When you think of a pilot’s life, you might picture constant travel, long nights away from home, and living out of a suitcase. But here’s the good news: today’s pilots often enjoy more time at home than many people expect—sometimes even more than a traditional 9–5 job allows.
In fact, for many professional pilots, especially those working for airlines, a flexible schedule and generous time off are some of the biggest perks of the career.
The Truth About Pilot Schedules
Let’s discuss how much time off airline pilots get. While pilot schedules can vary depending on the type of flying and the airline or company, most pilots get time off built into their monthly roster. In many cases, it’s even more time off than a typical office job.
Commercial airline pilots, for example, typically fly between 70 and 85 hours per month. That’s flight time—not including days spent resting at home between trips. The remainder of the month is usually spent on scheduled rest days or personal time, often at home with family.
On average, pilots receive between 10 to 15 days off each month, with the exact number depending on factors such as seniority, the type of aircraft flown, and the routes assigned. Many pilots work just a few days at a time, followed by multiple consecutive days off. This allows for extended family time and more uninterrupted personal time than many traditional careers offer.
Regional and charter pilots may enjoy even more flexibility in their schedules, with flight assignments that reflect localized demand. This often leads to much more time pilots get off, and more frequent returns home.
There’s More Home Time Than You Think
A pilot’s schedule can be surprisingly supportive of a strong family life. Multi-day trips are often followed by several full days off at home. For example, after a three-day trip, a pilot might enjoy three or four consecutive days off—perfect for quality time with loved ones.
Unlike traditional office jobs, there’s no daily commute to worry about, and when a pilot is off-duty, they’re truly off. There’s no need to bring work home, no late-night emails, and no lingering projects.
As pilots gain seniority, they can also bid for more desirable schedules, such as weekends off or routes that allow them to return home more frequently. This level of control and predictability makes aviation not just an exciting career, but one that supports a balanced, family-oriented lifestyle.
Family-Friendly Career Path
Contrary to the myth, being a pilot isn’t about constantly being away. In fact, it’s a career that offers balance, freedom, and the opportunity to build a family-oriented lifestyle.
And here’s the best part: pilots do get a lot of time off, so they can:
- Be home for birthdays, holidays, and school events (especially with schedule control as your career grows).
- Plan vacations and travel perks for your family—often at reduced airline rates.
- Spend quality, uninterrupted time with loved ones on your days off.
A career in aviation doesn’t just take you places, it can bring you home, too.
A Career That Gives You More Than a Paycheck
At Kingsky Flight Academy, we believe a pilot career isn’t just about flying—it’s about creating a lifestyle rooted in freedom, passion, and purpose. Our flight training programs are designed to prepare you not only for the cockpit, but for a future that supports your goals both professionally and personally.
Our accelerated training options can get you to the airlines quickly, with some students reaching their career goals in as little as 12 months. Every program follows an FAA-approved curriculum, ensuring you receive instruction that meets the highest safety and operational standards in the industry.
Located in Florida, our academy benefits from year-round flying conditions, allowing for consistent, efficient progress. From your first day, our airline-oriented approach keeps your training aligned with real-world aviation careers, helping you step confidently into the future you’ve imagined.
Let’s Get You Started With Kingsky Flight Academy
Your journey begins here. Contact Kingsky Flight Academy today to discover how soon your aviation career can take off. Our experienced instructors, FAA-approved programs, and year-round flying conditions in sunny Florida create the ideal environment for fast, focused training.
Whether you’re just starting out or looking to transition into a professional aviation career, we’re here to guide you every step of the way. We’re there from your first discovery flight to your first job with an airline. With Kingsky, you’re not just learning to fly, you’re building a future full of opportunity, freedom, and balance.
If you’re dreaming of a rewarding career that allows you to travel the world and still be home for dinner, aviation might be your calling. Let us help you create a life you love, both in the air and on the ground.
Reach out to our team to discuss how much time off pilots get. You can also schedule a campus tour or enroll in one of our airline pilot programs today. The sky isn’t the limit—it’s just the beginning.