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Projecte llegit

Títol: Assessment of Pilot Fatigue Based on Flight Routes: Towards the Determination of Operational Limits

Estudiants que han llegit aquest projecte:

Director/a: CASTAN PONZ, JOSÉ ANTONIO

Departament: DEGD

Títol: Assessment of Pilot Fatigue Based on Flight Routes: Towards the Determination of Operational Limits

Data inici oferta: 02-09-2025     Data finalització oferta: 02-04-2026


Estudis d'assignació del projecte:
    GR ENG SIST AEROESP
Tipus: Individual
 
Lloc de realització: Fora UPC    
 
        Supervisor/a extern: Carolina Gomez Rivero
        Institució/Empresa: FLYLEVEL
        Titulació del Director/a: Ingeniería técnica aeronàutica
 
Paraules clau:
Pilot fatigue, long-haul operations, crew composition, FRMS, alertness, biomathematical modelling, circadian rhythm, flight time limitations, operational safety
 
Descripció del contingut i pla d'activitats:
This TFG investigates the phenomenon of pilot fatigue in relation to different flight routes, with the objective of determining the boundaries of safe operational performance. The study examines the interplay between route characteristics, workload, and other factors, aiming to provide scientifically grounded criteria that contribute to flight safety and the development of evidence-based operational guidelines.
 
Overview (resum en anglès):
This Bachelor's Thesis investigates pilot fatigue in long-haul operations with the specific objective of assessing the feasibility of operating the Miami-Barcelona (MIA-BCN) return flight with two pilots instead of the current three-pilot configuration. The study uses the BCN-MIA and MIA-BCN routes as a case study to analyse how crew composition, duty timing, rest opportunities and circadian effects influence fatigue and alertness levels.
The analysis combines predictive alertness modelling, roster-level fatigue assessment and subjective pilot feedback. A biomathematical fatigue model implemented through the Crew Alert tool is used to evaluate predicted alertness at Top of Descent under different crew configurations and departure times. In parallel, a survey-based study collects subjective data on fatigue, sleepiness and alertness before, during and after flight. In addition, a comparative analysis of fatigue accumulation is performed at both flight and roster level to assess the impact of operating the MIA-BCN return flight with two pilots instead of three.
The results show that reducing crew composition on the return flight leads to a decrease in fatigue and alertness margins, increasing exposure to fatigue-related hazards, particularly in the presence of circadian misalignment and long duty periods. While subjective and predictive indicators generally remain within acceptable operational limits under the current three-pilot configuration, the analyses indicate that a two-pilot operation would significantly reduce operational margins and increase sensitivity to schedule variations and delays.
The study concludes that, although operating the MIA-BCN route with two pilots may be feasible under certain conditions, a definitive assessment would require the implementation of a fully validated Fatigue Risk Management System supported by biomathematical fatigue modelling. The findings highlight the importance of data-driven fatigue management in long-haul operations and provide operational insight to support informed decision-making regarding crew scheduling and fatigue mitigation strategies.

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