NTSB Issues Recommendation to Transport Canada Regarding Pilot Fatigue on Reserve Duty
The National Transportation Safety Board has urged Canadian regulators to update rules addressing fatigue risks for pilots called to work evening flights during circadian low periods.
Safety recommendation
The National Transportation Safety Board has urged Canadian regulators to update rules addressing fatigue risks for pilots called to work evening flights during circadian low periods.
The National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) has issued a formal recommendation directed at Transport Canada, identified by the reference number A-18-029. This safety directive is linked to investigation report DCA17IA148 and focuses on regulatory gaps concerning pilot fatigue. Specifically, the NTSB advises that current regulations be revised to address the potential for fatigue among pilots who are on reserve duty. The concern arises when these pilots are called to operate evening flights that extend into their window of circadian low, a period associated with increased risk due to natural physiological rhythms. The recommendation highlights the need for updated standards to mitigate these specific operational hazards.