What Are Pilot Reserve Schedules In US Aviation?

It’s no secret that airlines seek to maximize profits, and the best way for airlines to maintain profitability is to transport passengers safely and on-time. While flight schedules are built months in advance of their operation, the pilots and flight attendants responsible for working each flight are subject to change, even in the minutes prior to departure. While the majority of pilots receive their schedules in advance and fly them as planned, things like delays, weather, personal illness, and the many other unforeseeable complexities of life can interrupt even the most perfectly crafted schedule. For these reasons, airlines maintain a cadre of reserve pilots and flight attendants to “pinch-hit” when normal schedules are disrupted. Here’s an overview of what a reserve pilot is, and the different types of reserve availability that airlines utilize.