Originally Posted by
john stro
I absolutely love flying and want to pursue a career in piloting. The problem is that I’ve heard being away for so long and constantly takes a massive toll on family and relationships. Is this really true or has it been over reacted? What about flying domestic? Is it really as bad as it’s made out to be? Thanks!
You can actually artificially simulate being a professional pilot, and see if it suits you.
1. Irrespective of your age, dye your hair grey.
2. Ask you present employer for a 50% pay cut, and request to work a 12 hour day, with just one day off in a row.
3. Stay up all night for a week, with the alarm going off after 4 hours sleep.
4. Tell your current partner you will not be home for Christmas, their birthday, and any public holidays for the next 5 years. Or weekends.
5. Buy a €500 car, without heater, and air conditioning, and arrive to your partners house to pick them up 2 hours late because you were held up at work.
6. Have sliced ham, and cheap salad for dinner, 3 nights a week for two years in a row, and call it catering. (True story)
7. Do this for 3 years, then send yourself letters saying you need more experience, and do the above for a bit longer.
You are now a professional, (junior) pilot.
Good luck, and buy lots of flowers for the better half.