10 Oct 2010 20:04. I've been wondering now, for some time, how is the typical work day for a pilot? Do you go in from 9-5 on the days you don't fly and the other days you come in depending on whether it's a day or night flight? How's it like to be an Air Force pilot, in the day-to-day kind of sense? you work 12 hours a day....everyday.