Originally Posted by
sfitz
I am considering an airline pilot job but have some questions about how much time I can expect to be away from my family. (I'm at about 550 hours now and instructing, so hope to get my ATP in the next year or two)
How probable is it to fly for a regional airline and be away less than 7 nights a month if I do not commute? Are there certain airlines that are better for this than others? I'm assuming that the less you are away the less money you'll be able to make (in picking up trips, etc. ).
I would appreciate any advice concerning the time away aspect. I know the pay is low for the first few years, but hopefully with a military retirement I can make up for that.
Thank you!
A few things come to mind.
First, as an airline pilot, you should expect to travel, maybe a lot. You know this about the job though.
Second, you should expect to be junior for the first decade of your career, in ups and downs. Junior regional FO, then a junior regional Captain starting over with a bad schedule, then if you move on to the legacies, your a junior FO again etc..
Third, there are situations such as trainings that are going to keep you away for long periods. Your initial training, you might be gone for 8 weeks with no opportunity for a flight home to visit. Maybe you can bring the wife and kids up to see you for a day though, but you really need to be studying as much as possible. These kinds of trainings are going to occur every now and then where you are gone for a while.
Fourth, there are those airlines who open and close bases frequently. Many pilots start off saying they are not going to commute only to have the base they work in close 6 months after closing on your new house.
Fifth, what type of personality does your wife or significant other have? Is she the needy, winy, clingy type? If so, it will cause problems and stress in your marriage and life. Hard to have an argument (a discussion) 1000 miles away over the phone.
Sixth, then there is missing all the birthdays, parties, anniversaries, family outings, child growth, etc.. Even a senior pilot with the best possible schedule runs into situations where things must be missed.
To some degree, everyone is looking for what you are looking for, stability. But its good you are asking because you are certainly asking the right questions. There is no college course or ground school that covers 'Real life as an Airline Pilot' (new reality show?). But do be honest with yourself on whether it is the right fit for you and the family.