How do you calculate the number of pilots required?

[thatpilotguy]

We are trying to analyze our projected need for flight department expansion and I'm having a hard time finding any information to support my beliefs.

What I am looking for is specific information on the average number of flight hours typically flown by a single aircraft, part 91 flight department. As well as the average number of flight hours flown per month for a part 91 pilot.

A few years ago I ran across a calculator that would provide this information, but I can't remember where I saw it.

Do any of you out there know where I can find information on this?

Thanks.

 

[maddogg]

NBAA Calculator

I think the calculator you are reffering to is on the NBAA website. We used it last year. I will try and find it and post the link.

Maddogg

 

[CE650SC]

Number of Pilots Required

www.nbaa.org/@@wA2oDQT6OwEN/basics/admin/calcpilots.htm

This is the site that contains the NBAA's suggestion for calculating pilots needed. Hope it helps.

 

[CE650SC]

Calculating the Number of Pilots Required
Calculation of Number of Pilots Based on Number of Days Pilot Is Needed
Each company could vary this calculation according to its own requirements. This sample calculation presumes a seven-day-a-week operation (the aircraft is available seven days a week) with a particular pilot available five days a week. Five pilots would be required if a five-day-a-week operation is used.

DESCRIPTION​

CALCULATION​

TOTALS​

Work days per pilot
52 weeks per year x 5 days per week

260​

Days not available

• Vacation: 15 days
• Holidays: 11 days
• Sick leave: 5 days
• Training and physical examination: 10 days

-41​

Subtotal of days not available
Total days available for duty
260 days – 41 days

219​

Number of crew seats
(if two per aircraft)
2 aircraft x 2 pilots per aircraft

4​

Number of operating days per year
7 days per week

365​

Number of flightcrew days per year
4 pilots x 365 days

1,460​

Number of pilots required (rounded up)
1,460 flightcrew days required/219 days available

7​

 

[thatpilotguy]

I thought I remembered a calculator that took into account RON's and stated something about average number of flight hours flown for typical flight departments nationally? Maybe I'm totally wrong. If I remember correctly there is another company that does flight department analyis.

 

[Gulfstream 200]

take the number your boss or management co says you need and double it.

 

[rice]

take the number your boss or management co says you need and double it.

OH SO TRUE!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Problem is when you come in with "your" number they typically divide that by 3.
Guess that explains my feeling of dread for the past two+ years.

 

[GVFlyer]

At Gulfstream we subscribed to the KISS principle and simply recommended one and one-half pilots per seat to customers.

GV

 

[G100driver]

take the number your boss or management co says you need and double it.

Classic!!!!!:beer:

 

[thatpilotguy]

All good answers. I'm sure there is good source information out there. Does anyone know if there is anything other than NBAA?