Expert: D. Norkus - 8/16/2010

Question
I am currently about to approach my senior year in college working on a degree in mathematics.  I have always been somewhat interested in becoming a pilot but I have several questions.  First of all does being a women pilot give you any perks or do you believe that it is more difficult for women than for men? What is the typical schedule as far as time off vs time working? can you do much traveling yourself as a pilot given the amount of time you have off? and last, does flying ever loose its excitement or do you continue to get that rush every time you take off?

Answer
1) Does being a women pilot give you any perks or do you believe that it is more difficult for women than for men?

A few years ago when 'affirmative action' was a much bigger deal in the airlines being a woman got you an interview. These days there really isn't any 'perks' per se as all applicants are competing against each other and their respective qualifications/experience. Today it is very much about who has the best qualifications - and personal recommendations as the job market is so competitive. The job itself isn't any more difficult for a woman versus a man. The airplane has no idea what sex the pilot is and all the pilots get the same training.

2) What is the typical schedule as far as time off vs time working?
This really varies by airline, tenure and the kind of flying the pilot can hold (international versus domestic for example).  It could be as many as 20 days off (very senior tenure pilots flying international) versus as little as 8 per month (regional pilot). There are so many factors that affect this, there is not a "typical" schedule across the board.


3)Can you do much traveling yourself as a pilot given the amount of time you have off?

That depends on the schedules you end up with. If you have a grouping of days off, then one can use their travel benefits to take a trip. It is very possible to get a row of 4-7 days off even without vacation as schedules can be adjusted somewhat (trading or dropping trips, aligning several or your guaranteed days off together).

4) Does flying ever loose its excitement or do you continue to get that rush every time you take off?

There are times when it does get monotonous enroute but there are days when the sunset (or sunrise) is a view that just can't be beat! Takeoffs and landings are always fun. There is a phrase pilots use, "Even a bad day flying beats a good day at a real job". I'd have to agree. Even running late, skirting weather and dealing with cranky crew & passengers at times I'd still rather be flying.

I suggest checking out this link for more career information. It should give you the 'big picture' and has lots of links too-

http://www.pilotcareer.info

And if you are really interested in learning to fly, find your local chapter of the International Women Pilots Organization "The Ninety-Nines" (99 founding members) and talk with the women there about training-

http://www.ninety-nines.org

Regards,
Dottie