Deadheading flying is a practice in the aviation industry where a transport companys own staff, such as pilots or flight attendants, are carried free of charge on a normal passenger trip so that they can be in the right place to begin their duties. Deadheading can also refer to when a certificate holder is transported by another plane between airports. Here are some key points about deadheading flying:
- Deadheading crew members have a confirmed ticket to ride as a passenger to position for work mid-trip or to return to their domicile city after a trip.
- Deadheading crew members are compensated for their time since they are on duty and are required to be in uniform during a deadhead flight.
- Deadhead crew time is added to the total duty time as an active crew member of a flight that day, and should not exceed certain limits.
- Deadheading may be on company aircraft, commercial passenger carriers, or by charter.
- Deadheading flights are always free for crew members, but they cannot choose their deadhead route, and unpopular connections, long waiting times, or early departures are no exception.
In summary, deadheading flying is a way for transport companies to position their staff in the right place to begin their duties, and it involves carrying their own staff free of charge on a normal passenger trip. Deadheading crew members are compensated for their time and are required to be in uniform during a deadhead flight. Deadheading may be on company aircraft, commercial passenger carriers, or by charter.
