Flow paraglider in the air. Photo: Marcus King

How to: Pee in the air (yep!)

Two pilots explain how to stay hydrated, focused and relaxed in the air

21 October, 2024, by Hugh Miller and Joanna Di Grigoli


Flying is an intense activity requiring long periods of concentration, so it’s critical we keep hydration levels up to maintain good focus. The problem is this means we’re going to need to pee more often, too, and this article looks at some of the solutions available. 

First up, why do we need to drink – and pee?

It’s common to experience brain fog after three or four hours of flying, and a really common reason for this is inadequate hydration. 

That’s why competition pilot Honorin Hamard made “hydration” one of his top three tips for new competition pilots in the online Masterclass he did with us last year. Honorin recommends we take small sips every 10 minutes or so, and drink around three litres of water with hydration salts mixed in over a long flight. 

Some inexperienced pilots limit their drinking because they’re...

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