Pilots are often thought of as having a glamorous and exciting jobs. But the reality is that flying a plane can be stressful. There are many things that pilots have to worry about, from weather conditions to mechanical problems. And, of course, there is always the risk of crashing.
An airline pilot can be an extremely stressful job due to the workload, responsibilities and safety of the thousands of passengers they transport around the world. Chronic levels of stress can negatively impact one's health, job performance and cognitive functioning.
Is Being a Pilot Stressful? Now to answer the most important question of this article: “is it stressful to have an avaiation job?” The simple answer is no, the flying profession offers many benefits that other professions would not get you. This eliminates plenty of stressful events from happening in your life.
“The ups and downs are constant, and we fly at all different times of the day,” Deitz says. “It's a stress on your body.” Takeoff and landing are the trickiest parts of a given flight, requiring all of a pilot's attention and mental energy. Heart rate increases during those windows, studies show.
1) Aircraft Systems
One of the toughest topics for private pilot students is aircraft systems. Want to know more about the systems and equipment in your aircraft? Dig into your POH and read section 7. Better yet, find a local A&P at your airport and have them walk you through a few systems with the cowling off.
The lifestyle of a professional pilot can be quite challenging. Pilots often have to work long hours and are often away from home for extended periods of time. However, pilots also enjoy many benefits, such as flexible schedules, dedicated time off, and an above-average income at the airline level.
Both males and females in aviation are equally susceptible to mental health issues. There is a negative stigma around mental health in aviation. A study showed that pilots assumed fellow pilots who were unsociable most likely have a mental health illness.
The FAA encourages pilots to seek help if they have a mental health condition since most, if treated, do not disqualify a pilot from flying.
These surveys revealed that well over 50% of the surveyed pilots experience fatigue as impairing their ability to perform well while on flight duty. The polls show that e.g. 92% of the pilots in Germany report they have felt too tired or unfit for duty while on flight deck at least once in the past three years.
One of the major benefits of being a pilot is you can expect a hugely rewarding career; from taking your first solo flight, completing your first landing, flying to a new destination to overcoming challenges, every day is rewarding as a pilot in the cockpit.
The Bureau of Labor Statistics reported the median U.S. pilot salary at $211,790 in 2022. This means 50% of pilots earn more than this, and 50% earn less. However, there are pilots working for major airlines making more than $700,000 per year.
While schedules vary from month to month and airline to airline, most airline pilots will work on average half of the month – 14 to 16 days being the norm. This provides ample time for family and outside pursuits.
Once a pilot is working for an airline, their life is sure to include significant time away from family and friends. This includes holidays, which can be some of an airline's busiest times for transporting passengers, which translates into a higher demand for pilots to operate those flights.
By far the most popular reason that people don't fly is lack of money. Flying is expensive, and many become overwhelmed with the idea of spending so much money, or just can't see how they'll pay for it all. But there are ways to fund flight training, including scholarships, loans and other various financing programs.
Practicing Mindfulness and Stress Management Can Help
And finally, pilots use certain techniques to reduce stress levels. They might listen to calming music or meditate in their private areas. Or they might just take the time to relax with friends and family after a busy flight.
FAA policy on depression and other mental health conditions. To fly, pilots must have a medical certificate approved by an FAA aviation medical examiner (AME). Under the current guidelines, depression, anxiety, and similarly categorized psychological conditions don't lead to automatic disqualification.
Due to the risks to flight safety posed by ADHD, regulatory authorities worldwide consider ADHD a disqualifying condition for pilots.
Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder ( ADHD ), formerly called Attention Deficit Disorder ( ADD ), and medications used for treatment may result in cognitive deficits that would make an airman unsafe to perform pilot duties.
A typical pilot, according to the study, is one who is “low in anxiety, vulnerability, angry hostility, impulsiveness, and depression. This person also tends be very conscientious; being high in deliberation, achievement-striving, competence, and dutifulness. He also tends to be trusting and straightforward.
Pilots get anxiety and depression just like many other people do, but they seem less likely to seek support and treatment.
Military aviators in all branches can and do acquire PTSD due to their military experiences. Because of this, they may qualify for disability compensation and other benefits under the VA.
Or do they age more quickly, since they're subject to less gravity? Scientists have done the math, and it turns out that frequent fliers actually age the tiniest bit more quickly than people with both feet on the ground. But not to worry, the difference is so small, you don't have to worry about extra wrinkles.
Yes, pilots have free time. Junior pilots have a minimum of 12 days off per month, whereas the average pilot gets 15 days off per month and a senior pilot can enjoy up to 20 days off per month.
The life of a pilot is unpredictable, which can make it difficult to plan dates. Pilots often have very irregular schedules, so it's important to be flexible. They always seem like they are coming and going, so it will be important for you to try and schedule dates that work with their availability as much as possible.