Originally Posted by
soon2bfo
So... I am not married and planning to embark on an aviation career within the year. My parents both are worried that I will never get married (which to them would be more tragic than death) and I would like to be married sooner rather than later. What can I do now to plan better and what should I realistically expect as a schedule for the first years of flying? I have people who tell me they are home all the time, and people whose wives are telling them to decide between the aircraft and their family. It seems that marriage problems are unavoidable in the future for any married pilot. What have you guys done to make it work?
Be honest with whoever you start seeing. Let them know you won't be there for weekend cookouts, birthdays and holidays, but you'll do everything you can. Then man (or woman, as the case may be) up, and follow through. I didn't meet my wife until I was fully engulfed, she knew the gig from day one. Make your days off special with that person and your family. If you know you miss a holiday, plan for it since no one likes surprises.
I've worked on anniversaries, holidays, weekends, and what-not. You, and those around you take the easy and suggested route, and accept it; or take the hard way. If your mate doesn't deal with the fact you're gone, well that is a BIG strike one.
It's tough, but workable.
Stay off the forums at home, that'll help!!!
