Day in the life
A Day in the Life of an Airline Pilot
What airline pilots actually do from the start of a shift to the end: the tasks, tools, schedule and realities of the job.
What is a typical day like for an airline pilot?
Report to the airport. From there, the day usually includes plan flights, inspect aircraft, and fly aircraft. Irregular schedules with nights away; FAA rest rules apply.
Hour by hour: a typical shift
No two days are identical, but this timeline reflects a realistic day for an airline pilot working full time.
- Report to the airport.
- Review weather and flight plan.
- Do the walkaround.
- Brief the crew.
- Depart.
- Land and turn.
- Finish the trip and rest.
Where airline pilots work
Pilots work in cockpits and travel for multiday trips.
Hours and schedule
Irregular schedules with nights away; FAA rest rules apply.
Tasks you’ll do most often
- Plan flights
- Inspect aircraft
- Fly aircraft
- Communicate with ATC
- Monitor systems
- Handle emergencies
- Brief crew
Tools you’ll use every day
- Flight management systems
- Autopilot
- Electronic flight bags
- Radios
- Weather radar
- Simulators
The best and hardest parts of the job
What people like
- Very high pay
- Faster-than-average growth
- Travel
- Prestige
What’s hard
- Expensive training
- Time away from home
- Strict medical requirements
- Fatigue
You’ll likely thrive if…
- I love flying
- I stay calm under pressure
- I follow procedures
- I can be away from home
- I can pass medicals
- I can invest in training
Not sure? Take the free Airline Pilot fit quiz or the Career Match Quiz.
Staying safe on the job
- Follow checklists
- Respect fatigue rules
- Maintain medical fitness
- Use CRM