Case Studies - Aviation

Where we came in

With airliners operating over ever-increasing distances, modern aircraft are built for endurance. But we can't engineer increases in human endurance in the same way.

Pilots' rest and sleep patterns have to be of a type and standard that's quite different from most passengers. They have to stay fully alert throughout the flight, while passengers rest. But natural circadian rhythms and lack of sleep can put stressful demands on pilots.

Everyone knows about jet-lag and the length of time it takes to recover from a long-haul flight. Imagine doing that over and over? like flight crews have to. Crews on short-haul flights, too, have their sleep disrupted by early-morning-starts and late finishes.

As the body charged with regulating the rest and duty time of civil aircrew, the Civil Aviation Authority (CAA) needed access to the best available scientific evidence.

They asked QinetiQ to conduct a series of studies on aircrew fatigue.

What we did

We carried out a series of studies:

• recording the sleep and circadian rhythms of aircrew on long-haul routes
• monitoring levels of alertness on the flight deck.

The results and benefits

A complex picture is emerging, on the sleep and alertness of aircrew. The study results highlight when, during a duty roster, the crew's alertness is most likely to dip. Using this vital information we can design work and rest schedules that take account of factors like the circadian rhythm and alertness levels of the crews.

And rest on board isn't necessarily the answer. Many long-haul flights carry an augmented crew, with bunks on board so they can take turns to rest. But on-board bunks are subject to noise, vibration and sudden lurches. They're hardly an ideal environment for the best sleep. So QinetiQ has now started investigations into the quality of sleep in aircraft bunks.

Our research is helping airlines and the CAA to enhance flight crew endurance and safety.

Anything is possible - just ask

This project is a prime example of how we work with a specific industrial sector- in this case, aviation - applying our knowledge and facilities.

We could do the same for you. Whatever your requirements or problems, we have the ideas, know-how and solutions.