Hopes Participants Use Lessons Learned In Real World
The Federal Aviation Administration
says the agency's first Aviation Fatigue Management Symposium
produced agreement on two major points: As in other modes of
transportation, fatigue can be a genuine factor affecting aviation
operations, and now is the time to do something about it.
The symposium, which ran from June 17 through 19, brought
together 325 experts from industry, government and academia to
share the most current information on fatigue and discuss possible
fatigue management strategies and best practices. The participants
looked at issues affecting flight and cabin crews, air traffic
controllers, technicians, mechanics, dispatchers and ramp
workers.
The first day of the conference featured a comprehensive review
of the factors contributing to fatigue in flight operations and air
traffic control by researchers from the National Transportation
Safety Board. Other sessions covered evidence for fatigue in
flight, air traffic, maintenance and ramp operations, and what many
experts consider the key to addressing the problem: scientifically
based fatigue risk management systems.
Day Two included presentations on the current state of fatigue
management from organizations as varied as the FAA, airlines,
NAVCANADA and university scientists.
The evidence and scientific research presented at the symposium
served as the background for continuing discussion groups that
covered international long-haul operations, domestic operations
(transcontinental, multi-leg, and short haul), air traffic control
and technical operations, and maintenance. The discussion groups
presented their findings on the third day of the symposium.
The conference attendees generally agreed that fatigue
mitigation must be based on scientific principles developed through
enhanced data collection. They also emphasized the necessity for
government and industry to develop a culture that does not penalize
employees who excuse themselves from duty due to fatigue. The
conferees recognized that incorporating fatigue risk management
systems into everyday operations is the ultimate goal, but doing so
will take innovation in addressing a myriad of regulatory
issues.
The FAA hopes the participating individuals and organizations
will use the information and concepts shared during the symposium
as a springboard to develop effective fatigue management
strategies.