Flight Crew Fatigue

A smiling female pilot

Flight Crew & Air Traffic Control Fatigue Prevention Project

The demand for new methods to help flight crews and air traffic controllers remain alert during shifts is rising. Good performance and alertness in this 24-hour industry are essential for safety and situation awareness. Our special project involving flight crew & air traffic controller fatigue prevention focused on the best methods for managing weariness in the aviation industry.

Project basis:

  • Airplane cockpits can either be very busy, creating fatigue, or be boring during long flights, necessitating a critical need for flight crew fatigue management.
  • Operational air traffic controllers are in danger of mental, visual, and physical fatigue during long shifts that demand a worker’s undivided attention.
  • Crew, pilot, and air traffic controller fatigue is a growing concern that has prompted the FAA to establish new regulations about Pilot flying time.

BIOKINETIX worked together with a private airline to study the effects of BIOKINETIX’s flight crew & air traffic controller fatigue prevention programs in addressing:

  • Pilot fatigue
  • Crew fatigue
  • Air traffic controller fatigue
  • Increase in mental acuity and alertness

Examining Fatigue in the Aviation Industry

Fatigue is a normal physiological state of diminished mental and physical performance. It occurs due to loss of sleep, extended wakefulness, increased exertion, and illness. It may be temporary or chronic.

Just like thirst and hunger, you cannot suppress fatigue. The only way to resolve it is to get more rest and address the underlying issues that cause it in the first place. Otherwise, you will have to face its devastating consequences.

Consequences of Fatigue in the Aviation Industry

Some of the disastrous consequences of tiredness that our flight crew & air traffic controller fatigue prevention program aimed to prevent included:

  • Forgetfulness
  • Impaired alertness 
  • Slow performance
  • Impaired coordination
  • Inability to operate safely
  • Failure to make sound decisions
  • Unprofessional behavior, such as irritability and aggression

The most devastating consequence our air traffic control and flight crew fatigue management program wanted to prevent was accidents.

Our Strategies for Fatigue Prevention

Pilots operating an airplane

Our strategic services for air traffic control fatigue prevention and improving flight crew alertness started with a thorough assessment of the current work conditions and shift schedules for ultimate optimization.

Making the Work Environment More Comfortable

Working in a comfortable and ergonomically prepared environment is the first step to flight crew & air traffic controller fatigue prevention. Our ergonomists evaluated the workspace and made changes to create the most comfortable stations.

Encouraging Staff to Self-declare Fatigue

We encouraged the flight crew and air traffic controllers to be aware of signs of fatigue and ask for breaks when they recognize them. Such symptoms included sleepiness, inability to concentrate, and poor judgment.

Optimizing Shift Schedules and Breaks

We scheduled short breaks for better air controller and flight crew fatigue management. We also optimized shift schedules, restricting consecutive midnight shifts to keep the workers from getting too worn out.

Stretching and Warm-up Routines

Our sports medicine-based stretching and warm-up programs focused on flight crew & air traffic controller fatigue prevention. These easy exercise routines prepared workers for their shifts. They also helped them recover faster during breaks, making them fit for duty and alert.

Advocating Proper sleep and rest

Finally, we addressed the lack of proper sleep, the root cause of fatigue. We helped crew members and air traffic controllers plan their sleeping schedules and use relaxation techniques for better quality sleep.

BIOKINETIX – Successful Fatigue Management and Prevention

We successfully prevented and controlled fatigue among flight crew and air traffic controllers. We owe our success to our proven, science-based practices, including the 3E process, the Science of More UpTime, and the TASC Methodology. Now you can benefit from our flight crew & air traffic controller fatigue prevention program to keep your employees alert and functional at all times.

Get Started With BIOKINETIX

BIOKINETIX helps businesses avoid preventable injuries and the hefty costs of compensation claims. We have saved millions of dollars for companies in various industries and continue to bring clients an average 6-to-1 return on investment. Contact us today to learn more about our air traffic control and flight crew fatigue management project and start your workplace safety plan.

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