A quick rundown of my situation. I have always dreamed of being a professional pilot (a passion needed for any job). I am 29 years old. I served in the Navy for 9 years in aviation ground support, then got out to go to college. I received my Private and Instrument (ASEL) from Liberty University, but my G.I. Bill ran out before I could even finish my commercial training. So far for Part 141 I’ve logged 136~ hours and already done my long cross-country flights required for commercial.
I ended up getting married and my flight dreams went on hold as it took time and money to settle down with my wife. She knows flying is what I love (many hours on Microsoft Flight Sim at home), and she supports me to pursue my career as a professional airline pilot. I recently got LASIK done, bringing my eyes to an amazing 20/15 in both eyes. I know some sacrifice is involved, but my question goes out to those married pilots. How realistic is it supporting a wife while in this transition to the airlines?
I did quite a few papers in college on human factors and the aviation industry. My concern is do the airlines push the limit on pilot fatigue with the current shortage?
It’s a big decision for me to make for not only me, but also my wife, so any advice or encouragement would be greatly appreciated.
Depends on how much money your wife wants to spend
If your question is from a financial standpoint, sacrifices will need to be made. CFIs make about $30k-$40k/yr. New hire FOs make $50-$60/yr.
It can be realistic if you have realistic expectations. Expectations may also need to be adjusted as well. I’m not married, but I fly with a lot of married pilots. If they can make it work, so can you.
The pilot shortage is real, but we’re still protected by fatigue laws. This is a non-issue.
I think my wife is pushing me to fulfill my dreams more than I am, lol. I’m always the thinker and strategist while she’s the go-get em’ adventure girl. What a combo right?
Pilot fatigue in the professional setting was a big red flag in my college studies, but from what your telling me the airlines have to play nice. My instrument instructor was a 45 year airline pilot and he told me plenty of horror stories flying for US Mail in a Beechcraft Model 18.
If all these testimonies are true this could be my 1 way ticket to my dream job. I was bit by the bug when I was only 7 years old and my feet could barely reach the rudder pedals in a C172.
I always kind of smile when we get these questions now. While you definitely won’t be getting rich as an instructor or Regional FO, the salaries for both have literally doubled and tripled (respectively) since I started. I was married with 3 small children and survived on under $20k my first year, yours again will be 3x that. While it will still require sacrifice while, if it’s truly your passion you’ll make it work.
As for airlines pushing the FAA tighten the duty and rest requirements a few years back (which actually contributed to the shortage). While I can’t say you’ll never find yourself “fatigued”, it’s actually better now than it was.
I’ve always had a passion for flying and money is no concern as I make less than most CFIs at the moment. Above all I just want to work my way into the Majors some day and fly to places the Navy never took me before.
There was a time a few years ago when I would have said yes, the Airlines can really push to the point of fatigue. However, a couple years back, the FAA implemented new rest rules that have really improved the quality of life for pilots. Our overnights are all a decent length now, which was a huge improvement.
As for supporting a wife, that really depends on you and your relationship and your financial needs. I have been single, married and divorced as a pilot. My ex wasn’t fond of the time I spent away, but she did okay with it. On the money side, the first few years were definitely lean, but it gets better, much better.
Thanks Chris for the info. My wife seems really supportive in my interest in ATP, and I’m seriously considering it. I did my flight review yesterday after not flying for a year and after my feet hit the tarmac it was like riding a bicycle. Had to fly an older model C172 than I was used to (those 172SPs spoil you with the fuel injection), but once we got in the air it was an easy day.
I plan on taking my CAX written before I start my class date since I already have the materials on hand, but I’m also considering taking my FOI, FIA, FII since I’d be on the 6 month plan to CFI. 6 months seems long to some, but with my experience in Part 141 that time flies fast!
Me and my wife figured it would be more affordable to move near an ATP school (we’re looking at Raleigh-Durham) than pay housing cost that is more than our mortgage. What would be a good time distance to the airfield? Would 30 minutes be to far?
Every flight school has (or should have) a syllabus. ATP most definitely has one since the program is designed to get students through the program as efficiently as possible. The nice thing about it though is that the syllabus doesn’t have to be followed exactly. Instructors are encouraged to make the syllabus work with their schedule, aircraft availability, weather, etc.
Has anyone considered staying in an RV at a nearby RV Park? I’m trying to figure out the most economical way to get into the Raleigh Durham area and not pay over $800 a month when I have a house here in coastal NC. Any input is appreciated
