Pilot fatigue in a short haul airline

Abstract

Fatigue is a problem that can have an effect on any person who is not eating proper meals, who is not sleeping enough or who has his normal circadian system disrupted by his work schedule. Airline pilots fall in this category and unfortunately history has proved that if this fatigue is not controlled, it can be the cause of fatal accidents that claim the lives of hundreds of people. In an effort to establish if Medavia pilots are suffering from fatigue, a questionnaire was emailed to all pilots and in their response twenty seven (27) of these pilots have expressed their opinion on the current situation. Through their replies it was possible to determine that they are aware of the effects that fatigue can have on them during flight and they have also demonstrated that the majority of them is doing their best to avoid being fatigued before going on a flight. It also emerged that the way scheduling is being carried out has a bearing on their level of fitness. The study looks at recommendations of how Medavia can make an attempt at reducing fatigue for its pilots. It is clear from the study that both the Company and the pilots have to play a major part in the development of a system that could possibly work and the recommendations highlight the need for this cooperation.