Flight crews are treated slightly differently than your average worker. FMLA gives 12 WORK weeks off. Our work week is 6 days, not 5, by department of labor rules. That means we get 72 days off, rather than the 84 that most other workers get.

Generally, you have to be on property for over one year to qualify for FMLA. Your employer can grant you leave earlier than one year, but that is their discretion. Talk with your prospective employer and see what they'll work out. Most places will give you some leave, but nowhere near 6 months to a year.

For anyone else, I'd suggest considering taking intermittent FMLA for spouse health to support your wife right after birth. Save your baby bonding FMLA for later. Baby bonding can only be taken in one continuous block within one year after birth.