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rajsingh0621 04-24-2005 05:36 PM

Pilots & Families
 
Hi, I had a question. I am private pilot, and I was thinking about going into Airlines, but I have one question, and I am getting different answers from everyone. I want to how often to pilots stay away from home. I know, that major airlines give you more money, but can anyone tell me how often they stay away from home. I personally want to be home every night. Maximum one or two night away, but not more. My parents were away on different things when I was a child, I don't want that in my family. I want to be there with them. So can anyone give me some insight on the lives of pilots, major airline pilots. I heard that seniority does give you a chance to pick your schedule. But how confrtable is that schedule. Mostly I want to know, how often do pilot stay away from home, is it often or all the time, and how long are they away, and how does this situation differ when are you are a captain for a major airline for like 10 years. Thankyou.

80drvr 04-24-2005 06:19 PM


Originally Posted by rajsingh0621
Hi, I had a question. I am private pilot, and I was thinking about going into Airlines, but I have one question, and I am getting different answers from everyone. I want to how often to pilots stay away from home. I know, that major airlines give you more money, but can anyone tell me how often they stay away from home. I personally want to be home every night. Maximum one or two night away, but not more. My parents were away on different things when I was a child, I don't want that in my family. I want to be there with them. So can anyone give me some insight on the lives of pilots, major airline pilots. I heard that seniority does give you a chance to pick your schedule. But how confrtable is that schedule. Mostly I want to know, how often do pilot stay away from home, is it often or all the time, and how long are they away, and how does this situation differ when are you are a captain for a major airline for like 10 years. Thankyou.

As a 6 year FO with a major, I spend spend between 13-19 nights on the road each month. Seniority does rule and the more senior can get less time away from home (~11). Keep in mind that your seniority is all relative to your position, base and equipment. You will become senior and then junior many times as you advance during your career (or during an industry recession like now).

If being home every night is important to you, I'd go into another career and buy an airplane satisfy your appetite for aviation. This industry is definitely not moving in the direction of more money or more time off.

SWAjet 04-24-2005 09:42 PM

Raj,

If your top top priority is time at home while flying airplanes, there are options for you.

Many airlines (regionals on up to the Majors) offer "out-and-back" trips, where you fly your trip from domicile to an outstation(s) and return. All in the same day or night.

Yet for some reason pilots still gravitate to the airlines that are hiring, pay decent to well, and offer other benefits. Imagine that.

Raj, I believe it all comes down to each pilot's preference, or niche. Since yours is obviously being at home every night, as you're climbing the employment ladder look for those companies that offer that. But realize that your insistence on being home every night will mean you will have to move into your new jobs' domiciles. Do you mind moving around as you chase better and better jobs? You will be able to be home every night as a pilot, but it will come with a price.

BoynamedSue 04-25-2005 09:24 AM

..........

thewife 04-25-2005 03:56 PM

Raj,

I will give you the perspective of the family. My husband has been at this for 18+ years. He has been senior and junior multiple times - regionals and majors. He has never been home more than 4 nights (usually less) except for vacations. If you have a wife and kids then she has to be ready to be a single parent for at least half the time. If you don't want that, then go into another career and buy the plane for recreation. My husband loves this job and because of that we all except it. My kids miss him a great deal when he is gone, but we love him and accept that it is his job. In the last 15 years we have had Christmas on the 25th twice it's usually a day or two later.

The Wife


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