Get to know Bunk Rest, Pilots Sleep in a Secret Room on Long Distance Flights

JAKARTA – Because I fell asleep, Water Batik temporarily relieved the pilot of flight number BTK6723, route Kendari-Jakarta, who was on duty on January 25 2024, which caused the plane to go off course for hundreds of kilometers.

Actually, pilots themselves are allowed to sleep. There are 2 types of rest allowed for pilots with strict rules.

Flight Deck Friend said there were two pilots sleeping. Namely controlled rest and bunk rest. Controlled rest is when the pilot sleeps in the aircraft cockpit. Pilots can sleep a maximum of 40 minutes, the aim of which is to increase alertness and restore energy.

Meanwhile, bunk rest is when the pilot sleeps in a hidden secret room inside the plane. Usually, pilots do bunk rest during long-haul flights.

The term “bunk rest” refers to a special rest area on large aircraft intended for flight crew (both pilots and flight attendants) to rest on long-haul flights.

The bunk rest location is usually separate from the main passenger cabin area. Located at the top or bottom of the passenger area, depending on the design of the aircraft.

As the name suggests, bunk rest can be equipped with beds such as bunk beds, complete with blankets, pillows and sometimes privacy curtains.

Why is there a bunk rest? Because international aviation regulations limit the number of hours that pilots and cabin crew can fly in a certain period.

International airline pilot and founder of Ilmuterbang.com Fadjar Nugroho said bunk rest allows pilots to get enough rest during long flights, ensuring they remain alert and ready for duty during critical stages of flight such as takeoff and landing.

Bunk rests are usually not available on smaller aircraft used for short distances. Modern wide-body aircraft designed for flights longer than 10-12 hours often have them.

For example, the Airbus A350, Boeing 787 Dreamliner, and Boeing 777.

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