Aircrew Fatigue Perceptions, Fatigue Mitigation Strategies, and Circadian Typology
Abstract
Human fatigue is an important factor within aviation, leading organizations to develop strategies to assess and mitigate associated risks. The U.S. Air Force's Air Mobility Command (AMC) conducted the current pilot study to assess fatigue-related risks and issues in mobility operations. Specifically, we examined the relationship among fatigue perceptions, fatigue mitigation strategies, performance effectiveness graph reference, and circadian typology. There were 21 volunteers from the Joint Base Charleston C-17 pilot community (M sub age = 28.67; SD sub age = 2.11; Proportion sub male = 85.71 percent) who completed a survey. Items referred to fatigue perceptions, fatigue mitigation strategies, performance effectiveness graph reference, and circadian typology. Overall, aircrew perceived fatigue to be a serious safety of flight concern. Personal fatigue concerns and perceptions of pressure to continue missions despite fatigue were associated with increased use of the strategy of limiting light exposure during sleep episodes (r = 0.49 and 0.47). Fatigue perceptions were not directly associated with performance effectiveness graph usage. Results suggested that morning type participants might be more likely to utilize specific fatigue mitigation strategies when there are concerns of fatigue compared to evening types.
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- Apr 14, 2020
- Accession Number
- AD1157691
Entities
People
- Glenn Gunzelmann
- Jennifer P. Howland
- Kelly M. Amaddio
- Megan B. Morris
Organizations
- 711th Human Performance Wing
- Air Mobility Command
- United States Air Force Academy