[SkyWest Todd]

Hi Keith,

1.) How is pay in the airline industry? Is it worth all the training and everything else?

Honestly, Like any other job...The pay the first year is a little tough but it gets much better as time goes on. You can look up pilotpay.com or research ATP's website and see the varity of pay scales. Typically, first year 18-28K, second year 35K, upgrade to Captain by 3rd year and 60-80K is pretty average. It continues to go up from there.

2.) How is social life? Do you have time for friends and family or are you always away from home or working weird hours?
Once you have some seniority, you will be able to get about 15 days off per month. It's all about seniority!! Senior guys can get 18 days off per month and don't work weekends unless they want to. As far as hours go... You're pretty much gone for 1,2,3,4.. sometimes on a rare occasion you'll be gone for 5 days at a time.

3.) I saw somewhere that a pilot can expect to often work weekends, nights, and holidays. Is that true, or at least accurate?
That is absolutely true. But again it's all about seniority. You can expect to work most nights, weekends and holidays for the first year or so.

4.) Any insight on your job such as likes dislikes would be greatly appreciated!
I love to fly, that's why we do what we do. The pay is pretty good after the first year and the money is nice but you've got to love your job.

Your quality of life is going to be based on your seniority and the work rules at the airline you work for. The quickest way to get your seniority is to get a job quick. The quickest way to obtain your ratings is with ATP. Research them all and you'll see that your decision will continue to point to ATP based on price, time and quality instruction.

I hope that helps you a little bit.
Talk to you soon... Todd