Hi, my name is Natan. I’m a First Officer working for a short to medium-haul commercial airline, and I know exactly what you’re going through right now.
Two years ago, I was dragging myself through another brutal rotation - you know the type. Early show times at 05:30, feeling like I’d been hit by a cargo truck despite getting what should have been “enough” sleep.
I’d stumble through briefings, rely on caffeine and adrenaline to stay sharp, then crash hard, only to repeat the cycle.
I was that pilot everyone recognised - the one who looked permanently exhausted, snapped at family members over minor issues, and spent my days off just trying to feel human again.
My family noticed it before I did. My partner would ask if I was okay, and I would respond “of course” with a forced smile, but honestly? I wasn’t even in the slightest okay.
It came to a point where I decided something had to change.
I spent months diving deep into sleep science, circadian rhythm research, and fatigue management protocols/models.
I interviewed dozens of pilots across different carriers, studied what actually worked versus what we just tell ourselves works, and tested everything on my own chaotic schedule.
What I discovered completely changed how I approach rest and recovery.
Now? I wake up naturally before my alarm, even on those dreaded early shows.
I stay mentally sharp through 4-sector days without caffeine crashes.
Most importantly, I show up for my family as an energised and present partner, not an exhausted zombie.
Dreading early show times - Setting multiple alarms and still feeling like death when they go off.
Caffeine dependency - Needing coffee just to function, then crashing hard and unable to sleep properly.
Hotel insomnia - Lying awake in uncomfortable beds, strange rooms, with AC units that sound like freight trains.
Off day recovery mode - Spending entire days off just trying to feel human again.
Family frustration - Not having energy to show up meaningfully for loved ones because chronic fatigue makes everything harder.
Performance anxiety - Worrying about making critical mistakes when you’re running on fumes.
Natural energy for early shows - Waking up refreshed before your alarm, ready for 05:30 briefings.
Sustained alertness - Staying mentally sharp through 4-sector days without caffeine crashes.
Quality hotel sleep - Actually resting properly during layovers, regardless of room conditions.
Energised days off - Using free time for activities you enjoy, not just recovery.
Present for family - Showing up as an engaged partner and parent, not an exhausted zombie pilot.
Confident professionalism - Operating at peak mental performance when passengers depend on you.
Nothing on this page, any of our websites, or any of our content or curriculum is a promise or guarantee of results or future results, and we do not offer any legal, medical, tax or other professional advice.