Every month we work we accumulate sick hours which are kept in our “sick bank”. Now my airline has a very liberal sick policy which works on the honor system (we are treated like adults and professionals). You simply have to call in sick, no Dr’s note required, no questions asked. Now many pilots (particularly you youngins) use their sick bank for anything from mental health days to SuperBowl Sunday (there’s a saying, “schedule improvement is just a sick call away”). Problem is if/when they actually need it and the bank has a 0 balance now they’re out sick without pay. Many years ago an old crusty Capt told me “don’t waste your sick time kid, you never know when you’ll need it”. So when the orthopedist said “I’m afraid you’re going to be out for a couple of months” while I wasn’t happy, I wasn’t sweating the finances because I knew my sick bank was quite full.
So I offer to y’all the same advice I was given way back when. KIDS, DON’T WASTE YOUR SICK TIME! Sure you may miss a party or 2 but if/when you need it, you’ll be happy it’s there!
Adam