what is deadheading pilot

A deadheading pilot is a pilot who is flying on a plane as a passenger on their way to or from an assigned route. Deadheading is the practice of carrying, free of charge, a transport companys own staff on a normal passenger trip so that they can be in the right place to begin their duties). Deadheading pilots are usually uniformed and ready for duty if called upon. They receive the same food as a passenger and have an assigned seat just like the passengers. Deadheading is the most common form of professional travel for a pilot, and it happens when a crew member, on duty, rides in the passenger cabin on his or her airline or another airline, to be repositioned to an airport for the purposes of commanding another flight. Deadheading crew members must be ready for duty if called upon, and this most often happens during a multiple-day trip. Deadheading pilots and flight attendants are considered to be on duty when theyre deadheading and are usually given their full pay, even though they dont have to actively work on the flight.