Fatigue under-reported in aviation, says BALPA


Pilots’ union BALPA says a discrepancy between the number of official fatigue reports to the Civil Aviation Authority regulator (CAA) and what members tell the union they are experiencing is the result of “the lack of a sympathetic fatigue culture”.


BALPA has been monitoring rosters and schedules that pilots fly and has highlighted the many working arrangements that are putting strains on flight crews. These include working shifts where start times vary dramatically from day to day and crossing time zones. Head of flight safety Dr Rob Hunter is currently researching “how tired is too tired” for airline pilots to undertake their work.


Hunter said pilots must not fear recriminations for reporting unacceptable levels of tiredness.

https://www.balpa.org/Media-Centre/Press-Releases/Pilots%E2%80%99-union-warns-politicians-of-the-dangers-of