Originally Posted by AliBabba
Well, I'm not looking for a particular lifestyle, per se. I see what you're saying about the variety of schedules. I guess I was hoping some regional pilots would post up one of their typical schedules so I could get a feel for what they look like. From what you're saying though, I'm sure they'd look just like any major pilot's schedule. I guess I was under the impression that regional guys did more of a shuttle service almost, flying back and forth from small towns to their respective major's hub. I'm sure there are those that fly that type of schedule but I guess I was picturing it as more of a bread and butter kind schedule for regional guys.
I guess you could summarize by equipment type and utilization:
Turbo-props: Often are based at an outstation, start and end there, usually fly 6-10 (or maybe more
) legs between 1-3 outstations and a larger hub. I would expect 4-6 days on 2-3 days off. If you live at the outstation, you go home every night, otherwise it sucks. Some larger turboprops may operate more like an RJ.
RJ: Based at a large or medium hub. Sometimes they operate similar to a turboprop, but usually longer legs and more destinations...however an RJ on an ex-turboprop route can be a goat-rope as you attemp to do ALL the checklists in 7 minutes. Sometimes they will do mainline routes...ie between big cities. Id guess most 50 seat pilots see a mix of both. Four on three off is typical, but I've had everything 6 on/1 off to 3on/8 off. You have some control of this.
Large RJs: 80+ seats will usually operate like mainline, with few if any short legs. Days off are the same as 50 seaters, but your day may be shorter because you don't do as many ground turns, so you get your flying done in less total duty time.
These are generalities, it could vary by company and domicile. I'm some Q400 driver will yell at me because he flys LAX to Hong Kong legs. Hope this helps.