ECA recalls that fatigue is one of the most significant threats to aviation security

The European Pilots’ Association (ECA) said in a statement that the summer chaos in European aviation is not only putting “considerable strain” on passengers, but also on the tens of thousands of workers in the sector. The organisation recalled that crew motivation “is plummeting, while concerns about the safety of operations are growing”. “Fatigue is one of the biggest threats to aviation safety, reducing reaction times, leading to reduced concentration and impaired decision-making,” said ECA secretary general Philip von Schöppenthau. 

In this regard, ECA has published a guide to fatigue prevention and reporting, as well as a document to help pilots cope with the multiple pressures they face during summer operations. The association has also asked the European Aviation Safety Agency (EASA) to publish guidance for airlines and airports to manage the summer chaos safely.