The ATSB is reminding aerial work pilots to manage their fatigue
levels as they take on higher workloads during this time of the
year.
The ATSB's advice follows an incident where a pilot fell asleep
while undertaking locust spotting activities and had to be awoken
by an observer on the plane.
ATSB Chief Commissioner, Mr Martin Dolan, said aerial work
pilots are especially prone to becoming fatigued during this time
of the year.
"As pilots increase their flying hours doing high intensity
agricultural activity, such as spotting and spraying, they are at
far greater risk of becoming fatigued," Mr Dolan said.
"Pilots need to make fatigue management an absolute priority to
ensure they stay safe while flying."
The ATSB has issued a safety alert that provides advice for
pilots to avoid and manage fatigue. The safety alert is available
on the ATSB website at www.atsb.gov.au