Reading the recent ECA survey report (link), where some 6900 European pilots provided their view on fatigue risk management, it is clear that we still have a very long way to go in terms of monitoring and managing this aspect properly. With 75% of the pilots experiencing unexpected micro sleeps in the past four weeks, it is safe to say that fatigue reports are just not ‘cutting it’. With the amount of fatigue reports nowhere close to those levels it is far more common for crew NOT to write a report rather than go through the trouble of doing so.
We need to ask ourselves if fatigue reports are at all effective as a lagging indicator telling us what is going on in our operation. Should we just try harder to create simplicity and trust around the existing reporting, or should we also pursue other paths?
Some time back now, Jeppesen published the raise the bar article (link) highlighting the importance of using complementing lagging indicators with actual data reflecting usage of controlled rest as well as simpler, secure and regular assessments provided by the crew.
Jeppesen has tools, processes, and experience well in place to advise and help operators with large-scale data collection at low cost. In case you also have your doubts about the effectiveness of your fatigue reporting and would like to explore other ways of quantifying fatigue risk in your operation - please let us know. Drop us a message here and we'll make sure we help you run ahead, instead of lagging behind. Welcome.