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A new report has raised serious concerns about pilot fatigue. The European Cockpit Association (ECA) conducted a survey of nearly 7,200 pilots across 32 countries. It discovered that exhaustion in the cockpit is a widespread and underreported problem. More than three-quarters of respondents said they had briefly dozed off while operating an aircraft in the month before the survey. Almost a quarter of 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 for duty. Tiredness can result from long working hours, insufficient rest, and unpredictable schedules.
The pilots were very frank in their answers to the survey questions. Many said they were reluctant to report fatigue because they feared punishment or other negative reactions from their bosses. Captain Coen George, a director of 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 from responding effectively to unexpected in-flight situations. The experts urged airlines to foster a culture in which pilots can report tiredness without fear of repercussions. Carriers should ensure that passenger safety is their top priority.
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