capable of operating the controls? Did you interview with Express Jet (aka ASA) yet? Just trying to imagine a pilot candidate showing up for an interview with his arm in a sling... . Also, the 12 week provision of the FMLA should be plenty to recover from shoulder surgery. Seems like the employer would prefer to avoid the unemployment claim ... seems like something could be worked out. Not sure that you are making your decision on a completely rational basis, unless you simply want to fly for ExpressJet.
If you simply want another job, I'd not muddy the water with the medical issue. It is easier to get a job when you already have a job (even though an unemployment check during recovery might seem appealing these days).