FAA Told to Address Crew Fatigue in Aviation

After the crew of a commercial aircraft apparently went to sleep at the wheel and flew right over their destination airport, the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) has recommended that the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) take steps to "address" the effects of human fatigue in commercial aviation.

The NTSB urged the FAA to adopt regulations requiring airlines to establish fatigue management systems designed to increase the sleep time and quality of aircrews between flights, improve crew alertness, mitigate performance errors, and prevent incidents and accidents.

In making their recommendation, the Board cited four fatigue-related incidents occurring since 2004, one resulting in the deaths of both pilots and 11 passengers.

Perhaps the most bizarre incident took place on Feb. 13, 2008, when Go! flight 1002, operated by Mesa Airlines flew beyond its destination airport, General Lyman Field, Hilo, Hawaii. For over 18 minutes air traffic controllers at General Lyman Field tried without response to contact the Go! crew, as the plane continued over Maui, the big island of Hawaii and continued flying southeast over the Pacific Ocean. After flying 26 miles beyond the airport, the crew responded and returned to land at General Lyman Field. There were no injuries, probably just a lot of embarrassment and extensive discussion with the FAA.

"Addressing this safety related measure is long overdue," said NTSB Chairman Mark V. Rosenker in a press release. "We must and can correct this serious concern." Let's all hope Chairman Rosenker is correct.

Also See
Pilots Blast NTSB on Cockpit Video Cameras
DOT Wants to Bring Back "Friendly" Skies
Miss Your Flight? Do Not Do This