2 vs 3 pilots on Long haul

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domtom
Posts: 100
Joined: 09 Dec 2014, 15:15

2 vs 3 pilots on Long haul

Post by domtom »

Hi

Checking out videos on YouTube, I see Swiss uses 2 pilots on a 10 hour flight to Miami from Zurich, whereas air France uses 3 from wuhan to Paris.

Are 2 pilots on long hail common?

Thanks

sean1982
Posts: 3260
Joined: 18 Mar 2003, 00:00
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Re: 2 vs 3 pilots on Long haul

Post by sean1982 »

depends on the agreed ratio with the unions :) factors include: flighttime, time difference, departure time, etc ...

domtom
Posts: 100
Joined: 09 Dec 2014, 15:15

Re: 2 vs 3 pilots on Long haul

Post by domtom »

But I thought there might also be rest time, which is the most important factor, no? Those 2 flights are similar in flight time, but differently resourced

sean1982
Posts: 3260
Joined: 18 Mar 2003, 00:00
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Re: 2 vs 3 pilots on Long haul

Post by sean1982 »

if the total flight duty remains below a certain time (depending on sign in time), inflight rest is not needed legally, however some airlines have it in an agreement with the pilot union

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