Originally Posted by
JCharlton
JetJock16: "The question is ……… do you like consistently random schedules with lots of change that have to be ran on time (LOL!)? If not then don't become an airline pilot."
I worked for a company that always put employees on-call, I hated always having my life in a random flux. Are pilots that work for, say, Virgin Atlantic on the same type of odd scheduling or is that a regional thing?
JCharlton: The synopsis listed a page or two back by FlyJSH, although a funny read, is 100% accurate. There is nothing there that is not the truth. He actually left out some stuff, like if you were on reserve living out of base, you would have to commute to a crash pad the night before or the day of (if you are lucky). First year pay is less than $20k/year at the regionals. If you go corporate, you will be on call ALL THE TIME in most cases.
Even at the major airlines schedules are consistently changing. You could have a report time of 1300 on day one with a 2100 release and an 0500 report the next day. Dont expect weekends off or a consistent schedule at the airlines unless you are in the top 2-5% of your seat's seniority list. This can take 10-30 years depending on a lot of factors.
I am 24 and have too much invested to turn my back right now, I'm still going to try to give it a go in this industry.... time will only tell if it will be a good decision. Flying is a great job, but a horrible career.