An example of a regional monthly schedule

This 4 day trip 'line' has Mon, Tues, Wed off every week and pays 79 hrs of flying with 305 hours time away from base for the month. A new hire would be paid $21/hr x 79 hrs= $1659, plus 305 x 1.50/hr per diem= $457.50. Gross pay for the month with this line would be $2116.50 and net pay would be approximately $1587 (with 25% deducted for taxes).

The trip sequence is as follows flt #/city pairs/ departure/arrival:
Day 1 report time 0910L

  • 3041 LAX-SBA 0955 1045
  • 3040 SBA-LAX 1110 1200
  • 3087 LAX-SAN 1600 1701
  • 3088 SAN-LAX 1730 1819
  • 3007 LAX-SBP 1942 2043
    Day ends 2058L (or 15 minutes after block in time for postflight duties).

    Day 2 report time 0751L

  • 3004 SBP-LAX 0836 0947
  • 3013 LAX-FAT 1120 1234
  • 3018 FAT-LAX 1259 1412
  • 3085 LAX-SAN 1530 1630
  • 3086 SAN-LAX 1700 1747
  • 3049 LAX-PSP 1956 2053
    Day 2 ends 2108L

    Day 3 report time 0610L

  • 3048 PSP-LAX 0655 0749
  • 3051 LAX-PSP 0847 0946
  • 3050 PSP-LAX 1014 1104
  • 3043 LAX-SBA 1220 1307
    Day 3 ends 1322L

    Day 4 reports 0455L

  • 3034 SBA-LAX 0540 0625
  • 3011 LAX-FAT 0725 0842
  • 3016 FAT-LAX 0905 1022
  • 3075 LAX-SAN 1200 1258
  • 3076 SAN-LAX 1330 1421
    Day 4 ends 1436L

    This is a very long four day trip. As you can see the first and second days are 12 hours long. Time spent before sign in and after arriving at the hotel are not included of course. If a pilot commutes into base for this trip, they would need to arrive the day prior or earlier that morning depending on where they live or commute from to make their report time. On the first day, there is a 4 hour break after the first round trip. (This time is unpaid, except for per diem of $1.50.hr which is paid from sign in till sign out on your sequence.) While sometimes a break in the day can be good to get food or take a nap, it can often serve to simply extend the duty day and fatigue the crew. If the last flight is on time, the crew should be checked into their rooms by about 9:15pm local. An early wakeup the next day to get some the breakfast buffet and catch the 7:50am airport shuttle means bedtime is almost as soon as you get to the hotel.

    Six flights and a few 'airport appreciation' breaks in the days schedule make day two a long one as well. After arriving at the origination airport at 7:50 for preflight duties, the day does not end until after 9pm. With any delays, this day can easily push the FAA maximum of 14 hours duty time. Hopefully the crew gets checked into their rooms before 9:45pm and it will be easy to fall to sleep ASAP as the van back to the airport leaves the hotel at 6am! After two very long busy days, the third day thankfully ends a bit sooner! The day probably started with a 5am wakeup and arrival at the hotel at days end is about 1:30pm. SBA is a great overnight and there is lots to do and see. However after the first two days of this sequence, one might not be able to stay out very long to enjoy it. Bedtime will be very early as the next day calls for an arrival at the airport at 4:55AM! Luckily, the hotel also offers a free breakfast. (Regional crews are always looking to save money and free food is always welcome!)

    Day four starts with one leg back to base, followed by two round trips or "turns" with a two hour break prior to the last turn. Perfect for getting lunch if one didn't pack enough food in their lunch bag. After the break the last round trip ends at 2:36pm. Now it's time to go home! If the pilot commuted in, add that time to the day which probably started with a 4am wakeup.

    Just another work week in an office with a great view.......

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