Aircrew Fatigue Perceptions, Fatigue Mitigation Strategies, and Circadian Typology

Abstract

BACKGROUND: Human fatigue is an important factor within aviation, leading organizations to develop strategies to assess and mitigate associated risks. The U.S. Air Force’s Air Mobility Command (AMC) conducted the current pilot study to assess fatigue-related risks and issues in mobility operations. Specifically, we examined the relationship among fatigue perceptions, fatigue mitigation strategies, performance effectiveness graph reference, and circadian typology.METHODS: There were 21 volunteers from the Joint Base Charleston C-17 pilot community (Mage = 28.67; SDage = 2.11; Proportionmale = 85.71%) who completed a survey. Items referred to fatigue perceptions, fatigue mitigation strategies, performance effectiveness graph reference, and circadian typology. We examined descriptive statistics, correlations among the variables of interest, and possible moderation effects of circadian typology.RESULTS: Overall, aircrew perceived fatigue to be a serious safety of flight concern. Personal fatigue concerns and perceptions of pressure to continue missions despite fatigue were associated with increased use of the strategy of limiting light exposure during sleep episodes (r = 0.49 and 0.47). Fatigue perceptions were not directly associated with performance effectiveness graph usage. Results suggested that morning type participants might be more likely to utilize specific fatigue mitigation strategies when there are concerns of fatigue compared to evening types.DISCUSSION: Despite organizational efforts, fatigue continues to be a serious concern for the mobility community. This pilot study suggests that circadian typology might affect the relationship between fatigue perceptions and fatigue mitigation strategies and resource use. Future research should further examine these relationships and their impact within fatigue risk management (FRM) programs.Morris MB, Howland JP, Amaddio KM, Gunzelmann G. Aircrew fatigue perceptions, fatigue mitigation strategies, and circadian typology. Aerosp Med Hum Perform. 2020; 91(4):363–368.

Sleep, time, and space—fatigue and performance deficits in pilots, commercial truck drivers, and astronauts

“…The research about pilots [ 40–42 , 45 , 47–49 , 51–53 , 58 , 60–62 , 64 , 65 , 67 ], truck drivers [ 50 , 56 , 63 ], and astronauts [ 43 , 44 , 46 , 54 , 55 , 57 , 59 , 66 ] included laboratory studies (e.g. conducted in stimulators) [ 43 , 44 , 53 , 56 , 57 , 59 , 66 ] and field investigations (where data acquisition occurred during normal occupational activities) [ 40–42 , 45–52 , 54 , 55 , 58 , 60–65 , 67 ].…”

“…The research about pilots [ 40–42 , 45 , 47–49 , 51–53 , 58 , 60–62 , 64 , 65 , 67 ], truck drivers [ 50 , 56 , 63 ], and astronauts [ 43 , 44 , 46 , 54 , 55 , 57 , 59 , 66 ] included laboratory studies (e.g. conducted in stimulators) [ 43 , 44 , 53 , 56 , 57 , 59 , 66 ] and field investigations (where data acquisition occurred during normal occupational activities) [ 40–42 , 45–52 , 54 , 55 , 58 , 60–65 , 67 ]. Most pilots were employed by commercial airlines (to transport passengers) [ 40–42 , 45 , 47–49 , 51 , 53 , 60–62 , 64 , 65 , 67 ] with the exception of studies about maritime piloting (to guide ships) [ 52 ] and military transport operations [ 58 ].…”

“…conducted in stimulators) [ 43 , 44 , 53 , 56 , 57 , 59 , 66 ] and field investigations (where data acquisition occurred during normal occupational activities) [ 40–42 , 45–52 , 54 , 55 , 58 , 60–65 , 67 ]. Most pilots were employed by commercial airlines (to transport passengers) [ 40–42 , 45 , 47–49 , 51 , 53 , 60–62 , 64 , 65 , 67 ] with the exception of studies about maritime piloting (to guide ships) [ 52 ] and military transport operations [ 58 ]. Two papers about truck drivers utilized the same group of drivers (who had irregular start times) [ 56 , 63 ]; another sample of truck drivers worked rotating day- and night-shifts with predictable start times [ 50 ].…”

Fatigue in Aviation: Safety Risks, Preventive Strategies and Pharmacological Interventions

“…Circadian type may also be related to the incidence of fatigue, although its extent is unclear ( Van Dongen et al, 2006 ). One study reported that being an evening type was associated with easier adaptation to time-zone changes; another identified evening type as a risk factor for fatigue; and a third study suggested that morning types may be more likely to utilize fatigue mitigation strategies when concerned about fatigue ( Gander et al, 1993 ; van Drongelen et al, 2017 ; Morris et al, 2020 ). Other factors that may negatively affect the incidence of fatigue include disturbances in work-life balance, limited physical activity, increased duration of shift work and impaired domestic relationships ( Tvaryanas and MacPherson, 2009 ; van Drongelen et al, 2017 ).…”

Increased Serum Levels of Proinflammatory Cytokines Are Accompanied by Fatigue in Military T-6A Texan II Instructor Pilots

“…Sleep loss is considered the primary cause of fatigue in aviators ( Caldwell et al, 2009 ; Gore et al, 2010 ; Caldwell et al, 2019 ; Morris et al, 2020 ; Wilson et al, 2020 ; Wingelaar-Jagt et al, 2021 ). However, multiple experimental, observational, and medical studies have identified biochemical mechanisms promoting the onset and maintenance of fatigue as well as sleepiness ( Raison et al, 2006 ; Raison et al, 2009 ; Dantzer et al, 2014 ).…”