Effectiveness of institutionalized countermeasures on crew rest during rapid transitions from daytime to nighttime flying

Aircrews frequently experience sleep loss when working rapidly rotating flight schedules. This study evaluated the efficacy of crew rest maintenance policies implemented by a school df aviation, After night flights, pilots living at home experienced daily reductions in sleep time, whereas pilots living under the school's regulations maintained equivalent sleep durations after day and night flights. In-house pilots maximized the use of rest opportunities when organizational support was both explicit and deliberate. Often overlooked, institutional support may be a critical element in the development and successful execution of crew rest plans.