Are pilots away from home a lot?

On average, regional or shorthaul pilots can expect to be away from home anywhere from zero to two nights per week. For longhaul pilots, the average is around three nights. For charter airline or largely cargo-based pilots, it's not unusual for upwards of 4 nights away from home a week.

Do pilots stay away from home a lot?

In terms of actual days, some publications say most short-haul pilots will either travel home every day if possible or work for five days and then spend three or four days at home. Long-haul pilots are said to spend more time away from home, although they do get 10 to 15 days off per month to see their families.

How often is an airline pilot away from home?

Do pilots go home every night? Flight instructors and pilots who fly short-haul domestic flights are able to be home every night more or less; however, airline pilots who fly longer routes are unable to go home every night and can be away from home for up to two weeks at a time.

Are pilots away from home?

The most labor-intensive schedule might place a pilot out of base for 12-15 nights in a month. An entire month's schedule for a "line holder" commonly includes four 4-day trips. Three of these nights are spent away from home, while the fourth day of the trip lands the crew member back in their domicile city.

Can you live anywhere if you're a pilot?

As a pilot, you can live anywhere and commute to your crew base. Your seniority, however, determines if that commute is a short drive or a long transcontinental flight.

Truth About a Pilot's Work Schedule | Airline Pilot Explains

Do pilots fly free for life?

The short answer is yes – the majority of airlines offer free flights as an employee benefit for pilots and often for their immediate family members.

Can you have a family life as a pilot?

Yes, it is possible to be an airline pilot and have a normal family life. With careful planning and communication between the pilot and their family, they can make sure that everyone's needs are met.

Is the life of a pilot stressful?

Being a pilot is considered a unique job that requires managing high workloads and good psychological and physical health. Unlike the other professional jobs, pilots are considered to be highly affected by stress levels.

Why are so many pilots quitting?

The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) requires all pilots to take their last flight by their 65th birthday, and they cannot fly again after that no matter their health or ability. Most pilots are retiring because of age: At least 5,773 retire each year because they hit the mandatory retirement age of 65.

Do pilots get weekends off?

We average 11-14 days off per month and most pilots will fly several weekends and most holidays unless you are senior. This usually means four 4-day trips (for me) with 2-4 days off between trips. Some senior pilots can get weekends off and choose to only fly 60-70 hours with 16-17 days off.

Do pilots make it home every night?

Pilots who fly short routes can go home every night, while long-haul pilots usually work 15 days a month and get 15 days off. Keep reading to learn more about the often-punishing schedule that pilots keep.

How many days off a month do pilots get?

How many days do pilots usually get off a month? Commercial airline pilots typically have between 9 and 15 days off a month without including any leave, although this depends on the airline and type of operation.

Do pilots have good work life balance?

Pilots can't expect to put in their hours, come home, and expect a warm, home-cooked meal every day. Even the hours of pilot schedules can vary. Some days, pilots will work for five hours.

How often do pilots see their family?

All in the contract, routes, and choices of the pilot within that contract. Some fly trips of up to two weeks, others are back home every night if they have a home near their base airport and work regional.

Do pilots get bored on long flights?

"You are always watching, monitoring, and managing the flight's progress, as well as keeping an eye on the airplane's various systems, but yes, it can get boring up there." What exactly are pilots doing up there at 36,000 feet, when the boredom sets in, and they think nobody is paying attention?

How stressful is a pilots job?

They're away from home, and from their families, for long stretches of time. The job isn't a typical 9-to-5— instead, pilots fly overnight from timezone to timezone, at strange hours. “The ups and downs are constant, and we fly at all different times of the day,” Deitz says. “It's a stress on your body.”

How rich are pilots?

Annual Pilot Salary Range

According to The May 2021 Occupational Outlook Handbook, the Bureau of Labor Statistics, the salary for commercial pilots is $99,640 per year. The median annual wage for airline pilots, copilots and flight engineers is $202,180.

What age do most pilots retire?

If the law is amended, you can expect the aviation industry to change in a major way – a pilot will be able to work in multi-crew covered operations as pilot-in-command or co-pilot, for an extra two years. This will ultimately increase the pilot retirement age from age 65 to 67.

Why do people not want to be pilots?

By far the most popular reason that people don't fly is lack of money. Flying is expensive, and many become overwhelmed with the idea of spending so much money, or just can't see how they'll pay for it all. But there are ways to fund flight training, including scholarships, loans and other various financing programs.

Is being a pilot worth it in the future?

If you are prepared to spend the time and money required on the many hours of flight training, becoming a pilot can be a positive investment in your future. Understanding the benefits of becoming a pilot can help you feel prepared and make an informed decision about whether it may be the right career move for you.

What is the hardest thing to pilot?

Learning to safely land is the most challenging aspect of basic flight training. Takeoffs are always optional. Landings are mandatory. Most pilots who want further training find that getting their IFR (instrument rating) is the hardest part of becoming a professional pilot.

Do pilots get divorced a lot?

Lower Divorce Rates

This one is a surprise to many, but it's true – pilots have a lower divorce rate.

What will stop you from being a pilot?

Do parents of pilots fly free?

Family members may fly free when space is available or at discounted rates. Flying stand-by is a common benefit, but it can be challenging when there is a group. Some airlines provide “buddy passes” to pilots to share with friends and families.