Survey: Many European Airline Pilots Fly While Too Fatigued

Almost a quarter of European airline pilots fly when too fatigued to work, according to a report based on a survey of almost 7,200 captains and first officers by the European Cockpit Association. The findings include pilots reporting insufficient rest, pressure to extend working hours and fears of being penalised for declaring themselves unfit to fly. Almost a quarter (24%) admitted they usually continue flying rather than report themselves unfit due to fatigue, while another 16.8% said they call in sick instead. The survey, conducted in August, found that three-quarters of respondents had experienced at least one microsleep while operating an aircraft in the previous four weeks, and more than a third said they were not getting enough rest to prevent fatigue from building up over time.