NTSB Safety Recommendations - Fatigue

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NTSB SAFETY RECOMMENDATION

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National Transportation Safety Board
Washington, DC 20594
August 7, 2009

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NTSB Safety Recommendations A-09-61 through -66

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The National Transportation Safety Board recommends that the Federal Aviation Administration:


Modify the Application for Airman Medical Certificate to elicit specific information about any previous
diagnosis of obstructive sleep apnea and about the presence of specific risk factors for that disorder.
(A-09-61)

Implement a program to identify pilots at high risk for obstructive sleep apnea and require that those
pilots provide evidence through the medical certification process of having been appropriately
evaluated and, if treatment is needed, effectively treated for that disorder before being granted
unrestricted medical certification. (A-09-62)

Develop and disseminate guidance for pilots, employers, and physicians regarding the identification
and treatment of individuals at high risk of obstructive sleep apnea, emphasizing that pilots who have
obstructive sleep apnea that is effectively treated are routinely approved for continued medical
certification. (A-09-63)

Conduct research examining how pilot fatigue is affected by the unique characteristics of short-haul
operations and identify methods for reducing those effects; include research into the interactive
effects of shift timing, consecutive days of work, number of legs flown, and the availability of rest
breaks. (A-09-64)

Issue interim guidance, such as an advisory circular, that provides operators of multi-segment, short-
haul flights with the relevant safety information as it becomes available during the research requested
in Safety Recommendation A-09-64. (A-09-65)

When the research requested in Safety Recommendation A-09-64 is completed, require operators of
short-haul, multi-segment flights to incorporate the guidance requested in Safety Recommendation A-
09-65 into their operating specifications to reflect the unique crew fatigue characteristics of these
operators. (A-09-66)

Full recommendation available here...

[dashx]

http://www.torontosleep.com/ If you´re in the greater Toronto area.

Or learn to sleep on your side instead of your back.

[Zapp Brannigan]

Find another occupation where you can operate machinery after working for 17hrs, with a "rest period" that you may or may not sleep what so ever and still be safe. It is ignored by operators and law that people may not be able to sleep in abnormal circumstances and be able to fly effectively.

[b1ngnx33]

Sleep when you die -- some quote from aliens 4 or something.

One day we will all look back and say the following.

Remember when people flew planes, we know better now.

Computers flying planes, 24 hours a day, 365 days a year. No sleep required.

[C-FABH]

But flying a long-haul interferes with my natural Circadian Rhythm! Don't worry about my week-long rest period.