Commercial Airline Pilots' Attitudinal Data on Controlled Rest in Position: A Qualitative Inquiry

Stephen Rice, Scott R. Winter, Emily C. Anania, Gajapriya Tamilselvan, Shawn Doherty

Research output: Contribution to journalArticlepeer-review

Abstract

Fatigue is a significant contributor to accidents in aviation, in commercial, private, and military aircraft, and is defined as “extreme tiredness resulting from mental or physical exertion or illness” (Oxford Dictionary, 2017, n.p.). Typical fatigue mitigation techniques include work and rest scheduling, obtaining required minimum rest before a flight, and pharmacological countermeasures (Caldwell & Caldwell, 2005; Caldwell, Mallis, Caldwell, Paul, Miller, & Neri, 2009). However, Controlled Rest in Position (CRIP), or in-flight sleep, may be another potential way to mitigate pilot fatigue. Prior research has investigated consumer perceptions relating to CRIP, revealing unfavorable perceptions (Winter, Carryl, & Rice, 2015). However, it is likely that pilots feel differently about CRIP owing to their experience with fatigue in the cockpit and their knowledge of standard aviation practices. The purpose of this study is to understand commercial airline pilots’ attitudes regarding controlled rest in position using a qualitative method and a phenomenological approach.

Original languageAmerican English
JournalCollegiate Aviation Review International
Volume36
StatePublished - Jan 1 2018

Keywords

  • pilot fatigue
  • pilot napping
  • controlled rest in position
  • airline pilots

Disciplines

  • Aviation

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