I have to do an operation at the end of February but envoy has told me that I should expect a class around spring. I am afraid to inform recuiting of this beacuse I don't want my offer of employment to be recinded. Should I move the surgery to later this year when I finish training? The surgery is not urgent and I want to get it done but I will need three weeks off work. Would I be allowed this right after I finish training?

 

I'd defer it.

As an new employee, you might possibly have access to state FMLA (not federal) and it should be a non-issue for a few weeks. I'd complete IOE first.

In a perfect world, I'd try to finish probation if possible, it's slightly remotely possible that they might hold a grudge about the medical leave... probably nothing they can do about that directly, but if you subsequently forget your tie or get a flat tire and show up late one day they can pretty much can you for anything on probation. But probably not an issue in this day and age (unlike 20-30 years ago).

But there's no legal protection at all for rescheduling a class date or preserving a job offer... you actually have to show up on day one. In this day and age I'd *think* most employers would be accomodating, but I wouldn't risk it... especially given the cultural history of AAG. Plus seniority is king, always better to lock that in sooner than later.

 

If there are no adverse consequences from deferring the surgery the potential seniority loss from deferring the class date would be foolish. If you are absolutely sure (how could you be) that the operation and recovery can be completed before you start then perhaps that is reasonable but any operation could affect your medical certification and potentially cause you to be without one for some weeks or months.

 

Thanks Rick. I appreciate the detailed response. That’s probably what I’ll do then. Wouldn’t want to roll the dice, especially with the way hiring is now.

 

I hope you undergo a successful operation without any complications. If you don't mind me asking, are you a cadet, a DEC or an OTS pilot? I, among many others, am just trying to estimate my place on the waitlist.

 

unless delaying the surgery will worsen the condition, or if it will impact your FAA medical now or later, I'd get hired and on payroll. After completing IOE take medical leave or FMLA.
best of luck

 

Just a quick correction:

You will NOT be eligible for FMLA, until you have at least 12 month of service with the company.

There is however, a provision for pilots to get a "Personal Leave", which you can request through the CPO and has to be aproved by our VP, if you have a medical or other personal emergency situation.

 

Get on property and then figure it out. Don’t let them Envoy you before you even get through the door.

 

I had a similar situation occur. I'm a DEC and needed to go on medical leave shortly after completing IOE. I took a non FMLA leave since I was on property less than a year. Didn't have any problems at all with management.