Dating an airforce pilot

If the pilot is coming out of the military, the training environment is one that they've probably experienced before.

But if they've built their experience in the civilian world⁠—being a flight instructor, towing banners, or something similar⁠—they're probably as clueless about the process as their loved one.

After training, a pilot's time home is often brief, and then they'll be off to their reserve location, which means that they have to live near the airport in case they are called upon to fly.

It is also a temporary situation, fulfilled while the pilot waits to "fly the line" at their regular gig, but that doesn't mean it's not challenging.

And they may always wonder exactly what the pilot is doing while in faraway cities without them, perhaps while they're raising a family largely on their own.

But the job makes being married or in a serious relationship complicated.

The erratic schedule, especially in the early years on the job, and the long periods away from home make it hard to maintain a relationship.

Often, the last thing they want to do is hop on another airplane.

A pilot who attains seniority can bid for a schedule that suits their needs, making it possible for them to⁠—finally⁠—be home on Christmas and attend important school functions for their kids.

And the good news for all pilots is that when they're home, they're home.