For all the airline pilots out there (or anyone who would know) what would a typical rotation look like for the small planes (737/MD-80) and the heavies? Just curious because I want to be an airline pilot and was wondering if something like SWA is better because they have so many flights a day (and i would like many flights a day) but i want to fly a 767 pretty bad too and i assume those pilots only fly a couple flights a day...tops? So in short, what would a typical rotation be and if anyone has experience with it would/did/do you prefer the smaller planes over the heavies or the heavies over the smaller planes?

Thank you in advance!

Taylor

 

Do you want airline pilots to answer - or someome who knows

ALL pilots are restricted by maximum flight time rules in a set period. You can't fly more than 8 hours in 24, 30 hours in 7 days, etc. There are some variations in these restrictions, but overall you'll be affected by them in any jet you fly for a part 121 airline.

As far as schedules go - the international scedules generally allow you to rack-up more time per flight which "should" result in more days off per month.

 

International flying advantages: long layovers, sometimes many days in exotic locales, extra pay, better crew meals, and plenty of time enroute to read magazines, watch DVDs on your laptop, sleep, etc. Good beer and food in international cities. Ability to have some space when you're having problems at home. Disadvantages: Figuring out what controllers just told you, not knowing what to expect wrt routing, screws up your body in a total and complete way. Some very long 10-plus hours in a small space. Gone from your family for over a week if you're flying cargo. Flying for companies like Gemini and Evergreen you might be gone for over 2 weeks.

Domestic flying advantages: home after being gone only 2 to 4 days. Mostly daylight flying. English-speaking, competent controllers. Up-and-down legs make the day go by faster. Disadvantages: an 8-hour block day can make a day very miserable and exhausting. Flying in congested airspace.

 

I knew of the regulations...I guess what I really meant was...for all the heavy pilots, would you want more t/o and landings in a day or a given time? Or is one t/o and 1 landing a day fine? I read an article about a Southwest crew and they had a 4 day trip: Day 1: 4 flights Days 2 & 3: 3 flights Day 4: 1 flight. I thought having more t/o and landings would be more "exciting" as opposed to t/o then land in 7 hours? Just trying to get another perspective.

Taylor