What's the life like of a commercial pilot?

Question

Well im a 15 year old girl && I want to become a commercial pilot.But I wanna know how it's like?Do you even have a house of your own?A family?How much do you fly a month?Thanks :]

Answer 1

I am a pilot for american airlines, based in miami. I love being a pilot, and my want for being a pilot started right around your age. I do have a home in miami, and I also have a family. Although I have only been with AA for 1 year and 30 days, I was a pilot for delta based out of atlanta for 12 years, taking an early morning flight to ATL to start my day. Because I got laid off I transferred to AA a year ago because they have a large base at my hometown airport and they are also another legendary carrier and a reputable carrier. On average, I fly 20 days out of  a 30-31 day month, getting about two weeks off. When I standby for a month, only filling in when people get sick. That month I fly about 17 times a month. From MIA i fly the 737 and am also trained in the 757/767 as they both are very similar aircraft. Starting in 2009 I am going to go back and get certified in the 777 as I would really like to start doing more transatlantic routes. It's a ton of fun doing my job and i've never looked back on my decision.

Answer 2

Actually you wouldn't really have a house which you can live in 24/7, you would be staying in hotels most of the time (unless you land in a country where relatives/family reside of course) but the airlines would be paying for the hotel.

A family well you can but it will be hard finding time for both being a pilot and having a family.

And about how much you fly in a month, averagely about 12-15 days a month, so basically being a pilot will take up "half your life".

:D I too am looking forward to becoming a commercial pilot one day and I wish you the best of luck!