Critical Warning from German Pilots’ Union: “Fatigue is Rising, Flight Safety at Risk”
Germany’s pilots’ union, Vereinigung Cockpit (VC), has drawn attention to the growing issue of fatigue in the aviation sector. In a statement released on Wednesday, the union emphasized that sleeping during flights has become “a concerning reality” for its members.
Striking Survey Results
According to a recent survey of over 900 pilots conducted in the past weeks:
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93% admitted to dozing off during flights in recent months,
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12% reported doing so on every flight,
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44% regularly,
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7% so frequently that they could not recall how often.
While the union cautioned that the survey is “not representative,” it noted that the results reflect the current state of the industry.
“It Has Become the Norm”
Katharina Dieseldorff, Vice President of Vereinigung Cockpit, commented:
“Napping in German cockpits has long become the norm. Initially seen as a short-term recovery measure, it has turned into a permanent response to structural pressures. A brief nap alone may not be critical, but a consistently fatigued cockpit crew poses a serious safety risk.”
Situation Worsens in Summer
Dieseldorff highlighted that during the summer months, staff shortages and increased operational pressure make conditions even more challenging for pilots.
The union refers to these short naps as “controlled rest periods during the flight phase.” Vereinigung Cockpit represents 10,000 pilots and cockpit personnel in Germany, including those in training.
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