2 answers
Antoine
Student
Saint-Georges, Canada
2
Questions
Asked
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what is your schedule?
I have a question for an airplane pilot.
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2 answers
Dr H
Dr. H's Research
1333
Answers
Australia
Updated
Dr’s Answer
Hey Antoine,
If you're looking for an airline pilot’s schedule, here’s the short answer: unpredictable!
One day, they’re sipping coffee at sunrise before a smooth transatlantic flight; the next, they’re battling turbulence at 3 AM, wondering if they should’ve just become a librarian-just kidding I bet they enjoy every moment, who wouldn't want to keep traveling. 😎
So I can share with you some pros and cons which hope helps out too.
The Positives:
Seeing the world from 35,000 feet (best office view ever).
Layovers in cool places—yes, sometimes they actually get to enjoy them.
The power to say, “Sorry, folks, we’re experiencing some slight delays,” and instantly become the villain of 200 passengers. 😅
The Downsides:
Jet lag. A pilot’s body clock is permanently confused.
Missing holidays, birthdays, and Taco Tuesdays.
The constant temptation of airport Cinnabon.
Pilot Schedule:
Most airline pilots work 12–15 days a month, but trips can last several days. Just as Courtney literally gave you his own experience (best to hear him out and keep asking him). Flights can be early morning, overnight (red-eyes), or back-to-back hops, so sleep schedules? Yeah, forget those.
Long-haul pilots (international flights) get longer layovers and more recovery days, while short-haul pilots are basically human ping-pong balls—up, down, repeat.
After long flights, pilots get a mandatory rest period (usually 10+ hours).
Seniority = better schedules. New pilots__They fly whatever’s left.
But if you’ve got a question for a pilot, go asking from Courtney Crain. Just don’t ask if they actually fly the plane the whole time—autopilot might feel offended.
All the best Antoine and remember you get to have the sky to yourself! 😎🎉
If you're looking for an airline pilot’s schedule, here’s the short answer: unpredictable!
One day, they’re sipping coffee at sunrise before a smooth transatlantic flight; the next, they’re battling turbulence at 3 AM, wondering if they should’ve just become a librarian-just kidding I bet they enjoy every moment, who wouldn't want to keep traveling. 😎
So I can share with you some pros and cons which hope helps out too.
The Positives:
Seeing the world from 35,000 feet (best office view ever).
Layovers in cool places—yes, sometimes they actually get to enjoy them.
The power to say, “Sorry, folks, we’re experiencing some slight delays,” and instantly become the villain of 200 passengers. 😅
The Downsides:
Jet lag. A pilot’s body clock is permanently confused.
Missing holidays, birthdays, and Taco Tuesdays.
The constant temptation of airport Cinnabon.
Pilot Schedule:
Most airline pilots work 12–15 days a month, but trips can last several days. Just as Courtney literally gave you his own experience (best to hear him out and keep asking him). Flights can be early morning, overnight (red-eyes), or back-to-back hops, so sleep schedules? Yeah, forget those.
Long-haul pilots (international flights) get longer layovers and more recovery days, while short-haul pilots are basically human ping-pong balls—up, down, repeat.
After long flights, pilots get a mandatory rest period (usually 10+ hours).
Seniority = better schedules. New pilots__They fly whatever’s left.
But if you’ve got a question for a pilot, go asking from Courtney Crain. Just don’t ask if they actually fly the plane the whole time—autopilot might feel offended.
All the best Antoine and remember you get to have the sky to yourself! 😎🎉
Courtney Crain
747 Pilot
13
Answers
West Linn, Oregon
Updated
Courtney’s Answer
As an international widebody pilot, my schedule takes me on longer trips to different countries. I am typically gone 8-10 days and home for a week. That changes every month and schedules are awarded on a bidding system. The more senior you are, the better chance you have of being awarded the type of schedule you want. Some airlines have two weeks away and two weeks at home. Some have one week on, one week off. Other airlines and planes have trips that are “out and backs” which means you can leave and come home on the same day! Those are typically very senior. Ultimately, there is a wide variety of schedules out there so figure out what works best for you and apply to that airline.