potcivvy
21st Oct 2002, 19:11
I am currently an army helo pilot and desperately need a change!
I am very keen to get my licences and join an airline, preferably jets carrying pax.
Could some of you enlighten me to life in the airlines, i.e. work regimes, career progression, pay, holiday, what the boss is like, etc.
I know that this an all encompassing querie but I am just wanting to get a feel for it before I pay the cash. Clearly I will be talking to lots of people before I start but this looks like a good starting point.
Thanks for your help.
Maximum
22nd Oct 2002, 18:46
Hi Potcivvy.
I know a number of ex-army and airforce helo pilots who converted to airline flying. As you'd expect, some loved it, some hated it and returned to rotary, but just about every single one of them found it to be much harder work than they'd ever imagined.
Here's something I posted on the wanabee's section which might give you a taste. Of course, not everyone will agree with me, but it's certainly my experience of being a shorthaul airline pilot.
Typical shorthaul lifestyle:
Depending on company, 8 to 10 days off a month. However, before you say, "well that's normal", consider the fact you will be doing very disruptive shift work.
5 to 6 days of work, followed by 2 or 3 days off. Repeat.
Days off often start with you arriving home at 11 pm, then leaving for work after days off at 0430 am. So days off aren't quite what they seem.
Typical day, alarm rings at 0400 am, leave house at 0430 am. Four or five sectors. Home at about 5 pm. To get eight hours sleep, have to be asleep in bed by 8 pm. So three hours available to change, eat, say hello to wife and kids, socialise, exercise, etc. Repeat.
Of course, could be night stopping, maybe three times a week, so don't see family. Catch up with all domestic problems in remaining time. Repeat.
On lates, just rotate clock so end up getting home or to hotel at around eleven at night. Repeat.
In summer, throw in night charters. (See above).
Add hassle and sometimes fear provided by winter weather.
And finally finally (honest)......
Once you're in that left hand seat, that's basically it......you just keep doing the same old thing 'till you stop.
I knew I'd go on too long. Not trying to spoil anyones dreams - just adding another perspective.
Good luck.