Beyond Autopilot: A Look Inside the Cockpit on a 14-Hour Flight
On long-haul flights, while the autopilot manages the aircraft for the majority of the journey, pilots remain actively engaged in a series of critical tasks. They manually handle the takeoff and landing, which are the most demanding phases of flight. During the cruise portion, pilots continuously monitor aircraft systems, weather patterns, and fuel consumption to ensure optimal efficiency and safety. They also maintain constant communication with air traffic control and are prepared to take manual control in case of any system anomaly or emergency. For ultra-long-haul routes, augmented crews work in shifts, ensuring a well-rested pilot is always at the controls.
Official Source: https://simpleflying.com/what-pilots-actually-do-14-hour-flight-autopilot-handleing-everything/
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