Do commercial pilots always fly the same route?

Most airlines use a Preferential Bidding System to determine routes. Basically, pilots submit which routes they want to fly (based on location, schedule, etc.) and then a system assigns them routes, with more senior pilots having preference on getting their choices.



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They are monitored by air traffic control stations they pass along the way. Pilots rely heavily on computerised controls and with the assistance of the autopilot and the flight management computer, steer the plane along their planned route.

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Reroutes may be issued due to weather, excess volume, active military airspace, or other reasons. Normally, air traffic controllers will clear a flight via the route specified by traffic management. The flight may be rerouted in the air or on the ground.

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The short answer is: No, we do not have regular routes. We can fly any number of routes in a given month. An airline's mechanism to schedule pilots and flight attendants is complicated and crewmembers themselves are responsible for selecting a schedule that meets their needs every month.

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Long-haul pilots will fly one leg to another country, layover for a day or more, and fly back. Most pilots will work for four days and then have three days off. This results in an average of 15 days off a month.

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Nature of flights Long-haul flights are generally those that last beyond six hours. Indeed, pilots flying long-haul only operate one or potentially two flights each day, while those making short hops can even operate as many as four to five flights a day, and a turboprop pilot will operate even more.

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Managing fatigue is a challenge, particularly when flying overnight (red-eye) flights. Some countries allow pilots to take controlled naps to improve alertness during the landing. So far, the U.S. has not allowed this fatigue mitigation. Pilots keep flight deck lights up, and engage in conversation to help keep alert.

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Some airlines compensate pilots for significantly long times between flights (usually two hours or more), but this time is only partially paid. The 30-45 minutes spent in the cockpit prior to push is not usually paid, which has a significant effect on the overall pay of pilots who operate short flights.

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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.

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A typical day for a pilot will be 6-13 hours and you will fly 1-4 flight segments during that timeframe. When you're not working you will a have a layover.

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The simple answer is yes, pilots do, and are allowed to sleep during flight but there are strict rules controlling this practice. Pilots would only normally sleep on long haul flights, although sleep on short haul flights is permitted to avoid the effects of fatigue.

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Flight instructors and pilots who fly short-haul domestic flights are able to be home every night more or less; however, airline pilots who fly longer routes are unable to go home every night and can be away from home for up to two weeks at a time.

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(d) No pilot may fly more than 32 hours during any seven consecutive days, and each pilot must be relieved from all duty for at least 24 consecutive hours at least once during any seven consecutive days.

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Flight times within the duty periods are restricted to a maximum of 8 hours for flight crews consisting of one pilot and 10 hours for flight crews consisting of two pilots. The 8-hour and 10-hour flight time limitations include any additional commercial flying performed by the flight crew during the period.

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If the flight is longer than 12 hours, a fourth pilot (second officer) is required.

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