Electronic pilot-activity monitor: a countermeasure against fatigue on long-haul flights (original) (raw)

2003, Aviation, space, and environmental medicine

Previous studies have shown frequent reductions in aircrew alertness during long-haul flights, even during the critical descent phase. Recommended countermeasures include alternation of crew activity with rest, such as cockpit napping. However, a method of monitoring the alertness level of the active and napping pilots should be considered. The Electronic Pilot-Activity Monitor (EPAM) continuously monitors the activity of the crew (activity mode) and limits nap duration (timer mode) to prevent sleep inertia effects. The EPAM is currently being validated during actual long-haul flights. To date, we have studied 14 round trips Brussels-New York-Brussels (i.e., 28 flights). Physiological parameters, including electroencephalogram, electrooculogram, and heart rate, were recorded continuously to evaluate the ability of EPAM to detect low alertness phases. We present preliminary results showing that the EPAM can detect some microsleep periods during the flight. However, some microsleeps o...

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