Aircrew Fatigue during Extended Transport, Tactical and Command Post Operations
Abstract
Self-ratings of subjective fatigue and sleep logs provide a simple and useful means of evaluating aircrew fatigue during real-world operations involving large numbers of participants working irregular schedules. Evaluations of extended USAF operations involving transport, tactical, airborne command post systems are reviewed. Following onboard crew rest on C-141 transport aircraft flying 8- to 9-hour missions, aircrew performance in simulator missions was significantly deteriorated and accompanied by reports of severe fatigue. Tactical aircrews are being trained and evaluated in unit flying at the fast pace expected in the first crucial days of an armed conflict. Flying 2 to 3 sorties a day for a week or more resulted in reports of only moderate fatigue. Daily fatigue was ameliorated by a night of quality sleep. During a 30-hour airborne command post mission, crew fatigue was moderate and not suggestive of compromises in performance. After mission completion, severe levels of fatigue were reported.
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- Nov 01, 1983
- Accession Number
- ADP002991
Entities
People
- William F. Storm
Organizations
- United States Air Force School of Aerospace Medicine