NTSB: Sleep aids should be OK in fighting pilot fatigue

[Poahi]

Scotch

This is the best solution. One drink within 6-8 hours, should be fine - certianly much better than being fatigued from lack of sleep and alot better than being under the effects of Ambien.

 

[vtwo]

sleep is a good thing for sleep, if for some reason you do not get proper rest, call in fatigued. soon the pattern emerges on which pairings are causing problems. if it cost the company money then they will look into it and fix it. if you are the hero and operate tired then you are the problem.

 

[ackattacker]

The FAA hasn't changed their stance on sleep medication. What the OP was referring to was an NTSB report that "recommended" that the FAA allow pilots diagnosed with insomnia to use sleep medication under close supervision.

 

[Toobdrvr]

If that's aimed at me: Wrong. Been there, done that.

If something isn't safe, legal or not, don't do it. Problem solved. All the regs in the world aren't going to give you the spine to stand up to your employer and say this ain't gonna' happen.

If not aimed at me: Sorry. Disregard...

 

[HA25]

I'm just hoping they simply approve sleep for pilots in the new FAR, with longer required overnight rest and allowed naps at cruise.

now that just makes too much sense and costs companies too much money to ever happen.

 

[UnstableAviator]

sleep is a good thing for sleep, if for some reason you do not get proper rest, call in fatigued. soon the pattern emerges on which pairings are causing problems. if it cost the company money then they will look into it and fix it. if you are the hero and operate tired then you are the problem.

I'm an RJ pilot scheduled to fly 94 legs next month, which unfortunately is about the same as every month. If I'm fatigued, I'll call off, but at this point calling out fatigued is for my own and my passengers safety, not to prove a point to the seemingly clueless crew planning dept.

 

[waveflyer]

Yep it was and is-
There is a huge difference between short and long term fatigue effects- I often flew schedules that were safe in that moment - but over the long term would have had significant consequences to my health

 

[Av8tor89]

Checkout: http://www.leftseat.com/medcat1.htm

 

[Toobdrvr]

And I'll bet YOU made changes to your life/schedule to mitigate those consequences and keep YOURSELF within your safety limits. That's all I'm sayin...

The problem with Big Brother stepping in to solve all our problems is that there are always unintended consequences.

 

[clr4theapch]

Moderator note: two threads were combined regarding this topic.. both were substantially the same info and same members posting..

Please try not to post new threads on the same topic.. there are no points for the most threads started..


thanks CLR4 mod..

 

[waveflyer]

And I'll bet YOU made changes to your life/schedule to mitigate those consequences and keep YOURSELF within your safety limits. That's all I'm sayin...

The problem with Big Brother stepping in to solve all our problems is that there are always unintended consequences.

Oh... Youre an ideologue- "all regulation is bad"--
i get you now.

I think that is very naive- people- even professionals, do very stupid things when fighting for their economic survival- there must be a starting point, minimum standard that everyone has to abide by- and long term fatigue issues are important-

I was able to move on to southwest- so I did- but the vast majority of airlines have no intention of treating their pilots as well-
And I don't forget where I come from-

The 25yo pilot fighting for a career is not as invincible as he thinks- and yes, ought to have a science based legal leg to stand on to keep his short term fatigue safe and his long term health in the green

 

[nwa747]

just admit it, most pilot are taking ambein( or other name brands). I hear the stories, no need to hide. Hiding will only empower the FAA more. If the group stands as a whole these limitation will be removed so we can all live longer healthier lives. no need to continue to tell you body to fall asleep at 8pm then 12 am the next night. absolutely impossible, theses types of schedule are why we show up looking punch drunk at 4am.