Assessing fatigue levels in short-haul pilots
Evaluation of Fatigue in Short-Haul Operations Across Multiple Airlines
This study is testing how tired short-haul pilots feel during their flights and how their sleep and work schedules affect their performance.
Quick facts
| Study type | Observational |
|---|---|
| Enrollment | 204 (estimated) |
| Ages | 18 Years to 60 Years |
| Sex | All |
| Sponsor | National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA) Federal |
| Locations | 1 site (Mountain View, California) |
| Trial ID | NCT05524441 on ClinicalTrials.gov |
What this trial studies
This study aims to evaluate the fatigue levels of short-haul pilots during their normal flight operations. Investigators will gather both objective and subjective data on sleep, sleepiness, workload, and performance from pilots during their on-duty periods, as well as during their days off before and after flights. Each participant will contribute data over two trips lasting between 2 to 7 days, allowing for a comprehensive analysis of how circadian disruption affects cognitive performance and fatigue. The study seeks to understand the impact of various scheduling factors and individual characteristics on pilot performance.
Who should consider this trial
Good fit: Ideal candidates for this study are active-duty pilots who primarily operate short-haul flights and are willing to participate in data collection during their trips.
Not a fit: Pilots who do not regularly fly short-haul operations or those not currently active in their roles may not benefit from this study.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this study could lead to improved safety and performance in aviation by addressing pilot fatigue.
How similar studies have performed: Other studies have shown success in understanding fatigue in aviation, but this specific approach focusing on circadian disruption is relatively novel.
Eligibility criteria
Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria:
* All medically qualified, active-duty pilots currently flying short-haul operations are eligible to be included as participants in the study. Participants must be line pilots that spend at least 50% of their typical monthly schedule flying short-haul operations (defined at flights under 6 hours duration).
* Participants must be scheduled for and willing to collect data on each of the following:
1. Trip with Circadian Disruption. A trip containing one of the following types of WOCL infringement:
• Overnight FDPs. An FDP in which the pilot is operating one or more flights through the WOCL (0200-0559h) relative to the pilot's home-base time or clock time.
OR
• Circadian Switching. At least one FDP that starts between 0000-0659h relative to home-base time, followed by at least one FDP that ends between 0000-0659h, or vice versa, within the same trip (e.g., an FDP that begins at 0500h and the next FDP ends at 0100h or vice versa).
AND
2. Trip without Circadian Disruption. This trip must not contain any duties that are scheduled to begin or end between 0000h and 0659h relative to home-base time.
Exclusion Criteria:
* No additional exclusion criteria
Where this trial is running
Mountain View, California
- NASA Ames Research Center — Mountain View, California, United States (Recruiting)
Study contacts
- Study coordinator: Erin E Flynn-Evans, PhD, MPH
- Email: erin.e.flynn-evans@nasa.gov
- Phone: 6502793459
How to participate
- Review the eligibility criteria above with your treating physician.
- Visit the official trial page on ClinicalTrials.gov for the most current contact information and recruitment status.
- Contact the listed study coordinator or principal investigator to request pre-screening. Pre-screening is free and never obligates you to enroll.