What do the two pilots do during an 8 hour flight?

Question

For most of a flight, these days the flights are on auto pilot. So like what do the pilots do in a really really long flight when everything is fine? Like do they read a book or something? Or maybe they have a party in each others pants and get it on?

Answer 1

Auto-pilot is similar to cruise-control on a car. Cruise control can only keep the car going at the speed you designate; it can't speed up, slow down or steer. The pilots on any flight have to pay attention to instructions from air traffic control and are constantly making adjustments to airspeed, altitude and direction.

When they aren't busy making the changes directed by ATC, they are doing the same things you are: talking to each other (just like some of the passengers, they have just met the person they are seated next to) and hoping that the flight attendants will bring them some coffee. Pilots are not allowed to read in the flight deck.

It's not an easy job and it can be boring, but the important thing is to keep vigilant for the safety of everyone on board.

Answer 2

Some of these answers are a riot!

Modern airliners have very capable autopilots. They can control the plane's altitude and heading, and automatically follow instructions from the Flight Management System (FMS, a navigation computer) to keep the plane on course. Many planes have auto-throttles as well, so the plane can automatically maintain a selected speed. Even in a plane without auto-throttles, the speed doesn't vary much more than a few knots once the power is set. A plane will speed up as fuel is burned and it gets lighter, but it's a *very* slow acceleration.

The pilots maintain a watch over the autopilot and FMS to make sure they're flying correctly, and scan the aircraft's various systems from time to time to ensure they're working properly. They also listen up for instructions from air traffic controllers, which usually consist of little more than minor course changes and handoffs to the next controller every 15 minutes or so.

With new security regulations, flight attendants are not allowed in the flight deck enroute, except for some rare exceptions, so there's no hanky-panky going on.

Pilots have several books of charts we carry with us in the chart case you see us all carrying (we call it our "brain bag"). These charts are updated every 14 days, so we might be inserting a chart update enroute, or updating our company's operating manual or the aircraft flight manual.

If all that's done and the airplane is humming along as it should, we might read the newspaper or a magazine. Eating meals enroute is fairly common too, since we often have very little time between flights. Some pilots pack a small cooler with food in it, and others buy stuff at airport vendors.

On international flights on large aircraft, there are "relief crews" on board, and they trade out so there's always a rested, attentive pilot at the controls.

Answer 3

No, I don't think they're allowed to read. The two people have between 100-400+ lives in their hands. They can't afford to screw around.

I know the job certainly sounds exciting, but apart from seeing different cities, I imagine the job itself is (at least) somewhat boring.

I certainly hope that my pilots don't have their face buried in a magazine (or elsewhere) during the flights I go on!

Answer 4

US regulation says no greater advantageous than 3 hours caught on airplane for kin flights and four hours for international. They (Jet Blue, The Airport) broke the regulation, ought to be charged. enable the courtroom circumstances start up, circulate at 'em boys.

Answer 5

Nap (in shifts), maybe read, talk...

You know, I really don't know. Good question!

Answer 6

They take turns blowing each other.

Answer 7

Fly the plain!!!LOL!!

Answer 8

they take turns doing the stewardesses......don't you watch porn movies? lol!!