I'm a young guy, new to the regionals, and subject to meeting a few disgruntled CA's and FO's who seem to have an opinion on everything. While flying a recent trip the CA and I were discussing careers and different options that pilots have in todays aviation world. As we talked about flying cargo for the likes of UPS and FedEx he said he wouldn't do it for any amount of money. When I asked him why, he told me that Cargo pilots have a habit of passing away at a young age as well as other health problems. He told me this was due to constantly changing time zones and flying in the wee hours of the morning which takes its toll on the body.

I'm wondering if there is any truth to this, any fact, any evidence to support his claim? Have you guys and gals seen this personally with friends and co-workers?

Thanks for your thoughts,
Exx

 

I think these numbers were generated based on 'night freight' pilots. Now, when all we did was night hub turns, this might have applied; but now you don't have to do those for very long if you don't want to upgrade. International is international, whether you're flying people or cargo. All the times are weird.

All in all, with the new work-rules at legacies I would think these data aren't quite accurate anymore. Besides, we're all going to die young from the stress of being in this industry, not from the actual work.

 

It seems that there are in fact many studies out there that support this claim. However, one's lifestyle outside of work, is what really determines the quality and quantity of the years one gets for this life.
So, even if you fly day-time only, but choose to eat McD's three times a day, you will still most likely die prior to a guy who only flies at night but who happens to be healthy and make healthy life-style choices.
There is no denying the facts though, flying- or any kind of work- at night, and then trying to get back on the regular 'clock' with one's family, will put additional stress on the mind and body. You just have to make sure to nap a lot, when you can, eat healthy, excercise, choose to be happy and avoid stress.
Sounds easy I guess... and I fly for a major that has mostly day flights, so I'm not speaking from experience. Good luck with everything.

 

According to "deathclock.com", the industry leading source for one's expected lifespan - really it is, I died March 12th, 2003............WTF!

 

After a night at the "truck" in NRT, I've felt like I've died. Does that count?

 

I asked Keith Richards (who,as you know, has been dead since 1987) about this the other day and he told me it is all about taking care of yourself and moderation.
International boxes or people are the same in terms of wear and tear. It is up to you to minimize the damage.
There will be plenty of time to contemplate your demise and like the man said:"...we all got it coming, kid."

 

I agree with what you say. I think the supposed "data" that supports the "study" was on guys that had a much different lifestyle than guys flying for FedEx, UPS, or whoever else these days. To top it off, people in general had much less of a healthy lifestyle back them than now, smoking, no exercise, ect.

Funny thing is, I hear the same from CA's I fly with as well. Don't want to fly for purple or brown because of the night scheds. Mind you, this conversation seems to always happen on the first flight of the day, right after a 5 am show, and 2 or 3 time zones ahead of our normal one, when it's 2 or 3 am on our body clocks.

Thats fine, don't apply. Less competition for me.

 

LMFAO....................

 

You're doing it all wrong! Hit the rack as soon as you get into NRT, I'm guessing around 3-5pm local (be sure to buy a rice ball or salami cheese bread in the lobby you'll be hungry when you wake up). Sleep until midnight or 1am local, primp-up and walk to the truck. Not only will you feel better, but you'll also be better able to uhhhh, "work the crowd".

Without missing a sleep opportunity, the only thing you'll be guilty of is drinking beer for breakfast (body clock-wise).

This information is all anecdotal, I always go right to bed, exercise, and/or read the flight manual on all my layovers

As far as pilot mortality rates go, I haven't seen any credible research with an adequate controls and corrections for other risk factors to be comfortable citing it as the gospel. That said, pilot's are low tech meat sacks that cue off of daily light/dark cycles (all while flying high tech equipment & making it look easy). It doesn't take much imagination to conclude that robbing the body of regular sleep is bad. How bad is what's open for debate.

 

Dojetdriver........did you notice that was your 666th post......I'm officially going to stop reading this post