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Do pilots have a busy life?

The Lifestyle of a Professional Pilot
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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It all depends on how a pilot's rest period or days off fall. For example, a pilot might work five or six days one week, followed by only working one or two days the next week. As a short-haul pilot, I have some extremely busy weeks where I fly all over Europe, sometimes three flights a day.

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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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Yes, pilots are happy on average.
Most work for commercial airlines or as private pilots, and they fly passengers to destinations in many different regions and countries. This means most pilots have the opportunity to experience a wealth of culture from around the world.

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For many, working as a pilot is an exciting career choice. You may enjoy working as a pilot if you enjoy flying and traveling, but there are also some elements of this profession that may not be suitable for everyone.

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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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However, airline pilots will work fewer days than a 'normal job', with most pilots having at least ten days off a month. This may be a slightly surprising amount of time off, especially as the job as a pilot is seen as many by well-paid.

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The biggest advantage of becoming a pilot and working in the Aviation profession is that you have a very low chance of facing an accident. Some statistics show that student pilots are less likely to have accidents.

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They must be able to deal with bad weather, mechanical problems, and other potential hazards. Pilots also have to be able to stay calm in stressful situations. The lifestyle of a pilot can be very demanding. Pilots often have to travel for long periods of time, which can be difficult for families.

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The job, and therefore the life of an airline pilot, is undoubtedly unique. Indeed, many people (myself included) would deem the job far more of a lifestyle than a 'typical' Monday-Friday job.

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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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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.

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Typical Commercial Pilot Schedule - Fixed Pattern Rosters
This could be five days at work, followed by four days off and repeated. Or it could be six days on, five days off, five days on, and four days off etc.

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For scheduled carriers, either low cost or legacy, flight demand is more consistent throughout the year. As a result, pilots typically get assigned half their weeks of leave in the summer schedule, and the second half in the winter schedule.

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The short answer is yes – the majority of airlines offer free flights as an employee benefit for pilots and often for their immediate family members. Before applying to an airline for a pilot position, be sure to ask about employee benefits in addition to pilot salary.

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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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  • 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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When you work as a commercial airline pilot, you can look forward to having one of the best jobs in the world while enjoying the following benefits.
  • Travel the World. ...
  • Unbeatable Views. ...
  • Travel Discounts for Family and Friends. ...
  • Job Satisfaction. ...
  • Work Stays at Work. ...
  • Flex Schedule. ...
  • Challenging. ...
  • Meet New People.


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This benefit varies from airline to airline. 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.

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