Review of Fatigue Micro-Mitigations for Application in Air Traffic Control: Benefits, Challenges, and Feasibility

Authors

John Kang, Fort Hill Group
Ruth E. Propper, Montclair State University
Michael Sawyer, Fort Hill Group

Document Type

Article

Publication Date

2025

Abstract

Air traffic controllers (ATCs) are one of the primary drivers of safe and resilient operations in the National Airspace System. The FAA has implemented manylarge-scale fatigue mitigation strategies (e.g., scheduling policies, break time requirements, and time-on-position limits) to combat fatigue. Given the performance benefits related to managing fatigue, ATCs may also benefit from simple, practical fatigue interventions and that could improve job performance.This review targets ‘micro-mitigations,’ which we define as mitigations that maybe unobtrusive, can be quickly implemented, have a rapid impact, and are easy to engage. We explore the possible utility of five micro-mitigations to help minimize fatigue/improve alertness: Chewing gum, peppermint, exercise, video games, andbody temperature regulation. Each method presents unique benefits, challengesand feasibility issues that are discussed for use by ATC.

Comments

Presented at the 23rd International Symposium on Aviation Psychology, May 27-30, 2025, Hosted by Oregon State University

Repository Citation

Kang, J., Propper, R. E., & Sawyer, M. (2025). Review of Fatigue Micro-Mitigations for Application in Air Traffic Control: Benefits, Challenges, and Feasibility. Proceedings of the 23rd International Symposium on Aviation Psychology, 204-209.
https://corescholar.libraries.wright.edu/isap_2025/35