How many hours do pilots work per day?

Total duty shift duration is between nine and 14 hours for single pilots. Alternatively, they can be 13 to 19 hours if there are two or more pilots on the flight crew. Maximum flight time ranges from eight hours to 17 hours. This depends on the time of day the flight starts and the number of pilots on the flight.



The number of hours a pilot works per day is strictly governed by "Flight Duty Time Limitations" (FDTL) to prevent fatigue, but the actual "duty day" is often much longer than the time spent in the air. For commercial pilots under FAA or EASA regulations in 2026, the maximum Flight Duty Period (FDP) typically ranges from 9 to 13 hours for a single-pilot or two-pilot crew, depending on the start time and the number of flight segments. Actual "stick time" or flight time is usually capped at 8 to 10 hours within that window. These duty days include pre-flight briefings, weather analysis, aircraft inspections, and post-flight paperwork. Long-haul pilots may have extended duty periods up to 17 hours or more if they have a "reinforced" crew (extra pilots) and onboard rest facilities. After a full duty day, pilots are legally mandated to have a minimum rest period of at least 10 to 12 hours before they can be scheduled for their next flight.

People Also Ask

An airline transport pilot can fly up to 8 hours per 24 hour period and up to 10 hours if a second pilot is aboard. Pilots are required to rest a minimum of 16 hours postflight. Some variances to these regulations exist depending on the company's operations specifications.

MORE DETAILS

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.

MORE DETAILS

We average 11-14 days off per month and most pilots will fly several weekends and most holidays unless you are senior. This usually means four 4-day trips (for me) with 2-4 days off between trips. Some senior pilots can get weekends off and choose to only fly 60-70 hours with 16-17 days off.

MORE DETAILS

This depends on the airline, whether a pilot is a long haul or short haul. 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.

MORE DETAILS

According to the Bureau Of Labor Statistics, the median salary for airline captains, first-officers, second-officers, and flight engineers in the United States is $203,010 as of 2021. However, those working for major airlines as airline transport pilots can earn a much higher airline pilot salary than this.

MORE DETAILS

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.

MORE DETAILS

Many airlines provide crew rest areas on their aircraft, where pilots can sleep during long-haul flights. These areas are usually located in the tail, cargo area or above the cabin of the plane and are designed to be as quiet and comfortable as possible. Other crew members prefer to use business class seats to rest.

MORE DETAILS

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.

MORE DETAILS

Ideally, becoming a pilot should only take 3 to 4 years, the time it takes to get your Bachelor of Science in Professional Flight. Getting an education is also good for a consistency of training, so it's preferred to wait to start your journey until you are in a certified school, like LETU.

MORE DETAILS

Emirates, Qatar Airways, Etihad Airways, and Singapore Airlines are commercial airlines that pay the highest pilot salaries.

MORE DETAILS

What if an airline does not have enough flying for a pilot? Fortunately, most pilot employment contracts and CBAs include a monthly hour minimum. This minimum requires the company to pay its pilots for a minimum number of flight hours, regardless of whether those hours are flown.

MORE DETAILS

FAQ » Careers, General FAQs » Do pilots fly for free? 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.

MORE DETAILS

In general, it takes a minimum of 40-60 hours of flight time to obtain a private pilot's license, which allows you to fly small aircraft for personal use. To become a commercial pilot, which will enable you to fly for hire, you'll need a minimum of 250 hours of flight time and more advanced training.

MORE DETAILS

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.

MORE DETAILS

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.

MORE DETAILS

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. Generally, if pilots need to travel and stay away from home when they are not on a trip, they are responsible for their own accommodations.

MORE DETAILS

What is the longest flight in the world by distance? The longest flight in the world by distance is New York (JFK) to Singapore (SIN) on Singapore Airlines clocking in at 9,537 miles. What plane can fly the farthest in the world?

MORE DETAILS

The primary reason for having two pilots on every flight is safety. Obviously, if something happens to the captain, a plane must have another pilot who can step in. Additionally, the first officer provides a second opinion on piloting decisions, keeping pilot error to a minimum.

MORE DETAILS

How much does a Pilot make at UPS in the United States? Average UPS Pilot yearly pay in the United States is approximately $275,666, which is 304% above the national average.

MORE DETAILS

As of Aug 22, 2023, the average annual pay for the Boeing 747 Pilot jobs category in Queens is $106,090 a year. Just in case you need a simple salary calculator, that works out to be approximately $51.01 an hour. This is the equivalent of $2,040/week or $8,840/month.

MORE DETAILS

Boeing 777 pilots are some of the highest-paid pilots in the aviation industry. On average, their salaries range from $120,000 to $250,000 annually, depending on the amount of experience and number of hours flown.

MORE DETAILS