Do pilots have a good work life balance?

Being a successful airline pilot is not like a 9-to-5 job. 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.

Do pilots have a lot of free time?

FAQ. Do pilots have free time? Yes, pilots have free time. Junior pilots have a minimum of 12 days off per month, whereas the average pilot gets 15 days off per month and a senior pilot can enjoy up to 20 days off per month.

Is pilot a happy career?

A career as a pilot is a great job. It is varied, fun, and exciting. The average pay for a pilot (according to glassdoor.com) is $106,627 per year. It is an environment where you'll never stop learning, and there are plenty of opportunities to diversify within the industry.

How many hours do pilots actually work?

Airline pilots fly an average of 75 hours per month and work an additional 150 hours per month performing other duties, such as checking weather conditions and preparing flight plans. Pilots have variable work schedules that may include some days of work followed by some days off.

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.

Can You Have Pilot Work-Life Balance?

What are the disadvantages of being a pilot?

Do pilots leave 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.

Do pilots ever get days 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.

How many days off 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.

What age do pilots have to retire?

The maximum age according to the ICAO

"The Standard limits the privileges for pilots in single-pilot commercial air transport operations to 60 years of age, while extending that limit to 65 years of age for multi-pilot operations.

Is it risky being a pilot?

There are numerous possible hazards associated with flying, including fatigue, stress, environment, weather conditions, aircraft equipment and condition, and external pressures such as a check ride or a pushy passenger. The risk associated with each hazard varies with each individual pilot.

Is becoming a pilot only for the rich?

“You certainly don't have to be rich, but you have to have a plan," he says. "Like with most larger expenses, you need to be smart and know what your goals and objectives are."

Is a pilots life hard?

The lifestyle of a professional pilot can be quite challenging. Pilots often have to work long hours and are often away from home for extended periods of time. However, pilots also enjoy many benefits, such as flexible schedules, dedicated time off, and an above-average income at the airline level.

Do pilots have a high divorce rate?

Just as with flight attendants, the pilot divorce rate is high at 30.5%. Divorce is so common among pilots that there's a term for it in the industry: Aviation Induced Divorce Syndrome.

How often are pilots not home?

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.

What perks do pilots get?

Do pilots get free hotels?

The airline handles and pays for accommodations for crewmembers when they are on a trip. Many pilots do not live where they are based and choose to commute. Generally, if pilots need to travel and stay away from home when they are not on a trip, they are responsible for their own accommodations.

Do airline pilots families 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.

Do pilots have time for family?

Do pilots get to spend time with their family? Yes. Often more time than in a typical job, but it really depends on the employer. The hard part is that key dates may not be available such as birthdays, graduations, social functions and the partner and/or children must attend without one member of the family present.

Why do pilots quit?

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.

How long can pilots go without flying?

"Recency" means complying with regulations that stipulate a pilot must have successfully carried out three takeoffs and landings -- one of which using the cockpit's autoland facility -- within the previous 90 days.

What is the life of a pilot like?

Pilots are responsible for many time-consuming duties before and after a flight, including weather assessments, filing flight plans, performing pre-flight checks on aircraft and filing post-flight reports, to ensure each flight is operated to the highest level of safety.

What's it like dating a pilot?

As the partner of a Pilot you need to be flexible to fit your life around their schedule. You need to be ok with not always having a routine. Understand this is absolutely not a regular job. Your partner won't know their schedule from one month to the next, sometimes not even from one week to the next.

Do pilots have good retirement?

Retirement values for a 35-year airline pilot career range from $1.8 million to over $3 million at the US major airlines. Retirement benefits are estimated at either 7.5 percent of the defined benefit program, if one is provided, or three percent of the final annual salary.

Is it hard to have a family as a pilot?

Once out of training and working for an airline I say you can have a family and be an airline pilot without worry. Being away from home and living on the road is tough with or without kids. A supportive co-parent will be the key to making the career work for your family!