Running on empty

What is fatigue? The FAA defines it as a “physiological state of reduced mental or physical performance capability,” which is most often caused by lack of sleep. As long as we’re getting around eight hours of sleep in each 24-hour period, the FAA estimates we can perform as needed “indefinitely.”

So, let’s talk about sleep.

All sorts of things impact our rest. Sleep quality is generally a combination of how well you slept and how long you slept. A long night of poor sleep doesn’t do much for you, and shorter, high-quality sleep can be more valuable. Getting less than what you need—which can be more or less than eight—can put you into sleep debt, which is exactly what it sounds like. Recovering from even just one night of poor sleep can take several days. Recovering from chronic poor sleep can take weeks or, in severe cases, longer.

For those of us used to grinding long days, crossing time zones, dealing with jet lag, and generally pushing through perceived limitations of our bodies, it can be tough to admit to, or even recognize, symptoms of fatigue within ourselves. And for us, general aviation pilots who are frequently on single-pilot flights and the sole dispatchers and decision makers, it can be helpful to use tools beyond IMSAFE to assess our readiness to fly.

The FAA has an easy-to-use Fatigue Risk Index, where you just add up your hours slept, compare that with the time you’ve been awake, and assign yourself points from there. You’ll fall into one of three categories, from “Keep an eye on yourself” to “Go to bed.” Used throughout various transportation industries, this quick, easy-to-use tool can provide objective insights into your readiness to fly.

Consider adding this tool to your preflight planning to help make sure you’re always flying well rested and at your best.

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