kennyone From United States of America, joined Aug 2008, 81 posts, RR: 0 Posted (2 years 8 months 3 weeks 10 hours ago) and read 3917 times:
Hi,
Before I start, let me ask to please be redirected to any existing thread similar to this one, if there already is one. I have tried to search for threads in the past, and never was successful - so it'd be easy for me to miss an already existing thread. Ditto if this is posted in the wrong forum.
I would like to know how is a pilot's life being based in JFK/EWR/LGA or CDG/ORY, more precisely how easy/accessible/enjoyable (or not?) it is to live in those areas and reaching the airport every day. I would also like to know roughly what percentage of the pilots based in the NYC/Paris area commute, and how complex (or not?) it is. Any information is welcome, be it for a 1st-year F/O lifestyle or a 12-year Captain lifestyle.
Fly2HMO From , joined Dec 1969, posts, RR: Reply 1, posted (2 years 8 months 3 weeks 7 hours ago) and read 3707 times:
I haven't experienced it personally but at the airline I worked for everybody said horrible things about EWR. I don't remember the specifics, but overall people did not like living there for one reason or another. Didn't here much complaints at other bases.
Mir From United States of America, joined Jan 2004, 19813 posts, RR: 56 Reply 2, posted (2 years 8 months 3 weeks 7 hours ago) and read 3701 times:
The standard things apply: if you think about it solely in terms of what sort of house or apartment you can get, the NY area will not offer good value. On the other hand, if you like being able to get out and go see a show or go to a restaurant, you won't find a better place in the country to live.
Those who care more about a big house are likely to live elsewhere, just like with every other profession. Junior pilots are also likely to live elsewhere, since whether you want to live in NY or not, the salary at that level won't allow it (especially if you're at a regional - see CO3407 FO's situation). But if you can afford it, and you appreciate what the location has to offer, it can be quite nice. Just like anywhere else in the world.
-Mir
7 billion, one nation, imagination...it's a beautiful day
B6JFKH81 From United States of America, joined Mar 2006, 2767 posts, RR: 7 Reply 3, posted (2 years 8 months 2 weeks 6 days 16 hours ago) and read 3525 times:
Quoting Mir (Reply 2): if you think about it solely in terms of what sort of house or apartment you can get, the NY area will not offer good value.
This is why many pilots that are based in NYC are commuters and just have a crash pad near their base airport. When I started having to do a lot of travel in my position at my airline, I couldn't believe how many pilots I met who were deadheading to/from work at JFK. Flights as short as ROC, BUF, SYR, BTV all the way up to flights as long as AUS, HOU, MSY and PHX. I couldn't imagine having to do that. I work at JFK and have a fair size commute (~80mi round trip), but I am in my own bed every night (unless I am on official travel or something).
"If you do not learn from history, you are doomed to repeat it"
777ORD From United States of America, joined May 2010, 362 posts, RR: 0 Reply 4, posted (2 years 8 months 3 days 1 hour ago) and read 2809 times:
When I worked for Eagle during college, one of the pilots I knew (former CFI) was stationed in Fresno, CA (or somewhere near there). It'd literally take him the entire day to get there and about 4 flights, assuming he never got bumped. Now he has ORD and just one quick 20 minute hop is certainly better than the previous.
I have another pilot friend who last I heard was A300 out of JFK. He'd fly to ORD, then JFK the night before for his usual caribbean runs. Neither pilot enjoyed the long commute. I certainly do not blame them.
pilotpip From United States of America, joined Sep 2003, 3084 posts, RR: 12 Reply 5, posted (2 years 8 months 2 days 14 hours ago) and read 2703 times:
Quoting B6JFKH81 (Reply 3):
This is why many pilots that are based in NYC are commuters and just have a crash pad near their base airport. When I started having to do a lot of travel in my position at my airline, I couldn't believe how many pilots I met who were deadheading to/from work at JFK. Flights as short as ROC, BUF, SYR, BTV all the way up to flights as long as AUS, HOU, MSY and PHX. I couldn't imagine having to do that. I work at JFK and have a fair size commute (~80mi round trip), but I am in my own bed every night (unless I am on official travel or something).
You also have to remember that in the case of Blue pilots they're all on their second/third/fourth or greater airline. Uprooting family might not be a valid option.
Being based in NYC sucks. I was based in LGA for a couple months and the difficult commute, high cost of everything made it very undesirable. I can jumpseat to my base faster than this guy driving ~80 miles can drive there.
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