An analysis of self-reported sleepiness and fatigue measures from collegiate aviation pilots

Abstract

Fatigue can be deleterious to pilot performance. The National Transportation Safety Board has called on the aviation community to reduce fatigue related accidents. Currently, there are few studies and guidance specific to collegiate aviation pilots. The current study is part of a larger effort by the authors to gain a clearer understanding of fatigue within the collegiate aviation environment. Collegiate aviation pilots are a unique group with different schedules, lifestyles, and demands when compared to airline, military, and on-demand pilots. The purpose of this study was to examine self-reported fatigue and sleepiness measures. Research instruments included the Karolinska Sleepiness Scale and the Samn-Perelli Fatigue Scale. The research team recruited thirty-two collegiate aviation pilots from a large Midwestern university. Participants were asked to record their sleepiness and fatigue ratings four times a day, at intervals, for a total of four weeks over four months. Approximately 5,000 total data points were collected. Results indicated a significant difference between the times of day. The 8:00 a.m. recording time had the highest median fatigue and sleepiness score. There were no significant differences between the days of the week. However, overall median fatigue and sleepiness scores indicated participants were slightly fatigued and sleepy throughout the data collection period.