Insight into 121
#1
Line Holder
Thread Starter
Joined APC: Jan 2020
Posts: 31
Insight into 121
I知 looking for some insight into the 121 world. My goal would be to start at regional where I could pick up IAH as a base to allow a one leg commute. I would hope to eventually end up at United in a few years. My location has 2 flights in and out a day. Arrival at IAH at 9am or 5pm. Depart IAH at 2pm and 5pm. How hard would this be to commute? I知 already struggling with idea of being gone 4 days every week from the family. Adding an extra day on the front and end to commute would probably be unbearable. Any insight from the commuters at regionals and mainline would be appreciated.
#3
Gets Weekends Off
Joined APC: Dec 2017
Posts: 114
Plan on being gone more like 6 days a week especially not living in base. If your struggling with it 121 might not be your cup of tea. The lifestyle isn't for everyone. The regional flying is gone much more then the majors with only 11 to 12 days off a month. Sometimes as a commuter you get in to late or a early show and have to fly in the night before.
#7
Gets Weekends Off
Joined APC: Nov 2005
Posts: 242
I知 looking for some insight into the 121 world. My goal would be to start at regional where I could pick up IAH as a base to allow a one leg commute. I would hope to eventually end up at United in a few years. My location has 2 flights in and out a day. Arrival at IAH at 9am or 5pm. Depart IAH at 2pm and 5pm. How hard would this be to commute? I知 already struggling with idea of being gone 4 days every week from the family. Adding an extra day on the front and end to commute would probably be unbearable. Any insight from the commuters at regionals and mainline would be appreciated.
#8
Gets Weekends Off
Joined APC: Nov 2005
Posts: 242
1. Do you have special needs children?
2. Do you live in a remote location?
3. Do you have extended family nearby to help when needed?
4. Is your spouse dependent on you for everyday things? Does your spouse have a strong friend network?
Number 4 is especially difficult for some pilots. If you have a spouse who pines for you during every 4 day trip, your life is not going to be enjoyable. I've seen this with other pilots I've flown with. You can see the frustration, anguish, and sometimes anger when they are on the phone with their spouse. Before and after every flight. It's not pretty.
I was lucky to find someone who is independent and willing to suffer(?) me being gone for days at a time. I made sure to educate her about what life would be like before I proposed to her, so she would know what she was getting herself into. She is smart and can handle things in my absence. She still misses me (believe it or not) but she knows how to occupy her time while I'm gone. It's a little harder for her now, since the girls have grown up and we have an empty nest.
On a side note, I am gone from home way more as an airline pilot than I was while active duty in the military. Food for thought for all of you current military folks looking to make the jump to the airlines.
#9
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Joined APC: Jan 2020
Posts: 31
Thanks for the valuable info. I知 currently working for a 91 operator only working 10-12 days a month with maybe 5 max overnights. They are about to move our flight department about a 2 hour drive away. Keeping my fingers crossed that they will just let me commute. Sounds like the commuting life is pretty brutal. Might have to look into cargo, our a home based 135 gig instead.
#10
Gets Weekends Off
Joined APC: Nov 2005
Posts: 242
Thanks for the valuable info. I知 currently working for a 91 operator only working 10-12 days a month with maybe 5 max overnights. They are about to move our flight department about a 2 hour drive away. Keeping my fingers crossed that they will just let me commute. Sounds like the commuting life is pretty brutal. Might have to look into cargo, our a home based 135 gig instead.
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