Summer pilot fatigue campaign raises alarm over safety risks

As Europe heads into another peak travel season, the European Cockpit Association (ECA) has relaunched its “Flying tired is not safe” campaign, drawing renewed attention to the safety risks posed by pilot fatigue. The campaign underscores how chronic understaffing, tight schedules, and frequent disruptions are pushing flight crews to their limits—raising serious concerns about operational safety.

The central message is clear: fatigue is not just a personal or professional inconvenience—it is a systemic safety issue that can compromise flight safety. ECA is urging pilots to act when they feel fatigued, including by formally reporting their condition, refusing duty when appropriate, and resisting the inappropriate use of Commander’s Discretion. This provision, originally intended for exceptional circumstances, should not be used to extend duty times in routine operations.

To support crews, the campaign includes a suite of practical tools:

• A revised Commander’s Discretion Guide, aimed at clarifying legal and safe use;
• A Defensive Flying Checklist, helping pilots recognise pressure and maintain safe decisions;
• A Fatigue Reporting Toolkit with guidance on effective reporting processes;
• Direct links and information on how to submit concerns to national aviation authorities or via EASA’s Confidential Safety Reporting (CSR) system.

The campaign builds on the findings of a major fatigue survey conducted in 2023, involving nearly 7,000 European pilots. That survey found that:

• 75% of respondents had experienced microsleeps while on duty;
• 73% said they had not had sufficient rest between shifts;
• and a large proportion felt commercial or organisational pressure not to report fatigue.

These findings were published in a report highlighting widespread under-reporting, insufficient implementation of fatigue risk management systems, and structural challenges within airline operations.

The ECA campaign continues throughout the summer season. More information and downloadable resources are available at: eurocockpit.eu/flying-tired-not-safe.