10 Secrets Kept by Airline Pilots
Here are 10 facts pilots typically don’t tell passengers; either because they don’t want to cause unnecessary concern or because they’re just industry secrets:
1. Planes Get Hit by Lightning Regularly
It’s estimated that commercial aircraft get struck by lightning about once a year. However, modern planes are designed to handle this safely, so passengers rarely notice.
2. Oxygen Masks Have Limited Time
The emergency oxygen masks only provide about 12–15 minutes of oxygen—enough time for the pilot to descend to a breathable altitude.
3. Turbulence is Almost Never Dangerous
While turbulence can be unsettling, commercial planes are built to withstand even extreme turbulence without structural damage. However, not wearing a seatbelt can lead to injuries.
4. Autopilot Does Most of the Work
For most of a flight, the plane is flying itself. Pilots manually control the aircraft for takeoff and landing, but autopilot handles 90% or more of cruising.
5. Pilots Nap in the Cockpit
On long-haul flights, pilots take controlled naps (called "controlled rest") while the co-pilot remains in charge. On very long flights, additional pilots rotate shifts.
6. Some Landings Are Hard on Purpose
In poor weather, especially when it's raining, pilots intentionally land hard to ensure proper traction on the runway and avoid hydroplaning.
7. The Air You Breathe Isn’t as Fresh as You Think
Cabin air is partially recirculated, meaning about 50% is reused after going through filters. The rest comes from outside, compressed from thin air at high altitudes.
8. Flights Can Be on Low Fuel—by Design
Airlines calculate fuel to meet safety minimums but don’t carry excessive extra fuel to avoid unnecessary weight, which increases fuel burn.
9. Pilots Don't Eat the Same Meal
To reduce the risk of food poisoning affecting both pilots, many airlines require them to eat different meals from each other.
10. A ‘Soft’ Landing Isn’t Always Best
Passengers love smooth landings, but in short runways or wet conditions, pilots aim for a firmer landing to ensure better braking and control.
