Batik Air pilots fell asleep! And they nearly missed the runway!

A flight from Saudi Arabia to Indonesia nearly ended in disaster when both the captain and the first officer fell asleep mid-air.

It was only when air traffic controllers noticed the plane was drifting off course and not responding to their calls that they managed to wake the pilots.

The incident happened on a Batik Air flight from Jeddah to Jakarta on 30th April. The plane was carrying 141 passengers and 7 crew members.

The Captain was enjoying his nap time a little too much and had not set his alarm.

According to a report by the Indonesian National Transportation Safety Committee (KNKT), the pilots had been awake for over 18 hours before the flight. They had also been working long hours in the days leading up to the incident.

The KNKT report found that the pilots had likely fallen asleep due to fatigue. The pilots were disciplined and Batik Air has since implemented new policies to prevent fatigue among its pilots.

This incident is a reminder of the importance of getting enough sleep before flying. Even a short nap can make a big difference in your alertness and performance.

If you are a pilot, be sure to get plenty of rest before your flight. If you are a passenger, be aware of the signs of pilot fatigue and don't be afraid to speak up if you have any concerns.

Signs of pilot fatigue

There are a number of signs that may indicate that a pilot is fatigued, including:

* Difficulty staying awake
* Slowed reaction times
* Poor decision-making
* Memory problems
* Irritability
* Increased errors

What to do if you suspect pilot fatigue

If you suspect that a pilot may be fatigued, there are a few things you can do:

* Speak to the pilot directly.
* Inform a flight attendant.
* Contact the airline's customer service department.

It is important to remember that pilot fatigue is a serious issue. If you are concerned about the safety of your flight, do not hesitate to speak up.