You doubt our Federal Govn'ment?

However, $113.82/hour times 20.5 hours/week times 50 weeks a year equals $116,600 annually. Sure, the 20.5 hours/week is just the pay credit, not all the rest of the "unpaid" time away from home. And sure, thats the mean - meaning half make less and half make more.

There is a fundemental fact about being an airline pilot - you'll (most likely) spend 250 - 400 hours a month away from home, less if you live in base, more if you commute. But every profession has it's drawback. That's ours, the price we pay. I guess for some it might not be worth it. The biggest change in my QOL was when I moved to my base and quit commuting. It's become much more like a regular job.