EMB ERJ 140 ER/LR
Flight Crew Instrument; Flight Crew Commercial; Flight Crew Air Transport Pilot (ATP); Flight Crew Multiengine
Aircraft Equipment Problem Less Severe; Deviation / Discrepancy - Procedural Published Material / Policy; Flight Deck / Cabin / Aircraft Event Smoke / Fire / Fumes / Odor
Air Traffic Control Provided Assistance; Flight Crew Landed in Emergency Condition; Flight Crew Returned To Departure Airport
Aircraft
During engine start; slight burning smell was present but quickly dissipated. No further issues until takeoff thrust was applied. Burning smell intensified on upwind and later again at cruise. Crew donned masks and turned back for ZZZ [advising ATC]. Following the event; the crew was asked to assist with engine runs to help Maintenance with completing [engine troubleshooting]. Crew agreed and was then also given back original overnight (however; this was now delayed 2.5 hours). Crew departed for ZZZ1 overnight at XA:30 arriving just before XB:00. The crew was now below required 10 hours of rest. Crew scheduling assigned an adjusted showtime without notifying crew. Adjusted showtime had crew leaving the hotel at XK:45 (after arriving at hotel at XB:30). Captain called to request additional time to decompress at hotel before the scheduled duty the next day (12 hours and 7:50 flying). Scheduler told Captain that new showtime was legal and she could not do anything additional. Captain requested Supervisor to discuss since this was in the interest of safety. Scheduler informed Captain that any delay would be 'on the crew' and we could take it up with our Chief Pilot. Crew adjusted showtime to give appropriate rest following day's events and to prepare for the following days schedule.This comes from too great a focus to 'get back on schedule'. We were very aware of our situations and our physical feelings. Arriving in ZZZ1 we displayed many factors related to fatigue (irritability; lack of focus; slow reaction times; etc.). However; following our ordeal there was no attention to giving the crew the break required of most humans (experienced or inexperienced). No call from the Chief Pilot's office until following day; never were we asked if we were 'OK'. Instead; we continued to help and do what was asked of us; but when we made it to the end of the day; we were met with a 'Do this or take it up with your Supervisor' attitude.This is an example of being pushed into continuing even though an external view would show otherwise. When passengers on our aircraft comment that we should get a chance to reflect and decompress and our own Company does not allow it (unless we willingly disregard our policies by disregarding a showtime); something is wrong. I would urge deep reflection to how our policies; 'attitudes' and 'culture' dove tail into what science shows is needed for humans following stressful and complex situations.
EMB-140 Captain reported burning smell fumes during climb and cruise. Flight crew executed a return to departure airport.