Would raising a family be difficult if I were to be a major airline pilot?

Question

I am currently 22 years old and I am starting my flight training on obtaining my Private Pilot Certificate. Eventually I will want to obtain a Transport Pilot Certificate so I can fly for a major airline like United or TWA etc... Anyways, I was wondering under today's stress and circumstances, do you think it would also be possible for me to eventually raise a family as a major airline pilot?

Answer 1

You should probably do your homework on the industry if you're going to be a part of it. Much to my chagrin, TWA hasn't been in existence since April 2001, when it was acquired by American Airlines.

I think it would be more difficult for people in the airline industry that have to do "trips" to have familial relationships, because they're gone so much.

Answer 2

Yeah, i think its possible. I've heard that the FAA allows each pilot to spend no more than a certain number of hours flying (dont know if that is true or not) per month, and if that is the case, you will have a good amount of time to spend with your family.

oh and TWA doesnt exist anymore. United still does though.

Answer 3

TWA doesn't exist anymore. Make sure you research what you want to do before doing it.
It may be difficult because you will be flying irregular hours plus regular hours. You would have to fly home perhaps and have to see your family once a week. Your children would probably miss you a lot while you go about your job. Plus, if your wife was pregnaut and you were out flying, she would feel alone and even more stressed out. You may also miss many milestones for your kids, like when they start to walk, etc.