Feeling jet-lagged? Effects of flying in an unknown state of acclimatization on crew fatigue

Kurzfassung

Sleepiness and fatigue due to long working hours and circadian disruption is a potential risk for aviation safety. The presenters represent an international research consortium in a large EU funded project (2021-2025) which aims to review the effectiveness of the current flight and duty time limitations and rest requirements in the EU. We have collected extensive survey and field data from eight European airlines including both pilots and cabin crew. The analyses we are conducting focus on outcomes measuring sleep, fatigue and workload in selected duties of special interest for European Union Aviation Safety Agency (EASA): long flight duty periods, duties including high number of sectors (i.e., flights), duties in an unknown state of acclimatization, standby duties and utilization of Controlled Rest (CR). We will present the results in five presentations based on the selected duties and define the study aim as well as wrap up the conclusions and recommendations for the regulator, airlines, and flight crew at both ends of the symposium. We aim to increase participants’ understanding of the diverse effects of extended and intermittent work-rest periods in this safety-critical industry, as well as promote discussion on the effectiveness of current regulation in civil aviation in a global perspective.