Work schedules, Fatigue and Regeneration in modern Aviation

The discussion on fatigue, long working hours and shift systems focussed on single operator workload and stress up to now. Options based on modern technologies with semi-automated work have not been fully elaborated. Especially the combination of double-operator task sharing with semiautomated work options call for new solutions, especially with respect to task and break sharing. In addition, psychological concepts have been restricted to fatigue, biological rhythms, and workload. Regeneration and the role of breaks has received only marginal attention. This is in contrast to the fact, that stress-strain, work schedules, breaks and regeneration should always be viewed jointly. 30 years of experience with the recovery-stress-concept are discussed with respect to work design and problems of regeneration, and recovery for operators in aviation. Under-recovery and the problem of efficient breaks as well as solutions based on the recovery-stress balance will be discussed. Concepts like detachment from work, coping and debriefing, as well as under-recovery and skills from mental training will be mentioned and elaborated with respect to requirements for new work designs in aviation. The SCS-Tool (subjective scaling of critical situations) will be proposed as an easy monitoring and debriefing option for new technologies at the workplace.