About Patrick Smith Expertise I can answer queries on most any issue pertaining to commercial air travel -- from airline service and safety to technical questions about aircraft and flying. I am particularly knowledgable about the routes, service cultures, and safety records of the world's airlines.
Experience Patrick Smith is an airline pilot and the author of Salon.com's popular "Ask the Pilot" series. His book, "Ask the Pilot -- Everything You Need to Know About Air Travel," was published by Riverhead/Penguin in 2004 and was Amazon's pick for the best travel book of that year.
Publications Salon.com, various newspapers and magazines.
Question I just wondered about how much total air time a typical commercial jet airliner (A320?) might accumulate per month/year.
Answer
Hi.
It depends, somewhat, if/when said aircraft is removed for maintenance or overhaul.
Figure around 8 hours per calendar day of utlization.
Maybe that sounds like a lot, but remember that aircraft are built to fly such schedules, and to remain in service for decades. It behooves an airlne to keep its planes in the air, bringing in revenue, as much as possible.
