What are Canadian airline operators policies like towards pilots serving in the military reserves or returning to active duty, particularly as pilots? For example, if the employee takes a leave of absence for training/exercises/deployments? I know it's pretty common for RCAF pilots to leave for the airlines, but do any still continue to stay active like on a part-time basis?

I see nobody has answered your question.

I can only give you general information.

Working elsewhere is generally not allowed or discouraged - it will be part of the Operations manual.

You will need to make sure you do not exceed monthly/quarterly/yearly hour limits. Same goes for flight duty hours (including rest).

There may also be recency and training requirements that will need to be met.

Unless the Airline has an agreement with the military it's not a realistic option imho.

Roundel Randy wrote: ↑Thu Dec 21, 2023 10:26 pm What are Canadian airline operators policies like towards pilots serving in the military reserves or returning to active duty, particularly as pilots? For example, if the employee takes a leave of absence for training/exercises/deployments? I know it's pretty common for RCAF pilots to leave for the airlines, but do any still continue to stay active like on a part-time basis?

There is nothing specific about military in our contract but as for working for another employer, that is covered and it must not be competition, so you’re good there but it must also be approved by your CP.
The problem as I see it would be the nature of reservist being called up, they don’t hand out leaves when we are short of crew and if you had to go on an extended leave, you would be expected to quit.
The other thing that would be made clear is, the airline schedule is primary, so your military schedule would have to be around that and could not affect your ftdt limits.
I don’t see this as a realistic option but of course I would defer to someone who is or has done it.

Roundel Randy wrote: ↑Thu Dec 21, 2023 10:26 pm What are Canadian airline operators policies like towards pilots serving in the military reserves or returning to active duty, particularly as pilots? For example, if the employee takes a leave of absence for training/exercises/deployments? I know it's pretty common for RCAF pilots to leave for the airlines, but do any still continue to stay active like on a part-time basis?

First off, thank you very much for your service to Canada. It is very much appreciated.


There seems to be a lack of understanding on reserve leave in Canada. Your go to source on this subject is to google 247.5(1) of the Canada labour code (CLC). Your questions should be answered there.
My airline (wj) does not contemplate reserve leave in the Collective Agreement due to the fact that the rules are captured in the CLC. As the rules are laid out in the CLC, these rules would cover any airline, unionized or not.

slob driver wrote: ↑Thu Dec 28, 2023 11:20 am

Roundel Randy wrote: ↑Thu Dec 21, 2023 10:26 pm What are Canadian airline operators policies like towards pilots serving in the military reserves or returning to active duty, particularly as pilots? For example, if the employee takes a leave of absence for training/exercises/deployments? I know it's pretty common for RCAF pilots to leave for the airlines, but do any still continue to stay active like on a part-time basis?

First off, thank you very much for your service to Canada. It is very much appreciated.


There seems to be a lack of understanding on reserve leave in Canada. Your go to source on this subject is to google 247.5(1) of the Canada labour code (CLC). Your questions should be answered there.
My airline (wj) does not contemplate reserve leave in the Collective Agreement due to the fact that the rules are captured in the CLC. As the rules are laid out in the CLC, these rules would cover any airline, unionized or not.

Yes, I second the thanks for serving.
I also appreciate slob driver pointing that out, it’s clear that within limits set out in the code an employer cannot deny you a leave for approved operations or training by the defence minister.
2 years out of 5, not sure what happens once that’s been exceeded, I assume the clock starts again. Anyhow good reading, that being said I’m not sure how an employer views this, hopefully not biased against hiring reservist due to the fact they can take leave. I’m sure it’s not a concern, it does say the employer does not have to contribute to pension or benefits.
Good luck with your job search.

Thank you everyone for the feedback. Slob driver, thank you for the reference. I remember watching a documentary from the 90s featuring a Herc pilot doing a tour overseas that was otherwise a full-time Air Canada pilot, so that's what got me thinking about it. I just feel like I have more service to give, but it's also hard to ignore the positives on the outside as well.

It can be done. I know of at least 1 who is an instructor in Moose Jaw and Air Canada 767 pilot