ABSTRACT
The problem of fatigue in aviation must be proactively confronted if we are to ensure maximum safety and efficiency, as well as optimum personal well being. It is not enough to take care of the aircraft unless the pilots are receiving the attention they deserve. Routine medical exams guard against the possibility of performanceimpairing disease, and random drug screens minimize the chances that ingestion of illegal substances will adversely impact reaction time and judgment. Even mandatory retirement is enforced to guard against the problems that some feel are likely to occur with advanced age. But is everything possible being done to reduce the threat of fatigue-related decrements? Are effective alertness-management strategies being employed to maximize on-the-job performance? What exactly is fatigue, how do we know it is present, and how much should we worry about it?
