Terrifying Study Reveals Truth About Flying That Could Make You Never Want To Board A Plane Again

A study by the European Cockpit Association (ECA) says pilot fatigue is a recurring safety issue across Europe. It found that nearly one in four airline pilots routinely take to the skies despite being too exhausted to safely do their job. Among almost 7,200 pilots surveyed in 32 European countries, 76.8% reported experiencing at least one involuntary microsleep episode in the prior four weeks, while nearly half said they flew at least once in the previous three months when they should have declared themselves unfit. The study also reported that 24.2% continued flying rather than reporting themselves too fatigued. Many respondents feared negative consequences from airline management. ECA President Capt. Tanja Harter told The Guardian regulators and airlines must act rather than relying on pilots to manage risks.