What Pilots Need to Know About Fatigue

Fatigue and Flying

FAA Report on Fatigue - Read First

I experienced this when I attempted to take off from Denver Stapelton Airport, a number of years ago, in a Beechcraft Bonanza after a "trying day" filled with traffic delays, missed appointments and general disappointment with the tremendous growth in the Colorado Springs - Denver corridor. My plane just seemed very under-powered as it sluggishly plowed down the runway. Opps! I came from Michigan to Colorado. Altitude change - and I forgot to properly lean out the mixtureon the engine before takeoff. Fatigue! You better believe it!

Fatigue is a slippery trouble-maker that is disquised and is caused by a variety of factors listed above. Trying day, traffic delay, missed appointments - these are all psychological fatigue factors that are just as important as physical fatigue. A pilot must be aware of these issues and how it could impair his flying performance. Thankfully, I came awake a few seconds after take-off roll began and slowly leaned the engine out for a normal high altitude tak-off.

It could have been far worse. Fear, anxiety, emotional strain, noise, high altitude, boredom and immobility can all cause a decrease in standards of performance, faulty memory, impaired judgement, slower reaction time and an increased susceptibility to visual illusions and hallucinations.

Even while driving long distances, in a car, a break now and then, can ward off fatigue. Other things a pilot can do to prevent fatigue is get a good night's sleep or plenty of rest before flying. Don't use alcohol, medication or drugs within 24 hours of a flight. Yes, I am a 24 hour man! I drink Joe, as you know, and it helps increase your attention. Wearing earplugs can reduce fatigue from noise.

You need, as a pilot, to recognize that a wandering mind, snappish attitude and loss of your sense of humor are symptoms of fatigue. Difficulty concentrating, inattentive to small details or you skip routine pre-flight or inflight checks are also signs of fatique.

Coffee, cold air, stretching or eating a candy bar to raise blood sugar can help. Fatigue can creep up on you. If you can't shake fatigue - land! Common sense about the dangers of fatigue carry over from the Highway to the Skyway. Don't become a fatality statistic.