Ask Captain Lim

Dear Captain Lim,

I have passed the initial pilot selection process and am waiting for the medical tests results. Thank you for your very informative site. It has definitely helped me to raise in my hope. I look forward to a possible career as a pilot.

However, I do worry about future family disruptions if I am successful as a pilot. I would like to ask, how do you handle problems such as the inability to plan for events with your loved ones, unresolved disputes and not being around for your wife or children when they needed you.

Perhaps you can provide some insight on how do pilots handle such problems?

Thank you very much.

Warmest regards,

Kelvin

Hi Kelvin,

In any profession, there are always some pros and cons. I have listed some of them in my FAQs on the life of an airline pilot. It is not as bad as you might worry about. If there are family problems, especially any compassionate ones that arise in the course of your flying duty, the Company would send you back from anywhere around the world. They would get a replacement to take over your duties. If you have any special events, such as a friend's or relative's wedding, plan well ahead by applying for leave during the date that you are required to be off. Every airline has its own policy and they do generally take good care of their employees' welfare. I cannot give you the exact details as to what would constitute compassionate reasons. It all depends on the circumstances of the case.

Go in with your eyes wide open and be prepared to expect some family disruptions. So far, I did not find all these concerns as something that are unmanageable.