Had a friend interview with Spirit recently. He is a military pilot and a part 121 pilot. He said the interview went great except the head of HR scrutinized him for being on military leave. He said she was very aggressive and annoyed that he would work for his 121 carrier and then go on military leave for a year. He said he explained that it wasn't meant to be for a year but he had been extended for circumstances out of his control and he was about to return to his 121 company. A few days later we was sent an email saying he did not receive the job. He is really bummed because he was really excited to work for Spirit.

I Understand that 121 carriers don't like guys to drop mil leave for extended periods of time, but is HR allowed to ask these questions during the interview? Does this sound like discrimination? Just like HR cannot ask a female if she has ever taken maturity leave or if she is planning on getting pregnant and taking maturity leave.

What do you guys/gals think?

 

He went to an airline interview while on military leave from another airline... it probably would have Impossible for it not to have been brought up by him while trying to explain what he’s been doing for the last year...

 

Had several military guys in my interview group two years ago, all were hired.

 

My sim partner from initial was prior military and he did not have any 121 experience. I doubt the military was the reason he got turned down.

 

I wasn't asking if they did not hire him because he is military but because he is on military leave from his civilian job and are they allow to scrutinize someone in depth for being on military leave.

 

So you are looking for a loophole for your "friend" to sue Spirit?

 

Sorry, as pilots we're only familiar with the best practices of running and building airlines, and the monday morning quaterbacking of those we elect to negotiate for us (because we're too lazy to step up and volunteer or walk in circles ourselves).

You might want to serach the flight attendant forums for HR questions. 🙃

 

I have been 121 for 10 years with 7 deployments....I was hired. Military Leave was definitely not the issue.

 

Were you on military leave during the time of your interview? Were you asked questions about military leave during your interview?

 

Let's be 100% honest here. Pulling the "Guard card" so you don't have to sit reserve is what were talking about. Let's add I'll drop reserve days and use my "Guard Card" on weekends (Or any day) that I'm scheduled to sit reserve. Every airline HR department hates this use. Day one after being furlough at a legacy we had a guy show up and get his new ID and walk upstairs, drop the guard card and jumpseat home. He said I'll go sit at my Guard unit till I don't have to sit reserve. BYE!" This has been going on for a long time and now Airlines have figured it out. Delta says they love the RJ guys. They actually come to work and are plug in play! They don't use the "Card"! So if in fact your buddy showed up at Spirit while on Mill leave and was pressed about his use of Mill leave by HR I'd say they think he's a "Card dropper". That's awful bold to be on Mill leave and go interview. Doesn't sound like the Military really needed this person that bad if he can go interview for another job while on Mill leave. I wouldn't hire card droppers. I'm glad HR put the heat to him. Clearly they saw something they didn't like. If you are in the Reserves and protect this country Amen! If you abuse the system don't be surprised when you get called out.