What are the negative effects of being an airline pilot?

Being a pilot can be an incredibly lucrative career. According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor, in 2019, the median pay was $121,430 per year, with a projected job outlook of 6 percent within the next decade. Whilst there are many perks to being a pilot, there are some drawbacks.

Below are some of the negative effects associated with being a pilot:

• Pilots may have inconstant work schedules that require overnight layovers for the longer flights, and even holiday work assignments. This may keep you away from family for a certain period of time.
• Flight assignments are often given to the most senior pilots, so working your way up within the industry may take time and experience.
• Long flights may cause exhaustion and jet lag.
• Flying can be stressful as you must be able to multitask, adapt to poor weather conditions, avoid obstacles while in flight, provide a safe and comfortable flight for passengers, and execute a safe landing.
• Flight decks are a small, enclosed space that you share with a team. Long flights can be tiresome with little movement.

While the job does have challenges, airlines typically offer an expense allowance based on the number of hours they spend away from home. Family members of pilots are also frequently offered the benefit of free/reduced flights.

For more information about what it is like to Be an Airline Pilot: Education Requirements and Career Info, check out this article: Be an Airline Pilot: Education Requirements and Career Info.