International vs. Domestic pilots?

Question

Sorry if thats not what they're called. Anyways, can someone tell me the difference as far as work schedules and a typical day/week for an international pilot vs a domestic? What is the difference in pay?

P.S. Since finding out from you guys and others that I really do not need a B.A to become a commercial pilot, I decided to stick it out, most airlines say that a 4yr degree is highly desired. Im continuing with my degree in Nursing, will an airline hire me with a degree in Nursing. It could be helpful, couldn't it?

Answer 1

Basically most commercial pilots have to undergo rigorous flight training and spend many hours in the 2nd chair as a co-pilot before being granted their license to fly. The new trend is Mexican piloting. Their training is conducted in those little planes outside K-Mart, where you put a couple quarters in, and after graduation they're willing to fly for $3 an hour. NAFTA at it's finest!

Answer 2

Domestic pilots are home most every night.  Gradually climb up the ladder and get better and better pay as they go.

International Pilots, meaning the ones who fly across oceans, are the ones who have been around long enough and have done the domestic thing for some time.  They are not home every night, cannot pick their days off and am away for days at a time.  Their pay however is better and again, with time in, comes more pay.

As for the nursing degree thingy, I really don't know.  Flight attendants are first aid and CPR trained so I don't really think they'd hire you just to fly around and hope for problems.