I ran into a crew in the last week that confirmed that they too had heard the rumor of "a couple of dozen" recalls by fall.
One guestimated based on past experience that about half the pilots on the recall list would come back. Based on my conversations, I think it will be higher than that. While many have found other jobs, they don't match Flexjet in quality.
Just because the recall rights expire does not mean that Flex can't or won't rehire the 85 who already have the type ratings and know the system. It would be hard for anyone on the outside to compete with them. But it would provide the company flexibility when it comes to fleet management.
It will certainly be a while before the "help wanted" sign is out forthose who haven't worked there before.