CC7084 - Crew fatigue, feeling pressured to operate
Initial Report
I contacted Crewing to let them know I had experienced a few tough flights and was feeling fatigued. They replied to say they could not help. The following day, at 11 PM, I contacted Crewing again to inform them that I was stranded on the side of the road, my car had broken down 70 miles from home, I had no one to pick me up, and the RAC estimated arrival around 5 AM. My duty the next day was around 10 AM, and I normally leave my house three hours before duty. This meant that if I was “rescued” at 5 AM, I would have gotten home at 6:30 AM, which I did, and then left half an hour later for my duty.
I explained this to Crewing, but the duty manager (the same person who had emailed me the day before) argued with me. They expressed reluctance to take me off the duty, made me feel as though I was lying, and effectively forced me to operate while fatigued. I felt pressured to work with no sleep, putting people’s lives at risk. Going fatigued or sick was my only option, as they had refused to accommodate a later duty or remove me from the one, I was assigned.
A few days after the incident, I emailed my manager and the team, requesting a meeting with a manager or some form of support, but I have not received a reply. The duty manager in Crewing said they “did not think I had a fatiguing roster” and insisted it was my responsibility to self-manage, even though delays and difficult flights contributed to my fatigue. They also mentioned that several flights were crew down, which made me feel guilt tripped into working when it was unsafe.
comments
Company Comment
The SEP Manual states.
Each crewmember is responsible for ensuring that they do not perform duties on an aircraft or whilst attending training:
(1) When under the influence of psychoactive substances or alcohol; or when unfit due to injury, fatigue, medication, sickness or other similar causes.
(2) Until a reasonable time period has elapsed after deep water diving or following blood donation. (See below).
(3) If applicable medical requirements are not fulfilled.
(4) If they are in any doubt of being able to accomplish their assigned duties.
(5) If they know or suspect that they are suffering from fatigue or feel otherwise unfit, to the extent that the flight could be endangered.
Point 4 would have been applicable to the reporter. If you are not fit to operate then you should not report for duty, and the reporter has the responsibility to report for flight duties in accordance with the Ops Manual Part B (SEP Manual).
Crewing are not there to offer advice, they will record a crewmember sick or fatigued. The reporter should have contacted the crew manager available at crew check-in or by contacting the crew support team. We run a non-punitive calling fatigued policy and we train all members of crewing in the areas of fatigue that are relevant to their role so they should be fully aware of the process. If reporting Fatigued, crewing will remove the Cabin Crew member from the flight and annotate their roster with a dedicated roster code. They will also notify the relevant management team and the FRM Team. The FRM Team and respective management teams will commence a roster review process which would consider any likely contributory factors.
CAA Comment
Operators have to demonstrate understanding of how fatigue could affect a crew member’s alertness and performance, how fatigue does or could occur within the working environment and the need to manage it effectively for continued safe operation.
It is also important that flight and cabin crew are actively encouraged to report fatigue related occurrences and issues relating to current and ongoing changes to the operation and operational environment. All crew members must be able to self-declare that they are fatigued and potentially unfit to fly within an open reporting and just culture principles as defined in EU 376/2014 without fear of punitive action.
CHIRP Comment
Fatigue is not always directly related to the operation itself; it can also arise from factors such as a noisy hotel room or a poorly child at home.
The CAA define fatigue as – ‘A physiological state of reduced mental or physical performance capability resulting from sleep loss, extended wakefulness, circadian phase, and/or workload (mental and/or physical activity) that can impair a person’s alertness and ability to perform safety-related operational duties (ICAO).
Fatigue can also be mental or emotional in cases where there is significant emotional or mental strain on an individual.’ Fatigue Management | UK Civil Aviation Authority
This report highlights the challenges that can arise when a crew member is experiencing fatigue due to both operational and personal circumstances. Some factors leading to a lack of rest are beyond the control of the individual, but equally, crew have a responsibility to set the conditions for success with appropriate rest. In situations where a crew member has not rested in an appropriate environment (such as in a car in this report), they should feel able to contact the operator and advise that they are unrested/unfit.
While crew members are responsible for self-assessing their fitness for duty and communication when they are unrested/unfit, operators also have a responsibility to recognise and respond appropriately. Duty swaps should not be expected, nor used as a tool to mitigate fatigue. Operators should focus on supporting crew in these situations, helping them manage and recover so they can perform their duties safely and effectively.
CHIRP strongly encourages crew to report situations where fatigue may affect their ability to operate. These reports are essential in helping operators understand the realities of crew wellbeing, identify potential risks and maintain a positive safety culture. A supportive, non-punitive environment ensures crew can declare fatigue without fear, which in turn contributes to safer operations for everyone.