Since 1980, studies have been conducted in a variety of aviation environments, controlled laboratory environments, and one full-mission flight simulation study. These projects were often labor-intensive, spanned several years from design to implementation to analysis and reporting of results, and often involved collaborations. Support and collaboration in the United States comes from substantial activity with the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB), air carriers, pilots, pilot unions, and the military. Some of the international studies involved worldwide collaborations with research and flight operations groups from the United Kingdom, Germany, Japan, and others.

The results of these studies have been collectively organized into an extensive database that encompasses data from over 500 volunteer pilots. This database allows unique comparisons between operational environments in which similar measures were taken. Data collected during the studies includes physiological, questionnaire, pilot log book, and observational data sets.

These studies have included short-haul, long-haul, North Sea helicopter, and overnight cargo operations all around the world in both military and commercial environments. Three studies are highlighted to provide examples of the research approach, measures, findings, and the operational relevance of the data.

• Short-Haul Commercial Operations
• Long-Haul Commercial Operations
• Planned Cockpit Rest