You're facing fatigue in aviation operations. How do you prioritize safety while managing your energy levels?

La fatiga es inherente a la condición humana y darle el debido manejo es fundamental para garantizar los niveles óptimos de seguridad operacional en un contexto aeronáutico . La fatiga es una de las causas más comunes de pérdida de la conciencia de vuelo que han originado grandes accidentes e incidentes en aviación . Entender nuestra condición humana y lo peligroso que puede ser nuestro cansancio debe ser prioridad como pilotos o miembros del medio. Debemos crear la cultura de reportar o informar cuando no estemos en condiciones de realizar nuestras funciones, es importante saber delegar tareas para mantener la sinergia del equipo, notificar novedades, inquirir ante la duda, y siempre cumplir procedimientos para evitar cometer violaciones.

Human factors are extremely important and are mandatory to be part of the safety management system (SMS), and fatigue is one of the 12 items that comprise human factors, it is also one of the most ignored items. And the excuses for not giving due importance are countless, like it's just a few minutes longer, I know it's past time but we count on your collaboration, sorry but there was an unforeseen event and your services are essential at this time, etc. And this is not an isolated fact in some companies, it tends to be almost routine. Know your limits and don't be shy about exposing your physical condition to the company, fatigue can affect your health and the safety of others.

Balancing the demands of aviation with the need for rest is crucial. I prioritize safety by adhering to a carefully planned rest schedule that aligns with my natural circadian rhythms, ensuring I remain alert during critical operations. Over the years, I've developed a strong sense of self-awareness, allowing me to recognize early signs of fatigue and take appropriate actions, such as strategic rest periods during low-activity times, if regulations allow.

Individually we are responsible for monitoring our own fatigue, people are affected in different ways so knowing your own limits are important. The companies also have systems in place to help reduce fatigue as well as ways to report particular trips/patterns that are causing issues. In terms of fatigue during a flight. Generally for longer flights you have 3 or 4 pilots on the plane which helps with getting rest when fatigue starts to hit.