Worrying statistics have been released by BALPA today indicating that in a survey which is showing a lot of tiredness in the air – and more worryingly in the cockpit.
The survey indicated 56% of pilots surveyed out of a batch of 500 had fallen asleep on the flight deck whilst in command of a plane. Additionally – and more worrying, 29% found that their co-pilot was asleep too.
Additional findings from the report indicate more cause for concern, with
– 43% surveyed said the their ability to pilot had been compromised at least once a month by tiredness over a 6 month period.
– 31% surveyed said their airline didn’t promote a culture of reporting tiredness concerns
– 51% believed their airline airline chief executive would back them, if the pilot refused to fly due to tiredness,
– 49% believed that pilot tiredness was the biggest threat in the air.
BAPLA are against new European Union rules that will change UK safety regulations, which they believe lack scientific support or evidence. There is also a worry that the vote that is to occur next week will transfer the ability to make rules from the EU to the European Aviation Safety Agency (EASA) without the support or scrutiny of politicians in Europe or national governments.
This comes after a reported incident of two pilots asleep at the controls of an Airbus A330, with the flight crew “suffering from symptoms of severe fatigue”.
Aviation safety is so important, and it is key to have alert pilots who are rested appropriately… and this report – whilst a drop in the ocean in terms of power and size – does paint a worrying picture.
One that needs to be addressed.
The results of this worrying survey are at http://www.balpa.org/News-and-campaigns/News/HALF-OF-PILOTS-HAVE-FALLEN-ASLEEP-WHILE-FLYING.aspx. Worth the time to read.