How pilot fatigue is managed in Ireland
Summary
Anton Savage discusses a survey revealing that half of European pilots recently flew while fatigued, with Irish and Maltese pilots reporting the highest rates. Guest Kevin Byrne, an airport safety auditor, explains how shift work and jet lag cumulatively impair judgment, contributing to serious accidents. The conversation highlights the cultural and punitive barriers preventing pilots from self-reporting fatigue, despite known incidents of crews falling asleep at the controls.
Topics discussed
Intro: Pilot fatigue survey and guest introduction
Defining pilot fatigue and its impact on judgment
Comparing fatigue risks in short-haul vs long-haul flying
Barriers to self-reporting fatigue and just culture issues
Real-world examples of pilots falling asleep on duty
The cumulative effect of shift work and need for stricter controls
Sign-off and contact details
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