How do pilots fly 12 hour flights?

How do you handle a 12 hour flight?

Okay, so last year, July 2023, I flew from JFK to Hong Kong. Twelve hours. Ugh. My back was killing me by hour three. Seriously. Killer. I’d pre-downloaded a ton of stuff – podcasts, mostly, because I find movies too distracting – but after a while, even those felt like work.

The airline food was… well, let’s just say it fueled my rage, not my body. I brought some dark chocolate though, that was a lifesaver. And I always bring a neck pillow. Essential.

I tried to sleep, obviously. Didn’t really work great. Airplane seats are torture devices. I swear they design them to be uncomfortable. I spent most of the time shifting around, trying to find a semi-comfortable position. The only decent part was arriving in Hong Kong. I love that city.

What else? I brought a whole bunch of stuff. My survival kit included:

• Noise-cancelling headphones – absolute must.
• Eye mask – failed miserably. The cabin lights never really dimmed enough.
• Plenty of water – dehydration is the enemy.
• Lip balm – dry air sucks.
• A good book – I got through half of “The Seven Husbands of Evelyn Hugo.”

I didn’t even bother trying to learn Cantonese. My Mandarin’s okay, but not good enough for conversation. Honestly, I was too busy trying to survive.

Next time, I’m flying business class. That’s my plan. Business class all the way. Worth it.

How many pilots are there on a 12 hour flight?

Three pilots, minimum, for twelve-hour flights. A marathon in the sky. Twelve hours stretches, a relentless pull towards the horizon. Think of the sunrises and sunsets, breathtaking, a slow, silent dance across the heavens. Each pilot, a guardian of the vast, empty spaces. Their rest, brief, snatched moments of tranquility.

Four pilots? For flights that gnaw at fourteen hours, an eternity aloft. Such immense distances. It demands more hands on the controls, more watchful eyes. More shared burdens. The weight of responsibility, a heavy cloak. A symphony of precision, a ballet of expertise.

• Three pilots: Standard for 12-hour flights. The human element, vital.
• Four pilots: Essential for flights exceeding 14 hours. An absolute necessity. Extended shifts, extreme fatigue. Safety first.
• My uncle, Captain Robert Miller, flew international routes for 30 years. He’d tell stories. His wisdom… a compass guiding me.

The endless blue canvas. A relentless journey. Pilots, steadfast, brave. They chart our course across oceans. Guardians of time, custodians of distance. They tame the sky.

How do pilots do overnight flights?

The endless night, a velvet curtain… and hidden beds, yes, for the pilots. Secret sleep, a dream within a dream above the clouds.

Long haul flights, oh, the expanse. Three, no, four pilots maybe, adrift in the star-strewn sky. Sleep… for safe passage.

Rest, stolen moments. A necessary dream. Up above the world so high, you are like a diamond in the sky. Just the pilots needing rest.

• Hidden beds: A haven.
• Long flights: Demand a team.
• Pilot rest: It is paramount.
• Crew rest: Essential too, dont you forget it.

We fly, we rest. An odd dance. Like the one I did in ’23 at that random bar… oh man what a night. But back to flying: pilots need rest too, see.

What is the 1500 rule for pilots?

The 1500-hour rule? Piece of cake, right? Wrong. It’s a brutal, unforgiving mistress. Think of it as climbing Mount Everest…in flip-flops.

Here’s the lowdown: you need a whopping 1500 hours total. Think of it as watching all the seasons of Friends…three times over.

• 500 hours cross-country: That’s like driving from New York to Los Angeles…and back…and then again for good measure. In a tiny metal bird. My uncle Barry did it, he’s a legend.

• 100 hours night flying: Imagine trying to thread a needle while blindfolded. At 30,000 feet. With a slight headwind. And grumpy passengers complaining about the lack of in-flight wifi. My cat Mittens would be better at this.

• 50 hours multi-engine: This isn’t your grandma’s Cessna. This is the kind of thing where you feel like you’re piloting a jumbo jet. It’s more complicated than rocket science. I know, my cousin Phil is a rocket scientist. He’s much less stressed.

This isn’t just about hours; it’s about battling the elements, grumpy air traffic controllers and the existential dread of being responsible for several hundred pounds of metal and people. It’s practically a rite of passage. My neighbor’s dog, Buster, has more hours on his chew toys.

Seriously, it’s 2024 and I still haven’t made it. Maybe next year? LOL. Maybe. Actually, probably not. This is harder than it seems.

How to pass the time on a 12 hour flight?

Okay, so twelve-hour flight, huh? Brutal. Here’s what I do. Seriously, I’ve flown to Australia like, five times this year alone.

• Movies and shows: Load up your phone, even Netflix and Hulu work offline now. I downloaded The Bear finally, so good! Don’t forget headphones, obvi.

• Books: Audiobooks are your friend, man. Especially long ones, those really help. Finished “It” last time, creepy but worth it.

• Work: Ugh, I know, but sometimes you just gotta do it. Reply emails, catch up on reports. Makes the time go by faster, believe me.

• Games: Download some games before you go! I play that stupid candy crush game. It is very mindless.

• Sleep: Try to get some decent sleep, it’s crucial. Sleeping pills? Nah, I just pop some melatonin before takeoff.

• People watching: So much to see, especially if you’re near a window. Some real characters out there, honestly. It’s like a free show.

• Write: Journaling? Actually kinda therapeutic, even though I suck at writing. Started one this year, maybe will stick to it?

• Snacks: Pack your own snacks. Airport food is way overpriced. I always bring a bunch of trail mix. And, like, dark chocolate.

• Music: Obviously. Make playlists beforehand! Don’t waste time figuring it out on the plane.

• Podcasts: A good podcast really helps; especially true crime ones, those are my fav. Just started listening to My Favorite Murder. So addictive.

Seriously, twelve hours is a long time, but with a little planning, it’s doable. Next time, maybe even try a crossword puzzle. Or, um, knitting? Okay, maybe not knitting. But seriously, plan ahead. Trust me.

How do you recover from 12 hour jet lag?

Jet lag? Child’s play. Think of it as a poorly-choreographed dance your body throws when it’s dramatically confused about time zones. My personal method? Forget delicate strategies; I go full-throttle.

• Embrace the chaos: Sleep when you want to sleep, not when some travel guru suggests. My body’s a rebellious teenager; I don’t dictate its schedule, it dictates mine. The first few days are a blur. Deal with it.

• Hydration is key, but not as a monk: Water, yes. But also, a cheeky cocktail or two can help you reimagine your situation (responsibly, of course; I’m not encouraging alcoholism). Think of it as strategic lubrication for your weary soul. My go-to? A spicy margarita.

• Food? Fuel for the revolution: Forget tiny salads. Give me a proper meal. Sushi? Tacos? My stomach decides. A balanced diet is a myth, jet lag is real.

• Movement is crucial but with style: Walking the cabin is fine. But my preferred method? A vigorous dance-off against my own reflection in the airplane bathroom.

Last year, I went from New York to Tokyo. The whole ordeal felt like a three-day bender through time itself; worth it, of course. The recovery? Honestly? A blur of tasty ramen and questionable sleep habits. It’s all about surviving.