Just curious of the pilots who are also parents? How was the schooling ? And what is life like as a pilot with children?
Michael,
Being a pilot by definition means you will be away from home. During training you’ll be an absentee parent. For this to work you’ll need a VERY understanding partner. In time (years) your schedule will improve but until then you can count on not seeing your children often.
Adam
Michael,
I have four children. I feel that the schedule allows for quality parenting. Sure, I miss events here and there, but overall I am able to attend most things. When I am home, I am able to dedicate all of my time to parenting, there is no take home work or late night phone calls. Take a look at our Schedules section to see what our months look like.
Chris
You’ve also been doing this for 20yrs soooooo…
Adam
Adam brings up a very good point. It is tough in the beginning and you will be gone far more than you are home.
Michael,
What Adam brought up is a huge point. The first 5-10 years are the most difficult for family life. The first five will be filled with flight training, building time and your first airline job. If you’re doing well by year five you’ve just started with your forever airline. The next five years you’re struggling to build seniority so you can one day have weekends off and then maybe holidays after that…
It is doable but best to be done when you don’t have kids yet or if they are still quite young so that you have a decent schedule by the time they are old enough to remember.
Hannah
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