What does the FOM suggest regarding fatigue risk management?

The guidance from the Flight Operations Manual emphasizes the importance of personal strategies to mitigate fatigue as a crucial aspect of managing fatigue risk effectively. Implementing individual strategies empowers flight crew members to take responsibility for their own well-being and performance. These strategies may include proper sleep hygiene, time management for rest periods, regular physical activity, and hydration practices. Understanding one's own limits and recognizing signs of fatigue proactively contributes to maintaining safety and efficiency in flight operations.

In contrast to this, relying solely on the airline schedule could overlook personal needs and variations in individual circumstances that may affect fatigue levels. Disregarding personal health for flight duties is counterproductive and dangerous, as it may lead to impaired performance and compromised safety. Moreover, restricting breaks solely to long flights does not address the potential for fatigue on shorter flights where operations might also be demanding. Therefore, a comprehensive, personalized approach to fatigue management is essential for promoting safety in aviation.