What Is the Divorce Rate of Pilots in Texas?

Being a pilot is a demanding, high-stress occupation. The nature of the job also requires pilots to be away from home frequently. These and other factors can strain a marriage, making the divorce rate for pilots in Texas and across the country high.

Our high-net-worth divorce attorneys guide clients in Dallas through the process. We can help if you are a pilot or the spouse of a pilot and are seeking a divorce.

Factors Contributing to High Divorce Rates Among Pilots

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) reports that the divorce rate in Texas is 1.9 divorces per 1,000 marriages. However, some occupations, including piloting, have a higher divorce rate than others. According to LoveToKnow, the divorce rate of pilots is 30.5 percent. The publication states that the airline pilot divorce rate is so high that there is even an industry term for it: Aviation-Induced Divorce Syndrome.

According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, Texas employs more commercial pilots than any other state. Texas is home to numerous Military operations, flight schools, and several airports, including Dallas-Fort Worth International Airport. Unfortunately, the demands of the occupation contribute to the high divorce rate among pilots. Factors that contribute to the rate of divorce include:

Work Schedule and Long Hours

Pilots work long hours, unpredictable schedules, and the job can take them away from their spouses and children for several days or longer. In addition, the job is stressful and tiring, which can lead to pilots feeling “burned out,” meaning that when they are home, they may not be giving their best to their families.

Impact of Frequent Travel on Relationships

Frequent travel can have a broader impact on a relationship than just taking the pilot away from home.

When a pilot is gone, and their spouse is home managing the household and family, it can be an adjustment for all parties when the pilot returns. The pilot may feel like an outsider, while their spouse may view their presence as an interruption to the daily operations, leaving everyone feeling disconnected, frustrated, and out of sorts.

Additionally, overnight travel in close proximity with other pilots and flight attendants can create opportunities for infidelity.

Stress and Mental Health Concerns

Piloting is a high-stress occupation. It can be difficult to leave that stress at work. The demands of the job can cause anxiety, depression, and other mental health issues that can affect a marriage.

Challenges Faced by Pilot Families During Divorce

Pilot families can face some unique challenges during a divorce. Considerations for pilot families involved in a divorce include:

Spousal support (alimony) – Many pilots earn a high salary, and the spouses of high-earning individuals become accustomed to a particular lifestyle. To maintain this lifestyle, the court may order a pilot to pay their spouse a substantial amount of spousal support.
Child custody – Child custody arrangements for pilot families can be difficult to manage due to the pilot’s work and travel schedule. The long hours and frequent trips can make it more challenging for pilots to get the custody agreement they desire.
The division of property and assets – Because piloting can be a high-net-worth occupation, there may be numerous assets and properties to divide in a divorce, including stocks, investments, and real estate holdings.
Retirements and insurance – Pilots typically receive significant and complex benefits and retirement packages as part of their compensation. Spouses may need to divide these benefits, and the pilot may need to name new beneficiaries on some accounts.

If you are a pilot family going through the divorce process, an attorney with our law firm can help. We focus on high-net-worth divorces and know how to handle the complexities of these types of cases.

Pilots vs. Other Professions

Around one-third of marriages involving a pilot end in divorce. Comparatively, LoveToKnow reports that other jobs with the highest divorce rates include:

Gaming managers and gaming service workers (52.9 to 50.3 percent)
Bartenders (52.7 percent)
Flight attendants (50.5 percent)
Switchboard operators, telemarketers, and telephone operators (49.7 to 47.8 percent)
Metals and plastics machine setters and operators (49.6 to 50.1 percent)
Massage therapists (47.8 percent)
Nurses (47 percent)
First-line supervisors of correctional officers (46.9 percent)
Dancers and choreographers (46.8 percent)

Strengthening Pilot Marriages

Pilot divorce rates are high, but around 60 percent of pilot marriages are successful. The following tips can help strengthen your relationship if you or your spouse is a pilot:

• Communicate – It may seem simple, but effective communication is key. Talk to your spouse about your feelings and concerns. When the piloting spouse is away, make sure to stay in touch and schedule regular communication.
• Prioritize mental health – Pilots and their spouses should seek professional medical help with mental health issues like depression, anxiety, and post-traumatic stress.
• Plan for travel and transitions – Make a family plan for when the pilot is traveling that ensures the stay-at-home spouse has the support they need. For example, stock the house with groceries and supplies, and enlist the help of family or friends with child care duties. Also, make a plan to ensure a smooth transition for when the pilot leaves and returns home, especially if they will be away for an extended period.
• Make the most of the time you have together – It may be tempting to tackle a to-do list when both spouses are home, but be sure to reserve quality time to spend together and do things as a family.
• Consider therapy or counseling – Attending marriage therapy or counseling can provide you with tools to help you face marital challenges.

Contact Balekian Hayes, PLLC If You Need a Divorce Attorney Today

If you need a divorce attorney in the Dallas, TX, area, Balekian Hayes, PLLC is here for you. We can help you navigate your divorce and seek a resolution that protects your future. Contact us online or call today.