Originally Posted by
F15andMD11
Yeah...I have to agree. Certainly not "Tons of guard/reserves getting the call." But I'm just basing that on on the most recent classes. I was the only "current" mil guy in my class, not counting the retired returnees. None of the Guard/Reserve guys I know have been called. In fact they've been saying UA is kind of an unknown...valid.
One issue affecting guard/reserve hiring could be the recent litigation that UAL went through with MIL leave pilots. There is a significant added cost to have MIL leave pilots on the books (PDAP while on leave is a big one) When given the choice of a non-MIL qualified pilot and a MIL pilot that will be taking Christmas, Thanksgiving, 4th of July etc off for the rest of their career for "duty" it makes the decision easier. This is a bottom line business and the added cost is surely baked into the pie. In addition to the fact there are so many qualified regional pilots that have experience in airline flying could be a big reason there might not be as many MIL pilots getting called as before.