Contributory Factors of Fatigue Among Collegiate Aviation Pilots: An Ordinal Regression Analysis

Abstract

Fatigue is a pervasive safety hazard in aviation affecting several aspects of a pilot's’ ability to safely perform their jobs. Several factors can contribute to fatigue, including inadequate sleep, stress, long work hours, excessive workload, and inadequate nutritional habits. In addition to flight training, some factors including academic, social, part-time work, and emerging time management skills are unique for Title 14 Code of Federal Regulations (CFR) Part 141 collegiate aviation pilots. By utilizing the Collegiate Aviation Fatigue Inventory (CAFI-II) at eight flight programs (n = 422), the current study examined factors such as fatigue training received, time spent working/studying and socializing, and enrollment level. Ordinal regression was used to assess the odds ratios of fatigue among demographic study groups. Notable results indicated approximately fifty percent of respondents reported not having fatigue training, Juniors and Seniors reported a less frequency of fatigue training when compared to the other two enrollment levels, and they also had a higher probability of flying while fatigued. The researchers suggested improved targeted training as well as recommendations for fatigue risk management strategies.