Controlled rest allows one pilot at a time to get up to 45 minutes of sleep during periods of low workload (in the cruise). This is to promote a higher level of alertness levels during periods of high workload, for example the descent, approach and landing.
For every 24 hours, a pilot must be able to "look back" and see at least eight consecutive hours when he or she was not in the cockpit. The airlines call that eight hours of "rest," but pilots note that it includes the time it takes to travel to a hotel, eat, get ready for bed, sleep, and then get back to the airport.
They're not glamorous, but they're very comfortable, with padded bunks and sometimes even in-flight entertainment! With 14- to 18-hour flights no longer unusual, pilots and cabin crew have legally mandated rest times —and airlines also realise that a rested, refreshed crew member is a happy crew member.
For long flights over twelve hours, there are one or two relief pilots onboard so that the two pilots who performed the takeoff can take a break and get some sleep or relax. There are just two pilots on short long-haul flights of eight or nine hours.
The pilot can sleep for no more than 40 minutes, and must wake up at least half an hour before the descent for landing. They get the first 15 minutes after the nap to fully awaken, during which they can't resume actually flying the plane, unless they need to help deal with an emergency.
One important issue was how to ensure that the co-pilot didn't also accidentally fall asleep. This has been a real concern for many years in aviation, with some studies reporting that as much as 50% of pilots accidentally fall asleep during flights.
Fatigue is particularly prevalent among pilots because of "unpredictable work hours, long duty periods, circadian disruption, and insufficient sleep". These factors can occur together to produce a combination of sleep deprivation, circadian rhythm effects, and 'time-on task' fatigue.
Per diem is generally paid continuously for every hour you are away from base, even while you are sleeping! It generally starts around $1.70/hour and goes up based on company and domestic/international rates.
The Bureau of Labor Statistics reported the median U.S. pilot salary at $211,790 in 2022. This means 50% of pilots earn more than this, and 50% earn less. However, there are pilots working for major airlines making more than $700,000 per year.
The pilots can eat in the cockpit, but they tend to not eat at the same time, so that one is always at the controls.
 Take Advantage of Naps
A 20-30-minute map is all you need to help fight pilot fatigue. A short burst of rest will help to improve alertness in your day. However, you want to be sure your nap isn't too long.
Do pilots go home every night? Flight instructors and pilots who fly short-haul domestic flights are able to be home every night more or less; however, airline pilots who fly longer routes are unable to go home every night and can be away from home for up to two weeks at a time.
In a given month, flight crew might spend half of their nights in hotels, if not more. Hotels are booked and paid for by the airline if the pilot is actively on a duty assignment mid-trip. However, the crew member must find and pay for hotels needed on the front or back end of a trip.
Flight times within the duty periods are restricted to a maximum of 8 hours for flight crews consisting of one pilot and 10 hours for flight crews consisting of two pilots. The 8-hour and 10-hour flight time limitations include any additional commercial flying performed by the flight crew during the period.
How Much Do Pilots Make an Hour? » According to The May 2021 Occupational Outlook Handbook, the Bureau of Labor Statistics, the salary for commercial pilots is $99,640 per year. The median annual wage for airline pilots, copilots and flight engineers is $202,180.
Aircraft Bunk Rest/Sleep for Pilots
The same two pilots are at the controls for take-off and landing whilst the other pilot(s) will take control for other segments of the flight to given the other pilots an opportunity to sleep.
How much does a Captain at Qantas make? The typical Qantas Captain salary is $119,661 per year. Captain salaries at Qantas can range from $106,767 - $300,000 per year.
Being a pilot can be stressful at times. It requires immense concentration, quick decision-making, and a lot of patience. A pilot is responsible for the well-being of all crew members and passengers on board, and they sometimes have to fly under unpredictable conditions.
Pilots are often thought of as having a glamorous and exciting jobs. But the reality is that flying a plane can be stressful. There are many things that pilots have to worry about, from weather conditions to mechanical problems.
A fully-fledged Qantas A380 Captain earns about US$327,000 annually. Stood down A380 Captains are now picking up about US$370 per week via a government subsidy program that runs out in a few months time. In addition, The Sydney Morning Herald reports a further 200 Qantas pilots are also on leave without pay.
Though rest is the priority, I try to do more than just rest in the hotel for longer overnights. On the welcomed but rare long overnight, I've made my way through historic sites, a presidential library, local independent bookstores, and unique landmarks and restaurants.
Managing fatigue is a challenge, particularly when flying overnight (red-eye) flights. Some countries allow pilots to take controlled naps to improve alertness during the landing. So far, the U.S. has not allowed this fatigue mitigation. Pilots keep flight deck lights up, and engage in conversation to help keep alert.
Pilots have variable work schedules that may include several days of work followed by some days off. Airline pilots may spend several nights a week away from home because flight assignments often involve overnight layovers.
The lifestyle of a pilot can be very demanding. Pilots often have to travel for long periods of time, which can be difficult for families. Additionally, pilots have to deal with shift work, as they may be working at odd hours.
Generally, if the flight is longer than eight hours, a third pilot (second officer) is required onboard. That requirement may vary slightly between operators. While some airlines require a third pilot for flights longer than seven hours, others may extend it to 10 hours.