A significant number of pilots across Europe have reported experiencing microsleep episodes while operating aircraft, according to a recent report by the European Cockpit Association (ECA). The report, based on responses from 7,200 pilots across 32 European countries, found that more than three in four pilots had at least one microsleep episode.
The findings also highlighted concerns about pilot fatigue and the reporting of fatigue-related issues. Nearly 39% of pilots said they usually or always did not get enough rest to keep fatigue from building up, and only 37.2% reported that they typically inform their airlines when they are too fatigued to fly. In contrast, 24.2% of pilots said they do not report fatigue and fly anyway.
The European Cockpit Association expressed concerns that the reluctance to report fatigue could leave airlines unaware of the extent of the problem among their crews. "When pilots fear career consequences, fatigue goes unreported, and the risk returns to the cockpit," said Capt. Coen George, an ECA board director.
The issue of pilot fatigue is not unique to Europe, and the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) in the United States has implemented stricter pilot rest and duty requirements to address the issue. Under these rules, pilots must receive at least 10 consecutive hours of rest before a flight duty period, including an opportunity for eight uninterrupted hours of sleep.
Experts have noted that pilot fatigue can be particularly challenging when crews work overnight or travel across multiple time zones, disrupting normal sleep patterns.
NTC Report coverage is based on reporting from the original publisher.
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