“You definitely have to work together as a family.” In spite of their challenges, the panelists agreed that they love being both a pilot and a mother, and they demonstrated with their own lives that there are many ways to be both simultaneously.
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In fact, the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) does not consider “pregnancy under normal circumstances” as a disqualifying condition. Most major airlines have pregnant pilots electing to fly into their third trimester. In 2011, I was expecting my first child.
The FAA guide to medical examiners states that performing flight duties is allowed during “normal” pregnancy. Normal is a relative term. Certainly there are unique medical and flight safety risk factors which are present even at conception.
Family members may fly free when space is available or at discounted rates. Flying stand-by is a common benefit, but it can be challenging when there is a group. Some airlines provide “buddy passes” to pilots to share with friends and families.
It can be very tough on family life. The universe has a way of making all the bad things happen while you are away on a trip. Car breaks down, plumbing gets clogged, kid gets sick on a day your spouse has an important meeting. It never happens when you are home, only when you are away.
Women only make up 4.6% of air transport pilot jobs, according to a report from the Women in Aviation board. Jennifer McIntyre, a first officer at Southwest Airlines, said she knew from a young age she wanted to be an astronaut. That energy and inspiration turned into wanting to be a pilot.
Airline pilots can be home every night or could be away from their families for weeks at a time. It depends of the company they work for or the aircraft or routes they fly. Most quality of life issues that affect how much time a pilot can spent with his family is determined by a seniority based system.
Family members may fly free when space is available or at discounted rates. Flying stand-by is a common benefit, but it can be challenging when there is a group. Some airlines provide “buddy passes” to pilots to share with friends and families.
According to The May 2021 Occupational Outlook Handbook, the Bureau of Labor Statistics, the salary for commercial pilots is $99,640 per year. The median annual wage for airline pilots, copilots and flight engineers is $202,180.
Do pilots pay for their own hotels? The airline handles and pays for accommodations for crewmembers when they are on a trip. Many pilots do not live where they are based and choose to commute.
In terms of actual days, some publications say most short-haul pilots will either travel home every day if possible or work for five days and then spend three or four days at home. Long-haul pilots are said to spend more time away from home, although they do get 10 to 15 days off per month to see their families.
Flying during pregnancy is completely voluntary for flight duties. If you choose to request to continue to fly and are cleared to do so, you have the option to stop flying at any point during your pregnancy.