Study: German Pilots Commonly Nap On Duty, Unlike US Counterparts

A recent survey by the German pilots’ union, Vereinigung Cockpit (VC), reveals that widespread in-flight napping is a common practice among German pilots. The survey collected responses from more than 900 pilots. Approximately 93% admitted to napping while on duty. Of those, 12% nap on every flight, 44% regularly, and 33% occasionally, according to The Guardian.

Katharina Dieseldorff, Vice President of Vereinigung Cockpit, said in a statement that “napping has long become the norm in German cockpits. What was originally intended as a short-term recovery measure has developed into a permanent remedy for structural overload.” The union attributes the trend to persistent pilot fatigue resulting from tight schedules, staff shortages, and rising operational pressures within the airline industry.

How U.S. Regulations Differ

U.S. rules take a stricter stance on sleep during duty, though not a blanket ban in every context. The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) regulates rest and duty time through 14 CFR Part 117, which imposes mandatory pre-duty rest requirements, duty-hour limits, and fitness-for-duty standards.

U.S. pilots must start duty well rested. Additionally, airlines must provide sufficient opportunity to get that rest. These rules aim to prevent acute fatigue during operations. Unlike Germany, where many pilots report naps on short-haul flights, the FAA generally bars “controlled rest on the flight deck” during active duty in unaugmented two-pilot operations.

The FAA states that in-seat cockpit naps by on-duty pilots are not permitted. There are exceptions in specific cases, such as long-haul international flights with augmented crews, relief pilots, and designated rest facilities. An FAA advisory explains that “flight crew members are expected to be awake and alert while on duty” and that controlled rest is not considered an acceptable fatigue mitigation strategy for standard two-pilot flights.

The FAA addresses fatigue risk through scheduling controls, rather than on-duty sleep. Crews must stand down after hitting duty limits, which can trigger delays or cancellations when pilots “time out.”

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