Commercial Airline Pilots’ Attitudinal Data on Controlled Rest in Position: A Qualitative Inquiry

The purpose of this study was to assess the attitudinal data of commercial pilots on the possible implementation of controlled rest in position (CRIP). Prior research indicated that pilot napping could be beneficial to reduce fatigue. While CRIP has been implemented by some international regulatory agencies, it remains prohibited in the United States. Through a qualitative methodology and a phenomenological approach, 30 commercial pilots from the United States presented their thoughts on an open-ended research instrument as to the possible advantages, disadvantages, and implementation aspects of CRIP. The findings indicated that 70% of participants were in favor of CRIP implementation. However, participants expressed concerns over ensuring that proper CRIP policies and procedures were implemented to ensure safety was not compromised.