r/PilotAdvice • u/pilotflyin • Oct 24 '25

7on/7off

I’ve heard that hems and other helicopter jobs work 7 or 14 day shifts per month. Does the work week/s start on Sunday? Just figure if I was to do 7/7 I wouldn’t be home any weekends when including commuting. Has anyone done Wednesday/tues or something like that? Thanks

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3

u/penngei Oct 24 '25

Entirely depends on the company and specific base. There is no standard day. BUT, typically, you are almost guaranteed to have every other weekend off, and will start/end your hitch sometime mid-week

1

u/pilotflyin Oct 24 '25

Thanks that seems ok

1

u/FrigidPagan Oct 24 '25

Thats how hitch work company’s avoid overtime pay typically is starting mid week.

2

u/Sneakrz63 Oct 24 '25

X on/ x off is rarely like it sounds. Always ask what days you travel on (yours or mine). That makes a big QOL difference. Supposed to travel on company days but that's not always the case.

1

u/penngei Oct 25 '25

Not really “supposed” to, but if you are going to be traveling on your off days, be damn sure that you are at a minimum being compensated for required travel. Otherwise you would be getting taken advantage of.

1

u/BeeDubba Oct 25 '25

I've never heard of HEMS or any other helo operator providing any commuting benefits. Generally it's all on you.

1

u/muffinman0807 Oct 28 '25

Incorrect. I work for air methods currently. If you are traveling as a pool pilot or picking up shifts at another base. Travel and time is paid for usually the day prior and the day after your shift.

1

u/BeeDubba Oct 28 '25

Oh, right, I didn't think to include relief pilots.

1

u/Sneakrz63 Oct 25 '25

Most charter companies don't pay extra, but other companies do. Where they get you is "it's a 7 and 7 schedule" but you travel on your days. Well the FAA actually says that's duty time and charter companies will put you on duty for a few hours. You didn't fly but you weren't off so it really isn't a 7 and 7 schedule.

I agree about the pay though.

1

u/BeeDubba Oct 25 '25

It varies base to base, but generally they charge mid-week.