Originally Posted by
zscheidker
Hi, I am flight instructing right now, waiting to pounce on an opening and was wondering what I could expect as far as schedules. I know this is like asking how much a private pilot ticket costs, but even a ridiculously rough estimate is fine. I know some companies have 1- and 2-day trips and I was wondering how common those are and how much I could rely on those trips either as a junior or senior FO. Is it feasible to have a 2-day and a 3-day in a 2-week period, and if so, would that sacrifice my ability to pay the bills? I probably would not commute.
Basically my girlfriend does not like the idea of me being away from home for half the month.
Thanks!
What city do you live in?
That schedule is totally unreasonable for a junior (as well as mid-level FO), I'll tell you that much. Try 10-11 days off total a month...totally uncommutable and inefficient trips while sitting short call reserve. You'll be away about twice as much as you're going to be gone!
The girl had better accept that, or it's time to find a new one. It definitely takes a special kind of girl to be able to deal with this lifestyle. It gets better over time, but you're looking at least a while on a crappy schedule.