Airline Pilot Forums

Hi all!

Just wondering if anybody would mind copy/pasting one of their actual trip schedules on here? I'd love to see what some *actual* regional pilot schedules looks like.

Thanks!:)

http://www.airlinepilotforums.com/regional/5651-typical-schedule-rj-pilot.html

They suck, next question?

Expect a 4 day trip to have 18-22 legs total. You'll be waking up as early as 4am some days and staying up as late as 1am other days... sometimes on the day right next to the early wakeup. You'll get as little as 5-7 hours per sleep each night. You'll be in uniform for 16+ hours many days. Frequently food will be difficult to find and even more difficult to schedule into your day. Don't even think about being able to find something healthy to eat.

Expect to do this up to 5-6 days a week. You're going to feel completely mentally and physically drained. The only thing you'll want to do on your time off is sleep and get ready to go back at it again.


None of this is an exaggeration. This is the typical common schedule. Sure, if you have some seniority it gets better but it will still be horrible on its bad days. Its a horrible life that thousands of pilots are living every day.

Expect a 4 day trip to have 18-22 legs total. You'll be waking up as early as 4am some days and staying up as late as 1am other days... sometimes on the day right next to the early wakeup. You'll get as little as 5-7 hours per sleep each night. You'll be in uniform for 16+ hours many days. Frequently food will be difficult to find and even more difficult to schedule into your day. Don't even think about being able to find something healthy to eat.

Expect to do this up to 5-6 days a week. You're going to feel completely mentally and physically drained. The only thing you'll want to do on your time off is sleep and get ready to go back at it again.


None of this is an exaggeration. This is the typical common schedule. Sure, if you have some seniority it gets better but it will still be horrible on its bad days. Its a horrible life that thousands of pilots are living every day.
Just wondering, when there is a "long overnight," does the crew usually do something fun together or go out for dinner or something in the city? That's one of the benefits to the lifestyle that's kind of appealing to me.

Just wondering, when there is a "long overnight," does the crew usually do something fun together or go out for dinner or something in the city? That's one of the benefits to the lifestyle that's kind of appealing to me.


They get drunk and have sex. Exactly like in college.

:D

Just wondering, when there is a "long overnight," does the crew usually do something fun together or go out for dinner or something in the city? That's one of the benefits to the lifestyle that's kind of appealing to me.


They get drunk and have sex. Exactly like in college.

:D

With hot college girls once they find out you are a hot shot jet pilot

Just wondering, when there is a "long overnight," does the crew usually do something fun together or go out for dinner or something in the city? That's one of the benefits to the lifestyle that's kind of appealing to me.

Yes absolutely. Its a blast. Most hotels are downtown and nearby alot to do and eat and see. Usually on longer overnights the company will pay for a rental car if you ask politely. Yes I'm being sarcastic. Most hotels youll stay in are in industrial parks near the airport. You'll pray for a McDonalds nearby and usually you won't even get that much. You'll spend most of your free time looking at porn.

There are long and short layovers. At Skywest we tend to stay at reasonable hotels with activities and dining nearby. Last week my FO and I walked along the river in Eugene to a local brewpub and had a nice lunch on a 16 hour layover.

On short nights, you'll go straight to bed and others you may go bike down to the beach or rent a car and drive to Niagra Falls.

Just wondering, when there is a "long overnight," does the crew usually do something fun together or go out for dinner or something in the city? That's one of the benefits to the lifestyle that's kind of appealing to me.


The CA will be some old lifer who slam-clicks and spends the entire overnight surfing deviant porn. Or if he's young, he'll have a Regional-Captain-God-Complex to the point where you just want to get the hell away from the tool as soon as possible. He'll go out with you, but you have to walk behind him and let him direct all aspects of the social outing (but he might actually buy you a beer...the Captain-God-Complex seems to mandate this).

Usually the FA is fat, ghetto, old, and/or very grouchy. At least two of those three. The best of the lot are going to be 55-65 year olds who divorced a doctor, took him for all they were worth, and will continually and subtlety remind you of their mercedes, townhouse dowtown, condo at Aspen, etc, etc.

If you're lucky the FA will be a normal gay male who you can go drinking with. Seriously. If you're not wearing a wedding ring, just b sure to casually mention your live-in girlfriend so there's no misconceptions.

Only exception is SKW. There are some FA's (and female pilots) who are suitable companions for a night out, but mostly in the west.

Best thing to do with your regional overnights is work out and enroll in a online masters degree (or bachelors if you don't have that).

Once you get to a major airline, the CA will be so old that you'll have nothing in common (unless you're both ex-fighter pilots) and he'll just bore you talking about his Porsche, BMW, condo in Aspen, live-in hanger at the airpark, Malibu Meridian, three ex-wives, grandkids, etc.

The CA will be some old lifer who slam-clicks and spends the entire overnight surfing deviant porn. Or if he's young, he'll have a Regional-Captain-God-Complex to the point where you just want to get the hell away from the tool as soon as possible. He'll go out with you, but you have to walk behind him and let him direct all aspects of the social outing (but he might actually buy you a beer...the Captain-God-Complex seems to mandate this).

Usually the FA is fat, ghetto, old, and/or very grouchy. At least two of those three. The best of the lot are going to be 55-65 year olds who divorced a doctor, took him for all they were worth, and will continually and subtlety remind you of their mercedes, townhouse dowtown, condo at Aspen, etc, etc.

If you're lucky the FA will be a normal gay male who you can go drinking with. Seriously. If you're not wearing a wedding ring, just b sure to casually mention your live-in girlfriend so there's no misconceptions.

Only exception is SKW. There are some FA's (and female pilots) who are suitable companions for a night out, but mostly in the west.

Best thing to do with your regional overnights is work out and enroll in a online masters degree (or bachelors if you don't have that).

Once you get to a major airline, the CA will be so old that you'll have nothing in common (unless you're both ex-fighter pilots) and he'll just bore you talking about his Porsche, BMW, condo in Aspen, live-in hanger at the airpark, Malibu Meridian, three ex-wives, grandkids, etc.


This may seem like rickair is joking. but he is VERY accurate.

Example 1-
SEQ 15145 BASE MIA SEL 466 DOM EMJ¶

DT EQ FLT STA DEP STA ARR AC FLY GTR GRD ACT¶

SKD day 1 E5 3535 MIA 1425 CLT 1630 2.05 0.35 ¶

SKD day 1 E5 3536 CLT 1705 MIA 1920 2.15 0.35 ¶

SKD day1 E5 3592 MIA 1955 CLE 2300 3.05 ¶

D/P SKD 7.25 P/C 0.00 TL 7.25¶

HALF DAY COUNT CLE 2¶

SKD ONDUTY 9.35 ODL 10.45¶

SKD day 2 E4 4510 CLE 1045 LGA 1229 1.44 2.31 ¶

SKD day 2 E4 4429 LGA 1500 CMH 1655 1.55 0.30 ¶

SKD day2 E4 4557 CMH 1725 LGA 1925 2.00 0.40 ¶

SKD day 2 E4 4555 LGA 2005 CMH 2200 1.55 ¶

D/P SKD 7.34 P/C 0.00 TL 7.34¶

HALF DAY COUNT CMH 3¶

SKD ONDUTY 12.15 ODL 14.00¶

SKD day 3 E5 4145 CMH 1300 JFK 1445 1.45 1.00 ¶

SKD day 3 E5 4146 JFK 1545 CMH 1740 1.55 0.40 ¶

SKD day 3 E5 3575 CMH 1820 MIA 2100 2.40 ¶

D/P SKD 6.20 P/C 0.00 TL 6.20¶

SKD ONDUTY 9.00¶

SEQ SKD 21.19 P/C 0.00 TL 21.19 TAFB 55.35¶
------------------------------------------------------------------------------






Example 2-
DT EQ FLT STA DEP STA ARR AC FLY GTR GRD ACT

SKD day 1 E5 3502 MIA 0720 ATL 0925 2.05 0.35 ¶

SKD day 1 E5 3501 ATL 1000 MIA 1215 2.15 2.55 ¶

SKD day 1 E5 3531 MIA 1510 BNA 1635 2.25 ¶

D/P SKD 6.45 P/C 0.00 TL 6.45¶

HALF DAY COUNT BNA 4¶

SKD TL 6.45 ACT TL 0.00¶

SKD ONDUTY 11.15 ODL 19.20¶

SKD day 2 E5 3528 BNA 1255 MIA 1615 2.20 0.35 ¶

SKD day 2 E5 3454 MIA 1650 TLH 1820 1.30 0.30 ¶

SKD day 2 E5 3455 TLH 1850 MIA 2015 1.25 0.35 ¶

SKD day 2 E5 3525 MIA 2050 PNS 2135 1.45 ¶

D/P SKD 7.00 P/C 0.00 TL 7.00¶

HALF DAY COUNT PNS 2¶

SKD TL 7.00 ACT TL 0.00¶

SKD ONDUTY 9.40 ODL 13.30¶

SKD day 3 E5 3526 PNS 1205 MIA 1500 1.55 1.40 ¶

SKD day 3 E5 3573 MIA 1640 CLT 1855 2.15 0.35 ¶

SKD day 3 E5 3538 CLT 1930 MIA 2140 2.10 ¶

D/P SKD 6.20 P/C 0.00 TL 6.20¶

SKD TL 6.20 ACT TL 0.00¶

SKD ONDUTY 9.35¶

SEQ SKD 20.05 P/C 0.00 TL 20.05 TAFB 63.20¶



This is what I am doing all month as an extremely JR line holder in MIA after trip trades. Averaging 90-95 hours month and about 15 days off. Takes medium amount of effort, and a good understanding of our contrat and will all go away when we get PBS.

Just wondering, when there is a "long overnight," does the crew usually do something fun together or go out for dinner or something in the city? That's one of the benefits to the lifestyle that's kind of appealing to me.

Maybe not usually, but occasionally, depending on the crew and the city, you can have a great time. The more junior aircraft seems to have the more sociable crews at my airline, but the senior airplane usually goes to the more interesting areas. The pairings with long overnights are usually worth less credit and/or less commutable, so sometimes they can go fairly junior. Every now and then I get lucky with 30 hours in midtown Manhattan or on the beach in Florida. The thing is that a lot of people will complain about everything -- you can stay in a 4 star hotel in the middle of the city and people will complain that the breakfast isn't free, or the ride is too long, or even that the TV doesn't get enough channels. So yeah, sometimes you just have to do your own thing.

Flight Tail A/C Orig Dest Dep Arr Pax Block Credt Miles BurnAv Dhd Turn
1. DL1844 ATL DTW 18:30 20:39 __ 0:00 2:09 594 0 D 0:51
2. ONDUTY DTW DTW 21:30 23:30 __ 0:00 0:00 0 0 S
Day Total: 0:00 3:08 Duty: 6:15

Release: 23:45 Hotel: Sheraton Layover: 9:30
Report: 09:15am
Flight Tail A/C Orig Dest Dep Arr Pax Block Credt Miles BurnAv Dhd Turn
3. DL1175 DTW ATL 10:00 11:57 __ 0:00 1:57 594 0 D 0:29


Double deadhead! Best part time job in the world.

Flight Tail A/C Orig Dest Dep Arr Pax Block Credt Miles BurnAv Dhd Turn
1. DL1844 ATL DTW 18:30 20:39 __ 0:00 2:09 594 0 D 0:51
2. ONDUTY DTW DTW 21:30 23:30 __ 0:00 0:00 0 0 S
Day Total: 0:00 3:08 Duty: 6:15

Release: 23:45 Hotel: Sheraton Layover: 9:30
Report: 09:15am
Flight Tail A/C Orig Dest Dep Arr Pax Block Credt Miles BurnAv Dhd Turn
3. DL1175 DTW ATL 10:00 11:57 __ 0:00 1:57 594 0 D 0:29


Double deadhead! Best part time job in the world.
I don't understand...what legs do you actually fly?

Or, to put in a plug, try a corporate deal. My last trip had 4 nights in downtown San Diego, 3 nights in Nice (Marriott Monte Carlo!) and 3 nights in London (Marriott Park Lane), airline home after crew change in LON. Business class DL. Meals? Actual expenses, submit receipts. Rental car? Everywhere but LON, not much use for one there. I've been home for 16 days, go out for 4 tomorrow, stateside.

Oh, yes, young Aussie F/A

GF

DAY DD DH C FLTNO DPS-ARS DEPT ARRV BLKT GRNT TBLK TDHD TCRD TPAY TDUTY LAYOVER

N4267 23JUL12 BSE REPT: 0541 REPORT- 23JUL12 LOCAL Times
Mo 23 4911 EWR-YYZ 0641 0829 0148 046
Mo 23 4911 YYZ-EWR 0915 1051 0136 042
Mo 23 4923 EWR-ORF 1133 1254 0121 0445 0000 0454 0454 0728 ORF 2035
D-END: 1309 (NR 0900) REPORT 0944
Tu 24 3925 ORF-IAD 1014 1129 0115 046
Tu 24 3936 IAD-PVD 1215 1356 0141 030
Tu 24 3936 PVD-IAD 1426 1615 0149 102
Tu 24 3918 IAD-ALB 1717 1856 0139 0624 0000 0624 0624 0927 ALB 1102
D-END: 1911 (NR 1100) REPORT 0613
We 25 4948 ALB-EWR 0643 0745 0102 044
We 25 4918 EWR-YYZ 0829 1017 0148 043
We 25 4919 YYZ-EWR 1100 1243 0143 0433 0000 0440 0440 0645
D-END: 1258 --------------------------------------
TOTALS BLOCK 1542 DHD 0000 CREDIT HRS. 1558 T.A.F.B. 5517

Or, to put in a plug, try a corporate deal. My last trip had 4 nights in downtown San Diego, 3 nights in Nice (Marriott Monte Carlo!) and 3 nights in London (Marriott Park Lane), airline home after crew change in LON. Business class DL. Meals? Actual expenses, submit receipts. Rental car? Everywhere but LON, not much use for one there. I've been home for 16 days, go out for 4 tomorrow, stateside.

Oh, yes, young Aussie F/A

GF

You guys hiring? :p

The CA will be some old lifer who slam-clicks and spends the entire overnight surfing deviant porn. Or if he's young, he'll have a Regional-Captain-God-Complex to the point where you just want to get the hell away from the tool as soon as possible. He'll go out with you, but you have to walk behind him and let him direct all aspects of the social outing (but he might actually buy you a beer...the Captain-God-Complex seems to mandate this).

Usually the FA is fat, ghetto, old, and/or very grouchy. At least two of those three. The best of the lot are going to be 55-65 year olds who divorced a doctor, took him for all they were worth, and will continually and subtlety remind you of their mercedes, townhouse dowtown, condo at Aspen, etc, etc.

If you're lucky the FA will be a normal gay male who you can go drinking with. Seriously. If you're not wearing a wedding ring, just b sure to casually mention your live-in girlfriend so there's no misconceptions.

Only exception is SKW. There are some FA's (and female pilots) who are suitable companions for a night out, but mostly in the west.

Best thing to do with your regional overnights is work out and enroll in a online masters degree (or bachelors if you don't have that).

Once you get to a major airline, the CA will be so old that you'll have nothing in common (unless you're both ex-fighter pilots) and he'll just bore you talking about his Porsche, BMW, condo in Aspen, live-in hanger at the airpark, Malibu Meridian, three ex-wives, grandkids, etc.

Lawdy!! You nailed it!!

The CA will be some old lifer who slam-clicks and spends the entire overnight surfing deviant porn. Or if he's young, he'll have a Regional-Captain-God-Complex to the point where you just want to get the hell away from the tool as soon as possible. He'll go out with you, but you have to walk behind him and let him direct all aspects of the social outing (but he might actually buy you a beer...the Captain-God-Complex seems to mandate this).

Usually the FA is fat, ghetto, old, and/or very grouchy. At least two of those three. The best of the lot are going to be 55-65 year olds who divorced a doctor, took him for all they were worth, and will continually and subtlety remind you of their mercedes, townhouse dowtown, condo at Aspen, etc, etc.

If you're lucky the FA will be a normal gay male who you can go drinking with. Seriously. If you're not wearing a wedding ring, just b sure to casually mention your live-in girlfriend so there's no misconceptions.

Only exception is SKW. There are some FA's (and female pilots) who are suitable companions for a night out, but mostly in the west.

Best thing to do with your regional overnights is work out and enroll in a online masters degree (or bachelors if you don't have that).

Once you get to a major airline, the CA will be so old that you'll have nothing in common (unless you're both ex-fighter pilots) and he'll just bore you talking about his Porsche, BMW, condo in Aspen, live-in hanger at the airpark, Malibu Meridian, three ex-wives, grandkids, etc.

Spot on, I needed that laugh...

TH 3807 ORD-ATL 0600 0850 150 40 C7R -- -- -- 30
TH 3769 ATL-ORD 0930 1030 200 105 C7R
TH 3680 ORD-OKC 1135 1335 200 C7R 550 0 550 835 1630
D-END: 1350L REPT: 0620L N0900

FR 3635 OKC-LAX 0705 0805 300 220 C7R
FR 3604 LAX-SJC 1025 1135 110 35 C7R
FR 3605 SJC-LAX 1210 1325 115 C7R 525 0 525 920 3000
D-END: 1340L REPT: 1940L N0900

SA 3708 LAX-ABQ 2025 2310 145 C7R 145 0 145 245 1200
D-END: 2325L REPT: 1125L N0900

SU 3612 ABQ-ORD 1210 1545 235 210 C7R
SU 3743 ORD-MSP 1755 1915 120 40 C7R
SU 3810 MSP-ORD 1955 2110 115 C7R 510 0 510 900
D-END: 2125L -----------------------
TOTALS BLOCK 1810 DHD 0 LDGS: 10 CREDIT 1810 T.A.F.B. 8810

Lines were so bad I bid reserve, and I commute. I'll be home more.

I don't understand...what legs do you actually fly?

That's the beauty! I didn't fly any legs!

That's the beauty! I didn't fly any legs!
Do you get paid for that deadheading time? If you do, sounds like a pretty good deal to me!

The CA will be some old lifer who slam-clicks and spends the entire overnight surfing deviant porn. Or if he's young, he'll have a Regional-Captain-God-Complex to the point where you just want to get the hell away from the tool as soon as possible. He'll go out with you, but you have to walk behind him and let him direct all aspects of the social outing (but he might actually buy you a beer...the Captain-God-Complex seems to mandate this).

Usually the FA is fat, ghetto, old, and/or very grouchy. At least two of those three. The best of the lot are going to be 55-65 year olds who divorced a doctor, took him for all they were worth, and will continually and subtlety remind you of their mercedes, townhouse dowtown, condo at Aspen, etc, etc.

If you're lucky the FA will be a normal gay male who you can go drinking with. Seriously. If you're not wearing a wedding ring, just b sure to casually mention your live-in girlfriend so there's no misconceptions.

Only exception is SKW. There are some FA's (and female pilots) who are suitable companions for a night out, but mostly in the west.

Best thing to do with your regional overnights is work out and enroll in a online masters degree (or bachelors if you don't have that).

Once you get to a major airline, the CA will be so old that you'll have nothing in common (unless you're both ex-fighter pilots) and he'll just bore you talking about his Porsche, BMW, condo in Aspen, live-in hanger at the airpark, Malibu Meridian, three ex-wives, grandkids, etc.

And don't forget that the f/a WILL embarrass you. Last week our male f/a decided that going out for dinner wearing a dirty white wife beater would be acceptable. Breath that can knock out Mike Tyson. Sometimes your Captain or F/O are being slam clickers cause the alternative is embarrassing. I think honestly people do this job because they need the money. And it's what they have invested a lot of time and money into. Many are too proud to say it sucks and they made a bad decision, so they deny the awful lifestyle.

Here is a Pinnacle ball breaker

DAY DD DH C FLTNO DPS-ARS DEPT ARRV BLKT GRNT TBLK TDHD TCRD TPAY TDUTY LAYOVER P2160 08/05/12 BSE REPT: 0655 REPORT- 08/05/12 LOCAL Times
Su 05 * 3999 MSP-CVG 0755 1052 0157 038
Su 05 * 4181 CVG-MSP 1130 1229 0159 036
Su 05 * 4306 MSP-LAN 1305 1537 0132 025
Su 05 * 3881 LAN-DTW 1602 1653 0051 319
Su 05 4172 DTW-LAN 2012 2052 0040 0659 0000 0708 0708 1312 LAN 1033
D-END: 2107 (NR 0900) REPORT 0740
Mo 06 * 4295 LAN-DTW 0810 0903 0053 100
Mo 06 3618 DTW-HPN 1003 1150 0147 040
Mo 06 * 3618 HPN-DTW 1230 1423 0153 104
Mo 06 3979 DTW-BUF 1527 1639 0112 026
Mo 06 * 3979 BUF-DTW 1705 1824 0119 148
Mo 06 4172 DTW-LAN 2012 2052 0040 0744 0000 0745 0745 1327 LAN 1033
D-END: 2107 (NR 0900) REPORT 0740
Tu 07 4295 LAN-DTW 0810 0903 0053 103
Tu 07 4222 DTW-BGM 1006 1125 0119 025
Tu 07 4222 BGM-DTW 1150 1315 0125 211
Tu 07 4262 DTW-BGM 1526 1643 0117 025
Tu 07 * 4262 BGM-DTW 1708 1834 0126 057
Tu 07 3986 DTW-CID 1931 2010 0139 0759 0000 0817 0817 1345 CID 935
D-END: 2025 (RR 0800) REPORT 0600
We 08 * 4128 CID-DTW 0630 0911 0141 134
We 08 * 4214 DTW-MSN 1045 1108 0123 040
We 08 * 3904 MSN-MSP 1148 1300 0112 139
We 08 4312 MSP-BRD 1439 1527 0048 025
We 08 4312 BRD-MSP 1552 1650 0058 0602 0000 0558 0558 1105 D-END: 1705
TOTALS BLOCK 2844 DHD 0000 CREDIT HRS. 2908 T.A.F.B. 8210

Or, to put in a plug, try a corporate deal. My last trip had 4 nights in downtown San Diego, 3 nights in Nice (Marriott Monte Carlo!) and 3 nights in London (Marriott Park Lane), airline home after crew change in LON. Business class DL. Meals? Actual expenses, submit receipts. Rental car? Everywhere but LON, not much use for one there. I've been home for 16 days, go out for 4 tomorrow, stateside.

Oh, yes, young Aussie F/A

GF

Ok, who do you fly for?

Here is a Pinnacle ball breaker

DAY DD DH C FLTNO DPS-ARS DEPT ARRV BLKT GRNT TBLK TDHD TCRD TPAY TDUTY LAYOVER P2160 08/05/12 BSE REPT: 0655 REPORT- 08/05/12 LOCAL Times
Su 05 * 3999 MSP-CVG 0755 1052 0157 038
Su 05 * 4181 CVG-MSP 1130 1229 0159 036
Su 05 * 4306 MSP-LAN 1305 1537 0132 025
Su 05 * 3881 LAN-DTW 1602 1653 0051 319
Su 05 4172 DTW-LAN 2012 2052 0040 0659 0000 0708 0708 1312 LAN 1033
D-END: 2107 (NR 0900) REPORT 0740
Mo 06 * 4295 LAN-DTW 0810 0903 0053 100
Mo 06 3618 DTW-HPN 1003 1150 0147 040
Mo 06 * 3618 HPN-DTW 1230 1423 0153 104
Mo 06 3979 DTW-BUF 1527 1639 0112 026
Mo 06 * 3979 BUF-DTW 1705 1824 0119 148
Mo 06 4172 DTW-LAN 2012 2052 0040 0744 0000 0745 0745 1327 LAN 1033
D-END: 2107 (NR 0900) REPORT 0740
Tu 07 4295 LAN-DTW 0810 0903 0053 103
Tu 07 4222 DTW-BGM 1006 1125 0119 025
Tu 07 4222 BGM-DTW 1150 1315 0125 211
Tu 07 4262 DTW-BGM 1526 1643 0117 025
Tu 07 * 4262 BGM-DTW 1708 1834 0126 057
Tu 07 3986 DTW-CID 1931 2010 0139 0759 0000 0817 0817 1345 CID 935
D-END: 2025 (RR 0800) REPORT 0600
We 08 * 4128 CID-DTW 0630 0911 0141 134
We 08 * 4214 DTW-MSN 1045 1108 0123 040
We 08 * 3904 MSN-MSP 1148 1300 0112 139
We 08 4312 MSP-BRD 1439 1527 0048 025
We 08 4312 BRD-MSP 1552 1650 0058 0602 0000 0558 0558 1105 D-END: 1705
TOTALS BLOCK 2844 DHD 0000 CREDIT HRS. 2908 T.A.F.B. 8210
WOW! That's a lot of flying!

Example of a CRJ200 trip:

Day 1:
ATL-SHV
SHV-MEM
MEM-MCI
MCI-CVG
CVG-RDU

Day 2:
RDU-MEM
MEM-XNA
XNA-ATL
ATL-AGS

Day 3:
AGS-ATL
ATL-ROA
ROA-ATL
ATL-GNV

Day 4:
GNV-ATL
ATL-MGM
MGM-ATL
ATL-TRI
TRI-ATL
ATL-AGS
AGS-ATL

Example of a CRJ700/900 trip:

Day 1:
ATL-RDU
RDU-DTW
DTW-OKC

Day 2:
OKC-DTW
DTW-PHL
PHL-DTW
DTW-STL

Day 3:
STL-MSP
MSP-MDW
MDW-MSP
MSP-GRB

Day 4:
GRB-DTW
DTW-BNA
BNA-ATL

Or, to put in a plug, try a corporate deal. My last trip had 4 nights in downtown San Diego, 3 nights in Nice (Marriott Monte Carlo!) and 3 nights in London (Marriott Park Lane), airline home after crew change in LON. Business class DL. Meals? Actual expenses, submit receipts. Rental car? Everywhere but LON, not much use for one there. I've been home for 16 days, go out for 4 tomorrow, stateside.

Oh, yes, young Aussie F/A

GF
FML ........

Here is a Pinnacle ball breaker

DAY DD DH C FLTNO DPS-ARS DEPT ARRV BLKT GRNT TBLK TDHD TCRD TPAY TDUTY LAYOVER P2160 08/05/12 BSE REPT: 0655 REPORT- 08/05/12 LOCAL Times
Su 05 * 3999 MSP-CVG 0755 1052 0157 038
Su 05 * 4181 CVG-MSP 1130 1229 0159 036
Su 05 * 4306 MSP-LAN 1305 1537 0132 025
Su 05 * 3881 LAN-DTW 1602 1653 0051 319
Su 05 4172 DTW-LAN 2012 2052 0040 0659 0000 0708 0708 1312 LAN 1033
D-END: 2107 (NR 0900) REPORT 0740
Mo 06 * 4295 LAN-DTW 0810 0903 0053 100
Mo 06 3618 DTW-HPN 1003 1150 0147 040
Mo 06 * 3618 HPN-DTW 1230 1423 0153 104
Mo 06 3979 DTW-BUF 1527 1639 0112 026
Mo 06 * 3979 BUF-DTW 1705 1824 0119 148
Mo 06 4172 DTW-LAN 2012 2052 0040 0744 0000 0745 0745 1327 LAN 1033
D-END: 2107 (NR 0900) REPORT 0740
Tu 07 4295 LAN-DTW 0810 0903 0053 103
Tu 07 4222 DTW-BGM 1006 1125 0119 025
Tu 07 4222 BGM-DTW 1150 1315 0125 211
Tu 07 4262 DTW-BGM 1526 1643 0117 025
Tu 07 * 4262 BGM-DTW 1708 1834 0126 057
Tu 07 3986 DTW-CID 1931 2010 0139 0759 0000 0817 0817 1345 CID 935
D-END: 2025 (RR 0800) REPORT 0600
We 08 * 4128 CID-DTW 0630 0911 0141 134
We 08 * 4214 DTW-MSN 1045 1108 0123 040
We 08 * 3904 MSN-MSP 1148 1300 0112 139
We 08 4312 MSP-BRD 1439 1527 0048 025
We 08 4312 BRD-MSP 1552 1650 0058 0602 0000 0558 0558 1105 D-END: 1705
TOTALS BLOCK 2844 DHD 0000 CREDIT HRS. 2908 T.A.F.B. 8210

22 legs and not even enough time each night to get a full night's rest.

This is your future, should you chose to become a regional airline pilot.

Example CRJ2 trip:

DAY1 Show: 1133
DCA-CLT
CLT-MYR
MYR-CLT
CLT-RIC

DAY2 show: 0455
RIC-CLT
CLT-PHF
PHF-CLT
CLT-LEX

DAY3 show: 0643
LEX-CLT
CLT-AGS
AGS-CLT
CLT-CAE

DAY4 show: 0445
CAE-CLT
CLT-HPN
HPN-PHL
PHL-DCA
DCA-ACK
ACK-DCA

BLOCK 20:37
TAFB 77:10

Example CRJ2 trip:

DAY1 Show: 1133
DCA-CLT
CLT-MYR
MYR-CLT
CLT-RIC

DAY2 show: 0455
RIC-CLT
CLT-PHF
PHF-CLT
CLT-LEX

DAY3 show: 0643
LEX-CLT
CLT-AGS
AGS-CLT
CLT-CAE

DAY4 show: 0445
CAE-CLT
CLT-HPN
HPN-PHL
PHL-DCA
DCA-ACK
ACK-DCA

BLOCK 20:37
TAFB 77:10
Wow. I had no idea how early these show times can be!

Question (oh lord, I sound like Dwight Schrute...): Is the show time the time you have to be at the hotel lobby for the airport shuttle, or the time you actually are at the gate? Because that makes a big difference.

Wow. I had no idea how early these show times can be!

Question (oh lord, I sound like Dwight Schrute...): Is the show time the time you have to be at the hotel lobby for the airport shuttle, or the time you actually are at the gate? Because that makes a big difference.

Show time is time at the gate/plane. Thats when your duty starts.

Waking up, getting ready, eating breakfast (good luck finding any this early), riding the hotel shuttle, going through security, and navigating through the airport is all done during your "rest" time.

Depending on the airport/hotel, van departure times can be anywhere from 10 mins to 1 hour before showtime.

Show time is time at the gate/plane. Thats when your duty starts.

Waking up, getting ready, eating breakfast (good luck finding any this early), riding the hotel shuttle, going through security, and navigating through the airport is all done during your "rest" time.

Depending on the airport/hotel, van departure times can be anywhere from 10 mins to 1 hour before showtime.
So that means a 4:45 show time is a 3:00 wakeup. :eek: And I'm sure that any kind of free breakfast at the hotel isn't even available then either. If the airline has "PBS" does that mean that you can bid for schedules that have later show times?

So that means a 4:45 show time is a 3:00 wakeup. :eek: And I'm sure that any kind of free breakfast at the hotel isn't even available then either. If the airline has "PBS" does that mean that you can bid for schedules that have later show times?

Yes, its possible, but that requires seniority. Also, frequently most trips will have at least one wakeup like that. It'll be hard to completely avoid them and in exchange for ridding your schedule of them, you're going to have to give up a lot of bidding power you could've used towards other things that are important to you.

A string of 3ams isn't the worst. The worst is when the first day of your trip has you getting to the hotel past midnight and by the last day you're getting up at 3am for a 14 hour day.

I'm not trying to be a debbie downer, moreso just trying to convey how tough and exhausting the schedules frequently are so that you can make an informed decision and know what you're getting yourself into.

Yes, its possible, but that requires seniority. Also, frequently most trips will have at least one wakeup like that. It'll be hard to completely avoid them and in exchange for ridding your schedule of them, you're going to have to give up a lot of bidding power you could've used towards other things that are important to you.

A string of 3ams isn't the worst. The worst is when the first day of your trip has you getting to the hotel past midnight and by the last day you're getting up at 3am for a 14 hour day.

I'm not trying to be a debbie downer, moreso just trying to convey how tough and exhausting the schedules frequently are so that you can make an informed decision and know what you're getting yourself into.
Nope, I actually really glad I asked, because it's one thing to talk about schedules conceptually ("bid for a 'good schedule'") and another thing to see them for real. I would guess that's it best to have a late show/early release at each end of the trip, respectively. (Even if you're not commuting)

Also, how important is it to live in base? I mean, hypothetically, if I take a job with XJT, for example, at the ATL base and my goal airline (or the airline that I have a guaranteed interview at - fingers crossed) is Delta, would it make sense to move to Atlanta, if I have no other restraints?

Nope, I actually really glad I asked, because it's one thing to talk about schedules conceptually ("bid for a 'good schedule'") and another thing to see them for real. I would guess that's it best to have a late show/early release at each end of the trip, respectively. (Even if you're not commuting)

Also, how important is it to live in base? I mean, hypothetically, if I take a job with XJT, for example, at the ATL base and my goal airline (or the airline that I have a guaranteed interview at - fingers crossed) is Delta, would it make sense to move to Atlanta, if I have no other restraints?

Is this Roger Cohan's son? Im mean its so nice you have your dad's picture so nicely displayed.

Your talking about Delta and living in base... let me ask.. do you even have a CPL yet?

Nope, I actually really glad I asked, because it's one thing to talk about schedules conceptually ("bid for a 'good schedule'") and another thing to see them for real. I would guess that's it best to have a late show/early release at each end of the trip, respectively. (Even if you're not commuting)

Also, how important is it to live in base? I mean, hypothetically, if I take a job with XJT, for example, at the ATL base and my goal airline (or the airline that I have a guaranteed interview at - fingers crossed) is Delta, would it make sense to move to Atlanta, if I have no other restraints?

Airlines open and close bases often, currently SKW Holdings is dealing with Delta on how they will handle the CRJ 200. I wouldn't count flying at a regional and then having a major who has a hub there unless is airports like LAX, NY, and ORD who have multiple regionals and mainline carriers.

Is this Roger Cohan's son? Im mean its so nice you have your dad's picture so nicely displayed.

Your talking about Delta and living in base... let me ask.. do you even have a CPL yet?
No, I'm just talking hypothetically! I know it's silly to ask at this point, I was just throwing it out there. :o

Airlines open and close bases often, currently SKW Holdings is dealing with Delta on how they will handle the CRJ 200. I wouldn't count flying at a regional and then having a major who has a hub there unless is airports like LAX, NY, and ORD who have multiple regionals and mainline carriers.

Not to mention if UAL follows what Delta did there will be a ton of pilots furloughed at the regional level... On the Delta Connection side we are just waiting to see what airlines take the hit.

Killing the 50 seaters will cure any pilot shortage that "might" happen... I truely wonder why anyone would be trying to get into this career... There is about to many less 18K a year jobs available.

No, I'm just talking hypothetically! I know it's silly to ask at this point, I was just throwing it out there. :o

This industry could be flipped upside down in the next 2 to 3 years... The answers you are getting now are not going to be the same answers soon.

there could stand to be many many regional pilots on the street soon...

Nope, I actually really glad I asked, because it's one thing to talk about schedules conceptually ("bid for a 'good schedule'") and another thing to see them for real. I would guess that's it best to have a late show/early release at each end of the trip, respectively. (Even if you're not commuting)

Also, how important is it to live in base? I mean, hypothetically, if I take a job with XJT, for example, at the ATL base and my goal airline (or the airline that I have a guaranteed interview at - fingers crossed) is Delta, would it make sense to move to Atlanta, if I have no other restraints?


What is your obsession with XJT? And what makes you think you will be able to obtain a guaranteed interview at Delta? Those internships are very had to get ( but obtainable). You have it in your head that making it in this industry is so easy, which it is not (even if you go to ERAU) get your PPL first then CFI, things will be very different in a few years.

You have it in your head that making it in this industry is so easy, which it is not
Yes, I'm quickly learning that it's not as easy as I initially thought!

Here is a Pinnacle ball breaker

TOTALS BLOCK 2844 DHD 0000 CREDIT HRS. 2908 T.A.F.B. 8210

Busy and lots of swaps, but 29 hours in 4 days, that's awesome. Do 3 of those and then be done for the month. 18 days off!

Nope, I actually really glad I asked, because it's one thing to talk about schedules conceptually ("bid for a 'good schedule'") and another thing to see them for real. I would guess that's it best to have a late show/early release at each end of the trip, respectively. (Even if you're not commuting)

Also, how important is it to live in base? I mean, hypothetically, if I take a job with XJT, for example, at the ATL base and my goal airline (or the airline that I have a guaranteed interview at - fingers crossed) is Delta, would it make sense to move to Atlanta, if I have no other restraints?

Living in base can make a world of difference. I would do it if at all possible. It can change this job from "completely hellish" to just "pretty crappy."

Commuting to a regional airline job, especially if on reserve, will make you hate your life and it will destroy any relationships you have in it.

I do not know if you have mentioned this or not but where would you be commuting from? That may make a difference on where you potentially would want to fly. Could have sworn I saw you say MIA but could be wrong.

I do not know if you have mentioned this or not but where would you be commuting from? That may make a difference on where you potentially would want to fly. Could have sworn I saw you say MIA but could be wrong.
Me? Out of college, I can move wherever I want, so I will probably move right to my base.

Here is a Pinnacle ball breaker

DAY DD DH C FLTNO DPS-ARS DEPT ARRV BLKT GRNT TBLK TDHD TCRD TPAY TDUTY LAYOVER P2160 08/05/12 BSE REPT: 0655 REPORT- 08/05/12 LOCAL Times
Su 05 * 3999 MSP-CVG 0755 1052 0157 038
Su 05 * 4181 CVG-MSP 1130 1229 0159 036
Su 05 * 4306 MSP-LAN 1305 1537 0132 025
Su 05 * 3881 LAN-DTW 1602 1653 0051 319
Su 05 4172 DTW-LAN 2012 2052 0040 0659 0000 0708 0708 1312 LAN 1033
D-END: 2107 (NR 0900) REPORT 0740
Mo 06 * 4295 LAN-DTW 0810 0903 0053 100
Mo 06 3618 DTW-HPN 1003 1150 0147 040
Mo 06 * 3618 HPN-DTW 1230 1423 0153 104
Mo 06 3979 DTW-BUF 1527 1639 0112 026
Mo 06 * 3979 BUF-DTW 1705 1824 0119 148
Mo 06 4172 DTW-LAN 2012 2052 0040 0744 0000 0745 0745 1327 LAN 1033
D-END: 2107 (NR 0900) REPORT 0740
Tu 07 4295 LAN-DTW 0810 0903 0053 103
Tu 07 4222 DTW-BGM 1006 1125 0119 025
Tu 07 4222 BGM-DTW 1150 1315 0125 211
Tu 07 4262 DTW-BGM 1526 1643 0117 025
Tu 07 * 4262 BGM-DTW 1708 1834 0126 057
Tu 07 3986 DTW-CID 1931 2010 0139 0759 0000 0817 0817 1345 CID 935
D-END: 2025 (RR 0800) REPORT 0600
We 08 * 4128 CID-DTW 0630 0911 0141 134
We 08 * 4214 DTW-MSN 1045 1108 0123 040
We 08 * 3904 MSN-MSP 1148 1300 0112 139
We 08 4312 MSP-BRD 1439 1527 0048 025
We 08 4312 BRD-MSP 1552 1650 0058 0602 0000 0558 0558 1105 D-END: 1705
TOTALS BLOCK 2844 DHD 0000 CREDIT HRS. 2908 T.A.F.B. 8210

A- That's my 4 day, don't be showing everyone how awesome my life is
B- A few of these is how I have 20 days off next month
C- Skylover, You are definitely trolling with that avatar. Cohen is a chode and you look like one too rocking that thing

Yes this trip means no fun layovers or dinners with crews, who cares, I get 20 days home with my wife and kid, it's all about what your priorities are.

Yes, I'm quickly learning that it's not as easy as I initially thought!

1. If you haven't already, check out Doug Taylor's website jetcareers.com (http://jetcareers.com/). Not bad info for aspiring pilots. Doug admits that he had it lucky. After working as a CFI, it only took him two years working at a regional to land a job at Delta. That is VERY atypical and unusual. As a result, Doug's website tends to lean towards painting an overly rosy view of the airline pilot career. Nonetheless, some good info and message boards there.

That will be counterbalanced by:

2. Plow through as many threads here as you can. You'll get a fast education on most aspects of regional life (schedules, lifestyles, training, airlines, bases, landing an interview, etc.). Now at the same time, you may have noticed, this board tends to have a high proportion of grumpy, disgruntled pilots who like to complain a lot. While there's certainly a lot to complain about, you kind of have to turn up the squelch a bit and filter some of that out.

Both sites speak to the truth, just from very different perspectives. Between them, you'll eventually get a pretty decent idea of what's it's like to be a regional pilot -- good and bad -- and you can make your own decisions.

Good luck.

Great post Norskman2.