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Airline pilot incapacitation survey
Aviation, Space, and Environmental Medicine
|November 1, 1991
Summary
Inflight incapacitation affects nearly 30% of pilots, with gastro-intestinal issues being the most common cause. While many pilots report safety concerns, overall worry about pilot incapacitation remains low.
Area of Science:
- Aviation Medicine
- Occupational Health
Background:
- Inflight incapacitation poses a risk to aviation safety.
- Previous studies, including one in 1967, have investigated its causes and impact.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the causes and perceived safety implications of inflight incapacitation in commercial pilots.
- To replicate a 1967 survey by the International Federation of Airline Pilots' Associations (IFALPA).
Main Methods:
- A worldwide survey using a questionnaire developed by IFALPA.
- Voluntary responses from 4,345 pilots, with no control over sample population.
Main Results:
- 29% of pilots reported at least one incident of inflight incapacitation.
- Gastro-intestinal symptoms were the most frequent cause (58%), followed by nasal/sinus issues, headaches, and weakness.
- 48% of incapacitated pilots believed safety was affected, yet only 25% of all respondents expressed concern about inflight incapacitation (excluding takeoff/landing).
Conclusions:
- Gastro-intestinal issues remain a primary cause of pilot incapacitation.
- A significant portion of pilots perceive a safety risk from incapacitation, though general concern is lower.
- Crew size may influence perceptions of safety impact from inflight incapacitation.