Aircrew Fatigue Perceptions, Fatigue Mitigation Strategies, and Circadian Typology

BACKGROUND: Human fatigue is an important factor within aviation, leading organizations to develop strategies to assess and mitigate associated risks. The U.S. Air Force's Air Mobility Command (AMC) conducted the current pilot study to assess fatigue-related risks and issues in mobility operations. Specifically, we examined the relationship among fatigue perceptions, fatigue mitigation strategies, performance effectiveness graph reference, and circadian typology.METHODS: There were 21 volunteers from the Joint Base Charleston C-17 pilot community (M_age = 28.67; SD_age = 2.11; Proportion_male = 85.71%) who completed a survey. Items referred to fatigue perceptions, fatigue mitigation strategies, performance effectiveness graph reference, and circadian typology. We examined descriptive statistics, correlations among the variables of interest, and possible moderation effects of circadian typology.RESULTS: Overall, aircrew perceived fatigue to be a serious safety of flight concern. Personal fatigue concerns and perceptions of pressure to continue missions despite fatigue were associated with increased use of the strategy of limiting light exposure during sleep episodes (r = 0.49 and 0.47). Fatigue perceptions were not directly associated with performance effectiveness graph usage. Results suggested that morning type participants might be more likely to utilize specific fatigue mitigation strategies when there are concerns of fatigue compared to evening types.DISCUSSION: Despite organizational efforts, fatigue continues to be a serious concern for the mobility community. This pilot study suggests that circadian typology might affect the relationship between fatigue perceptions and fatigue mitigation strategies and resource use. Future research should further examine these relationships and their impact within fatigue risk management (FRM) programs.Morris MB, Howland JP, Amaddio KM, Gunzelmann G.