Employment Contract Terminology in Business Aviation

In this article, we will explain some of the terms used in an employment contract issued by jet operators and/or aircraft owners. As opposed to commercial aviation, the terms used in business aviation is slightly different, with some of it being new to experienced commercial flight attendants. 

Rotation

A synonym of roster, which mean your working days in a month. In corporate aviation, the working days are usually packed together, and the off days similarly in a row. Typical rotations in Europe is 15 days on and 15 days off, which means you will be on standby, regardless if you are on flight or not, for the first 15 days from the start of your rotation, and the next 15 days will be your off days. Other rotation schedules include 3 weeks on and 3 weeks off; 20 days on and 10 days off; or one month on and one month off. However, your rotation may be extended depending on the operator and/or the passenger request.

Positioning

Positioning in business aviation is the act of the aircraft being ferried from its originating airport to another airport for departure. So in employment terms, it is the action to move a crew member from his/her closest international airport to the jet’s location. Such positioning can happen via air transport or land transport, i.e. commercial airlines, car rental or train. The trip expenses are covered by the employer, whether it’s an aircraft operator or an aircraft owner.

Duty Day

The duty days means the working days of your rotation. If you are on a 20 days on and 10 days off, your duty days occur on the first 20 days from the start of your rotation. You may not be flying every day during your duty period, however you will need to be on standby throughout the duty period. If there are any flights scheduled, you will follow the aircraft or the itinerary set by the operator or aircraft owner. If there are no flights, you will either be stationed in your base or in the city where the aircraft is parked during your duty period.

Flying Days

Flying days are the days where you are on board a flight during your rotation. It can happen as an empty flight with no passengers on board or as a live sector with passengers.

HOTAC

This stands for hotel accommodation and the overnight expenses covered by your employer when on duty.