NAPPING DURING DUTY TIME


A NASA/FAA study examined the effect of allowing flight crewmembers, while remaining in their seats, to take short planned rests during flights. The naps occurred one crewmember at a time in three-person cockpits during low- workload (cruise) portions of non-augmented flights. Some of the subjects (the Rest Group) were each allowed a sleep opportunity of up to 40 minutes, while the other subjects (the No Rest Group) were instructed to carry on with their regular duties during the 40-minute period. While the No Rest Group showed a decrease in alertness and performance at the end of individual flight legs, after multiple legs, and on night flights, the Rest Group maintained consistent levels of alertness and performance throughout. Therefore, the study found that planned and controlled cockpit naps improve subsequent alertness and performance among crewmembers. While planned cockpit naps are not currently sanctioned, the FAA is currently reviewing a proposed Advisory Circular to sanction controlled rest on the flight deck.


27 CRM 2, TEM, Fatigue


Page 1  |  Page 2  |  Page 3  |  Page 4  |  Page 5  |  Page 6  |  Page 7  |  Page 8  |  Page 9  |  Page 10  |  Page 11  |  Page 12  |  Page 13  |  Page 14  |  Page 15  |  Page 16  |  Page 17  |  Page 18  |  Page 19  |  Page 20  |  Page 21  |  Page 22  |  Page 23  |  Page 24  |  Page 25  |  Page 26  |  Page 27  |  Page 28  |  Page 29