Subjective Fatigue in A-6, F-14, and F/A-18 Aircrews During Operations Desert Shield and Storm

Authors

C. A. DeJohn, Naval Aerospace Medical Research Laboratory
S. A. Shappell, Naval Aerospace Medical Research LaboratoryFollow
D. F. Neri, Naval Aerospace Medical Research Laboratory

Submitting Campus

Daytona Beach

Department

Human Factors and Behavioral Neurobiology

Document Type

Report

Publication/Presentation Date

10-1992

Abstract/Description

Fatigue occurring during naval air combat can reduce performance, impair operational effectiveness, and compromise safety. This study examines the effect of combat missions on the subjective fatigue of naval aircrews deployed aboard USS AMERICA during Desert Shield and Desert Storm. Fatigue was determined using three questionnaires that were completed before and after each mission. Although fatigue significantly increased during combat missions, it usually returned to preflight levels by the next day without noticeably increasing as the operation progressed. We feel that judicious aircrew scheduling on the part of operational planners was one of the most important factors contributing to this result. To minimize fatigue during naval air combat operations, we recommend that, as resources permit, 'no-fly' days be regularly scheduled, only one or two missions should be scheduled per day, and adequate crew rest should be planned between missions.

Sponsorship/Conference/Institution

Naval Aerospace Medical Research Laboratory

Location

Pensacola, FL

Number of Pages

19

Additional Information

AD-A259 243. NAMRL-1377. Dr. Shappell was not affiliated with Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University at the time this report was published.

Scholarly Commons Citation

DeJohn, C. A., Shappell, S. A., & Neri, D. F. (1992). Subjective Fatigue in A-6, F-14, and F/A-18 Aircrews During Operations Desert Shield and Storm. , (). Retrieved from https://commons.erau.edu/publication/684