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Plane Answers: A pilot's seatbelt sign philosophy and aircraft accident odds {Gadling}
Jun 16th 2009 4:17PM In short, you are more likely to die in your car on the way to the airport to catch your flight, as opposed to on the flight. :)
Plane Answers: How a pilot's flight time relates to their experience {Gadling}
Mar 17th 2009 3:15PM Great post Kent, and a very good question :)
I just thought I should correct Ted. The FO of Colgan 3407 had 774 hours on the Q400 alone (the captain only had 261). Her total flight time overall 2200 hours :)
Thanks
Dave
Plane Answers: Are pilots more likely to divorce? {Gadling}
Sep 8th 2008 2:41PM Hi Kent,
Things seem to be a bit different in Europe, schedule-wise. Pilots here, especially with budget airlines, tend to be home every night barring technical or operational difficulties. For example, Ryanair has a 5 on/4 off schedule which means 5 days of flying either early or late shifts where you go home at the end of the day and then 4 days off. Probably better for family life but I am sure the pilots/cabin crew would appreciate a good time on a layover every so often!
The only airlines that regularly overnight seem to be national or legacy airlines, and the odd charter operator. Even most national airlines don't overnight much now - Aer Lingus pilots have 4 overnights a month which are almost always in London or Ireland (last time I heard) and British Airways is the only one I know of(though there may be more of course) that still operate 3-5 day "tours" for short haul pilots unlike airlines in the US, where I gather it is the norm.
Thought that might be a helpful afterthought.
Dave
Plane Answers: Breathe Normally? {Gadling}
Aug 8th 2008 6:32PM Hi Kent,
Thanks for the answer! Hope the scheduling is starting to get easier after the hard work you've put in over the last while. I have to tell you though, I haven't been flying since April because of both money and weather issues and I wouldn't turn down 15 days straight flying either!
Best wishes
David
