Do Pilots Really Crib, or Is It a Lie Told 1,000 Times?

We’ve all heard the phrase that “pilots just crib all the time.” Over time, this idea has been normalized, often by management or even some fellow pilots who support the argument. But how many of us truly believe this? Are pilots really complaining unnecessarily, or is this a convenient narrative to dismiss their legitimate concerns?

Let’s delve deeper into the issues pilots commonly discuss — whether during social gatherings or pre- and post-flight briefings — and evaluate whether these concerns are valid or just “cribbing.”

1. Pay Scale

One of the most frequent concerns among pilots is low pay. But is it unjustified? If we look beyond aviation, employees in most professions often discuss salaries. However, the issue is particularly acute for pilots.

Today, pilot salaries are either stagnant or lower than they were a decade ago when adjusted for inflation. With an annual inflation rate of 6–7%, the real value of pilot salaries has declined significantly. This affects not just senior pilots but also trainee pilots and Junior First Officers (JFOs), whose pay scales are even more dismal.

Labeling this legitimate concern as “cribbing” is dismissive. The reality is that pilots have a reasonable expectation for their compensation to keep pace with their responsibilities and the cost of living.

2. FDTL and Rostering

Another major issue is the Flight Duty Time Limitations (FDTL) and roster planning. Airlines use software that maximizes crew utilization based on regulatory maximum limits. However, these limits are meant to be exceptions, not the norm.

The software doesn’t account for human circadian rhythms or individual differences, leading to rosters that push pilots to their physical limits. Pilots frequently highlight the need for adequate rest to ensure safety and performance. Even the DGCA has acknowledged this and proposed forward-looking FDTL guidelines, though implementation remains a challenge.

If regulatory bodies recognize the issue, how can pilots raising this concern be dismissed as “cribbing”?

3. Work-Life Balance

When pilots choose a flying career, they understand the challenges of odd hours and limited family time. Most accept these realities and prioritize their duties. However, human beings still need to celebrate festivals or attend important occasions with loved ones.

When years go by without these moments, frustration is natural. Expressing this is not “cribbing”; it’s a valid emotional response. Pilots dedicate so much to their profession, and occasionally voicing personal sacrifices shouldn’t be trivialized.

4. Accommodation Issues

Another concern often dismissed is accommodation. Some argue that an uncomfortable stay is a minor inconvenience. However, pilots operate under strict schedules and rely on every minute of rest to recover.

The “minimum rest period” mandated between duties often doesn’t account for actual transport time, personal routines, and the difficulty of sleeping during odd hours. If accommodation issues further cut into this limited rest, it directly impacts a pilot’s ability to safely manage the next flight. Calling this out is not “cribbing”; it’s advocating for safety and well-being.

5. Health Concerns

Flying schedules are increasingly demanding, particularly for pilots operating narrow-body aircraft. The frequent pressurization and depressurization cycles take a significant toll on their bodies.

Pilots must also maintain peak physical health for their yearly medicals and their personal well-being. Raising concerns about working conditions that harm their health is entirely justified and far from “cribbing.”

The Normalization of “Cribbing”

These are just a few of the most pressing issues pilots often discuss. Unfortunately, over time, these legitimate concerns have been labeled as “cribbing,” trivializing the gravity of the issues and undermining meaningful dialogue.

Even worse, many pilots themselves have started accepting this narrative rather than challenging it. This lie has been told so many times that it now feels like the truth, creating a culture where serious concerns are brushed aside.

Conclusion

It’s time to shift the narrative. Pilots are not “cribbers”; they are professionals raising valid concerns about their pay, work conditions, and well-being. Recognizing these issues and addressing them is not just fair — it’s essential for the safety and sustainability of the aviation industry.