Evaluation of Army Aviator Human Factors (Fatigue) in a High Threat Environment.

Questionnaire data received from student and instructor pilots indicate significant levels of fatigue when flying in different flight altitudes and profiles; the lower the altitude flown, the more rapidly pilots experience fatigue. These data suggest night standard flight is 1.4 times as fatiguing as day standard flight; day terrain flight is 1.3 times as fatiguing as day standard flight; and night terrain flight, the most difficult flight profile examined, is 1.97 times as fatiguing as day standard flight. Army Regulation 95-1, 1 January 1980, sets a maximum of 140 hours per month per aviator of day flight in a combat environment. Existing doctrine emphasizes nap-of-the-earth techniques, and if so accomplished for 140 hours could possibly result in an unsafe and severely fatigued helicopter pilot. Field commanders utilizing the guidelines presented in this report may organize and more effectively continue their mission in Army aviation. (Author)