Ever Wondered How Fighter Pilots Go To The Bathroom During Long Flights?

Addressing nature’s call is something that one cannot ignore. For all the right reasons? Indeed for all the right reasons. However, what if there is a situation where one has to? Ever wondered how fighter pilots go to the bathroom during long flights? Well, if not then we are here to tell you about the same.

Fighter pilots perform supersonic flights, execute barrel rolls, and engage in challenging fights as part of their daily routine. However, amid such crucial missions, there’s a basic yet crucial aspect of life they must address – the need to answer nature’s call.

Now, we all know that fighter jets lack bathrooms, unlike commercial planes. The tight cockpit space which is prioritized for performance over comfort, presents a challenge for pilots on long missions. Finding a solution for this basic need has prompted skilled aviators to devise clever methods.

Here are some of them!

1. Male Fighter Pilots Use Piddle Packs Or Relief Tubes

The timing of fighter pilots’ missions is generally very short. However, if needed, male fighters resort to using piddle packs or relief tubes. Pilots facing the rare necessity to relieve themselves often opt for waste bags, designed to break down urine. In older aircraft, relief tubes, involving urinating into a pipe that expels the urine outside the aircraft, were more common. However, modern fighter jets tend to favor the simplicity of waste bags over tube-based methods.

2. How Female Fighter Pilots Go To The Bathroom

For female fighter pilots, the challenge is more pronounced, as urinating into a relief tube is not as feasible when compared to male fighter pilots. Instead, women fighter pilots often resort to wearing diapers during flights, providing a pragmatic solution to the absence of convenient in-flight restroom options. Interestingly, certain female fighter pilots opt for the Advanced Mission Extender Device (AMXD) as it includes a sanitary pad tailored for women.

3. How Do Fighter Pilots Poop

While the intricacies of how fighter pilots handle bodily functions in the cockpit may vary, the most sensible solution for them is to use diapers. Diapers are the best choice when it comes to either pee or poop.

4. Communication With Ground Control

When faced with an imminent need, fighter pilots have the option to connect with the ground control. Ground control plays a pivotal role, offering support by reassessing the mission timeline and providing guidance to address the urgency without compromising the safety of the pilot or the mission’s objectives.

5. Go Before You Go

Cockpits are not the most comfortable or spacious place on the earth. Therefore, fighter pilots are trained in a manner to use it only for the purpose that it is meant for. Before taking flight, fighter pilots undergo training emphasizing the importance of using restroom facilities. This simple yet crucial step underscores the proactive approach these aviators adopt in managing their bodily needs before embarking on a mission. It’s a routine part of their pre-flight preparations, ensuring that they are as comfortable and focused as possible during their time in the cockpit.

So these were the 5 methods that are used by fighter pilots during times of urgent need. What are your thoughts? Do share them via the comments below. 

Also read: Ever Wondered How Wi-Fi Works In Flight? Here’s The Answer