Recent concerns are growing around pilot fatigue in Danish aviation, as a German study reveals that in-flight naps are widespread among pilots, a practice mirrored in Denmark as well. The practice of one pilot briefly resting, called “controlled rest”, while the co-pilot is fully operational, is commonly used to prevent excessive fatigue during critical stages.
Pilots Often Napping During Flights, Says New Study
A recent German survey conducted by the Vereinigung Cockpit pilot union reveals that 93% of pilots admitted to dozing off in the cockpit during flights within the last few months. While this may sound alarming to passengers, the data highlights a growing concern about pilot fatigue across the European aviation sector, including Denmark.
The study, based on responses from over 900 pilots across various German airlines, found that 12% of those surveyed take a nap on every flight, while 44% do so regularly. Although the union themselves note that the survey isn’t fully representative, the trend has sparked significant attention from aviation professionals across Europe.
Danish Union: Similar Patterns of Fatigue in Danish Aviation
In Denmark, the Flyvebranchens Personale Union (Flight Personnel Union), which represents pilots from airlines such as Norwegian, Air Greenland, and Sunclass Airlines, acknowledges that this behavior is not uncommon. Controlled rest in the cockpit is permitted under EU aviation safety regulations, and many Danish pilots reportedly make use of this approved safety measure, which allows one pilot to rest briefly if the co-pilot is fully operational.
The practice, according to the union, is intended to help prevent excessive fatigue during critical stages like landing. However, concerns are mounting over how frequently such rest periods are being used and whether they might be indicative of deeper workforce issues.
Fatigue in Danish Aviation Symptoms Tied to Operational Pressures
The German pilot union, responsible for the original survey, has voiced concerns that the widespread napping is a symptom of overworked flight crews. Reports cite tight schedules, crew shortages, and increased operational demands as key reasons why pilots are often flying while extremely tired.
In Denmark, union representatives echo this interpretation. The workload has increased to the point where it’s not uncommon for pilots to work up to 14 or 15 hours in a single shift. Although EU rules require mandatory rest periods between flights, Danish union officials claim that these regulations are frequently stretched to their legal limits.
A key regulation from the EU Aviation Safety Agency (EASA) requires pilots to take rest breaks between shifts and permits them to opt out of flights if they feel too fatigued. However, the enforcement and effectiveness of these rules are now being questioned.
Regulators Monitoring the Situation
The Danish Civil Aviation and Railway Authority (Trafikstyrelsen), which oversees air traffic safety and working conditions for air crews, has acknowledged the issue. According to the agency, they remain vigilant about the risks of chronic sleep deprivation, which can affect a pilot’s ability to perform tasks safely and efficiently.
They note that many pilots operate on changing schedules and across multiple time zones, placing further strain on their sleep patterns and mental alertness. However, they maintain that the overall aviation safety level in Denmark remains very high.
Disagreement Over the Cause
Though unions point to overwork and staff shortages as key reasons behind cockpit naps, the Danish aviation industry body Dansk Luftfart rejects the notion that this equals a toxic work environment. Instead, they describe in-flight resting protocols as a recognized and safe practice designed to ensure alertness during the most demanding phases of flight, such as take-offs and landings.
Airlines, they assert, do more than just comply with the EU’s rest requirements, many also have internal policies that further restrict working hours to guard against long-term fatigue.
Short-Haul Flights Raise Red Flags
While in-flight naps are typically permitted only during longer flights and never during takeoff or landing, concerns have been raised about the practice being used on short-haul routes. The German survey found that many pilots were napping on shorter flights, which potentially breaches regulations requiring sufficient time for rest after waking before resuming cockpit duties.
Industry experts warn that this misuse of the controlled rest procedure could put flight safety at unnecessary risk.
Conclusion: A Call for Industry-Wide Reassessment of Fatigue in Danish Aviation
As passenger volume and flight frequency continue to rebound post-pandemic, pilot fatigue is becoming an increasingly relevant safety and labor issue. The widespread use of in-flight naps, while technically allowed under strict guidelines, is causing both unions and regulators to call for a closer look at how pilot schedules are structured.
With 93% of pilots in Germany admitting to cockpit naps and some Danish union officials suggesting similar figures at home, stakeholders across the aviation sector may be forced to reassess what constitutes a “safe” flight environment going forward.
