Learn how to support an exhausted colleague during a long-haul flight, ensuring safety and well-being in the skies.

After all the support and assistance provided in terms of food, water, and some decompression exercises, encourage your colleague to rest. This is probably the best assistance your crewmember colleague needs, and it benefits their physical/mental state, as well as their performance.

Last updated on Sep 16, 2024

Your colleague is exhausted during a long-haul flight. How can you offer support and assistance?

Long-haul flights can be grueling, even for seasoned aviation professionals. The cabin's pressurized environment, coupled with extended hours, can lead to fatigue, which is a safety concern. If your colleague is showing signs of exhaustion, it's crucial to step up and offer support. Understanding how to do so effectively not only enhances safety but also fosters a supportive work atmosphere.

Key takeaways from this article

Encourage proper rest:

Suggest that your colleague uses any available crew rest areas for a power nap. A bit of sleep is often the best fix for fatigue and can significantly sharpen alertness and performance.
Stay hydrated:

Remind your colleague to drink water throughout the flight. Regular hydration combats fatigue, boosts energy levels, and keeps cognitive functions sharp, making it easier to get through a long shift.

This summary is powered by AI and these experts

1 Recognize Signs

Recognizing the signs of fatigue in your colleague is the first step in offering assistance. Look for symptoms like yawning, heavy eyelids, and a lack of concentration. These indicators can be subtle, so it's essential to pay close attention, especially during critical phases of flight such as takeoff and landing. Once you've identified that your colleague is struggling, you can take the necessary steps to help mitigate their fatigue.

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Murilo Cesar Soares da Silva

Lead Sheet Metal na Heliconia Aero Solutions
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Esteja atento a sinais de exaustão extrema, como dificuldade de concentração, falta de coordenação ou alterações no comportamento. Se esses sinais estiverem presentes, considere alertar o comandante ou outro superior sobre a situação.

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2 Offer Breaks

Offering to take over some duties to give your colleague a chance to rest can be a game-changer on a long-haul flight. Encourage them to take short, frequent breaks if possible. Even stepping away from their station for a few minutes can help them recharge and regain focus. Remember, safety is paramount in aviation, and ensuring that everyone on the crew is alert is a critical component of that.

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Murilo Cesar Soares da Silva

Lead Sheet Metal na Heliconia Aero Solutions
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Se o voo permitir, incentive seu colega a tirar uma pausa rápida para descansar e se reidratar. Mesmo alguns minutos de descanso podem ajudar a aliviar o cansaço.

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3 Stay Hydrated

Encouraging your colleague to stay hydrated is another effective way to combat fatigue. Dehydration can exacerbate tiredness and impair cognitive functions. Suggest sipping water regularly throughout the flight rather than waiting to feel thirsty. Keeping hydrated helps maintain energy levels and can significantly reduce the effects of fatigue.

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Tewodros Adisu Mosisa

Field Service Representative || Technical Support Specialist || Licensed Senior Aircraft Maintenance Engineer || Mechanical Engineer || Aviation Enthusiast
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Encouraging your colleague to stay hydrated is another effective way to combat fatigue. Dehydration can exacerbate tiredness and impair cognitive functions. Suggest sipping water regularly throughout the flight rather than waiting to feel thirsty. Keeping hydrated helps maintain energy levels and can significantly reduce the effects of fatigue.

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Murilo Cesar Soares da Silva

Lead Sheet Metal na Heliconia Aero Solutions
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Certifique-se de que seu colega esteja bem hidratado e tenha acesso a lanches nutritivos, como frutas, nozes ou barras de cereais, que podem ajudar a aumentar a energia.

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4 Healthy Snacks

Nutrition plays a vital role in maintaining energy levels during long-haul flights. Offer your colleague healthy snacks like fruits or nuts that are rich in protein and good fats. These can provide a much-needed energy boost without the crash that comes from sugary or caffeinated options. Eating smaller, more frequent meals can also help maintain blood sugar levels and prevent energy dips.

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5 Conversation Aid

Engaging in light conversation can be a helpful way to keep your colleague alert. Discuss topics of mutual interest or share interesting anecdotes. This interaction can stimulate the mind and help both of you stay awake and focused. Be mindful of the cockpit's sterile environment during critical phases of flight, where non-essential communication should be kept to a minimum.

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6 Encourage Rest

Finally, if your colleague's exhaustion is severe, encourage them to use any available rest facilities. Many long-haul aircraft are equipped with crew rest areas where they can take a power nap. Even a short period of sleep can significantly improve alertness and performance. It's important to rotate rest periods among crew members to ensure everyone remains as refreshed as possible.

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Lígia da Fonseca

Head of Tax Policy @ IATA (Views are my own)
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After all the support and assistance provided in terms of food, water, and some decompression exercises, encourage your colleague to rest. This is probably the best assistance your crewmember colleague needs, and it benefits their physical/mental state, as well as their performance.

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yasin bulut

A320 First Officer/ B350 Captain First Officer at Pegasus Airlines
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Plus maybe you can offer stand up and make him/her some stretching. Because always sitting can slow down the circulation and your veins enlarging due to the pressure that’s why you always need some exercise both air and ground.

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Your colleague is exhausted during a long-haul flight. How can you offer support and assistance?

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1 Recognize Signs

2 Offer Breaks

3 Stay Hydrated

4 Healthy Snacks

5 Conversation Aid

6 Encourage Rest

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