European Cockpit Association report reveals high pilot fatigue levels

A survey of approximately 7,200 captains and first officers conducted by the European Cockpit Association (ECA) has highlighted significant safety concerns regarding pilot fatigue. The findings indicate that three-quarters of respondents experienced at least one microsleep while operating an aircraft in the four weeks preceding the survey.

Nearly a quarter (24%) of pilots admitted to continuing to fly rather than reporting themselves unfit due to exhaustion, while 16.8% reported calling in sick instead. The report notes that pilots often fear negative repercussions from management if they declare themselves unfit for duty, with only 11.9% expressing trust in their airline’s fatigue reporting systems.

Factors contributing to fatigue include long duty hours, irregular schedules, and crossing time zones. Pilots based in Ireland and Malta reported the highest frequency of microsleeps. The ECA has called on airlines and regulators to address these systemic issues to prevent impaired judgment and slowed reaction times in the cockpit.