Do pilots get to choose their base?

Each pilot bids for the location they would like to be based, which is then awarded by seniority. The most desirable bases go to the most senior pilots, and the least desirable go to the most junior pilots. As a pilot, you can live anywhere and commute to your crew base.



Pilots do not get to "choose" their base in the traditional sense; instead, they "bid" for a base based on their seniority within the airline. When a pilot is hired or when new base openings occur, they submit a list of their preferred locations (domiciles). The airline's automated system then assigns the bases starting with the most senior pilot down to the most junior. This means that "junior" pilots often end up at the least desirable bases—such as those with a very high cost of living or remote locations—until they gain enough years of service to successfully bid for their home city. In 2026, with the high demand for pilots, some airlines are offering "base guarantees" as a recruitment tool to attract experienced captains, but for the majority of the industry, your base is a direct reflection of your rank and time with the company.

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Nearly all airlines have trips that do not get you back to your home every day. Pilots “lay over” in other cities and are provided per diem and a hotel for the time they are there. It is a great opportunity to see a place you may never have been, enjoy time with your crew, and rest for the next day of flying.

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How Are Pilots' Schedules Assigned? Most airlines use a seniority-based line bid system to assign flight schedules. In this method, the airline creates a numbered list of schedules. Each schedule is called a “line.” Pilots look through the schedules and rank them based on their order of preference.

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The average pilot spends 225 hours per month between flight time and ground duties, however, they are afforded anywhere from 12 to 20 days off per month depending on seniority.

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The industry is growing more rapidly than the current rate can meet. Becoming a pilot now puts you at an advantage when that demand is truly here. You'll have seniority and be in demand meaning you'll have a sky full of opportunities!

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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.

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Additionally, we'll discuss factors such as age, work stress levels, deployment frequency and more that may influence marital satisfaction amongst pilots worldwide. Pilots have a divorce rate of 30.5%, according to a study conducted on various professions.

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The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) requires two pilots at all times for most aircraft that exceed 12,500 pounds. Other factors, such as flight length may also demand more than one pilot. One of the biggest reasons two pilots are required for commercial flights and private jets is safety.

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Typically pilots do not change bases, unless they are constantly chasing an aircraft type or seeking a slightly better schedule. Those who live in base generally stay in that base and bases do not open and close terribly often, but it does happen.

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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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In the U.S., there are no FAA age limits for pilots except for commercial airline pilots employed by airlines certificated under 14 CFR Part 121. These airlines cannot employ pilots after they reach the age of 65. However, these pilots may stay on with a Part 121 carrier in some other role, such as flight engineer.

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Flight crews are not always working with the same team members. Crews work on various flights at different times and the plane may fly out with one crew and fly back with a different one. Smaller airlines with fewer staff raise the chances of flying with a regular team, while it's not that likely on major airlines.

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Commercial pilot pay is on par with doctors, lawyers, engineers, according to a Southern California flight school. When it comes to career earnings, airline pilots can bring in a salary comparable to a doctor, lawyer, or engineer.

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Pilots don't earn a flat annual salary like some professions. Instead, they're paid an hourly wage for each flight hour flown, along with per diem. Most airlines guarantee a minimum number of hours per month, so that pilots can count on at least a minimum amount of monthly income.

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From these data, we can con- clude that the average age at death of pilots is about 61. The average age at death of the gen- eral male population in the 50-74 age group is approximately 63.

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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.

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Pilots generally only work with one other pilot at a time, so they tend to hang out together on the over nights. While we do not fly with the same pilots frequently, many do make friends in the industry.

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The drawbacks of being a pilot include long hours away from home, irregular schedules, high stress levels and the risk of injury. Q10. What type of additional training is needed to become a pilot?

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  • Long and sometimes unpredictable hours. Pilots work different numbers of hours depending on several factors. ...
  • Training. You need a lot of training to be a pilot. ...
  • Flight school and training can be expensive. ...
  • Stress of the job.


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