There are plenty of brilliant careers and some happy families out there but rarely do the two meet. Many variables that are outside of our control need to come into alignment usually to make for a successful airline career and happy family life.

Ones overall life goals and values need to be consulted. In the end flying is just another job and one that has some huge faults. Most of the high achievers in aviation are either single or divorced. Eventually we all have to make the decision of staying with a career that clearly presents some huge obstacles to a successful family life or to become the big time airline guy.

I flew with plenty of 55 plus year old guys who left a trail of ex-wives and estranged children the the wake of their aviation careers. Most of them hit 60 with little to show for their 35 years in aviation except for perhaps a sun faded corvette in a rented garage. It did not seem like their aviation accomplishments mattered much to them at that point.

Life is about choices. It is impossible to live without regrets. The best we can do is to wisely choose what we will keep over what we will loose to time.

SkyHigh