A survey of aircrew fatigue in a sample of U.S. Army aviation personnel.

BACKGROUND

Recently published data on military aviation mishaps suggest aircrew fatigue remains a flight-safety problem.

METHODS

In the current study, a questionnaire was administered to 241 Army aviators and 120 Army enlisted crew members.

RESULTS

Inadequate sleep and/or insufficient sleep quality is reportedly adversely affecting on-the-job alertness. The requirements to work a variety of schedules and to travel/work away from home are likely contributing to less than optimal sleep quality; however, a number of personnel may be suffering from sleep deprivation due to intentional sleep restriction as well. The personnel surveyed in this study indicated they were sleeping less than 7 h per night, which is 1 h less than the amount recommended by sleep specialists. This insufficient sleep, combined with rotating schedules and other work demands, no doubt contributed to the perceptions of three-quarters of the present sample that fatigue is a widespread problem in the military aviation community.

CONCLUSION

These results indicate the importance of continuing to stress fatigue-reduction strategies in training and operational environments.