The Effect of Light on Circadian Entrainment: Risk Mitigation Techniques for Shifting from Day to Night Flight Operations
Abstract
A midair collision in the early morning hours of December 6, 2018 resulted in the tragic deaths of six US Marine Corps aircrew members and the loss of two aircraft, a KC-130 tanker and an F/A-18. The mishap occurred around 2 AM during a routine nighttime air refueling training mission off the coast of Japan. In the investigation that followed, fatigue was identified as a major contributor; the transition from day to night flights was called out as a problem area that continues to plague aviation commands. Subsequent investigations confirmed findings and requested help from the Naval Postgraduate School (NPS) Crew Endurance Team to study the problem and make recommendations for safer transition from day to night flight operations. The study goal was to provide recommendations to the fleet regarding the limitations and best practices for shifting aviators from day to night operations. After reviewing the scientific literature, NPS designed a study to determine the efficacy of high energy visible (HEV) light exposure in shifting the circadian rhythms of study participants.
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- Oct 21, 2021
- Accession Number
- AD1184035
Entities
People
- James Reily
- Kathryn B. Giles
- Meghan Mcdonough
- Nita Lewis Shattuck
- Panagiotis Matsangas
Organizations
- Naval Postgraduate School