Aircrew Fatigue in Trans-Atlantic Morning - Research Paper Example

Aircrew fatigue in trans-Atlantic morning and evening flights By: Eriksen, CA., Akerstedt, T. This paper talks about the sleepiness and fatigue of air crews and pilots during evening flights and westward morning trips. An investigation for the level of sleepiness is being studies using diary where the participants log their sleeping and waking hours. A wrist actigraphy was also used to gather data. As a result of the study, it was found out that there is a great disparity in the sleepiness and fatigue during a morning flight versus evening flights. Accordingly, the length of wakefulness was longer for the evening airline crews. Flights in the evening resulted to higher levels of sleepiness and fatigue. In effect, the alertness level is greatly significant in the pilots and airline crews. This affects total performance for pilots and also for the trips. Fatigue Self –management strategies and reported in international pilots By: Petrie KJ, Powell D., Broadbent E. This study focuses on the management strategies intended for pilots having long duration international flights crossing over time zones. Basically, there are participating pilots who responded their various strategies on how they manage air flight fatigue. There are various responses from pilots on how they overcome airline fatigue. Some strategies include napping prior to flight. Some include napping at the cockpit while on flight. Accordingly, napping or taking a rest while on air during breaks can minimize their level of fatigue. Some pilots also use hypnotic medications on occasional basis. The use of melatonin and other alternative medicines are also done by some pilots. The various strategies of pilots and airline crews are variable. Read More