Being a Pilot can be a demanding job. That’s why we pride ourselves on our industry-leading work rules and our world-class culture. Pilots are people first, with lives outside of the flight deck. We sat down with Republic Airways First Officer Bharat Lakshmanan to learn more about how he finds work-life balance and how the Republic culture makes a difference.
For Bharat, family always comes first. When he’s not flying, you can find him spending quality time with his parents and sibling at home in Florida. “Thanks to Republic’s policy of no junior manning, I can enjoy my off days without worrying about getting called in,” Bharat explains. “I know that when I’m off, I’m off,” he emphasizes.
Junior manning is a common practice in the aviation industry. In fact, it’s rare to find airlines who don’t practice junior manning. “It’s a unique perk at Republic,” Bharat points out. “I’m thankful that when I’m home, I can just relax and focus on my family and my passions outside of aviation.”
“Every once in a while I need some flexibility in my schedule, especially as a commuter,” says Bharat. From his home in Florida, Bharat’s trips start with a drive to Orlando, and a nonstop flight to Pittsburgh. “Sometimes it can add a whole day onto my trip.”
When Bharat needs a little time off, or just needs to shift a trip around to better fit his life, he turns to his fellow Pilots. “With trip trading and reserve day trading, I can work it out with my colleagues if something comes up.” While he knows he won’t always get exactly what he wants, Bharat has found his coworkers are more than willing to help out when he needs it.
For Bharat, that willingness to lend a hand doesn’t stop with picking up a trip or two. “I firmly believe that Republic’s culture is top notch,” he states. “Everyone is involved and invested. Everyone is there to help out.”
“I don’t often have bad days at Republic,” Bharat says with a smile. “If I do, though, it doesn’t last long. I’m always excited to fly with my colleagues.” Knowing his team at Republic has his back makes Bharat want to give back. “I want to continue mentoring. Everybody helped me get to where I am now, I want to keep paying it forward.”
If you want to join Bharat and fly at an airline with leading work rules and world-class culture, apply to Republic Airways today.