If you are a healthy adult you really shouldn't get sick too much per year. I usually get a cold or 2 per year but I have not had anything serious for about 9 years now. Everyone has different immune systems for sure. I am sure some airlines let you cash out unused sick time toward the end of the year(mine does). Way for some of the guys to try and crap on this guys parade. It sounds like he had a great career and anyone would be lucky to have one like he did.

BTW there are too many people out there who abuse their sick leave. I have flown with many guys that brag about how when they get something on their schedule/don't get a day off they want they just call out sick. I hear people with like 5 kids cry about how they can't get xmas off so they just call in for it. I even had one religous nut who could usually hold sundays off, but if he ever got a trip that fell on a Sunday he would call in for it. I respect this Delta guy a lot more than guys like that who call in sick when they really aren't sick. The application does state that you are willing to work nights holidays and weekends.