Human Factors as a Fundamental Concept in Aviation Safety

Sample Answer

Fatigue Risk Management Proposal for SkyGlobal Airlines

Fatigue has long been recognised as a major factor affecting human performance, particularly in high-risk industries such as aviation. SkyGlobal Airlines, a medium-sized international carrier operating both long and short-haul flights from a main base in the UK, currently lacks a formal Fatigue Risk Management System (FRMS). This proposal sets out the rationale for implementing such a system, detailing its components, legal obligations, and potential benefits in enhancing safety and operational efficiency.

A Fatigue Risk Management System is a structured approach designed to identify, assess, and mitigate risks associated with employee fatigue. The system encompasses policies, procedures, and monitoring tools that address both operational and individual factors contributing to fatigue. A robust FRMS includes clear guidelines for maximum duty hours, minimum rest periods, and scheduling practices that account for circadian rhythms. Additionally, it involves training programmes to increase awareness among pilots, cabin crew, and operational staff regarding the effects of fatigue, as well as mechanisms to report fatigue-related concerns confidentially. Legally, airlines operating in the UK must comply with Civil Aviation Authority (CAA) regulations, including the Flight Time Limitations (FTL), which establish minimum rest requirements. Implementing an FRMS not only supports compliance with these regulations but also demonstrates proactive safety management, which is increasingly expected by regulators and industry stakeholders.

The effects of fatigue on human performance are well documented. Fatigue impairs cognitive functions such as attention, decision-making, memory, and situational awareness, as well as psychomotor abilities including reaction times and coordination. Research shows that being awake for more than 17 hours can produce performance deficits equivalent to having a blood alcohol concentration of 0.05 to 0.1 per cent. In aviation, these impairments can lead to errors in navigation, miscommunication among crew members, and lapses in procedural adherence. Fatigue thus represents a direct threat to operational safety and must be addressed systematically.

Historical aviation accidents provide clear evidence of the dangers posed by fatigue. Colgan Air Flight 3407 in 2009 was a fatal accident where pilot fatigue contributed to delayed responses and poor decision-making during critical phases of flight. Investigations revealed that both the captain and first officer had insufficient sleep in the days leading up to the flight, which impaired their performance during challenging icing conditions. Similarly, American Airlines Flight 1420 in 1999 experienced a runway overrun during landing in adverse weather conditions. The captain had been on duty for extended hours, which delayed his reactions and impaired judgement. In both cases, the presence of an effective FRMS could have mitigated these risks by adjusting duty schedules, ensuring adequate rest, and providing mechanisms to report fatigue before flights were undertaken.

Several airlines have implemented FRMS and related fatigue management strategies with positive outcomes. Qantas Airways uses predictive fatigue modelling to assess crew schedules, identifying high-risk periods and adjusting rosters accordingly. This proactive approach has been associated with a reduction in fatigue-related incidents. Emirates Airline has introduced fatigue awareness programmes alongside voluntary reporting systems, allowing crew to report fatigue without fear of disciplinary action. These approaches combine education, data analysis, and cultural support to create an environment where fatigue is recognised, managed, and mitigated effectively.