Airline Pilot: Top 10 Things I Should've Known

As a student pilot or flight instructor, there's a lot you don't learn about becoming an airline pilot until you're doing the job EVERY DAY! While I love my job, there are a few pros and cons you should be prepared for. Here are the top 10 things I wish I'd known, or had better preparation for, before becoming an airline pilot. (Cockpit scenes filmed under Part 91 with approval of Envoy Air, Inc.)
The videos I produce are the first example of an airline approved, comprehensive view of becoming an airline pilot. Each video is about a specific topic, something I wish I'd learned before I started flying as a professional pilot. What do you want to learn? Leave me a comment below!
Follow Me On Instagram: / swayne.martin
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KZbin Video Chapters
0:00 I Love My Job, But...
0:22 Commuting Is Tough
1:09 Eating Habits On The Road
1:44 Learn To Be Outgoing
2:20 Monthly Schedules Run Your Life
2:46 Know Your Contract, WELL
3:28 Staying In Shape On The Road
4:12 Flying Large vs. Small Regional Jets
4:50 Visual Approaches Aren't Easy In Jets
5:34 The Destination Isn't Important
6:05 It Can Be A Hard, Tiring Job
6:50 This Job Is All About Attitude
Thanks for watching!
-Swayne

[@SwayneMartinPilot]

Pilots have a tough job... Being on the road and missing lots of time with friends and family is my least favorite part. That said, I love aviation and I love flying. What else do you want to learn about becoming an airline pilot? Leave me a comment with an idea!

[@michal3980]

Do you ever thing of flying long-haul like the A330, A350 or the 777

[@MrNopehaha]

I wonder if the legacy airlines would be more your speed, they pay a lot better for sure. Since there's a pilot shortage, I would walk into the legacy (big) airlines and demand 600k a year if I were you.

[@joshmolyneux6771]

Thank you Swayne for all of the great videos!!!!!!!!

[@ADuckOnQuack97]

Nopehahalolwut and they’d thank you for trying and say “don’t let the door hit you on the way out” lol doesn’t work like that

[@connorhale599]

@@MrNopehaha Thats not how that works....

[@alessa9041]

As a senior in high school who wants to be a pilot in the future, I really appreciated this video but I barely understood what he was even saying omg. I'm going to ERAU so let's hope I learn.

[@yanah4499]

literally meee!

[@vdbw2025]

I’m going to ERAU too! Are you going to Prescott or Florida?

[@AshAirheart1995]

I’m in World wide b/c I’m military!

[@royalbirb2090]

Welcome! Btw Prescott is best campus objectively. Doesn’t matter which one you’re going to.

[@alessa9041]

@@vdbw2025 Congrats!! and Florida :)

[@kenlynch6332]

Having a Positive Attitude is extremely important in ANY job; and if you enjoy what you are doing you will never have a JOB. Being an introvert usually creates a JOB atmosphere for you and others., and I am sure it is even more noticeable in a cramped 'cockpit'. Your vlogs are always informative and beneficial to those seeking airline positions; and very enjoyable for others (myself) to learn from. Thanks

[@SwayneMartinPilot]

Thanks Ken!

[@eudesrafael3029]

I pretty agree!!! Unfortunately many people are attracted to the job hoping to have fun every single day and dealing much more with the machine not having to worry about people that much. So is nice to see a realistic point of view. Like u said those abilities are essential at ANY job!

[@kiwikiwi2483]

What do you mean by if you enjoy what you do, you won't have a job?

[@victorbozzo5772]

Kiwi Kiwi It wont feel like a job

[@kiwikiwi2483]

Victor Bozzo Ohhh okay. Makes sense. Thanks!

[@Project_EG2]

This sounds just like trucking lol I can relate to almost everything you said.

[@AerialEngineer]

FML

[@Valantir]

Done both. There is a ton of overlap in the day to day

[@paawan5065]

@@AerialEngineer were just a big truck driver. Whats the wtf for?

[@KutWrite]

It's a lot like railroading, too... except we have looser restrictions on working hours, so it can be VERY tiring.

[@paawan5065]

@@KutWrite mannn its not the right time to enter aviation rn. Id hold onto the bull and ride it out for a few months before getting into flying rn

[@dragoclarke9497]

Stumbled upon this video today. Last month I retired from flying, the last 20 years on jets flying freight. You are absolutely right in everything you say, so much so this video should be mandatory before anyone spends any money training to be a commercial pilot. Being a pilot is not right for everyone but it can be, and was for me, the best job in the world. Yes there will be times when your fed up, when your down-route and missing important things back home concerning children etc. But I can honestly say I never regretted my decision to become a commercial pilot, even at the ripe old age of 39!

[@spozzikossi9253]

I am 16 I I want to become a pilot so much. So please Tell me: Did you find what you expected? You know stuff like cool sunglasses or being looked at when you walked in the airport? (maybe even some cute flight attendants…)

[@zach.___]

@@spozzikossi9253 u shallow shallow a$$....

[@Humourous24.7]

@@spozzikossi9253 im also 16 and I am so excited yet have so many questions!😅 I really hope there's is some pretty flight attendants😏😅

[@FEETLE]

i know its been two years (congrats ) have you ever returned to flying but on short assignments?

[@alanj7306]

Sh!t... you fools just use autopilot and call it a day. It’s probably one of the easiest jobs ever.

[@worldtravel101]

I don't comment too often, but I always enjoy your uploads.

[@SwayneMartinPilot]

Thank you! Glad you've been liking the videos

[@mog882]

I don’t always comment, but when I do it’s a “Dos X” comment.

[@elik1491]

Once again Swayne, well done on the video. It's important to realize that it can be difficult at times, but in the end, your office is still in the sky and you get to see the world go by

[@notfrank6586]

" you have little to no time with family and friends" ha jokes on you I have no friends....

[@Jaxonyogi]

Me too lol

[@jack.p]

I'm so happy to see a video like this. Pilot content creators always shy away from talking about the negatives of the job. I want to be a pilot more than anything but I'm not naive to think it's all good all the time. A really good insight, thanks!

[@dmsomers]

Great Production value.....love the down the aisle shot behind you!

[@dipashrasaili4641]

Thank you, Swayne, for recording and telling us the important thing. it really inspired me

[@contentwithconnor2449]

thank you man! thinking about being a pilot someday, this was extremely informative. Have a good one

[@coasterb1]

Consider a video about your interactions with other people at airports. We know about ATC and cabin crew. What about interactions with company, maintenance, and other "behind the scenes" co-workers?

[@cheeseheadsportsguy6262]

Dispatchers, ops, load planning ETC.

[@mikepaz4870]

Great idea

[@stephenbritton9297]

Some pilots are better at dealing with the ramp folks than others. Some treat us well, some treat us like we're idiots. Sorry, we don't know you're aircraft like you do!

[@mikepaz4870]

Stephen Britton in the words of the late ( thank gawd ) poet , felon , recidivist Rotteneee King ....”.. can’t we all just get along. I feel you. In my sophomore and junior summer vacation I was the assistant handy man in a camp fire GIRLS camp in Northern California. My boss was a college professor who gave me a great life lesson. Be kindest not to administration. No ....be kindest to the important people. The janitor who cleans the head and your room. The maintenance workers that all ignore. Those are the folks to be especially nice to. I learned in my Navy and Marine Corps years ....the haughty , overbearing “ leaders “ frequently had serial failures. Lt Maybeline Madden screeched it best “ HN Paz , you are SO PASSIVE AGRESSIVE !!!!” “ Lieutenant , what’s passive aggressive ? “ I whined “ OMG your doing it again ! “ as she stormed off.

[@princehoops6020]

Stephen Britton your* 😂

[@Stanislav_Sikulskyi]

A great amount of useful information in 7 minutes, thanks!!

[@cmm170526]

Great Video. So true, you can have the best time in the smallest towns! Keep up the great work!

[@parthjain03]

I am thankful that you have recorded your journey from being a teen aspirant to an airline pilot... This is very inspirational for me... Thanks a lot Swayne❤️

[@SwayneMartinPilot]

Thanks Parth!

[@KutWrite]

Yes, it'll make a fine book in a few years!

[@get_anthonyd1714]

haha im a teen aspirant right now :)

[@Skips1964]

As an employee for an aerospace company, I enjoy your videos, and get to see the end results of the products we produce in use!

[@iAPX432]

I binge-watched all your video, starting from the earliest and it is incredible: your passion, your desire and ability to share and also your career that skyrocket! Kudos!

[@peterv1806]

Thank you Swayne - I always enjoy your videos - very informative!

[@jjsifo1]

You are young, keep at it and never give up!

[@xx_banana_xx2484]

I love your videos, and i want to become a pilot one day, thank you for the advice, your the best!

[@handlecap1]

Great video! Keep up the good work Swayne, wish we could see your videos more!

[@johnoakes3550]

Thanks Swayne. Great video/Info! Appreciate you taking the time to produce it.

[@lindahall109]

Currently flight training and this video helped me a lot! Thanks for posting!

[@stig_clarkson3767]

Swayne, I flew on American Eagle E145's to and from CLT last week. Wonderful professionalism and skills from the crew! Keep up the great work!

[@DOMINICAAVIATION]

Thanks for the info man! 👍

[@everblu]

Happy your channel was recommended to me. I love how real, personal and totally relatable the issues you raise are. And yes, its all about the attitude :) Subbed.

[@rubenduma3228]

Nice video! I'm glad I changed my mind about going for the airlines. I can enjoy flying every time I fly

[@iltonnotattico6231]

I'm glad you made this video, I'm currently looking towards air Wisconsin, but I still have a long way to go

[@jakeshifflett8922]

Always look forward to your videos to give me a better understanding of being an airline pilot. Thanks man!

[@SwayneMartinPilot]

Thanks Jake!

[@todayslanding2961]

Swayne, what a great video! You give a sincere view of what is to be a pilot. Positive attitude is key to every job, thank you for sharing.

[@MattLassota]

Awesome video Swayne thanks for the great info!

[@chevyharp6237]

It's my dream to become a pilot, and I completely agree with all these. Keep up the great videos! 👏🏼

[@Biggles2498]

Chevy : Make sure you have Mathematics and Physics at "A" Level and get your own Private Pilots' Licence before the Airline will sponsor you for training !

[@trinipilot2246]

Great job Swayne!! You're absolutely right, having that positive attitude can go a long way with your crew and the passengers you fly!! Thank you for bringing us the realities of being an airline pilot. Keep up the great work. From an operational stand point, have you guys been affected in any way with COVID 19 situation or is it business as usual? Stay safe!

[@blackcoffin90]

Great videos mate. You give a grounded explanation to what we don't consider to be a challenge.

[@mattteets6985]

Great advice. I enjoy your videos and I appreciate you sharing your experiences and insight.

[@humanfactorswithpaulgarth9596]

Really nice job on creating realistic awareness of being a professional pilot, from a variety of perspectives. Your insight provides depth beyond typical areas of focus - flight schools, hours, cost, getting to "1500", etc.

[@zachcowburn5124]

Thank you for this video Swayne I found it very informative and helpful with phenomenal information in the insight of a pilots schedule and other important information a pilot needs to think about before training etc as I am thinking of going into aviation and becoming a pilot as I have always had the inspiration and dream from a very young age.

[@jedgeorge3485]

Such a well structured information! I like the visuals with the open door as well. It's so great we can find these things well in advance thanks to what you do!

[@Glideslopes]

Excellent summation of a line pilots life. Keep up the great work Swayne. 👍

[@stuka101]

Agreed with the Visual approach! Flying a slippery jet makes all that energy management a constant matter. But damn visual approaches are fun to fly...gets you thinking again!

[@joel1239871]

I find your series so interesting. Answers questions that I didn't even know that I wondered about. Good work!

[@SwayneMartinPilot]

Thank you!

[@elunico13]

Thanks for sharing! Good points here to be aware of.

[@JetFuelOnly]

Nice job, love the candid review of your experience.

[@The_Capt_Price]

Thanks for helping put it in perspective. Just passed my IRA, and going for CAX, now. I'll take the "bad" because the good is absolutely worth it.

[@carlmclelland7624]

Swayne... that was a well thought out, sobering reality of flying. No flying job is 100% easy, but they are 100% challenging. As you said in the video, if you can learn to adjust, it's a hell of a job. You'll never forget the challenges that make you a pilot among pilots, such as the night, forty years ago now... I was intercepting the ILS for 16Right at Reno in a Cessna 402, after hauling 1,500 pounds of mail from Vegas in thunderstorms and wind shears off the Sierra's, working the boots nonstop throughout, when the tower radios: "Casino six-twenty-five, be advised a Falcon Fanjet landed forty-five minutes ago and reported SEVENTY-KNOT windshears on final." My IAS was anywhere from 80 to 160 knots on final... and I made the best landing of my life that night! Good luck... now just wait until you're in the Left Seat and YOU are responsible for making the decisions!

[@alexlupas5838]

This won’t stop be. It all sounds lovely. Can’t wait to get in school next year

[@martystern5643]

Really great video, especially with the chapter built in to the scrubber video bar... Thanks!

[@danielpavlick5006]

Hey Swayne, thanks for the video as always! I'd ask that you consider doing a video on the risk of cancer for pilots sometime maybe, it'd be nice to hear more on the subject.

[@Yorokobi.no.bunkatsu]

Would love to see your side/view of maintenance related interactions, interacting with MOC, etc. As an employee for Envoy MTX in the midwest, odds are I've touched every plane you've ever flown in the midwest market. Cheers and keep up the great work! Always interesting to watch your videos and see the "bus drivers" at work 😅.

[@suzanajr1981]

Love your videos❤Keep up the work man!

[@kietpham1277]

thank you so much for your useful information Swayne!!!

[@space1commander]

Thank you for that great info swayne, like any other job nothing is like a walk in the park and the money is not what We were expecting and it can be Brutal. but, it'll pay off at the end.Thank You for sharing the reality of being a ATP.

[@PilotBlogDenys]

Great video, Martin. I love my job! With all those pros and cons it is still great! Keep it up, man!

[@SwayneMartinPilot]

Thanks! Glad you liked the video

[@SaanichtonMinistries]

Vanity does not make up for it... your just a bus driver with wings....

[@Kpoole35]

@@SaanichtonMinistries I don't remember busses traveling 1k miles in a single drive without refueling fully loaded. Or drive themselves. Or needing 4 certificates to drive. Or being safer than Aviation..... shall we go on?

[@zachmillwood]

​@@SaanichtonMinistriesSounds like it's not the ideal path for you!

[@SaanichtonMinistries]

@@zachmillwood I am a uav pilot

[@tiagoweyne6661]

As always, great video!!!

[@sidnov1011]

Planning to join a flying school in the future and becoming a commercial pilot! Loved your piece of advice! Good job

[@min_kgzy]

I saw you in Singapore Airshow !! haha, near the C-17 station. Sadly, can't meet you guys :(

[@alphabravo6762]

Really awesome video Swayne. It’s awesome to have a realistic insight into what being an airline pilot is like.

[@SwayneMartinPilot]

I'm glad you liked it!

[@LongTimeNoPuck]

Swayne, you ALWAYS knock it out of the ballpark. Great information.

[@merrilyaberry]

Thank you for this and remaining realistic Pilot Martin!

[@lostcreek163]

Many Many years in the right seat! A long road to being a 787 Captain with a major airline.

[@riskyy2657]

Ive been staying updated with you and sam insta stories. Looked like you guys had fun!

[@SwayneMartinPilot]

:) We've been having a lot of fun

[@john40539]

@@SwayneMartinPilot How is Sam's leg?

[@shaunshephard]

Thanks for showing me i made the right decision, CFI for LIFE! Fly safe!!

[@rohanr6139]

Thank you for the tips. All the best for your future :-)

[@iamra_n3189]

Great video! As a fellow regional pilot, I can certainly confirm everything you've said. Point 8 was great, many people, especially those who aren't actually airline pilots, struggle to grasp this point. And point 10 was an excellent one, I couldn't agree more!

[@Hedgeflexlfz]

Is it worth being a pilot?

[@camfantasyforsf9876]

You help me a lot through the video and including the lessons that I searched from the websites, I learned so much about aviation and pilot career. It's the fact that makes me more confident before stepping into the flight school. ❤️✈️

[@Cedrixck]

It’s been two years. How’s your career going?

[@steelers4srilanka]

Solid & honest content. Thank you sir! 💥

[@notpoliticallycorrect]

Excellent video! I appreciate your sincerity!

[@cathorse11]

This is a great video! I admire how well-spoken and clear you are with your words. I am a 13 year old, turning 14 next month, and my objective in life is to become a pilot. I hope I fly a plane some day.

[@Fadder90]

I’ll gladly welcome all of those cons for a job. This pandemic has left me unemployed.

[@danield8377]

Hi Swayne, New viewer here and I just want to say, this is a great video - in part, because the content is very raw and straight to the point. I have seen other pilot youtubers who merely put on a fake 'positive' persona with flying or they will ramble on for 20+ minutes for a simple topic just to get higher ad revenue. But for your video here, it gets straight onto the point and you are very honest about the drawbacks of airline flying. I appreciate the honesty. Please keep it up and I will look forward to your future videos.

[@flyGIRLKelley]

Great video Swayne! I have no plans to be an airline pilot but this has provided a lot of good insight and understanding for other pilot friends that I have that are working at the airlines!

[@BoxerDogDad]

Excellent video as usual, filled with great info one might not hear firsthand when starting on the adventure. Also, this speaks volumes about your airline that they hire great pilots. Look forward to many more vids.

[@SwayneMartinPilot]

is4b2rd Thank you!

[@great-life-experiences9731]

Incredible video ! Thank you Swayne, this has helped immensely :D

[@SwayneMartinPilot]

I'm glad!

[@kimblekese]

Awesome video! Some of these points hit home even if you’re not going to be an Airline Pilot. Attitude is everything!

[@pilotd]

Great topics. Thank you for the insight!

[@dylanoliveira9926]

Swayne you’re one of my favorite KZbin channels! Inspiring me to get my PPL and possibly a career change to Pilot. Thank you for your videos!

[@SwayneMartinPilot]

Thanks Dylan!

[@yahyamechmeche4634]

@@SwayneMartinPilot hello you are very cute 🤗🤗🤗

[@MrNopehaha]

Sounds like a good incentive for airlines to create a "fresh foods" program where pilots and crew are accommodated with fresh meals according to their chosen diet: keto, vegan, etc.,

[@NAJMFAN]

Fantastic idea!!!

[@NAJMFAN]

Fantastic idea!!!

[@6862ptc]

great idea, but it adds to costs...so management will never go for it. It has been tried, and axed pretty quickly as the costs rise.

[@MrNopehaha]

There's already a ton of catering firms that cater flights: LSG skychefs, etc., If they can make a static menu for each day for: Keto, Paleo, Vegan, Vegetarian, etc., there's no need to order "special" orders, but rather Offer the static menu, people can choose what fits them best: 1 hot plate (wrapped in an aluminum box with foil) & 1 fresh plate (cool stuff wrapped in BPA/BPS free plastic) such as the lunch you remember when you were in grade school, this would help pilots remain below 35% body fat and feel better while keeping their hectic schedules.

[@lirending1]

I'd really take this option over some per diem.

[@ct8583]

Your always professional Swayne. I appreciate the great advice.

[@jeremeyellis16]

Wow - great information. Thanks!

[@umpireoba]

As I always say great work Swayne!

[@SwayneMartinPilot]

Thank you!!

[@mog882]

umpire Are you really an “umpire.” It’s a funny word isn’t it?

[@andycollins9685]

always informative

[@martinmukonje6739]

Great video, the insights are really spot on 👌

[@PrestonJensen]

I’m not an airline pilot and I’ve always taken them for granted when flying. This gives great perspective on how demanding the job is. Keep up the great attitude! Great content!

[@kodachrome9319]

Thanks for doing this! You've brought some things to my attention that I'll have to ask my friend at SkyWest before I commit on going from railroading to flying.

[@SwayneMartinPilot]

It's important stuff to consider! I do love my job, but I want to make sure you guys see both sides!

[@kodachrome9319]

@@SwayneMartinPilot And I love mine too; but I want to ensure I'm making the right decision before I give up a $130,000 year career.

[@paawan5065]

@@kodachrome9319 1 thing you might consider is do you feel fulfilled and exhilarated after a long day on the tracks. If you love flying youll feel fulfilled at the end of the day even if long and tiring. To me its never been about the pay. Flying doesnt pay much but if you have the bonus of going home really happy at your current job then the choice is of course harder

[@kodachrome9319]

@@paawan5065 No, I go home mentally exhausted and dreading the phone call to work that can happen in 10 hours. After twelve years of railroading I've grown to love it less and less.

[@daknarr]

Hey Swayne! I've become a lover of your channel, I must admit. While my career has progressed beyond the regionals, I did spend 10 years piloting CRJs around the US. I must say your points hit so many nails square on the head. I will be advising my son, and a good friend recently changing careers to watch your channel (certainly this particular video). Nice job with the production quality and the subject matter as well. Good Luck!

[@wessroy6813]

Thanks for sharing this man gave me some good insight on the career I am going to persue

[@IanHorsford]

Swayne, next time you’re in New York City holla at brother. I’ll show you around lol. Great job with the videos, keep inspiring us.👍🏾

[@kevinmalloy2180]

These are wonderful, hugely useful videos! I’m not on the path toward airline flying-I fly an Aeronca Champ for fun, near the end of a 35-year career as a government lawyer-but I routinely refer young pilots to your videos. Keep up the great flying and fascinating, informative videos. By the way yours is the career I dreamed of, but I’m color blind. My Plan B, however, has been great for me. I still love my job (it involves aviation, but isn’t FAA) because all my career I’ve always employed the same positive attitude that you apply. Cheers!

[@pm1104]

oh the glamour of being an airline pilot...............you are spot on !

[@matteomuniz2433]

Great video! Thanks for clarifying, Swayne

[@Adam_Gray]

Correct - no job is perfect but the payoff is so rewarding! Love the videos and insight.

[@Adam_Gray]

Rata 4U If you’re truly happy, then I’m happy for you. We each have different goals in life and I’m happy you found yours.

[@chrisfleck5817]

Ahhhhhh, a MLI layover........where I grew up! Great video Swayne!

[@SwayneMartinPilot]

Chris Fleck Done that one a few times!

[@robwhite2282]

That was really good Swayne

[@broccoli7941]

Thank you for your input!

[@DiecastJetz]

Great Video, I just got a cadet position at a reigonal. Im so exited for my career :)

[@SwayneMartinPilot]

That's great! Keep it up

[@TAILSORANGEs]

I'm sure that you'll make it as long as you have the motivation and diligence to do so .

[@Biggles2498]

Well they must have overlooked your English spelling then !

[@user-gu3qs7xo5h]

Could you do a video on how you became a pilot?

[@user-nw1vn4fi7y]

I have just saved this video to watch later after work. I hope this really helps!

[@atsommers]

Great video with lots of good things to think about.

[@chrisward7030]

Spot on, as a newly minted first officer myself I totally agree that these are the unseen challenges associated with the career. Everything is a grind up through initial training and you’re very goal oriented and have a clear goal in sight. After you take your checkride and pass IOE and actually start the line, flying the airplane and your “pilot” duties are the easy part of the day and attention shifts toward these 10 previously unknown, ambiguous factors that now affect your life in a huge way (that no one talks about at the recruiter desk). Absolutely something to consider before selecting your airline/aviation path. Great video!

[@Jake-gb9nj]

do you think it is at all possible to minimize the loss of family time while having this job? I've talked to many pilots who commute and say its hard but feasible also, does greater experience help with this? like maybe this is something that you learn to work around while on the job?

[@bunnyman6321]

​@@Jake-gb9nj You figure it out yet?