A new report has raised serious concerns pilot fatigue. The European Cockpit Association (ECA) conducted a survey nearly 7,200 pilots 32 countries. It discovered that exhaustion the cockpit is a widespread and underreported problem. More than three-quarters respondents said they had briefly dozed off while operating an aircraft the month before the survey. Almost a quarter them admitted they continued flying even when they were too tired. Furthermore, half said they had operated a flight when they should have declared themselves unfit duty. Tiredness can result long working hours, insufficient rest, and unpredictable schedules.
The pilots were very frank their answers to the survey questions. Many said they were reluctant to report fatigue because they feared punishment or other negative reactions their bosses. Captain Coen George, a director the ECA, warned: "When pilots fear career consequences, fatigue goes unreported and the risk returns to the cockpit." Aviation safety experts say exhaustion can impair judgement, slow reaction times and prevent pilots responding effectively to unexpected -flight situations. The experts urged airlines to foster a culture which pilots can report tiredness fear repercussions. Carriers should ensure that passenger safety is their top priority.
