Originally Posted by 858flyer

APC Members,

I am looking for insights and experiences of airline pilots who also have a family. I know the airline business is 365/24/7, so holidays, birthdays, special events etc. will be moved or missed, especially as a junior pilot. I am considering a career switch to flying for the airlines, and family life is probably one of my biggest concerns aside from job security.

I am 29, have a bachelor's degree in Marine Engineering and have been working in a cubicle for the past 7 years. It has allowed me to buy a house in San Diego, save a lot of money and be home almost every night, however, I am completely apathetic about what I do at work. I started taking flying lessons for fun and I am currently working on XC's, so PPL isn't that far away. I have heard from a number of sources that regionals are hiring again and I am wondering if it's worth the investment to make the switch. I know the first years are going to be tough financially, however my wife is a well paid ICU RN and I have enough saved to get myself through most of the ratings. I would continue to work and fly on the side through a Part 61 school.

My biggest concern would be that once I land a job with a regional airline, I would be gone all the time. How many days in a row should I expect to be gone as a new FO with a regional? Does it get any better with seniority? Is it possible to have a family life and work as a Regional/Major airline? Ultimately, I wonder if it's worth trading time with family to have a job that I enjoy.