Hi <img src="smile.gif" border="0">
This can be a stupid question but I want to know.. .What is the usual schedule for a longhaul airline pilot? How much time does he spend outside each month?
Many Thanx in afvance <img src="wink.gif" border="0">
plz some one reply, I really need to know.
TowerDog
3rd Feb 2002, 18:59
Schedules vary from airline to airline.
Some longhauls I did was only 40 to 45 hrs per month, say 10 days on the road, 20 days home.
Other companies work ya right up to the legal limit of 120 hrs per month and 30 days on the road.
Oh I see,. .So do you have an option to choose [upon which your salar may vary] ??
Oh and thanks for replying
Lucifer
5th Feb 2002, 15:45
I all depends on what routes are awarded/bid for, how much rest is achieved, and whether the company is constrained by unions on an upper limit of hours or works to the maximum proscribed by the governing authority.
For example in BA the routes are bid for by preference of 'line' (ie month of work) which may give either low hours if you have leave in that month, or high if you wish to earn more flying hours or allowances, though you are unable to continue gaining high hours above the normal limit, as that forces the company to pay overtime (which they do not like) so you are then constrained to do a low-hours month.
If you spend a month flying to the East cost of the US from London, you may never reach the company limit, however be away from home often and be tired; if you work West coast and Africa, you may be hime more and less tired, but away for a longer period and home for a longer period (ie instead of working 3 days and getting 2 off, you go for 4/5 and get 3 off - it all depends). If you work very long haul eg Australia, you may be away for as long as 10-12 days, then be home for a week before working next. Of course all these routes are mixed and what you get may depend on what other higher in the company want to do.
Basically, there is no usual schedule, unless perhaps if you are in a very small company, though pilots can expect to work about 80-90 hours (flying) per month - that does not include office admin prior to flight, or any other duties such as running a conference etc.
Lucifer
5th Feb 2002, 15:47
Plus your salary is fixed if you work the normal hours required of you per month (when it averages out over the year) - the variation comes in allowances awarded at each destination.