Originally Posted by
Spudhauler
I wasn't in the military, so I'll take Purple at his word. I'm sure a break after many years in the Air Force would be great before starting training at a brand new job. However, a guy who was hired two classes ahead of me endured a 2 plus year furlough, and I was out 4.5 years. Every number matters, even with a large pilot group. I hope no one ever goes through that crap again, but my two cents is get to class as soon as possible, not just for seniority within a category, but overall.
Good point Spud. In my naivity, Im basing this off the gangbusters hiring that makes it appear that 2014 new hires will enjoy the "never been furloughed" status that the 20+ year DAL and NWA pilots have from their hiring booms in their era. Of course that's making some huge assumptions and positive expectations, none of which are guaranteed. While I barely escaped furlough at my current airline, I did see my brother endure a painful furlough that certainly left a mark and made us both a little apprehensive, and I certainly sympathize for all those who have been furloughed, gone through concessions, lost pensions or had them frozen, and a myriad of other unfortunate things this industry has thrown at them. With that being said, the future looks very very bright.