I'm new here and I appreciate all of the information. I would just like to clarify a couple of things. First, my current profession keeps me away from home sometimes 4-8 months out of the year. So, I feel like I am always away. The shortest trips are usually 3 weeks long. I have my PPL and I'm looking for a career change and since I have always wanted to fly I figure there is no better time than now to dedicate to becoming a professional pilot. The reason for the career change is to be home more with my wife and three kids. I understand that being a pilot means being away from home but, I want to be home more than what I am now. I kind of anticipate being away the first few years if I were to become a professional pilot but, I am referring to the entire career in general.

As for the clarification, lets just assume I am not commuting for any of these examples and I live near base. I understand that being a brand new FO at a regional means you get what you get as far as trips and it is based on seniority. What about when you upgrade to Captain in lets say year 4 or 5 (sooner if possible). Are you still going to be away from home 200+ days out of the year? Being away from home is not an issue, especially if it is only 2-3 nights a week instead of the 21 days minimum I am accustomed to now. Now, lets say year 7-8 I was lucky enough to flow to the Major airlines and it just so happens to be in the same base I am at and I am now a FO at a major? Year 8-10 in my new career, how much can I expect to be away and the same for when I upgrade? The pilots out there with the most common schedules, are you really gone 200+ days a year or as you progress through your career, you get more say on when and where you go and for how long. Thank for your help in clarifying and any helpful tips would be much appreciated. I'm just trying to manage my expectations and make the best decisions possible when it comes to my family and career.

W.