Study Reveals Over Three-Quarters of Pilots Report Falling Asleep on the Job

A recent study by the European Cockpit Association (ECA) has found that a significant majority of pilots have experienced falling asleep while operating an aircraft. The survey, which included responses from 7,200 pilots, revealed that 76.8% reported having dozed off at the controls at least once in the four weeks preceding the study.

These incidents, described as "microsleeps" by the National Sleep Foundation, are brief, involuntary episodes of sleep that can last several seconds. During a microsleep, a pilot may appear awake with their eyes open, but their brain is not processing information, posing substantial safety risks.

Fatigue was identified as a primary contributor to these occurrences. Nearly 40% of pilots surveyed, specifically 38.8%, indicated that they regularly lack sufficient rest, leading to cumulative fatigue. This chronic tiredness is exacerbated by a prevailing culture within the cockpit where reporting fatigue is uncommon. Only 37.2% of pilots stated they report when they feel unfit or fatigued, while 24.2% admitted to flying while fatigued, citing fear of punishment and management backlash as key deterrents.

The study also highlighted concerns regarding "Commander's Discretion," a safety regulation that allows the pilot-in-command to legally extend their Flight Duty Period or shorten required rest periods. Approximately 38.3% of pilots reported utilizing this discretion at least once in the past month, with 15.2% using it two or more times. A significant 69.1% of respondents expressed anxiety about facing negative consequences if they were to refuse an extension.

"When pilots fear career consequences, fatigue goes unreported, and the risk returns to the cockpit," stated ECA Board Director Capt. Coen George. "Airlines and authorities must ensure genuinely non-punitive reporting and use of Commander's Discretion." George further noted that some airlines allegedly pressure crews to extend flights, compensate for delays, and penalize those who decline extensions. He added that despite repeated alerts to aviation authorities about these safety-compromising pressures, meaningful action to address the issue is still pending.

In response to the findings, the European Union Aviation Safety Agency (EASA) stated it is taking the report seriously and urged airlines to proactively identify and manage fatigue risks. EASA emphasized the need for accurate reporting, operational measures, and a safety culture where crew members can voice concerns without fear of reprisal.

This report follows a 2022 incident where both pilots on an Ethiopian Airlines flight fell asleep and missed their landing. Aviation analyst Alex Macheras described such occurrences as "deeply concerning" and attributed them to pilot fatigue, which he characterized as a persistent and significant threat to air safety internationally. The findings come amid a broader aviation staffing crisis, with reports indicating a projected pilot shortfall of 24,000 this year.