A recent survey has revealed that nearly one in four pilots from European airlines admit to flying when they are too fatigued. Specifically, 24% of pilots acknowledged that they typically continue their flights rather than report their inability due to exhaustion, while 16.8% stated they often claim to be ill instead, according to a poll released by the European Cockpit Association (ECA) and cited by The Guardian.
The survey was conducted in August 2023 and encompassed almost 7,200 captains and co-pilots across 32 countries. The findings highlight the significant safety risks posed by pilot fatigue, which can slow reaction times, reduce alertness, and severely impair decision-making abilities during critical moments.
Despite regulations requiring airlines to implement systems for identifying, monitoring, and managing crew fatigue, pilots report facing pressure from employers and fear of repercussions for reporting their fatigue.
The ECA survey also indicates that over 76.8% of pilots experienced at least one episode of microsleep while piloting an aircraft in the past four weeks. Furthermore, 38.8% of pilots typically do not get enough rest to counter cumulative fatigue.
Only 37.2% of pilots reported that they disclose when they are unfit or tired. The survey raised concerns regarding the ‘command discretion’ policy, which permits pilots to extend flight time under exceptional circumstances. Approximately 38.3% admitted to utilizing this provision at least once in the last month, with 15.2% doing so two or more times. A total of 69.1% expressed worries about negative consequences if they were to refuse an extension.
Concerns Among Low-Cost Airline Crews
Pilots employed by airlines based in Ireland and Malta showed the highest fear of retaliation from management and were least likely to trust fatigue reporting systems. Conversely, pilots in the United Kingdom, Finland, and the Netherlands reported a stronger culture of punishment-free reporting.
Significant issues were particularly noted among crews of low-cost airlines and ACMI operators (companies that lease aircraft along with crew and maintenance services). Only 15.6% of low-cost airline pilots believe their employers adequately manage fatigue risks.
A Call to Authorities
Captain Tanja Harter, president of the ECA, urged airline operators and regulatory authorities to take responsibility instead of leaving pilots to manage these risks on their own. “It cannot fall solely on us, the pilots, while we are in the cockpit and expected to safely transport passengers to their destinations,” she stated.
She called on the European Union Aviation Safety Agency to strengthen regulations on fatigue management and ensure that airlines comply with non-punitive reporting requirements and the appropriate use of command authority.
