Husband as airline pilot

Renee - posted on 06/13/2011

wendy- what cargo company does you husband work for, my husband flies 747s for atlas air and we have the same boat with his schedule.

Brandi - posted on 06/10/2011

My husband and I are both pilots at Pinnacle. We have no family near us and no babysitter. It is a crazy life style. I have made tons of friends at our new state (1200 miles from family) but I do not have and friends that can relate! I am glad to join this group! My husband and I have to work opposite schedules to stay home with our son. It really is getting old but he does not make enough for me to quit. We are based out of Detoit and live in Belleville. Is anyone else near us?

Erika - posted on 06/07/2011

It's nice to be able to read about other mothers that are in the same situations. My friends can't always relate:)Cheers to the inventors of skype!my husband is a pilot week on week off for a fractional company and at first it was a hard adjustment with the baby but I think our little guy is getting used to it. I know my hub misses him alot now, but I have a feeling once my son starts walking and talking it will be even harder for my hub to leave..i like the journal idea I think its great..kudos!

Wendy - posted on 05/24/2011

Hi! I know what and how your feeling!!!! My hubby is a Captain Cargo Pilot and the money is great but he is gone about half the month each month and his schedule is crazy right now because he is a newbie Captain and doesnt get a schedule he wants yet which stinks because if we want to plan a vacation, we cant :( We have to wait till his schedule come out mid month for the next month so really no time to prepare for vacation. I knew in the beginning when we met what is schedule will look like because I use to be a flight attendant for 3 1/2 years before our son was born a 7 months pregnant when I was still flying so i had to quit and become a SAHM which Im not complaining but my hubby we miss him very much, we have two children together and they know after he is home, the next time we take daddy to the airport, he has to go to work :( which makes us all sad but he loves us and that is why he goes Him being gone makes me feel like a single mother and its hard sometimes. But good luck!

Terri - posted on 04/07/2011

Is your husband still at Great Lakes? My husband is a captain there.

Lynsi - posted on 04/03/2009

I've been married to my husband 10 years and he's been a pilot for 17. I work full time too and we've been blessed with three children. 2 girls, ages 6 & 7 and our son who is 1. You both just have to go into it knowing that there will be weeks that are easier and weeks that you feel you are doing everything and he's on "vacation". Training and recurrent is stressful for them so I try to be extra supportive and watch how much I complain during that time. I love my husband dearly and I know he could work at a 8-5 job but he'd never really be happy. The air is where he is meant to be. My husband is gone Monday thru Thursday night each week. Just make sure that you make special time for the both of you and that your marriage is a priority. Dont feel guilty asking for some time to take care of yourself and get out alone. I love my children dearly but sometimes you just want to walk down the grocery isle alone. Surround yourself with reliable friends and make sure to laugh allot. You wont have the cleanest house and you'll forget things but in the end I hope you are happy like me. I always try to think of retirement which is when I really plan to use those free travel benefits too :)

Kristin Marth - posted on 04/03/2009

Oh and using a webcams and skype or some similar form of web communication is wonderful and very helpful.  At least yoru husband can see the baby too!!!

Kristin Marth - posted on 04/03/2009

My husband is a pilot/instructor for Air India, he is on 10 wks, off 3 wks.  He used to work for Pinnacle Airlines, and I remeber the days when I thought being gone for 5-6 days (commuter) was hard!  Well I would give anything to have those days back.  In this economy we all have to be grateful to have jobs, so who can really complain.  It is really difficult and some days I just don't know how I do it.  But it is important to rememeber that there are other people out there experiencing the same issues, especially military moms/dads.

I too had jsut had our little one and he was home for a few weeks on FMLA and then was off to work again (with Pinnacle), so it was hard, but you can do it.  My best advice is to sometimes jsut let the house go, and if you don't work, then sleep.  Seriously...I tried to do it all, and it really isn't that important.  I was so run down and exhausted, and would do it differently the next time.  It is more important to sleep when you can get little snippets here and there, cause with your husband gone, you'll run yourself down and won't be able to function.  It is hard to sleep sometimes, so if you can't, then REST!!! 

Ceci - posted on 03/24/2009

Hi, I am a Comair wife too. We have a 10 month old baby boy and my husband commutes from JAX. It has been tough not having him around all the time, but talk on the phone very often (every time he takes off and lands), and Peter gets to hear his dad every night.
My husband hates not being able to see his son every day, so we purchased an inexpensive video camera. I record a couple of clips for him of my son's day, and share them with him at night. It gives him something to look forward to, besides those wonderful hotel rooms :o).

Holly - posted on 03/17/2009

This is for Kassie Perry (and some discussion for everyone)! My husband also flies for Air Wisconsin (out of Norfolk) Did you have to go through the whole upheaval 3 years ago when United dropped Air Wisconsin flying? Scary but everything turned out fine. Except that a lot of people had to move from family (including us)! Unfortunately that is just the airlines...constant surprises...income going up only to crash down, moving, spending lots of time without a husband, never being able to make definite plans until the next months schedule comes out. Being very flexible becomes part of your life :)

Amie - posted on 03/16/2009

Hi! I have a 12 (13 next month) year old boy and a 6 year old girl. My husband is a 8 year Captain with Airtran and before that an 8 year Captain with PSA Airlines/dba US Airways Express. We did meet at work way back while at US Airways, I was a Gate Agen. So I understood what came with the job and it may have made it a little easier. Nevertheless, you get used to it. I didn't personally have a difficult period of adjusting to the lifestyle because I kind of lived in that world. For some it's harder than others and also easier for some than others. Deciding from the get-go (starting right now, for instance) what you're lifestyle/schedules will be, will help a lot. When you prepare yourself for anything in advance and get used to it emotionally you stand a much better chance at a smoother adjustment and tolerance. Talk about each other's expectations for when he does return home after a trip. Many of us feel frustrated because we want a break. We want them to take over some of the disciplining (or in your case newborn care) or helping around the house. Believe it or not, they have no clue what we are expecting of them and they are tired too. They also are relieved to be home after being hotel after hotel. Funny, because we, as mothers, would love to have the time away sometimes and the opportunity for peace and quiet---for time to read! When we don't want to "nag", then end up just expecting him to know what we need, we are inviting trouble. After time away, we need to remember to talk about the little things like that to avoid a miscommunication. I'm so used to it that it's frustrating when he has a big break. He's home 24 hours a day! He forgets that I still have my schedule during the day when the kids are at school. It's hard to get anything done when he's home at times. Good luck!

Holly - posted on 03/15/2009

Looks like lots of pilots...my husband it too. Gone 3-4 days a week. It is not easy. You are essentially a single mom more than half the time. Also usually more hard because us pilot wives usually have to live far away from any family. It does get easier! It will be hard at first because there is no one to help with night feedings, hard to eat dinner with a newborn (I ate a lot of TV dinners early on) BUT you get used to it and actually enjoy the separate time. You will make your own routine while he is gone. You get to do what you want to and when you want to do it. You might end up alone a lot of holidays which sucks but the more senior he gets, the better it gets (until he goes to another airline, then you start all over) Anyways good luck!!! My husband used to work for Great Lakes out of Denver!

Lizzette - posted on 03/07/2009

Hello! I'm looking for moms out there, that's interested or looking to do some
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Cheers, Lizzette

Lizzette - posted on 03/06/2009

Hello Ladies! just thought I'd drop by and say hello to you. You might want to check out my website: www.bagtagsusa.com, I design and create personalized bagtags for any age group and they can be attached to any bags you carry. I'm also looking to do some fundraising with schools and sorts. cheers, lizzette

Mindy - posted on 03/06/2009

Quoting Sherry:

I'm a mesa airline pilot wife too. Sounds like there are a few on here. I guess we should be thankful our husbands haven't lost their jobs. It's hard though with the reduced hours, especially after his working max hours last year. Are any of you mesa pilot wives living in the charlotte,nc  area? Just curious? I live in the clt area and would love to hook up with anyone, especially pilots wives, stay at home moms with young children.

Hi Sherry, I am not a Mesa wife but  I am a Comair wife.  We don't live in CLT but about 1.5 hours northwest of there.  My hubby commutes out of both CLT and GSO.  I like to talk to other pilot wives because there is noone who can relate to our lives better.  We have 2 little boys, one 3 and the other 8 (wild house!!).  I work part time and stay at home the other part.  We haven't reached the point where we didn't need a little more income that Chris alone.  He has only been in aviation for about 4 years (not sure that makes a difference anymore really). Would love to hear from you atleast to email some if you want to.  Mindy

Sherry - posted on 03/05/2009

I'm a mesa airline pilot wife too. Sounds like there are a few on here. I guess we should be thankful our husbands haven't lost their jobs. It's hard though with the reduced hours, especially after his working max hours last year. Are any of you mesa pilot wives living in the charlotte,nc  area? Just curious? I live in the clt area and would love to hook up with anyone, especially pilots wives, stay at home moms with young children.

Sherry - posted on 03/05/2009

Hi Krsity,

Support is the  best thing you can have. Try to get involved with moms in your area, too, if you can. It helps to get out of the house, especially when  your husband is gone and your are alone with your child. If you have a mops group up there you might check into that.  Do you have family near by? My husband has been a pilot for as long as we have been married. How are things going so far? I hope okay. It is an adjustment either way. You can add me as a friend if you would like. It helps to have others who understand. I am a stay at home mom with a 5 year old little boy.

Mindy - posted on 02/28/2009

Another pilot wife here. I can SO second all the above statements about pilot pay, reserve, commuting, furlough, etc. Hubby loves the job but all the other is real downers. He was an insurance agent when we married and started flying when I was pregnant with our first son. He wasn't able to be with me for the birth of our second he was in Boston I would have liked for him to be there but we have to do it all ourselves anyway. He has been with Comair for about 4 years and was senior enough to have a pretty good line until the furloughs this year, now back on reserve. He commutes to CVG from NC so it's a long day for him. We just try and make the best of it when he is home. I think it is easier if you don't work or just work parttime. That way reguardless of what days he is home you can be home some of them.

Kassie - posted on 02/11/2009

^that is also to everyone who also is feeling this way!Sorry didn't mean to single out anyone.

Kassie - posted on 02/11/2009

I am referring to Susan-We only have one son(who was just born in October) and I understand about the no income, crappy schedules, and super depressed hubby. I am in school to be an RN, but even if I finish, it won't really make since for us to put out the extra daycare expense with him gone so much. I too hate how so many think that pilots are so well paid and livin it up when most of them are just happy to have a job some days little less enough money to support their family's.

Kassie - posted on 02/11/2009

My husband is a pilot too!He flys for Air Wisconscin/Us Airways. We just had our first son who is four months old.I am new to circle of moms. It is nice to see that others are living the same scenario as me. No one else could know how different it is to have a husband who does not do the traditional 8-5 and home at night.

Katie - posted on 02/09/2009

My husband is still sitting reserve for Mesaba Airlines in Mem (we live in FL), so he is only home about 10 days a month. He also just got into a new C130 squadron with the Navy Reserves, which will keep him away a few more days. It is hard all the time, especially with a 17 month old. Its other moms and my parents and close friends who keep me sane.

Becky - posted on 02/08/2009

Get crew schedulings phone number now before you go into labor and your husband is in the air. Odds are it won't happen, but you want him to know as soon as you go into labor. Also invest in a laptop with a webcam so that he can be a part of her daily life. It's not going to be easy ask for as much help as you can get. The first 3 or 4 months are the hardest and you WILL feel like you are doing this alone, get him to help as much as possible when he is at home.

Kirsten - posted on 02/05/2009

Quoting Susan:

My husband also works for Mesa.  He's been with them for 10 years.  He wanted to move up to UPS since we were displaced by Hurricane Katrina and now live in Louisville, but the first year pay is unlivable with 3 kids.  I haven't seen anyone post with my particular issue.  Everyone assumes he makes a ton of money, but the fact is, he just DOESN'T.  And although I'm an RN, I stay home with the boys to make up for the fact that their dad is gone for 6 days at a time.  By the time I would pay a babysitter for the 14-15 hours a day I would be gone, it's almost not worth it to work.  I'd rather sacrifice and be home with the kids.  Does anyone else have this problem?  I love that my husband loves his job, but with no family in the IMMEDIATE area, I'm pretty stuck for additional sources of income.  And I would normally agree with the better schedules come with seniority thing, but since Mesa furloughed 150 pilots last month, my husband is sitting reserve again, and has been since October.  Which means even less income and he's gone a lot more.  I really don't want to seem so negative, but I'm wondering if any other moms are in the same boat as me.  Has anyone's husband been furloughed?  I can't imagine how tough that would be.

Girl....I feel your pain! Being a Mesa wife is not the easiest life for sure!!!!!  I am a preschool teacher by trade, but I have chosen to stay home with my kids for the same reasons you have.  I just can't make my kids deal with the fact that they don't have either parent aroung!  I'm pretty much an island unto myself here as well,  my closest family is 5 hours away.  I do work a few days a week, I have friends that own a restaurant and they schedule me to work on the days I tell them I can....usually when my husband is home.  My husband has been with mesa since 96 so he has the seniority to hold a line, but his line has gone from 85 hrs and 14 days off to 72 hours and 11 days off.  Less money and less time home...yeah!!!! We just take it day by day with mesa.  I wish I had more help to offer you, but it's comforting to me to hear from somebody that understands the roller coaster ride Mesa delivers!!!! Good luck.

Janet - posted on 02/04/2009

Hey Kristy, mine used to fly for GLA. Prepare yourself - it's not easy! Feel free to send me a note if I can help you figure out anything, and hang in there! Best to you and your family. ~janet

Ann Marie - posted on 02/04/2009

My husband is a pilot for a fractional aviation company. So he's gone about half the month. We just had our first child together, 2 weeks ago. He was on the road when I went into labor and got to the hospital 2 hours after she was born. I tear up every time he leaves to go to work. Mostly, I miss haning out as a family when he goes. So far, I've been able to handle the baby on my own. His mom has offered her help which we'll need more of when I go back to working full-time. We're not in a place where we could afford for me to stay home.

Karen - posted on 02/04/2009

We were living in Louisville, and I miss it terribly! I'd go back in a heartbeat if I could. Thath's where my family is and could certainly help us out. My husband used to fly for ASI, but now works for ADI in Pontiac, MI. We're really worried that we will be stuck here in a state where the economy is a complete joke. A lot of people assume we're rich when they find out my husband flies, but we aren't. I have 3 1/2 year old twins, and they are certainly a financial drain. The days can get very long at times since we don't have the money to put them in a mothers day out program or a preschool. I used to be a music therapist, but there is no work up here in that field. So, I am now studying medical transcription at nightime (after bedtime). It's a big jump from the world of music, but I need to do something to help bring in money. We definitely take advantage of the times that my husband is home since he doesn't have any set schedule. You will find your groove and figure out what works best for you. I'm big on routines, and my boys seem lost without their daily routine. Good luck and have fun with your baby girl!

Dana - posted on 02/04/2009

Hello, My husband is with American Eagle. He was a cop for 10 years before.  I honestly thought that there was no possilble way to make less money.  BUT I can promise you this Yes it is, for first year pilots it is extremely hard.  I keep reminding my self that it will get better with time.  Just not very patient at times.  We have two children and have family that is close by, which does help.  So any wonderful ideas would be great.

Susan - posted on 02/03/2009

My husband also works for Mesa.  He's been with them for 10 years.  He wanted to move up to UPS since we were displaced by Hurricane Katrina and now live in Louisville, but the first year pay is unlivable with 3 kids.  I haven't seen anyone post with my particular issue.  Everyone assumes he makes a ton of money, but the fact is, he just DOESN'T.  And although I'm an RN, I stay home with the boys to make up for the fact that their dad is gone for 6 days at a time.  By the time I would pay a babysitter for the 14-15 hours a day I would be gone, it's almost not worth it to work.  I'd rather sacrifice and be home with the kids.  Does anyone else have this problem?  I love that my husband loves his job, but with no family in the IMMEDIATE area, I'm pretty stuck for additional sources of income.  And I would normally agree with the better schedules come with seniority thing, but since Mesa furloughed 150 pilots last month, my husband is sitting reserve again, and has been since October.  Which means even less income and he's gone a lot more.  I really don't want to seem so negative, but I'm wondering if any other moms are in the same boat as me.  Has anyone's husband been furloughed?  I can't imagine how tough that would be.

Kirsten - posted on 01/27/2009

My husband works for Mesa Airlines and he's been there for our entire relationship. It's hard at first with kids getting used to it all, but you will get into your groove and before long, it'll be harder when he's home than away. It also is a mixed blessing in the fact that when he's away he's away, but when he's home, it'll be in the middle of the week, so he'll be able to take the kids to preschool, have lunch with them at school and go on class trips. Usually he's the only dad there. Good luck with the baby and your new life!!!

User - posted on 01/04/2009

My husband flew for Great Lakes before we had kids, then moved on to other airlines and now flies for World Airways. He's usually gone for about 2 weeks then home the rest of the month. It's gotten easier now that he's senior enough to hold a predictable schedule.

Amber - posted on 01/03/2009

Hi Kristy, my husband has been a pilot since I've known him... gone for 3-7 days at a time. I try to stay focused on the fact that when he's home... he can't bring the jet with him, and we try to take advantage of those days off. We've gotten spoiled really, we do all kinds of family activities (boating, theme parks, etc) during the week and we enjoy avoiding the crowds. Sure, it's hard sometimes... but try to take advantage of the good parts. I also love that my husband is able to make a living at his dream job... not many people get to say that!

Robyn - posted on 12/31/2008

Welcome! My husband currently flies for Southwest (for about 6 months now) but before that he flew for ExpressJet (Continental Express) for 9 years. He is typically gone 3-4 days at a time and home for 2-3 (only because the commute stinks right now since he is so junior). We have an almost 1 year old (on January 7th). I am currently a SAHM (but I am a middle school teacher) which makes things easier right now with the little one.



Will your husband be commuting or do you live in base? We have commuted since he started flying but we are thinking of moving in the next couple of years to one of Southwest's bases (probably Florida since we went to college there).



Good Luck with the baby girl on the way!

Margo - posted on 12/31/2008

My hubby is a fractional airline pilot. He is away a week at a time, a 7&7 schedule. He was home on Christmas but not New Years Eve;-( My 3 kids, 5, 3 & 6 months miss his a lot, as do I ! He was here for all of the births, thank God! There are good days & bad days, just be strong for the family!

Monica - posted on 12/30/2008

My husband is a pilot too, he is going into his 4th year with American. He is gone about 3-4 days a week. We just had a little girl in August, she is our third, but she keeps me plenty busy just herself. It will be nice to have your new little one around to help pass the time while your husband is gone. It can be tough the first little while but then you will get use to when he leaves. So, it does get easier and better.

Candace - posted on 12/30/2008

First congrats on your almost new addition! and good for your husband on his job, I've heard the industry is starting to slow down. My husband is a helicopter pilot and he was gone 4 days after our son was born for almost a week. I had my sister stay with me cause I was so worried about getting postpard-depress. When in reality I would have just rather-ed spent my time starring at my new son. Its such a special time and It might be hard to treasure that time when you are sleep deprived and the days go by sooo fast. I also had the nurse line on speed dial.

xoxo

Brandy - posted on 12/23/2008

My husband flies for JetBlue Airways & is typically gone four to five days. Be prepared
for your hubby to be on reserve in the beginning. He won't be able to hold a good line, but like Nicole Z. wrote, with seniority comes better trips & pay!

Kara - posted on 12/16/2008

To pass the time when he was on the road my husband kept a journal where he wrote a message to our daughter when she was an infant. I kept one at home and wrote messages from him to her while he was gone. When he left on his next trip we would switch notebooks. It was a great way for him to stay connected with us at home while on the road and I'm sure will be a treasured item when she gets older.

Nicole - posted on 12/16/2008

My husband is a pilot too. He works for FedEx and is gone 2 weeks a month. He also flies C-130s in the Air National Guard. Its tough sometimes, but it is a great job. Do you know what kind of schedual he will have yet? It is always harder in the beginning, but as he gets more senior it will get better.