Margaretha Van Den Berg

Citation

Thesis Title
Fatigue Risk Management Systems (FRMS) for Cabin Crew: Evaluation of the current status and future needs

Fatigue Risk Management Systems (FRMSs) are a recent approach to improving safety and have been utilised in the operation of ultra-long range (ULR) flights that exceed prescriptive duty time limits. Because ULR scheduling and FRMS processes for cabin crew are predominantly based on flight crew data, little is known about how well these work for cabin crew. Using a mixed methods approach, Ms van den Berg monitored the sleep and fatigue of 55 cabin crew during a ULR trip and conducted focus groups with 25 cabin crew experienced with ULR flying. Findings showed that while cabin crew fatigue on a ULR flight can be managed effectively with mitigations that mirror those used for pilots, it is also important to consider workload, the cumulative effects of fatigue across the entire ULR trip and the entire roster worked, the need for company support, and sufficient rest for adequate recovery and work-life balance.

Supervisors
Professor Leigh Signal
Professor Philippa Gander