A commercial airline pilot has gone viral on TikTok after dispelling the misconception that pilots simply rely on autopilot and have little else to do during long-haul flights. The pilot, Gary Baumgardner, responded to a video posted by a TikToker named Idris Ali, who questioned what pilots do during 18-hour flights. Ali suggested that pilots only take off and land the plane, leaving them with a significant amount of downtime in between. Baumgardner, who has been flying since 2007, stitched Ali’s video and provided some behind-the-scenes insight into his job.
Baumgardner explained that he does much more than just focus on take-off and landing. He emphasized that autopilot is a tool, not a replacement for a trained pilot. He highlighted that in situations such as encountering a thunderstorm or receiving instructions from air traffic control to climb, descend, or turn, autopilot cannot handle those tasks. Additionally, pilots are responsible for conducting system checks, making calls, and being available in case of emergencies throughout the flight.
Baumgardner also addressed the notion of sleep during long-haul flights. He revealed that flights over 18 hours typically have four pilots on board, and they all have the opportunity to rest. Most long international flights have separate beds and bunks for the pilots, and if those are unavailable, they can reserve a first-class seat to get some sleep.
Baumgardner’s response garnered widespread attention, accumulating 9.3 million views and over 2,700 comments. Many viewers praised him and other pilots for their hard work and level of responsibility. Baumgardner, who has 254,000 followers on TikTok, regularly answers common questions about the life of a pilot on his account.
The TikTok video and Baumgardner’s informative response have shed light on the extensive responsibilities and dedication required of airline pilots during long-haul flights.
