Quarter of European airline pilots fly while fatigued

Summarised from 2 outlets · Updated 26 Oct, 11:14 · Archive

Almost a quarter of European airline pilots routinely fly despite being too fatigued to work, according to a survey of nearly 7,200 captains and first officers by the European Cockpit Association (ECA). The findings are based on research conducted in August and reveal significant safety concerns in the aviation industry.

Three-quarters of surveyed pilots admitted to experiencing microsleeps—brief, involuntary episodes of sleep—while operating an aircraft in the previous four weeks. Pilots based with airlines in Ireland and Malta reported the highest levels of microsleeps. More than a third said they were not getting enough rest to prevent fatigue from building up over time.

Pilots report pressure to extend working hours, insufficient rest, and fears of being penalised for declaring themselves unfit to fly. Only one in three pilots said they usually reported themselves unfit for duty when fatigued. Half admitted they had operated a flight within three months of the survey when they should have declared themselves too fatigued to fly. According to both outlets, fatigue can impair pilots' judgment, slow their reactions, reduce alertness and impair responses to unexpected situations.

How it is being reported

• Three quarters of European airline pilots admit they have fallen asleep in the cockpitA survey of nearly 7,200 captains and first officers has revealed issues of pilots reporting lack of rest and pressure to extend their shifts.Daily Mail · 26 Oct, 10:53
• Almost a quarter of European airline pilots fly when too fatigued to workPilots report pressure to extend working hours and fears of penalties for declaring themselves unfit to fly Three in four European airline pilots have taken microsleeps in the cockpit, while almost a quarter routinely fly despite being too fatigued to work, according to a report. The findings, based on a survey of almost 7,200 captains and first officers by the European Cockpit Association (ECA), include pilots reporting insufficient rest, pressure to extend working hours and fears of being penalised for declaring themselves unfit to fly. Continue reading...The Guardian · 26 Oct, 06:00

In this story: European Cockpit Association · Ireland · Malta · Europe

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