Fatigue

Fatigue is a feeling of weariness, tiredness, or lack of energy. It is a condition characterized by increased discomfort with lessened capacity for work, reduced efficiency of accomplishment, loss of power or capacity to respond to stimulation. Fatigue must be managed by aviation departments to limit its effect on pilots, flight attendants, and maintenance personnel, among others.

Duty/Rest Guidelines for Business Aviation

NBAA and Flight Safety Foundation (FSF) developed the publication “Duty/Rest Guidelines for Business Aviation” to provide science-based guidelines for duty and rest scheduling. This publication, developed by the NBAA Safety Committee’s Fatigue Task Force and a host of industry experts, is intended to offer a set of tools for flight departments that are easy to understand and implement.

These guidelines are not intended as an exclusive “one-size-fits-all” solution to the issue of pilot fatigue. Other methods of fatigue mitigation, including data-driven/science-based systems being developed today and already used by some operators, can sometimes offer enhanced capabilities. Operators will need to evaluate the available tools against the circumstances of their own organizations and flight needs.

Download Duty/Rest Guidelines for Business Aviation (848 KB, PDF)

The Alert Crew: Fatigue Awareness in Flight Operations

This guidebook is intended to help the corporate pilot manage fatigue under the constraints of a constantly changing work schedule. Fatigue is affected by length of flight and duty time, light exposure, and stresses outside of work. It can reduce a pilot’s capacity for work, reduce efficiency of accomplishment, and is usually accompanied by feelings of weariness and tiredness. Fatigue is dangerous because it prevents pilots from reliably detecting their personal degree of impairment.

This compilation of recommendations from the scientists at Alertness Solutions provides guidance on sleep basics, the physiological effects of fatigue, and practical countermeasures that are proven to increase safety during flight operations. The most effective flight departments will combine the information provided in this guidebook with science based training to produce a Fatigue Management Program that will ensure crew fatigue does not affect the safety of flight.

Download The Alert Crew: Fatigue Awareness in Flight Operations Guidebook (907 KB, PDF)

Fatigue Awareness Posters

These posters can be printed and hung around the hangar or the office to promote good fatigue management to pilots, mechanics, and everyone at the airport.

Importance of Sleep

Explain the benefits of sleep and the consequences of not getting enough.
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Lifestyle and Family

Teach pilots and employees about managing activities and lifestyle to maximize rest.
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Light Exposure

Learn about the effects of light and darkness on the body’s internal clock.
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Sleep Disorders

Inform the airport community of sleeping disorders that affect 1 in 3 adults.
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