Pilot Duty Time Policy Measures: a Meta-analysis Approach

Abstract

Flight safety is critical for commercial aviation operation. According to statistics, 80% of aircraft incidents or accidents are attributed to human factors. Within human factors, fatigue is one of the key aspects to investigate, using pilot duty time as a proxy variable. This study conducted a literature review and utilized data from studies to redefine variables and apply a meta-analysis approach. The results reveal that mental and physical health have a positive correlation with duty time, while short- to medium-haul flights negatively impact duty time. In summary, this study highlights the significant influence of pilot duty time on fatigue, emphasizing the need for better fatigue management and updated regulations, particularly for short- and medium-haul flights. Future research should expand its focus to underrepresented regions, such as Asia and Africa, and explore alternative analytical methods to provide a more comprehensive understanding of the issue.