From Dailymail · · 3m
European pilots admit falling asleep in cockpit
Three-quarters of European airline pilots admit to microsleeps in cockpits due to fatigue.
In brief
Three-quarters of European airline pilots admit to microsleeps in cockpits due to fatigue. Three-quarters of European airline pilots admitted to falling asleep in the cockpit due to fatigue, with 24% continuing to work instead of reporting exhaustion. Originally reported by Dailymail.
European pilots report fatigue
Three-quarters of European airline pilots admit to falling asleep in the cockpit due to fatigue.
Survey reveals pilot fatigue
A survey of nearly 7,200 captains and first officers found pilots suffer from lack of rest and pressure to extend shifts.
ECA survey highlights risks
The European Cockpit Association report shows pilots fear punishment for reporting fatigue, posing safety risks.
24% continue working
24 percent of pilots admitted to continuing work instead of reporting fatigue.
16.8% call in sick
Only 16.8 percent of pilots called in sick due to fatigue.
Microsleeps reported
Three-quarters of pilots reported taking microsleeps in the cockpit due to fatigue.
Microsleeps definition
Microsleeps are involuntary periods of sleep lasting several seconds that might not be noticed.
Fatigue causes
Pilots face irregular shifts, jet-lag, and sleep deprivation that disrupt their body clocks.
Safety implications
Fatigue impairs pilots' judgment, slows reactions, reduces alertness, and alters responses to emergencies.
NSF explains microsleeps
The National Sleep Foundation states that during microsleeps, pilots may appear awake but their brains do not process information.
Recent incidents
The reported incidents occurred within the previous four weeks according to the survey.
Ireland and Malta highest
Pilots in Ireland and Malta admitted to the highest number of microsleeps.
30% sleep issues
More than 30 percent of pilots said they do not get enough sleep to prevent fatigue.
1 in 3 report fatigue
Only one in three pilots admitted they report themselves as too exhausted to fly when fatigued.
50% fly when fatigued
50 percent of pilots flew when they should not have due to fatigue in the three months prior to the survey.
Fear of punishment
Nearly half of pilots feared being penalized for reporting fatigue.
Trust in reporting
Only 11.9 percent felt their airline's fatigue reporting system was trustworthy.
Budget airlines
Only 15.6 percent of budget airline pilots believed their companies managed fatigue risks well.
Legal obligations
Licensed pilots are legally required to report fatigue and cannot fly when fatigued.
Expert opinion
Aviation safety consultant Ian Holder noted persistent differences in how airlines and national bodies manage fatigue risks.
The essence
Three-quarters of European airline pilots admitted to falling asleep in the cockpit due to fatigue, with 24% continuing to work instead of reporting exhaustion.
