IAF working on ways to beat fatigue in pilots

New Delhi: Indian Air Force is working on solutions to beat the fatigue in pilots during combat situations due to disruption in sleep cycles so that their performance is not affected by lack of rest.
The planned trials involve both pharmacological means and non-pharma techniques, a top IAF official said.
Fatigue has been a problem among pilots involved in long duration flights which sometimes makes them commit errors that can be hazardous, more so during combat operations.
"Knowing the danger this factor poses to the success of any mission, it is important that measures be taken that will minimise the risk of any undesirable outcome. That is why the Institute of Aerospace Medicine is trying out methods to combat fatigue amongst its pilots when conducting operations on round-the-clock basis," Air Marshal Dipankar Ganguly, director general medical services, air said.
"What applies during peace time is not possible when there is a war," he said. During routine operations, a fighter pilot is well rested before he takes off. "This luxury is not there during war time. They are required to fly without adequate rest for five to ten days, depending on the nature of operation."
16/01/11 PTI/Daily News & Analysis

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Categories: Indian Aviation- In General Jan 2011