How is it like being a airlines pilot? What is the plus and minus side of this career?

Question

How is the pilot course like? What is the training like?

Answer 1

The training isn't necessarily difficult, it just requires a lot of dedication and persistence.

As far as the job itself is concerned, I always tell people it is a great job in a rotten industry. One the door are closed and you push back from the gate I can't imagine doing anything else. But the turmoil in the industry is frustrating, and the pay keeps getting worse and worse. Your life is in constant flux due to bases growing or downsizing, opening or closing, fleets growing or shrinking as the airlines struggle to keep up with an ever changing marketplace. All the while management tries to cut your pay because you cost too much while rewarding themselves  with bonuses that are about equal to the pay cuts you took.

The bottom line is if you love airplanes and love to fly, the job is pretty good. But if you are getting into it because you are looking for prestiege or a good paycheck, you will spend your life being miserable.

Answer 2

The pilot course isn't too harsh, but some people think it's challenging. I think it's very rewarding telling people that you fly for a major airline. It can be hard though, because sometimes the airline contacts you whenever they feel like. You may get a call in the middle of your child's recital and you have to take it. You do get anvanced notice of when your flying and to where, but for me it's always been 'You have three days to be here so you can fly to Japan." It can be demanding, but I love it anyway. Especially if you're in love with flying like I am, it's nice to fly all of the time. Most of the time your not away from your family ALL of the time, so you can have personal time. I'm friends with a woman who can go home at night nearly everyday. Most airlines would like you to have a four-year degree, but they don't come out and say that. They always look at people with more education first, rather than less education and minorities.

Answer 3

don't want to to discourage you but that career field is really tough right now. The industry is hurting bad.