Iberia Commander Reveals Untold Secrets of Flying

Iberia Commander Reveals Airline Pilot Secrets: Autopilot, Rest, and Safety Regulations Spain - A recent podcast interview with MAMI QUE DICES features an Iberia commander who sheds light on the lesser-known aspects of long-haul flights. The commander details the critical role of autopilot, mandatory rest periods, and crew rotations in ensuring passenger safety. For flights exceeding 15 hours, the commander explains, "minimum three pilots" are required. Behind the cockpit, a small rest area with bunks allows for scheduled rest periods. He emphasizes that this is not merely a convenience but a legal requirement to maintain safety standards. The commander further explains the rotation system: "When I do a very long flight, normally, besides me as commander, there are two co-pilots, and among the three of us, we do a rest rotation." He highlights that for a co-pilot to take over the left-hand seat during his rest, they must have completed simulator training. This training is essential to ensure they are fully qualified to handle the aircraft. The commander adds, "It would be unthinkable for a pilot to be manually flying a plane for 15 hours." The analogy is made to driving a car for 15 hours, illustrating the physical and mental demands of piloting. The interview offers a fascinating glimpse into the rigorous safety measures and teamwork involved in long-distance air travel.