Sweet. You called LAX 717 a while back. Be nice to see the logjam in the West break up a bit.

 

Is there a pub event in atl somewhere today like now?

 

It's great to see all the west coast flying finally, after all these years. Western had such a big presence and it's great to see us going back in with mainline jets. The micro-dog should be a blast to fly out of LA.

 

I have a bit of a unique situation that I would love to hear some expert advice on, and this thread seems like the place where all the resident experts hang out. I'll post it over in the DAL Poolie thread as well, so I apologize for the double post.

I received an interview invite from Delta last Thursday. This Tuesday we found out that my wife is expecting twins, and due to some complications they will be born prematurely no later than the end of August, possibly earlier. Worst case would be if my wife ends up hospitalized for monitoring starting in July, which would probably be before I finished training, and we've got a 4 year old who can't quite take care of himself yet.

Assuming I pass the interview in mid-April (just for discussion sake - not at all taking that for granted!) and start class mid-May, how does Delta handle family medical leave for a case like this for a new hire either before or after the end of training? How long would I be able to take leave to stay at home if I have family in the hospital?

Would this be a situation where it would make sense to do the unheard of and delay a class date for 6 months or so until things had stabilized at home, especially if in May I know I won't be able to get through training / IOE before needing to take leave?

I am also considering not joining the Navy reserves (initially) in order to avoid the extra time away from home, but that also has its pros and cons. Any thoughts from the military side on the comparison of Delta health insurance versus Tricare Reserve Select?

We definitely have a lot of info to figure out and of course it's right in the middle of prepping for the big interview, so I would really appreciate any advice from those who have experienced something similar or are familiar with the rules on this. Unfortunately the timing of all of this has forced the cart way ahead of the horse for us as we are getting out of the Navy and moving from Hawaii in May, probably to Greenville, SC to be near family.

I am very lucky to have a Delta interview and two babies on the way. I wish things were simpler and without the medical complications, but I know with a lot of help we'll get things figured out in the long run. Open replies or PMs welcome, and thank you very much for your time!

 

Step 1. Go to the interview and get hired.

If you get hired, Delta will take care of you.

BUT... you need to be proactive, upfront and very communicative about what's going on in your life with the people who will be looking after you during training (manager of new hire pilots). They can't help you if you come to them after a busted check ride and failed computer tests.

Can't speak to the reserves or tricare, but with all that going on, I'd consider what your priorities are in the near future, some choices might need to be made.


Best of luck to you.

 

Has there been any indication of how big/small the base would be in terms of staffing? Im wondering (for B's) if it would go Sr like LAX typically is or Jr because its on the 717. Im sure its anyones guess but didn't know if it had been discussed from planning.

 

Join the reserves right away to avoid a break in service. You don't necessarily need to be an operational reservist right away if you are uncomfortable with the deployment "opportunity." My experience, which at this point is dated, is that Tricare reserve select is as good or better than deltas insurance in many/ most cases.

Good luck with you interview.

Congratulations on the family changes. One day at a time.

 

Flyallnite is right.

Do the interview.


Do use a prep service. It makes a difference. That's gouge right from one of the selection members.

Get hired.

Delta will take care of you and your wife's needs when the time comes.

I was walking around a hospital with my wife 15 years ago trying to help speed her contractions up.

7 am, cell phone rings, and the job offer is made. I excepted. Later that evening our daughter was born and she ended up getting very sick due to a negligent act on the OBs part.

She spent weeks in the hospital and under home health care and I delayed my class date.

After I arrived at Delta, an instructor told me I should have come to class, and returned home right after the first day as they were starting classes every week. Had I done that, it would have made the difference between staying on the property or getting furloughed 3 years later.

If I could go back in the hot tub time machine though, I wouldn't have done it any differently. It was crucial for me at the time to be there 24/7 and the furlough actually had a silver lining. I eschewed flying and went into the corporate world. Still waiting for my salary to catch up to what I was making there.

 

Per LAX base ops visit: 777 base in the fall.

 

There is no better insurance than TRS for the birth of a child.