Are you curious about the world of aviation? Ever wondered whether airline pilots fly the same aircraft throughout their careers or if a pilot flies one aircraft every day?
On a day-to-day basis, a pilot in an airline company does fly similar types of planes for a certain duration of their careers before they move to another company or at least move to a different category of planes such as from a narrow-body to a wide-body operation.
To elaborate on that again, a pilot will fly planes of the same type and model like an Airbus A320 every day for at least a certain duration of their career, but they do not fly different models day-to-day such as Airbus A320 one day and Boeing 737 the next day. This can only happen if they switch from a company that operates Airbus A320 to Boeing 737 or if they get promoted from flying a narrow body like Airbus A320 to a wide body like Airbus A380.
But one must understand a pilot does not fly the same piece of machine every day as an airline could have many planes of the same type and model such as an Airbus A320, as an airline can have 100 planes of Airbus A320’s.
You might be wondering why a pilot only flies one type of aircraft for a long time before getting to fly another plane like if a person knows how to drive a Honda City should be able to very well drive a Ford Focus or any other car for that matter. Let us dig in to know why this is different in flying.
Why do airline pilots fly the same type of aircraft every day?
Unlike the case with driving a different car model where not many complicated systems exists to operate and differ from each model, each aircraft model has its own set of characteristics, cockpit layouts, and system operations, all of which demand extensive training and recurrent proficiency checks.
So, every regulatory body such as the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) and Transport Canada (TC) mandate that pilots are type-rated for the specific aircraft they operate, meaning they’ve passed a rigorous training program and check-ride for that particular aircraft type. This specialization allows pilots to develop a deep understanding and intuitive ‘feel’ for their aircraft, contributing significantly to safe and effective flight operations.
Also from a cost standpoint, type rating for a particular model of aircraft becomes very expensive to get a new type rating. Also flying one type for a longer time gives expertise to the pilot in that type.
Does an airline pilot get to fly different types of aircraft in their career?
In most cases, pilots alternate between two or more aircraft models throughout their careers. This is because airlines usually have different types of aircraft that are used for certain routes or times of the year. For example, a regional airline may have large and small aircraft that can be used depending on the needs of their customers.
A pilot initially flying a narrow-body plane like an Airbus A320 that operates in shorter distance routes in the same company can be offered to fly a wide-body plane like an Airbus A380 that are used by the company for longer distance routes, such as trans-Atlantic flights.
Then again, a pilot might want to move to a different airline company for any reason, and that new airline has a different preference of aircraft. Such as for short-distance routes the new company may now prefer a Boeing 737 and for long distances, a wide-body Beoing such as a Boeing 787.
In any case, the pilots will have to get a type rating to operate a new type of aircraft. Sometimes these type rating costs are borne by the airlines and sometimes the pilot will be doing the type rating out of their own pocket.
Does an airline pilot fly the same route every day?
You must be wondering if a pilot flies the same type or aircraft for a long time, do they also fly the same route every day?
Airline pilots do not typically fly the same route every day. The routes that a pilot flies depend on a few factors such as the airline’s schedule, the type of aircraft they are certified to fly, and the pilot’s seniority within the company. Some airlines operate on a bid system, where pilots with the most seniority get first choice on the routes they fly.
Additionally, pilots can fly different routes each day due to the dynamic nature of airline scheduling, which can be influenced by factors such as customer demand, weather, and aircraft maintenance schedules. In fact, the variability in routes is something that many pilots enjoy about their job, as it provides opportunities to visit different cities and countries.
With all that said you must be wondering if the pilot at least gets to fly with a different copilot everyday.
Do pilots always fly with the same copilot or the cabin crew?
Pilots do not always fly with the same co-pilot or the same cabin crew. Airlines operate with a crew scheduling system, which assigns pilots to flights based on a range of factors, including availability, flight hours, and operational needs. This system often results in pilots flying with different co-pilots on different flights.
Furthermore, this variability allows airlines to manage their crew resources effectively, ensuring that a balanced and rested team pilots every flight. However, there may be instances when pilots frequently fly with the same co-pilot due to scheduling or specific route requirements.
Some other facts about pilots flying routines
Is it common for an airline pilot to fly a particular route or flight number?
It’s not very common for pilots to fly the same routes frequently. Occasionally, it may happen purely by coincidence. The only exception is when very senior pilots fly internationally on wide-body aircraft, as these routes are not as numerous and varied as domestic ones.
There is fierce competition for all the desirable flights, and having a high seniority is the only way to have more opportunities for preferred patterns. However, even then, the routes usually change from day to day, pattern to pattern, and month to month. So, it’s always an exciting and ever-changing experience for pilots in the aviation industry.
Does one individual aircraft always used to fly the same route?
One individual aircraft is not always used to fly the same route. Airlines operate a dynamic scheduling system to manage their fleet of aircraft, similar to their crew scheduling. This scheduling system accounts for factors such as maintenance schedules, aircraft availability, and route demands.
Consequently, a specific aircraft does not repeatedly fly the same route. However, there may be instances when certain types of aircraft are preferable for specific routes due to their size, range capacity, or specific technical capabilities. This variability ensures the efficient use of the fleet, maximizing operational efficiency.
Can a pilot fly two different planes?
Yes, a pilot can indeed fly two different types of planes or as many planes as they can get a type rating for. This is contingent upon completing the necessary training and obtaining type-specific certifications. For instance, a pilot may be certified to operate both a Boeing 737 and an Airbus A320.
However, it’s important to note that a pilot won’t typically switch between different aircraft types on a daily or even monthly basis. This is because each type of aircraft has its unique operating nuances, and constant switching could potentially compromise safety.
Usually, if an airline decides to transition a pilot from one aircraft type to another, it involves a comprehensive training program that includes both ground and simulator sessions. This ensures that the pilot is completely familiar with all aspects of the new aircraft before they start operating flights.