How Misleading are Pilot Job Expectations!?

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When I started flight school eight years ago, I thought I had it all figured out-traveling the world, earning great money, and living a glamorous lifestyle. Fast forward six years in the cockpit, and I’ve learned the reality is far more complex.
In this video, I take you through a day in my life as a long-haul pilot flying the Airbus A330. From the early morning prep to landing at breathtaking destinations, I’ll share the highs, the lows, and everything in between.
Whether you’re an aspiring pilot, aviation enthusiast, or just curious about life in the skies, this video gives you an inside look at what it really takes to fly around the world.
As always sit back and enjoy!
Be sure to check out my pages:
Instagram // / pascalklr
TikTok // / pascalklr

[@Pascalklr]

CHECK OUT AIRCRAFTTAG.COM aircrafttag.com/ I absolutely love their magnets and luggage tags crafted from real aircraft skin. Use code “pascalklr” for 10% off your order at aircrafttag.com. Enjoy the video everyone ✌

[@FelipeThePIlot]

The point of this video seems to be telling people that the pilot job isn't that good as some people can imagine. But when i am watching all of this shots from beautiful places and cockpit then even if you say the worst things, i still would want to be a pilot

[@arsilchughtai]

Mee To

[@adennis200]

Many of us do. Of course you need to see both sides. Videos often transport only the nice things bur you need to know whether you can cope with irregular sleeping times etc The job, for those who breathe aviation, is still great but it has nothing to do with flying back in the 60s

[@PerseusNania]

For me I want to be a pilot because I want to just fly

[@atharvashukla52]

Same dude,,whatever it takes

[@conny.rapp.tattoo]

Oh damn i gotta do this about tattooing. Its sooo romanticised all over social media

[@340ACP]

Here’s the reality, the one and only reason to become a pilot is the love and passion for flying and aviation. Any other expectations will lead you to a sad miserable life. If you see it as a job them your doomed to fail

[@maxialmas4502]

Are you a fighterpilot?

[@Engorger]

Damn it’s that black and white? Your statement is very debatable.

[@66kahler]

What was a sad miserable life was working 50-60 hrs a week as a civil engineer in a fake corporate world with fake people and absurd expectations from a pompous arrogant boss. I work more like 10-20 hrs a week now, make alot more money, and am alot more satisfied and have actual conversations with my co-workers.

[@clayton2500]

No. Every job in this world has negatives. In fact lots of people hate their jobs but they stay with it.

[@ViperVideo]

Not true at all. You can hate your job and be the best there is in the business. You just won’t ever be happy.

[@LACSACR]

One of the problems at hiring is that airlines take months to hire. 1. You finish MCC and start applying. Time is ticking, your license and ratings start to expire. 2. Airlines don´t answer or say no to you even if you comply with the requisits. 3. Weeks become months. 4. Probably you are invited to an assessment. You fail. You continue applying and failing assessments. 5. Your license expires. You need money to revalidate it. 6. You are not building hours and your last flight was 12 months ago. 7. It repits and repits...

[@Cars-k8e]

Some are lucky and some are not. Some get a job within a few weeks and some never

[@Doggepe]

@@Cars-k8e None or "fake" flight school screenings (they just want your money) is a part of this. Airlines screen pilots to get people who can deal with the training and the job it self, which isn't something the schools look for in the end. If you keep failing, you probably were not meant for it.

[@Cars-k8e]

@ that’s very true. Not everyone is made for it

[@JoshiNAround88]

why wouldn't you continue to be a CFI (if that is the route you took to build hours) to continue getting flight hours and money, even if its not alot. Just sounds like a negative way to approach it

[@Robsoncwb86]

It’s about who u know and not what u know as bottom line .

[@Marc443]

I flew nearly 18 years with up to 10 overnights per month. Spent great time, but the truth is, the crew is not replacing your friends and family. So it remains duty. Now, with point-to-point, every night in my own bed and fixed days off gives me more. Driving to the airport, flying 2 or 4 legs and going home again!

[@Danikoscs]

so youre seeing your family and friends more?

[@HelloOnepiece]

@@Danikoscs Based on his description, yeah, it sound closer to your normal 8-5 job

[@giqua21]

Now I’m through ATPL, after did a lot of jobs in restaurants and some other shit trust me, we’re extremely lucky to do this wonderful “job”

[@nicolo4439]

Coming from the restaurant sector, and now going through the Aviation career, I personally 100% agree with you

[@SJKraken]

Being long haul captain for some time ago and made the long journey to be at the left seat, best adventure of my life, the satisfaction is only second to be a father, this career took my to fly over Omaha beach, visit Europe every month and different historical places, share with another aviation nerds at Airadventure, fly in warbirds, meet awesome people, Use yours skills and passion go and fight for yours goals is hard but worth it.

[@zakariaryanmechkak3761]

apparently you are barely able to visit your family especially if you for longhaul flights is this true? if so how did u manage?

[@SJKraken]

@ well depends which are yours parameters I spend in average 13-14 days at home except a couple of months each year due to high cargo demand. That kind of schedule demands more organization but I have a lot of time with my family and friends. Mora than a job is a way of life and if you understand and embrace that you’ll love it.

[@zakariaryanmechkak3761]

@@SJKraken ohh so in the end it's how u organise thanks that was very insightful

[@noeldinelli]

it's great to see you also talk about the negatives and the reality and what to expect when being a pilot! It's very interesting and a good reality check. Keep up the great work!

[@Pascalklr]

Thank you 🙌

[@TJ_GAming001]

Ah yes thank goodness we have another Pascal video! Also great topic which I don't think gets spoken about enough to those who want this amazing career option.

[@Pascalklr]

Thanks a lot mate! Hope you enjoyed it. Have a good one ✌️

[@Kplawy]

The job stability thing was a major factor for me! Landed my first job in 2017, only to lose it 8 months later due to bankruptcy. Found another job later in 2018 only to lose it in 2020 due to the pandemic. Then had to take a 3 year hiatus from flying, doing a job on the ground, only to land another job with a major airline that was a HUGE disappointment! Now on my 4th airline job (and 4th type rating), hopefully set for life .........

[@GaboH-h7s]

I wanted to be a commercial pilot, my neighbour was a pilot and then 9/11 happened and he lost his job, it took him a long time to recover from that, I then decided to study engineering and today I am a private pilot but just as a hobby, I hire a plane and travel at least once a month with my family, I have done a couple of aerobatic lessons. I couldn't be happier.

[@zakariaryanmechkak3761]

how hard was engineering for you? and how long did it take for you to save up for a ppl? id like to become a pilot as well and im currently pursuing the engineering route towords becoming a pilot but i dont have any idea as to how much im going to have to save and for how long to achieve my dream

[@GaboH-h7s]

@zakariaryanmechkak3761 mm not too difficult, I ended up in the automation industry. I don't remember exactly how long it took but something around 4 years, because I got a recreational pilot's licence first, that's the fastest way to get you in the air and make some hours and then eventually I got the private pilot's licence. The cost is also hard to calculate because I was paying my lessons per hour so I could do them whenever I had time

[@zakariaryanmechkak3761]

@@GaboH-h7s thanks alot at least I have a rough idea now really appreciate it

[@pilot-vp1]

I finished my training last year, went down the easa route and then Brexit happened. Now I have to do it all again for the UK Caa

[@jackn.s.6986]

beautiful! you are the reason why I'm preparing for the DLR and started pursuing this carrer. thank you very much Pascal. happy holidays

[@mrtheodore7398]

Thanks Pascal, you're a source of inspiration for all future pilots as I expect to be one of them. Keep going !

[@Pascalklr]

Thank you very much! That means a lot 🙌 all the best for you 💪

[@mrtheodore7398]

@Pascalklr you deserve it, what I learned with your videos is so important for the future, even if it could be details, it matters

[@adrianmaroga1963]

I want to become a pilot as well. This information is a source for motivation. Thanks, Pascal! 👏

[@ItxWavey]

You know its a good day when Pascal posts. Also stunning stars at 1:31

[@Pascalklr]

the stars over central africa are one of a kind! Thanks for watching 🙌

[@KingHack123]

Hi Pascal. just wanted to say your videos have inspired me a lot. I really enjoy watching them. I’m 18 now and have just started ground school. I have my agk and pof exam tomorrow. Hopefully all goes well 🙌

[@Pascalklr]

That’s awesome to hear! All the best for you tomorrow 🙌💪 thanks a lot for the compliment!

[@TheAlternative_27]

Nowadays I've realized that I may have to go to some sketchy places to fly to get my hours as the economy isn't doing that well, but I've accepted the cons. I'd have such a regret if I wouldn't do my best to get into aviation that it's not really even a choice not to go to flight school.

[@stevenwest000]

Another great video, thanks Pascal! Merry Christmas 🎄

[@Pascalklr]

Happy holidays! Thank you very much 🙌✌️

[@neil21261]

See the thing is, becoming an airline pilot has been a dream of mine ever since I was a child. I'm at the point where I finished my APS MCC and am applying with several airlines which are willing to hire non-type rated cadets. The fact that I have no control over the recruitment process and how long it will take is overwhelming. My only hope is to at least get an assessment date... I don't even expect to have six figures annually but at least a position that enables me to do what I've dreamed of for years and get something out of it.

[@Yaco_Taco]

One thing that has changed pretty recently is that most regional airlines at least in the US start first officers at $90+ an hour, and with the amount of flying happening now you can easily make 100k a year. It can be tricky to move on to mainline though.

[@waschmaschinenfreund]

Unfortunately the pay differences between Europe and US are quiet big… This would be a dream for any European pilot :)

[@Pilot_Diallo]

We are pilot for the love and passion

[@westerlywinds5684]

Why the constant strikes for higher wages if passion is what matters.

[@bahenbihen]

Are we though? Once you get to an airline your perspective shifts a bit. Work is work.

[@yungtayygaming]

Love your videos, makes my day!!

[@Pascalklr]

Glad you like them!✌️🙌

[@patnovalive6865]

This is a great video, we couldn't have asked for more. May you continue to be blessed.

[@belegestel_]

Nice glasses! Secondly, you're probably one of main reasons why after finishing my compsci studies I plan on going to a flightschool. Thank you!

[@NiXB5]

Looks like Mauritius. Awesome cockpit view!

[@musicfan5921]

I was on my way to become a pilot but i chose the wrong school, at least for me it was the wrong one since i faced discrimination and got called fat ugly and stinky I kid you not, i went away from there and found a new life in the railway, of course i miss flying but in my eyes all that money and time, to be treated like that and then uncertainty of what to do to get money from it, was absolute not worth it. Of course I miss flying sometimes and maybe someday I will, but not feeling that passion anymore.

[@geisterfurz007]

Thanks for your work Pascal! I recently got rejected at EFA after completely blowing the interview in basically every imaginable way but your videos are an inspiration and reminder to keep it up, improve on myself as a person and give it another shot when I am ready. You have no idea how valuable your videos are to me these days :)

[@Athena_2812]

Can I ask what went wrong at the Interview?

[@romanporetti]

Yes pls share what heppened :)

[@geisterfurz007]

@@Athena_2812 It was a combination of (in hindsight) subpar preparation and nerves getting to me. My confidence just went out the window and with it the pieces of preparation I _did_ do. I made statements and referred to situations that simply have no place in an interview where you want to show that you are indeed a great pilot (for instance I mentioned a rather heated argument I had with my boss in the past and responding to the question of what I'd like to learn in general moving forward, my response was "calm my temper" which _might_ have been a reasonable answer 3 years ago but I have learned my lesson - it's just not a current "issue" anymore). I also don't think I made a strong enough case as to why being a pilot is the right career for me. The excitement didn't really shine through, my answers in that direction were genuinely lacking and had some other flaws (for instance I painted pilots as "one of the two professions that connect the world next to container ship captains" which is a remarkably wrong statement concidering all of the planning, logistics, support, operations, dispatch, flight crew, management, etc. all working to _allow_ pilots to connect the world). One of the present FOs was visibly unhappy with that as well. It might also have been a bad result in one of the many psychology questionnaires but after the interview, I was rather certain that I wasn't going to find a positive result in my inbox. All of the questions that were asked were incredibly fair and reasonable - I just didn't hold up in the situation. So before my next attempt at an ab-initio application, I definitely know that more preparation is in order (a _lot_ more) as well as a coaching to improve my resilience in the interview environment.

[@geisterfurz007]

@@romanporetti See post above :)

[@philippeheer4181]

Well done. Good and honest feedback. I spent my first 30 years in Corporate America and since 9 years fly as professional pilot (on a second career basis). While I agree with all that you stated, ... I still would not go back to flying a desk.

[@connershepherd998]

As someone who has spent the last 5 years as a OTR driver out for 1-3 weeks at a time and getting 34 hrs-3 days home I’m thinking the shift towards piloting would be worth the lifestyle

[@habeas-corpus]

Nice video pascal!! Happy holidays for you!!

[@Pascalklr]

Happy holidays! Thanks a lot 🙌

[@Athena_2812]

Hey Pascal! Thanks for the new video❤ I love your videos, they're so inspiring and interesting! I was really excited when I saw that you uploaded, haha :). Have an amazing day! By the way, did you fix your pilot shirt that ripped in the last video? 😂 And congrats on your first sponsor!! I'm so happy for you :D

[@-DC-]

FO Position ATR being advertised in the UK 35k a year nights on a Freight Operator, Don't all apply at once

[@pascal7044]

To be honest, when i see these vlog-like videos i can't help but feel like it is a lonely job. the colleagues you have are constantly in rotation, and they are always either senior or junior to you. free time has to be managed efficiently, and when layovers wear off in excitement as well i don't know if it is worth it. Don't get me wrong, my heartbeat increases when i'm just looking at a picture of a cockpit, but i think the airlines are not the place i want to spend decades working. It could indeed be that the overall flight time and landings make up for it all though. Anyways, thanks for giving an honest insight into the job!

[@SamJR01]

Again awsome video. You keep me motivated. Nice landings.

[@Pascalklr]

Thanks a lot 💪✌️

[@bencochrane6112]

Dude, as a teacher I do 12 hour days back to back 4 days a week. Friday is only 8.

[@f-zg2yw]

pilots are slightly delusional

[@AngeloBill]

That's great news Pascal, im always inspired every time I watch one of your videos. In your next QnA video could you please talk about how non German natives can get admitted at EFA.

[@2DeltaBrosAviation]

YAY PASCAL UPLOADED!!!!!!!!

[@Pascalklr]

Enjoy the video 🙌

[@2DeltaBrosAviation]

@ I did especially since I want to be a pilot keep up the good work!

[@iamryainos]

😢your videos keep my dream alive...

[@Pascalklr]

That's awesome! Thanks for watching 🙌

[@MRS_.PERFECT]

Yes a new video Have a good night

[@Pascalklr]

Enjoy the video 🙌 Thank you ✌️

[@human-y7m]

Well i mean no job is perfect and for every job there will be cons but finding a more job u enjoy is the best thing dven if you dont sometimes

[@Haike3497]

Diese Art von Video ist so wichtig und richtig!

[@jeanpaulpeters2963]

One thing that strikes me always with pilot youtubers is that they always mention huge debt to finance flight training. This is because most of them followed an integrated training which cost them a lot and had personally to get into debt to finance it. But I know quite a few pilots who completed their whole flight training while working on the side and managed to pay their entire training on their own, without contracting any debt and for some of them without any family aid, so think carefully before mortgaging your parents' house, there are alternatives other than pure debt

[@NodaxWoW]

too late. i literally just mortgaged my parents house 😂

[@BLX-Random]

Awesome Video as always! I hope you had a nice layover in Mauritius. Would it be possible to release that POV from (11:50)ish as a short on youtube? I think a lot of people including me would like it. I really loved the TUI Shorts you used to upload almost daily .

[@Pascalklr]

Definitely will do so 🙌💪

[@twaritsarodia4441]

Really love your dedication n transperency sir keep posting good content ❤️ happy landings 🍰

[@javacup912]

Great video, and good points, and the reality is abundant. Pilot's career is not what once used to be. Seems you're adjusting well, and at your age, flexibility works to your advantage. I like the way you blurred the PFDs, and MFDs on the cockpit videos, probably at company's request. Obviously an European airline as the 5 feet call out is not on US flown A320 family. As for the 1500 hr rule you mentioned, it only applies to pilots in the US. To my knowledge, EASA, or any other non-US regulatory agencies have not implemented that stupid requirement which drives pilot's cost very high. Overall, great video views indeed, and an honest perspective. Happy flying.

[@Cars-N-Jets]

Could watch your videos all day. I would love to see you Captain Joe & Captain Chris collab

[@Pascalklr]

I actually have a Vid with Joey on the channel, go check it out. Glad you like the content 🙌

[@Cars-N-Jets]

@@Pascalklr 👍🏻

[@rydemelon]

love your videos man! have a nice day :)

[@Pascalklr]

you too! Thank you 🙌

[@Simflex2999]

Pilot PascalKlr enjoy your fantastic life & fantastic job. Thanks for great video, best wishes 😎

[@linzixuan29]

In Singapore, it's not as low as you describe, Singapore don't really have region as Singapore is too small to fly region

[@Productive7171]

Is totally worth it

[@gelb-und-schwarz]

1:54 I certainly did not expect to see a shot of my hometown 😅! Another great video, danke Pascal!

[@Pascalklr]

Glad you enjoyed it! 🙌

[@vadimyakovlev8753]

Why did you blur the displays?

[@dekar43]

Thanks for the informative video! Small question, I noticed you blur out the PFD and ND but not the ECAMs, so that's made me curious as to why? Happy Holidays!!

[@Pascalklr]

that is due to my company Guidelines. Thanks for watching 🙌

[@twog04]

I want to be a pilot but i dont think i have the money unfortunately, but im still going to try!

[@fakhri65]

When you got dream of become an pilot?

[@sasanmanprinceofpersia1233]

How old were you when you started your journey?

[@tangoseven825]

why do you blur the flight displays?

[@Pilot.Olaf1]

It is great at Icelandair and USA aviation 😎

[@KellenKinman-lq2us]

Wait you say follow your hobbies but what if planes and flying are my hobbies. By the way this video was so informative and useful for me a person who wants to one day become a pilot for an airline.

[@gracemuwanguzi7008]

wow amazing and thank you

[@Pascalklr]

thanks for watching 🙌

[@Kafkaesqueeyes]

Your disappointnent was palpable 😅3:51

[@EdvinIsac]

Why do you blur the screens?

[@AviationFan1628]

Hey I have a question, Can I become a pilot with spectacles? Also, I've heard some airlines offer Cadet Pilot Programs like IndiGo and Air India, here in India. Do cadet pilot programs assure you a job in the company?

[@westjetairlines5530]

What made you fly airbus over Boeing?

[@GrandToledo]

Hi Pascal! Great videos, fantastic channel! I have a quick and maybe silly question. Why do you blur the PFD and ND in your videos? Sorry if you might have already answered this question somewhere. Best wishes from LSZH!

[@robertATC60]

Good advice

[@DeluxeLog]

Why on 2:30 you blur out the navigation display?

[@tarob5331]

Do you have to pay for the hotels by your self? or is the Airline booking the Hotels for you ? Thank you for this Video, I want to become a Pilot and work pretty hard to become one.

[@QueensAnomaly]

Hey, great video as always but I have a question. Is it discover airlines sop to blur the pfd and mfd I do not believe it shows any info not already known by the flightsim community

[@BlueMcGuy]

Very nice video :D Danke

[@Pascalklr]

Thank you very much!🙌

[@niksyan]

I saw your plane on flightradar24. I guess you fly to Windhoek as well right?

[@adityajain6733]

1:13 Vistara mentioned

[@hammadshut4368]

Do you recommend doing a 4 year college degree while simultaneously collecting funds for flight school, and then go to flight school for pilot training?

[@bjuu00]

I was about to ask the same thing

[@kiloslouch4379]

go to a university with a flight school

[@julianvonberg5456]

Hi. Im going to start my pilot training next year. Just wondering how oftern you fly to the same routes?

[@LennardA320]

Why are your Primary and Navigation display blurred?

[@thinkingnomad]

wait till you get through your first pilot surplus market

[@Anime-Clips._YT]

Du bist so ein cooler pilot und ich liebe deine Videos! Ich hab aber eine frage: was hältst du von dem Plan dass ich meine Pilotenausbildung bei einer Airline mache und da dann ein paar jahre bin und dann diese ganzen anfänglichen coolen momente mit nehme und dann wenn ich genug Flugstunden hab oder keine Ahnung was die Anforderungen genau sind anfange als flight instructor in der usa zu arbeiten?

[@MDE_never_dies]

Any General Aviation experience or did you go straight to an Airline?

[@direstrait5418]

Just go straight there..if they like you then you'll be successful if they don't your wasting your time, it's experience that counts these days.

[@SeviPanicz]

W video keep it up 😘

[@nightsky7992]

Hi, thanks for the video. I'd like to ask if flight schools check your school grades. I have good grades in math and physics, but not very good grades in history or biology

[@Athena_2812]

I generally don't think your grades play a huge role if you want to become a pilot but if you're good in math nd physics, you don't need to worry

[@ignazgumpanferdl5339]

Kommst mit mir auf Baustelle arbeit machen 16std, aber nix pause schlafen, roboti, essen, roboti…..

[@aero3831]

2:13 why are the flight instruments blurred?

[@MaxGama13]

Airline policies

[@derrabauke187]

Dude somehow the german audiotrack was auto-selected I was so damn confused why ure using text2speech AI voices hahaha

[@Max_mpi]

Wohin fliegs du als Pilot eigentlich am liebsten ?

[@Pascalklr]

Ich finde Namibia mit am besten 🙂✌️

[@Max_mpi]

Verständlich, Danke für die Antwort 😀

[@TrollMeister_]

It’s just like dating and marriage. The initial euphoria will wear off soon

[@FelipeThePIlot]

Do you have glider license?

[@Pascalklr]

No I don’t. Have a good one ✌️

[@socdaalfilmsvlogs]

❤❤

[@girotto5467]

You think 27 years old is too late to start from the zero?

[@FSXpilotman]

Really a need to censor the PFD and MFD?

[@toefurrrrr]

Im broke so being a pilot is impossible

[@michaelsaxton9416]

Dude, you're giving great info your cinematography. It's pretty good. I just cannot listen to you with your German accent. The whole time I'm thinking that you're about to start marching with some very straight legs and talking about the fatherland.

[@mobsh1loh123]

excuse me? 2:32

[@Watdedonner]

Sorry..but your reality check is not very real. It is a very fickle job costing huge money. Not worth it.

[@samimaghrabi1247]

you really love touching your hands dont you?

[@_________1844]

It seems like you got yourself into the wrong career. Sorry about that.

[@Athena_2812]

What are you talking about??? I think it's perfect for him

[@powshredder3716]

oh oh he bought the serial killer glasses

[@end1ng756]

Love your videos. Great vibe and very motivational 😃

[@Pascalklr]

Thanks a lot 🙌