A pilot and Instagram influencer with nearly half a million followers reveals 7 secrets most people don't know about the job

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1. Pilots are allowed to sleep while working, although not both at the same time. "It’s called ‘controlled rest’ and there are of course procedures to follow, like setting a timer," Fagerström told Business Insider.

1. Pilots are allowed to sleep while working, although not both at the same time. "It’s called ‘controlled rest’ and there are of course procedures to follow, like setting a timer," Fagerström told Business Insider.
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2. Flying is actually relaxing, "once we’re up in the air and at cruising level," if the weather is good.

2. Flying is actually relaxing, "once we’re up in the air and at cruising level," if the weather is good.
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3. For Fagerström, the best part of the job is the "feeling after touching down after a tricky approach, and you’ve done well with maneuvering the aircraft all the way from start to finish."

3. For Fagerström, the best part of the job is the "feeling after touching down after a tricky approach, and you’ve done well with maneuvering the aircraft all the way from start to finish."

4. Flight school is really intense, and you will be scrutinized. "You’ll most probably have to say goodbye to your social life for a year or two. But I can assure you it’s totally worth it when you get your wings" she said.

4. Flight school is really intense, and you will be scrutinized. "You’ll most probably have to say goodbye to your social life for a year or two. But I can assure you it’s totally worth it when you get your wings" she said.
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5. The busiest time of year for pilots is the holidays, when everyone else is trying to get home, so those are also the most difficult days to take off.

5. The busiest time of year for pilots is the holidays, when everyone else is trying to get home, so those are also the most difficult days to take off.

6. Going to the bathroom is surprisingly difficult. "When every single passenger is back in their seats with seat belts on, then you can come out ... while everyone is watching you sneaking into the toilet ... not ideal" she said.

6. Going to the bathroom is surprisingly difficult. "When every single passenger is back in their seats with seat belts on, then you can come out ... while everyone is watching you sneaking into the toilet ... not ideal" she said.
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7. You might have to skip dinner if there's turbulence. Fagerström said that if her meal comes when the plane hits a rough patch, she'll have to spend the rest of the flight "watching the speed like a hawk."

7. You might have to skip dinner if there's turbulence. Fagerström said that if her meal comes when the plane hits a rough patch, she'll have to spend the rest of the flight "watching the speed like a hawk."