Is pilot job satisfaction as high as it seems to be?

Question

I'm wondering whether the majority of pilots, especially military pilots, find that after several years in the sky, their jobs feel mundane, routine, and mechanical. Overall, how satisfied are pilots with their jobs (in both the civilian and the military sectors)?

Answer 1

First off, if flying seems boring or modanine, then get out before you kill some one, as you have become complacent and are missing some small detail that will cause an accident.

I also have a neighbor that flys the ultimate Gulf stream 550 but he hates his job as he is gone so much he doesn't see much of his family.

Answer 2

Most pilots love the flying itself otherwise they wouldn't have got into that career in the first place. Many get frustrated with the everyday stresses of airport delays, commercial pressures and management versus union issues.

Answer 3

It really depends on the person and why they chose to fly in the first place. In my case, I love flying, love the science behind it, it is relaxing (although I remain vigilant and ready for anything!). It can be repetitive, but never mundane! Each flight is different, so there is always something new, therefore it stays exciting. Not to mention being in the air where people even 150 years ago would not imagine they would be! As far as the job goes, that is from person to person as well. Flying regional I get to be home with the family almost every night, but if I were doing a major airline job, there is a lot of time spent in hotels and other places around the world. They get paid more, especially because of Per Diem (paid time away from home) and airlines usually cover basic expenses such as food and lodging. Regional has shorter flight times, more per day, little less pay depending on your position, but you still get the same benefits as a major airline when it comes to being able to travel! Personally, I could fly Major and see the world, but I would be working... With regional I can go see the world on my own time with the family and air fares are very inexpensive and I even get deals on hotels! So in answer to your overall question, I am very satisfied, it is always fun, and the feeling of the forces when you go 80% thrust on take-off is a total high to me! If you decide to fly, remember one golden rule: No matter what happens when you are up there, your first job is to fly the plane. Engine goes out, PIC maintains a collected flight, let the co-pilot do the troubleshooting. Even had a cessna door fly open on a buddy of mine, he was freaked out for sure! I just flew the plane, told him to open the window and then close the door and then close the window...problem solved. Surprises happen, stay calm, and fly the plane :).

Answer 4

It depends on the person I guess and which flying job they have and what kind of lifestyle they want.

I have heard so many horror stories from airline captains about how terrible their jobs are and that they are just there for the money.  The long times away from home, the boredom, the health issues brought on by sitting for hours in front of CRTs while the UV ray stream in from the windows, the union BS, etc, etc.

My ex boss flew for the Canadian Armed forces.  He flew the CF-104, the CF-5 and the CF-18 and he loved every minute of it.  If I had 20/20 uncorrected vision, I would have done it.

I fly small piston pounders and I probably will do so forever.  I enjoy not having an overbearing captain to the left or an incompitant first officer to the right.  I enjoy the variety as well as being home almost every night.  I enjoy flying low and slow being able to take a look at whatever perks my curiosity at a moments notice.  I enjoy letting a 7 year old girl take the controls and finding out she can handle a plane better than many adult students for the first time.  The pay could always be better, but even when it gets to six figures it isn't enough.