Can pilots fly two aircraft types at the same time? And how much choice do they have when upgrading to a new aircraft?

Posted by NewAd8721@reddit | aviation | View on Reddit | 8 comments

I have a couple of questions about how aircraft assignments work within airlines. Let’s say a pilot is rated on both the A330 and A350. They were initially flying the A330 but recently transitioned to the A350. However, there aren’t many A350 flights at the moment, and they're still waiting on a schedule. If they're still current on the A330, can they temporarily pick up A330 flights again? Are airline pilots allowed to fly two aircraft types at the same time within the same company? Second, how much freedom do senior pilots have in choosing the aircraft they move to? For example, let’s say a pilot is flying the A320 and has earned enough seniority to move up. The airline has openings on both the A330 and A340. Does the pilot get to choose which one they prefer, or does the airline assign them based on operational needs? I'm curious how much flexibility pilots really have when it comes to fleet transitions. Thanks in advance!

8 Comments

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Raccoon_Ratatouille@reddit

Typically no, for insurance reasons most airlines split them up unless they're close enough to have a common type rating ie 757/767. Airlines generally assign aircraft and seats based on seniority, so new hires will only get aircraft seats that everyone else had a chance to bid on, so generally FO on lower paying aircraft at least desirable bases. As company needs evolve due to aircraft purchases, retirements, etc, there will be a few bids per year when the airline says "We have opening for 5 777 CA in LAX, and 25 737 FO's in ATL." Everyone puts in their bids for what they want, but the 5 most senior pilots by date of hire will get those 5 777 CA spots. But then the 5 most senior pilots that want them get to take whatever spots the new 777 CA's vacated, people can bid to take their old seats, etc until everyone gets what they can, then the bid is closed, and whatever spots are left empty can be offered to the next Indoc class of pilots.

-burnr-@reddit

At one point, a long time ago, I was current on 3 types simultaneously and can remember multiple occasions flying more than one type in a day.

Away-Possible6366@reddit

Nobody has shown the ability to be in two places at the same time, let alone fly two airplanes.

Neither-Way-4889@reddit

What about that one guy who was flying a drone while also flying his airplane? That's gotta be pretty close, right?

joblio@reddit

The answers to most of these questions are very airline-specific. Generally, pilots will only fly one type at a time (except for airlines that support common types, like B757/B767, A320/A330, A330/A350, maybe more?). As far as bidding vs assigning types, there are airlines that do it both ways.

Clem573@reddit

Even airlines that operate those common type ratings types (787/777, A330/A350 come to mind) can prefer to have separate divisions for pilots, who would only fly one type - yearly training necessary on both types, and I assume (correct me if I’m wrong) the number of landings over 3 months would be quite restrictive

xxJohnxx@reddit

Depens on the setup. 330 landings count towards 350 landings, as both are the same typerating and close enough. Couple of friends fly 320/340 and they don‘t have to do 3 landings in 90 days on both either, but rather 1 landing on each every 45 days.

Thanks for the input ! I’m not on those kind of ratings, your info is more accurate than what I suggested

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