Is this project an undergraduate, graduate, or faculty project?
Undergraduate
Project Type
individual
Campus
Daytona Beach
Authors' Class Standing
Parneet Makkar, Senior
Lead Presenter's Name
Parneet Makkar
Lead Presenter's College
DB College of Arts and Sciences
Faculty Mentor Name
Mr. Eric Vaden
Abstract
Fatigue and circadian rhythm disruption present significant human factors challenges in long-haul aviation operations, particularly for ferry pilots (pilots responsible for transporting aircraft long distances between locations) who often travel across multiple time zones before beginning flight duties. Circadian rhythms regulate the human sleep-wake cycle and are closely tied to cognitive performance, alertness, and coordination. Rapid travel across time zones can disrupt these rhythms, producing symptoms commonly associated with jet lag such as sleep disturbances, fatigue, and reduced cognitive functioning. For ferry pilots, long travel periods and irregular schedules may increase the likelihood of fatigue before flight operations even begin. This project examines how circadian rhythm disruption can affect pilot performance and explores strategies that may help mitigate fatigue-related risks. Drawing on research in aviation physiology and fatigue management, the analysis discusses common countermeasures including pre-flight sleep schedule adaptation, controlled exposure to light, strategic caffeine use, and prophylactic napping. Additionally, the "IMSAFE" self-assessment checklist is considered a tool pilots can use to evaluate their readiness to fly. Understanding the physiological and operational factors contributing to fatigue is important for improving fatigue management practices and supporting safer long-haul flight operations.
Did this research project receive funding support (Spark, SURF, Research Abroad, Student Internal Grants, Collaborative, Climbing, or Ignite Grants) from the Office of Undergraduate Research?
No
Included in
Aviation Safety and Security Commons, Human Factors Psychology Commons, Sleep Medicine Commons
Fatigue and Circadian Disruption in Long-Haul Ferry Pilots: Human Factors Challenges and Mitigation Strategies
Fatigue and circadian rhythm disruption present significant human factors challenges in long-haul aviation operations, particularly for ferry pilots (pilots responsible for transporting aircraft long distances between locations) who often travel across multiple time zones before beginning flight duties. Circadian rhythms regulate the human sleep-wake cycle and are closely tied to cognitive performance, alertness, and coordination. Rapid travel across time zones can disrupt these rhythms, producing symptoms commonly associated with jet lag such as sleep disturbances, fatigue, and reduced cognitive functioning. For ferry pilots, long travel periods and irregular schedules may increase the likelihood of fatigue before flight operations even begin. This project examines how circadian rhythm disruption can affect pilot performance and explores strategies that may help mitigate fatigue-related risks. Drawing on research in aviation physiology and fatigue management, the analysis discusses common countermeasures including pre-flight sleep schedule adaptation, controlled exposure to light, strategic caffeine use, and prophylactic napping. Additionally, the "IMSAFE" self-assessment checklist is considered a tool pilots can use to evaluate their readiness to fly. Understanding the physiological and operational factors contributing to fatigue is important for improving fatigue management practices and supporting safer long-haul flight operations.