What is life like for an ATP with a family? I’m a 32 year old mother of a 12 month old and currently looking into becoming an ATP, but my husband is worried the crazy schedule will keep me away from them. Also, would it be better to start as a commercial pilot flying private jets? If that makes since. I know the word commercial pilot is misused nowadays.
Keeta,
Frankly your husband is right to be concerned. ATPs program is highly accelerated and turns what usually takes years into months. As such it’s a full time commitment. If you’re not at the school in class or flying you need to be studying.
You may want to investigate the Flex option which gives you a little more time but you’ll still be busy.
As for jobs, when that comes, you really need to see what’s available. While new airline pilots have little control over their schedules the same can be true for Private/Corporate and sometimes more so. It really depends on the operation.
Adam
Markkeeta,
To begin with, thank you for your service as a police officer. I think I can speak for all of us when I say we really appreciate what you do.
As for family life, it will be tough. ATP Flight School’s program is highly accelerated, even if you live near one of their locations, you will be spending some serious time away from your husband and child. Training at the airlines will be the same thing. Now that being said, many people before you have done this and managed to figure it out, it will just take a very supportive family.
Chris
Keeta,
If your husband was 100% on board, I’d say go for it, but because he’s not, I would look at the Flex Track Program. Either way, he is the one that will be supporting the both of you. The program is no joke.
As for jobs, it depends on what’s available. The corporate world is too diverse to categorize. Some corporate jobs have pilots away from home for weeks at a time. Others don’t.
I can only speak from my experience as an airline pilot. I post my schedule every month if you’d like to take a look at what my schedule is like.
Tory
Thank you, I am trying to get my husband to be on board, lol. Pray for me!!