Pilot Fatugue
Pilot Fatugue
Background
ICAO defines fatigue as a physiological state of reduced mental or physical performance capability resulting from sleep loss or extended wakefulness, circadian phase, or workload (mental and / or physical activity) that can impair a crew member’s alertness and ability to safely operate an aircraft or perform safety related duties.
IFALPA states that the intent behind all flight and duty time limitations is to safeguard against crew fatigue. In the final analysis, the governing factor will be the physical and mental fitness for duty of the pilot involved. It is a strict policy that no pilot be required or even permitted to fly when he feels that his physical or mental condition, is not up to required standards, regardless of legality. In short, when a statement is made by a Pilot that he does not consider himself fit for flying duty, all considerations of schedule, passenger service, economy and legality are set aside and the pilot does not fly.
Statistics
2 in 5 pilots say fatigue, overwork or rostering pose the greatest single threat to aviation safety
2 in 5 reported their abilities had been compromised by fatigue at least once a month
25% said they had logged a fatigue report in the last 6 months
CAPA Position
A part of CAPA’s mission is to keep the issue of pilot fatigue on the agenda of pilots, airlines, the regulators and the Government and ensure the adoption of a regulatory and operational framework which will prevent pilot fatigue from impacting safety. No one would feel comfortable with tired pilots on the flight deck and CAPA is vigilant in working with regulators and the airline to create a culture which is sensitive to crew member fatigue. In addition to monitoring laws and regulations as they evolve and advocating against changes that might result in fatigue, CAPA monitors the implementation of existing Flight Time Limitation schemes to ensure that ongoing use of approved schemes meets the objective of excluding fatigue as a threat to safety. CAPA encourages it members to report any incidents of fatigue and we work with the airline to ensure that there are no barriers to so doing.
