Fatigue and Use of Go/Nogo Pills in F-16 Pilots Subjected to Extraordinarily Long Combat Sorties

摘要

We lack knowledge of real world pilot fatigue and use of GO/NOGO pills. To analyze this, a forward-deployed flight surgeon studied fighter pilots subjected to combat sorties often longer than 8 hours in duration. Methods: A 49-question survey on fatigue and GO/NOGO (USAF terms for stimulants/sleep aids) use was distributed to 19 deployed/two permanent party fighter pilots during the end of a 3-month deployment. The data was analyzed at the USAF Warfighter Fatigue Countermeasures Research Laboratory. Results: The pilots flew an average of 149.0 hours over 3-months. To enhance crew rest, the flight surgeon made the sleep aids zolpidem (Ambien) and temazepam (Restoril) readily available to pilots. Fifteen pilots reported using zolpidem. Sleep aids were reported as being effective, but pilots had varied perceptions about their relative effectiveness. There was a statistically significant negative trend for sleep aid use frequency as a function of pilot age. Dextroamphetamine was available for pilot use during long sorties (longer than 8 hours). Pilots each flew an average of 4.3 long sorties per month. Sixteen pilots reported using dextroamphetamine and all used it when returning to base and/or prior to landing. Overall, the alertness aid was perceived as being effective. Seven of 16 dextroamphetamine users reported difficulty sleeping after their use. Conclusions/Recommendations: Fatigne is a significant safety threat in sustained fighter combat operations. Proper use of GO/NOGO pills can help mitigate this risk.