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What are some of the struggles of being a pilot and how did you overcome them?
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Robert’s Answer
There are many different types of pilot jobs but the biggest struggle I've had with airline flying has been the schedules. You will be away from home roughly half of the month, with trips varying from just a couple days each to possibly a week or two for international flying. While on trips, your sleep schedule will change frequently and many work periods exceed 10 hours. You will then re-adjust to a more normal sleep cycle on your days off then do it all again every few days. Many pilots choose to live in other places than where their airline job is because you can commute for free on standby to start your trips but this adds extra challenges depending on weather and the availability of empty seats on the flight you need to get to work.
You can overcome some of these challenges by deciding to live where your airline job is and gaining enough seniority to have more control of the trips that you fly.
Talk to pilots to learn more about their schedules and decide whether it is the lifestyle for you.
You can overcome some of these challenges by deciding to live where your airline job is and gaining enough seniority to have more control of the trips that you fly.
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Diane’s Answer
My first struggle was finding the money to pay for training. I got very creative in finding financing and trimmed every aspect of my budget to fund my goal of becoming a pilot.
Another struggle was hitting learning plateaus. I overcame them by perseverance. Learning required incredible commitment. It was the biggest achievement in my life to become a CFI and eventually an airline pilot.
Another struggle was living on the road. I packed my bag and flew 2,000 miles to work every week. I got through it because my family depended on me.
I also had the struggle of Continuing Qualification. I devoted a full month every year to preparing for training and checking. Being a pilot requires a big commitment from beginning to end. There are many more struggles, but I recognize the experiences made me stronger and it shaped my character. It was a privilege to fly and my greatest achievement.
Another struggle was hitting learning plateaus. I overcame them by perseverance. Learning required incredible commitment. It was the biggest achievement in my life to become a CFI and eventually an airline pilot.
Another struggle was living on the road. I packed my bag and flew 2,000 miles to work every week. I got through it because my family depended on me.
I also had the struggle of Continuing Qualification. I devoted a full month every year to preparing for training and checking. Being a pilot requires a big commitment from beginning to end. There are many more struggles, but I recognize the experiences made me stronger and it shaped my character. It was a privilege to fly and my greatest achievement.