Helicopter Pilot Fatigue
Helicopter pilot fatigue becomes more of a concern as pilots are involved in longer flights and more extensive military missions overseas. Helicopter cockpits are designed primarily for crash survival and have presented problems by possibly contributing to the growing problem of helicopter pilot fatigue.
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History
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Research has focused more on airplane pilot fatigue than on helicopter pilot fatigue. NASA's Fatigue Countermeasures Program has studied pilot fatigue since early in the 1980s, emphasizing the effects of pilot fatigue on performance during long flights. Much less data exists on similar flights by helicopter pilots, even though many in the field suspect that the cockpit environment in a helicopter creates more opportunities for pilot fatigue.
Identification
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Sleep is the only way to counter fatigue. Pilot fatigue is common because of the loss of sleep, the reality of shift timing and long flights. The physiological effects on the pilots and the consequences for his performance are significant since the safety of the pilot and all passengers depends on the pilot's actions, as well as what she observes and effectively communicates to others.
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Considerations
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Helmet weight may affect pilot fatigue. One of the equipment factors studied in relation to pilot fatigue is helmet weight. Research that studied the effect of four different helmet weights showed that pilots were less effective when helmets were heavier.
Effects
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Helicopters have a higher rate of accidents than do other aircrafts. The rate of accidents involving helicopters is almost eight times that of commercial flights and one-third higher than general aviation aircraft. Pilot fatigue has been cited as a reason for accidents, along with such factors as bad weather and equipment malfunction.
Considerations
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Longer flights increase pilot pain and fatigue. The cockpit seating arrangement in a helicopter was not designed for long missions, and pilot leg and back pain as well as a lack of situational awareness increase as the flight time increases.
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References
Resources
- Photo Credit helicopter image by JASON WINTER from Fotolia.com pilot image by hapa7 from Fotolia.com sleeping image by Dwight Davis from Fotolia.com femme pilote de voltige aérienne image by Emmanuel MARZIN from Fotolia.com medical rescue helicopter image by A74.FR Ben Fontaine from Fotolia.com the fighting helicopterthe fighting helicopter image by Alexander Maksimov from Fotolia.com
