Originally Posted by
ExperimentalAB
Ya'll are calculating this money thing and driving/commuting way too much! All those numbers give me a headache
And for the record, I personally know of one Captain (I have flown with her several times) that actually
does enjoy commuting...
Does she smoke crack?
11 years in the 121 airline business and I have never met anyone who, "Enjoys" commuting! I know many pilots (I am one of them) who drive over 100 miles each way to work to avoid commuting. Even at Majors with decent schedules. Gas and tolls suck, but knowing your car is waiting for you when you are running late on that last leg home is priceless. Not to mention sleeping soundly in your own bed the night before a trip instead of tossing and turning wondering if you will get bumped off some RJ flight to work. Crash pad and out of domicile parking costs easily make up for the cost of gas anyway unless you are driving a Peterbuilt to work!
If you have to commute.. avoid anything more than one leg and RJ's (especially 50 seaters) like the plague! If you have to rely on either of these to get to work you will have to be so conservative with your commute that you will never see your family or friends anyway. If you are not conservative on a one or two leg RJ commute, I promise you you will miss trips and end up in the chief pilot's office. You might even find yourself on the street especially if the company gets a little fat on pilots during the downturn. Try explaining a termination on your next interview.
Pick a decent company in case you get stuck there for 5 years, (or 9 like I did) and avoid commuting if possible, especially on RJ's. (or older props)
Good luck!