Being a pilot is a busy profession, so this can often lead to difficulties for anyone that is interested in dating a pilot. However, we can’t control who we fall for, so sometimes compromises need to be made. So, what is it like to date a pilot and what should you know ahead of time?
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Lifestyle of a Pilot
Even though nearly everyone is familiar with a pilot’s career and what they do, it is a job with a very unique and nontraditional schedule. Airline pilots will typically be in the air about 75 hours a month, but they will often work much longer because there is a lot that goes into setting up for each flight.
Also, pilots usually have to spend multiple nights a week away from home due to layovers and long flights. This can be an issue for some couples because they will often spend more time apart than together, so it is an adjustment that they need to get used to.
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Pros to Dating a Pilot
Dating a pilot might seem stressful at first due to the amount of time apart, but there are also plenty of positives to the experience. Some pros to dating a pilot are:
- An experienced pilot generally gets paid very well, so you will be able to have a good life.
- You will learn to appreciate the moments you spend with them more.
- Pilots will still have days off, just like any other job.
- As they get more experience, pilots will typically be given more flexible schedules.
- Even if you cannot be together all the time, you can still talk and communicate during layovers.
- You can learn a lot more about aviation.
- You will likely get to travel with him sometimes for free or with a discount.
Cons to Dating a Pilot
While dating a pilot is not all bad, there are still some downsides to be aware of. Some cons of dating a pilot are:
- They will likely be away for multiple days of the week.
- It can be scary to think about them going in the air all the time.
- You may not be able to be together on all holidays and special occasions since those are often busy seasons.
- The hours they work are not always consistent or conventional.
7 Things to Know
If you are still having concerns about dating a pilot, then there are some things you should know ahead of time that might help you out. Obviously, every pilot is different, but their schedule can always become a concern for a significant other, so here are 7 important things to know about dating a pilot.
Be Flexible
Since pilot schedules are often inconsistent or at strange hours, their significant others may need to adjust their own schedules as well to make time to be together. Pilots usually don’t find out their schedules too far in advance, so unless you decide to schedule some time off for a vacation, you won’t know ahead of time which days they’ll be home. The schedules can be a hard thing for many people to deal with, but you just need to be accepting of change in this situation.
Even if you’re used to having a set plan for everything, you’re going to need to learn how to adapt to their unpredictable schedule so that you can spend as much time with them as possible.
Have Strong Communication
Communication is key in any relationship, but it is especially important for anyone dating a pilot. It can be harder to communicate when they are away so often, so use every chance you get to keep in touch with them. Spend plenty of time with them when they’re home and have them call you whenever they have down time on the job.
Just because communication with a pilot may be more difficult than with people of other occupations doesn’t mean it’s impossible. You just need to be flexible and take advantage of the conversations you have.
Live Near Friends or Family
Just because your partner is off doing their job most of the time doesn’t mean you have to be lonely. If possible, you should try to live close to friends and family that you can hang out with while your partner is away. However, even though it may not be possible for you to live near those you are close to, you should still try to find ways to make friends in the area. If you have fun people to hang out with, then it will take away from the worries of your partner being gone often.
However, pilots often need to be based in a specific area, so this can be difficult when trying to live near your loved ones and you may move around a lot. If this is the case, then it is a good idea to get to know the significant others of the other pilots. They are all likely going through the same situation as you, so it can be a good idea to join a friend group with them so that you’re never really alone.
Travel Together
When dating a pilot, there are actually a lot of perks that can come along with their job. This means that you can get some travel benefits that allow you to actually fly with them or get discount flights, so take advantage of that. Just because they are up in the air all the time doesn’t mean you have to be sitting at home alone all the time. These trips can be a chance for you to see the world together, so why not do it and get to spend even more time with them?
Even if you can’t get on the same flight as them, you may be able to catch another flight and meet them somewhere during a layover. After all, what’s more romantic than traveling the world together?
Trust Each Other
With so much time apart, some couples may worry about their significant other finding someone else while they’re gone. However, worrying about these possibilities will only add extra stress when you’re alone. Instead, you should trust your partner.
Trust is an important part of a relationship, so even if you don’t see them as often as you’d like, you still need to have faith in them. They are still the same person that cares about you very much. If you communicate with them often and show them how much you care too, then you should be able to trust each other no matter the distance.
Find New Hobbies
If your partner is working and you have no one else to hang out with, then it can become boring during your free time. Because of this, you need to make sure you have plenty of hobbies to keep you busy. Even if you’ve always had hobbies you enjoy, you may not do them as much as you’d like or you might grow bored of them over time. Therefore, be open to trying new things.
Keep yourself busy with new projects and new hobbies because it will help the alone time go by much faster. That way, you’ll have some interests of your own that you can tell your partner about when you’re together.
Show Interest in Their Job
Most people choose their career for a reason, so the odds are that your partner is very passionate about what they do. Even if you do not know much about flying and traveling, you should still ask them about work.
Most pilots love to talk about their jobs, so if you show interest in their lives, then it will form a closer bond between the two of you. Plus, there is lots that you can learn about the topic along the way.
Conclusion
Dating a pilot is not for everyone, but with the right amount of patience and flexibility, an unconventional schedule can be adjusted. Every relationship comes with its obstacles, so a relationship with a pilot is no different. As long as both individuals really care for each other and are willing to work around a busy schedule, then dating a pilot is no problem. Just be aware that there all some aspects to consider before going into it.
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