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Updated: Aug 1, 2026
Collecting Sleep, Circadian, Fatigue, and Performance Data in Complex Operational Environments
Published on: August 8, 2019
Electronic pilot-activity monitor: a countermeasure against fatigue on long-haul flights
Philippe Cabon1, Samira Bourgeois-Bougrine, Régis Mollard
1University René Descartes-Paris V, Laboratory of Applied Anthropology, Paris, France. philippe.cabon@biomedicale.univ-paris5.fr
Background:
Previous studies have shown frequent reductions in aircrew alertness during long-haul flights, even during the critical descent phase. Recommended countermeasures include alternation of crew activity with rest, such as cockpit napping. However, a method of monitoring the alertness level of the active and napping pilots should be considered.
Methods:
The Electronic Pilot-Activity Monitor (EPAM) continuously monitors the activity of the crew (activity mode) and limits nap duration (timer mode) to prevent sleep inertia effects. The EPAM is currently being validated during actual long-haul flights. To date, we have studied 14 round trips Brussels-New York-Brussels (i.e., 28 flights). Physiological parameters, including electroencephalogram, electrooculogram, and heart rate, were recorded continuously to evaluate the ability of EPAM to detect low alertness phases.
Results:
We present preliminary results showing that the EPAM can detect some microsleep periods during the flight. However, some microsleeps occurred while the pilot was active. In the timer mode, the EPAM was able to limit sleep duration but some deep sleep was observed.
Discussion:
These results suggest that additional measures (e.g., eye closure duration) should be included to improve the detection of drowsy periods. In addition, the timer mode should be improved to prevent deep sleep in order to prevent subsequent sleep inertia.
