Fatigue as a Contributor to Human Error in Aviation
Fatigue is a significant contributor to human error in aviation and presents a serious threat to aviation safety. Fatigue occurs when an individual experiences physical or mental exhaustion that reduces alertness, reaction time, situational awareness, and decision-making ability. According to the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), fatigue negatively affects human performance and is a well-documented contributor to errors in aviation maintenance and flight operations (FAA, 2018). Because aviation tasks require sustained attention and precision, even minor fatigue-related performance degradation can lead to serious safety consequences. Fatigue poses a significant threat to aviation safety because it directly impacts aeronautical decision-making and task execution. The Pilot’s Handbook of Aeronautical Knowledge explains that poor decision-making is a leading factor in aviation accidents, and fatigue increases the likelihood of faulty judgment, procedural deviations, and reduce...