Originally Posted by hiflier41

Those that got the CJO today (2/26), were told to expect a 4/6 or 4/20 class date.

Originally Posted by 321pilot

I have a bit of a unique situation that I would love to hear some expert advice on. I posted this in the L&G threat 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!

Originally Posted by FlyMarines

I didn't get a chance to read all of this....But can tell you this, if you can get the job, Delta will take take care of you. I.......actually, everyone I know with Delta is overwhelmed at their support for their employees. It's almost surreal a company this size can make it feel like it's family. Obviously don't do anything to jeopardize your family priorities, but just know that this company cares about you all.

Originally Posted by joel payne

Must be a different Delta than I knew. Don't get me wrong, I wouldn't have traded my 30+ years there for anything. I just don't think it's as rosy as you let on. May be things have changed, but
1. They didn't want to let me out of a flight after being notified by a doctor that my mother only had 24 hours to live. Only got out of it because the Capt. I was with notified schd. that he wasn't taking me.
2. First words out of dispatcher's mouth, after losing an engine over PHX, enroute SAN-ATL was "We'd kind of like you to bring it to ATL". I called them again on the ground in PHX.
3. 5 years after retirement, my pension [along with many others] was terminated and turned over to the PBGC for pennies on the dollar.
So, for 31 years of service, I now have a small life insurance policy and low class of priority for airline passes. Best of luck, but keep your vision clear.

Originally Posted by sailingfun

The last number I saw showed that system wide the number of shortcalls is averaging under 3 per reserve pilot. If they are sticking people on short call for no reason talk to your reps. They have in the past been able to make adjustments. We used to have airport standby for the shuttle which is now gone so they may want more shortcalls.

Originally Posted by BlaneO

From the AE: Atl 717 will continue to stagnate. Slow movement on the 320 thru summer, then increased hiring to plus up for 321 deliveries.