Pilot training – five common spouse questions Published July 16, 2013 By Sarina Houston 3rd Flying Training Squadron key spouse VANCE AIR FORCE BASE, Okla. -- When a student begins undergraduate pilot training, their significant others are left with a lot of questions. Here are some of the most common questions asked by student pilot spouses -- and future spouses. Should we get married during pilot training? It's up to you, of course, but here's my take: Get married before or after, but not during. A wedding during pilot training is logistically difficult. Taking leave is frowned upon and even if it's granted, it can be revoked for any number of reasons. The timeline for a class varies according to a myriad of issues, and it's nearly impossible to set a wedding date with such an unpredictable schedule. Add to the erratic schedule a huge amount of stress and your soon-to-be spouse won't be the least bit interested in talking about bouquets and bridal parties. If you just can't wait, you could get married legally with a courthouse wedding and celebrate with a traditional ceremony later. Should we have a baby during pilot training? Having a baby during pilot training can be very difficult, especially if it's a first child. Student pilots are stressed and new moms are hormonal. The combination sounds pretty intense. But the old adage remains true: If you wait for the right time to have a baby, you'll never have one. You might try to avoid having a newborn during the first or second phase of pilot training, when the stress level is highest for students. Keep in mind that your husband probably won't be able to go to many doctor appointments with you and might be studying boldface material during labor class -- or worse, during labor. But having a baby toward the end of, or right after, pilot training has been a positive experience for many. Will I be able to find a job while my spouse is in pilot training? Most likely, yes. Some spouses find it difficult to find work at first, but persistence and an open mind usually help. If you're in a common career field like teaching or nursing, chances are good that you'll find a job. Spouses in more specialized career fields may find the job search more challenging. You may have to get creative, but there's usually something out there that fits. The Airman & Family Readiness Center offers career support services for spouses. What is there to do in Enid, anyway? There are a lot of things going on in Enid, and most people end up liking it here. Even those that claim Enid is boring find that they miss it when they leave. Downtown Enid is growing, with new shops, restaurants and events. Downtown businesses participate in a First Friday event, and Enid hosts a Farmers Market in the summer. There are museums, coffee shops, tons of kids' activities and plenty of volunteer opportunities. Should I join my spouse during pilot training? Yes! Spouses tend to hear all about how stressful pilot training is and they wonder if they should join their husband or wife. After all, it's just for a year. They can stay home and work while their spouse focuses on flying. This works for some people, but don't let the stressful environment be the deciding factor. Student pilots appreciate having the support of their significant other with them during the year. Your spouse will work hard during training, but it's also a fun and rewarding time. You'll be glad you came! Sarina is the Key Spouse for the 3rd Flying Training Squadron and is married to Capt. Jacob Houston in the 3rd FTS at Vance AFB.