How many hours a week do pilots work?

Airline pilots fly an average of 75 hours per month and work an additional 150 hours per month performing other duties, such as checking weather conditions and preparing flight plans. Pilots have variable work schedules that may include several days of work followed by some days off.

How many hours do pilots do a week?

60 duty hours in any 7 consecutive days. 110 duty hours in any 14 consecutive days. 190 duty hours in any 28 consecutive days. 1,180 duty hours in any 12 consecutive calendar months.

How many hours do pilots work per day?

Many pilots work an average duty day of 13 hours. The maximum duty day for a pilot can't exceed 16 hours according to the FAA's current rules. The duty time is the time a pilot is on the job and available to fly. The typical day of an airline pilot will usually start the night before.

How many days per week do pilots work?

Pilots operate in a 24-hour, 7 days a week, 365 days per year environment. They often set out to work as most people are heading home for the day or getting ready to sleep.

How many hours a week can airline pilots work?

The rules limit pilots to a maximum of 60 hours of flight duty per week, defined as 168 consecutive hours. In any consecutive 28-day period, a pilot cannot exceed 290 hours, of which no more than 100 can be flight time.

Truth About a Pilot's Work Schedule | Airline Pilot Explains

Do pilots have a good work life balance?

Being a successful airline pilot is not like a 9-to-5 job. Pilots can't expect to put in their hours, come home, and expect a warm, home-cooked meal every day. Even the hours of pilot schedules can vary. Some days, pilots will work for five hours.

Do pilots get weekends off?

We average 11-14 days off per month and most pilots will fly several weekends and most holidays unless you are senior. This usually means four 4-day trips (for me) with 2-4 days off between trips. Some senior pilots can get weekends off and choose to only fly 60-70 hours with 16-17 days off.

Do pilots have a lot of free time?

FAQ. Do pilots have free time? Yes, pilots have free time. Junior pilots have a minimum of 12 days off per month, whereas the average pilot gets 15 days off per month and a senior pilot can enjoy up to 20 days off per month.

Is pilot a stressful job?

An airline pilot can be an extremely stressful job due to the workload, responsibilities and safety of the thousands of passengers they transport around the world. Chronic levels of stress can negatively impact one's health, job performance and cognitive functioning.

Do pilots have a family life?

In short, it´s not about choosing between having a family vs being a pilot, you can have both, but it´s not a normal 9 to 5 job and you´ll have to be prepared for that, both you and your family.

Do pilots make it home every night?

Pilots who fly short routes can go home every night, while long-haul pilots usually work 15 days a month and get 15 days off. Keep reading to learn more about the often-punishing schedule that pilots keep.

Do pilots make good money?

According to The May 2021 Occupational Outlook Handbook, the Bureau of Labor Statistics, the salary for commercial pilots is $99,640 per year. The median annual wage for airline pilots, copilots and flight engineers is $202,180.

What age do pilots retire?

Reflecting trends in improved health and longevity, the mandatory retirement age for pilots was last raised from 60 to 65 in 2007.

How often are pilots away from home?

The most labor-intensive schedule might place a pilot out of base for 12-15 nights in a month. An entire month's schedule for a "line holder" commonly includes four 4-day trips. Three of these nights are spent away from home, while the fourth day of the trip lands the crew member back in their domicile city.

What does a pilots schedule look like?

Airline pilots fly an average of 75 hours per month and work an additional 150 hours per month performing other duties, such as checking weather conditions and preparing flight plans. Pilots have variable work schedules that may include several days of work followed by some days off.

How much do pilots make a day?

A regional airline pilots in the U.S. typically starts out making an hourly rate of $20 – $50 per hour, or about $20,000-$40,000 per year, depending on the airline, type of aircraft, and the pilot's experience level.

Is getting hired as a pilot hard?

It is pretty hard to become an airline pilot. The most difficult aspect of becoming an airline pilot isn't so much learning to fly a plane, but more the written and practical tests you must take and pass along the way. It takes around 4 to 5 years to become an airline pilot.

Is the life of a pilot hard?

The lifestyle of a professional pilot can be quite challenging. Pilots often have to work long hours and are often away from home for extended periods of time. However, pilots also enjoy many benefits, such as flexible schedules, dedicated time off, and an above-average income at the airline level.

Do pilots get depressed?

Pilots suffer from anxiety and depression just as the rest of the population does. But they seem to be even less likely than those in other careers to seek support and treatment.

Do pilots have a high divorce rate?

Lower Divorce Rates

This one is a surprise to many, but it's true – pilots have a lower divorce rate.

Do pilots pay for their own hotel?

Do pilots pay for their own hotels? The airline handles and pays for accommodations for crewmembers when they are on a trip. Many pilots do not live where they are based and choose to commute.

How often do pilots see their families?

In terms of actual days, some publications say most short-haul pilots will either travel home every day if possible or work for five days and then spend three or four days at home. Long-haul pilots are said to spend more time away from home, although they do get 10 to 15 days off per month to see their families.

Do airline pilots families fly free?

Family members may fly free when space is available or at discounted rates. Flying stand-by is a common benefit, but it can be challenging when there is a group. Some airlines provide “buddy passes” to pilots to share with friends and families.

What are the pros and cons of being a pilot?

Do pilots get Christmas off?

It's rather well established that junior staff members at airlines carry the companies through Thanksgiving and Christmas. Most employees make bonuses on Christmas, but the majority of pilots who can have an off day on Christmas take advantage of this.