What do pilots do when they are cruising on autopilot?

Question

And if you are a pilot do you get bored of flying?

Thanks

Answer 1

They monitor the systems which are operating the aircraft.

Answer 2

Complaining about everything and anything

Answer 3

As a private pilot on an instrument flight plan:

1) Monitor the instruments. Not having to fly the airplane gives you more time to watch engine performance and other instruments that might give you an early sign of a problem.

2) Prepare for arrival. Review the weather and get updated weather if it's available. If an instrument approach is expected, review the approach. Review the airspace in the neighborhood of the destination airport to be familiar with fixes, arrival procedures, etc.

3) Every 20-30 minutes or so (less frequently if you're at a higher altitude) there will be a brief interchange with air traffic control as you're handed off to another controller.

4) Watch for traffic.

5) Enjoy some good music.

6) I used to read a book but it's too hard to concentrate on the book and not lose track of what's going on. Sometimes I flip through a magazine of the type where I'm mostly reading the ads and maybe a few brief articles.

7) Have something to eat or drink.

8) Converse with your passengers/co-pilot

Kind of in that order.

Answer 4

Maybe they are checking their map to see how soon the next mountain is comming up.

Answer 5

Going to the bathroom to drain the beers they had before getting on board.

ADDED: Geeze, I meant Bud Light.

Answer 6

Me and the co-pilot bangs the best looking stews.

Answer 7

i used to get sleepy

Answer 8

they may take a nap, or monitor systems.

Answer 9

probaby play cards. be nice if they always put a male pilot and a female co pilot or visa versa. some may sleep off a hang over

Answer 10

You don't want to know.  All joking aside, they for the most part remain in their seats and monitor the operation of the plane.  The computers are doing the same but the pilot has to be ready and in position to take over at any time.  If either the pilot or co-pilot have to get out of the cockpit for any reason the remaining pilot has to go on oxygen as a precaution in case of sudden decompression.  They eat meals one at a time (they never eat the same thing) and communicate with the ground.  

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You're right about it maybe getting boring after a while and that is what kids don't realize when they say they want to become a pilot.  They get caught up in the idea of the adventure, and romance of flying a plane.  Like any job no matter how much you may like it, after a while it's just a job.

Flying for an airline is also not a 9-5 job and you don't  weekends and holidays off.

Answer 11

they party and run naked.. no really they kick up their feet and take a nap

Answer 12

Similar if you were driving a car on a long road trip.

Just make sure you're flying the correct heading and the instruments are all showing green etc.

Answer 13

They monitor the instruments, have a chat with each other, sip on some coffee, follow the ATC's instructions. That's about it.