European pilots report frequent microsleeps and fatigue despite limited rest periods

A survey conducted in August by the European Cockpit Association shows fatigue remains a major concern for commercial pilots across Europe. Around 75% of respondents reported at least one microsleep incident in the cockpit during the four weeks before the questionnaire, and more than a third judged their rest periods insufficient to stop fatigue accumulation. Fifty percent said they had flown a route in the past three months even though they believed they should have declared themselves unfit because of exhaustion.

Approximately 24% said they usually continue flying instead of reporting fatigue, and close to half expressed worry that reporting could trigger negative consequences from airline management. The study highlighted national differences, with about 40% of Spanish-registered pilots frequently flying while too tired, roughly a third in Ireland and France, and about one-tenth in the United Kingdom. European Cockpit Association president Tanja Harter urged the European Union Aviation Safety Agency to tighten crew-fatigue regulations and protect pilots who raise fatigue concerns.