Fatigue Mechanisms During Flight and Flight Safety Risks: Cognitive Deviations, Operational Impacts, and Preventive Management Strategies
Öz
Flight safety in civil aviation is largely dependent on the sustainable cognitive performance of flight crews. Among the human factors that threaten this performance, fatigue stands out as a critical risk factor due to its prevalence and severe operational consequences. Long-haul flights, night duties, frequent time zone transitions, irregular shift patterns, and high workload lead to sleep deprivation and circadian rhythm disruptions in pilots, adversely affecting attention, alertness, decision-making, and executive functions. The literature and accident investigation reports indicate that fatigue has been a contributing or facilitating factor in numerous accidents and serious incidents. The aim of this study is to comprehensively examine pilot fatigue in civil aviation within the framework of its underlying mechanisms, cognitive and operational effects, role in accidents and incidents, and existing regulatory and operational mitigation approaches. Using a documentation review method, academic studies, regulatory documents, and accident reports were systematically analyzed. The findings reveal that fatigue is a multidimensional safety risk that is influenced not only by individual factors but also by organizational planning, operational pressures, and psychosocial factors. While flight and duty time limitations are important, they are not sufficient on their own. Scientifically grounded, data-driven, and continuously improving Fatigue Risk Management Systems (FRMS) are therefore regarded as one of the core components of modern aviation safety.
Anahtar Kelimeler
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