The last thing you want to be affected by on board an aircraft is food poisoning. It's even worse when it comes from a badly prepared meal with other passengers are affected. It has been said that the two pilots (or more) on board a plane generally eat different meals to reduce the rare risk of food poisoning.
“The captain is responsible for ensuring that, wherever possible, the operating pilots eat different in-flight meals,” said a Virgin Atlantic spokesperson. “If both pilots request the same meal, the cabin crew must bring this to the attention of the captain who will approve or deny the request.”
Pilots and co-pilots are advised not to eat the same meals when they are working. If something is wrong with the meal (like food poisoning), the other pilot will not be affected and can take over. The rule is not mandated by the Federal Aviation Administration, but most airlines have their own rules about it.
In order to limit the chance of pilots getting sick, separate meals are served to the pilot and co-pilot.
As well as eating different meals from one another, airline pilots (and cabin crew) are often offered different meals from passengers. Failing that, they can usually get something from the premium menu – so don't bother moaning to them about your disappointing economy class stew.
Offerings and responses may differ. Across the industry, crew members may not be as impressed with the inflight meals as Captain Chris. So, pilots often bring their own food on board. Regardless, flight attendants can heat the food in the oven for them so that they can still enjoy a hot meal while in the air.
On flights of more than about five hours, pilots will usually be served a meal, generally chosen from the business or first class menu although a small number of airlines have a specially designated flight crew meal. Quite a few airlines require that the pilot and co-pilot eat different meals.
Air trapped under a poor filling can cause discomfort with changes in cabin pressure. This is particularly true of military pilots.
Typically, short distance sectors are manned by two pilots, while long-haul flights can have three or four pilots. One of the two pilots manning the cockpit is allowed to take rest or sleep inside the cockpit by sliding the seat back and locking the harness. This practice is known as “controlled rest”.
There are more work hours involved, such as preflight planning, but time in the cockpit, and thus the pay, is usually about 85 hours monthly. In addition to flight time, pilots are also paid per diem, which serves to reimburse pilots for the food and beverage expenses that they incur on the road.
Colostomy following surgery for cancer may be allowed by the FAA with special followup reports. The Examiner should not issue a medical certificate if the applicant has a recent history of bleeding ulcers or hemorrhagic colitis. Otherwise, ulcers must not have been active within the past 3 months.
All legumes contain a sugar called oligosaccharide that the human body finds hard to break down completely; this may result in bloating and discomfort, and you guessed it … more gas!
Past incidents
In 2020, the EU's aviation regulator banned A350 pilots from drinking coffee in the cockpit to reduce the risk of spilling liquid on electronic controls.
When there is more than one pilot in the cockpit, if a situation arises where one pilot becomes startled, the other pilot can regain the pilot in focus's attention and bring their focus back to the situation, regaining all senses.
As with individuals in other industries, some pilots proclaim that they'll never date another pilot. Others, however, may prefer to date pilots because they believe that only another pilot can truly understand the lifestyle. “Really, it just seemed easier to date one,” noted F/O Jennifer Buraglia (Jazz Aviation).
The FAA prohibits the ingestion of any alcohol within 8 hours of flying as a pilot crew member, be it general or commercial aviation.
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.
Long and short distance pilots are allowed to use the bathroom when they need to as long as the airplane is under control. Pilots use the same bathroom as the passengers, much to the delight of the younger (and sometimes older) people on board!
How Much Is An Airline Pilot's Salary? According to the Bureau Of Labor Statistics, the median salary for airline captains, first-officers, second-officers, and flight engineers in the United States is $203,010 as of 2021.
Airlines want passengers to feel safe on board an aircraft. A large part of how passengers interpret the flight comes down to the appearance and demeanor of the crew. Visible tattoos are viewed as unprofessional by many airlines. The airlines also don't want any offensive or obscene images in the cabin.
So why the restriction? Well, it all has to do with safety. Beards can interfere with the proper seal of a pilot's oxygen mask. In the event of an emergency, a beard could prevent a pilot from getting the oxygen they need to stay conscious and alert.
While cigarette smoking is not prohibited by the FAA, it has several hazardous side effects and many health conditions caused by smoking are medically disqualifying. A smoker typically carries a carbon monoxide blood level of about five percent.
The airline handles and pays for accommodations for crewmembers when they are on a trip. Many pilots do not live where they are based and choose to commute. Generally, if pilots need to travel and stay away from home when they are not on a trip, they are responsible for their own accommodations.
Family members may fly free when space is available or at discounted rates. Flying stand-by is a common benefit, but it can be challenging when there is a group. Some airlines provide “buddy passes” to pilots to share with friends and families.
Tipping has no place in our work.” Nelson says she appreciates the sentiment of the question, but says tips just aren't the way to go if you want to acknowledge your cabin crew. “Our jobs are harder than ever,” she says. “If you'd like to thank your flight attendants, bring a smile or some chocolate.