I flew with a CA that rode his motorcycle but he only did day trips and lived 10-15 mins from the airport parking lot. He strapped his flight kit to the back of his Harley with bungee cords. I can't remember what he did about a helmet? But it wouldn't surprise me if he just didn't wear one at all. He also decided it was a good idea to ride the employee bus all the way to the parking lot and ride his motorcycle home & back during a 3 hour break between flights.

 

Understood, Dad...

I'm aware of the details involved in riding a motorcycle, so thank you for that. My inquiry is specifically about the practical aspects of incorporating it into the life of an airline pilot, from those who’ve done it.[/QUOTE]

Nice attitude, You'll soon just be another statistic.

 

​​​​​Nice. Seems like an optimal and rather seamless strategy.


For the few who feel the need to offer unnecessary lectures or pass judgments. I've raced competitively on tracks for a decade and have been primarily commuting on motorcycles for over 25 years. I appreciate the concern, but I'll be okay.

Given good weather, motorcycles serve as a superb way to get around. Alternatives in the tri-state area involve enduring bumper-to-bumper traffic or relying on a rail system reminiscent of a third-world country.


The seasoned sage has spoken. It's truly amazing to witness your unwavering commitment to engage in disputes about anything and everything, with absolutely anyone.

 

Motorcyclists understand the risks. OP didn’t ask about those.

 

Still, the attitude was unnecessary.

 

Ive been riding for decades and do a bunch of motorcycle touring every year, and have thought about riding to work. To me the issue just presented too many hassles for the reward. I’d think that a lot depends on the bike and the type of trip. There’s a big difference in packing for a trip when riding a touring bike vs a sport bike. Saddle bags and a trunk carry a lot of stuff and you can leave your helmet and protective gear locked in them once you get to the airport. Strapping a full sized roller board suitcase to any bike could obviously be problematic, but a nice soft side duffel bag could easily work. Some of the sport bikes these days come with small saddle bags and there is always after market trunk mounts that would work and could be quickly removed when not going to work. Givi makes a nice trunk that is very well priced if you don’t need to have your bike’s brand plastered all over everything that you own, cough cough Harley guys. Weather is always an issue, but rain gear can get you home, and if the weather is bad on the go to work day, just leave the bike in the garage. Mesh riding gear could easily cover your uniform while also providing protection. It’s very doable, but only you can decide if it’s worth it.

 

not really. The attitude of “you’ll be another statistic” is the inappropriate one. Nobody bats an eye when airline pilots buy a Mooney, but if you dare get on a bike they have to pretend to be your dad. Some things are dangerous, and worth it. For many of us, motorcycling is included in that

 

I have and decided it wasn't a good idea. I have no idea if you're a 55 y/o ex grand prix racer or a 25 y/o noob squid who just bought a liter bike and was raised to think there's no such thing as a bad outcome.

 

and yet, the answers to their questions about the logistics remain the same either way. But you HAD to pass judgement on the risks they didn’t ask about

 

You can figure out the logistics. Keep an old suitcase in the bag room and store your riding gear in it. It probably won't get stolen because it's in a crew room, accessible only to pilots, and because it's out of sight in a suitcase. Assuming major airline... there have been thefts at regionals but maybe now that they all get paid six figures they're not as light-fingered.

You might not want to store super-expensive gear in the bag room, so use a basic set for the commute. You can lock a beater helmet to the bike for chrisake.