A Qualitative Analysis on the Advantages and Disadvantages of Pilot Commuting

This hybrid-qualitative research study will explore the advantages and disadvantages associated with pilot commuting from the perspectives of the pilot(s), their families, employer(s), and the traveling public using a phenomenological research method. It is hypothesized that pilot commuting contributes to an advantage and/or disadvantage of an increased/decreased job satisfaction, work-life balance, larger pilot candidate pool; fatigue, logistical challenges, customer satisfaction, stress/family impacts, and costs to the employer. The literature themes explored in this report will answer the research question, “What advantages and disadvantages exist for employers, pilots, their families, and the traveling public for companies that allow or encourage pilots commuting?”   Narratives from 21 ASRS events were evaluated to determine how commuting impacted pilot fatigue. The result of the search showed 6 events were related to irregular operations; 15 events quoted insufficient airline scheduling practices. The case study analyzed the crash of Colgan Air flight 3407 from circumstances surrounding pilot fatigue. The results of this research study correlated with the hypothesis. The conclusion of this research paper is that companies should allow and encourage pilots to commute under the following recommendations: P rohibit FAR 121 carriers from reducing pilot hiring requirements; restrict scheduling assignments that switch between day/night flying; require pilots fly no more than “X” legs per day; and for airlines to establish stricter parameters for a management supported, non-punitive fatigue program.