Crew Rest . . . Not Just for Pilots I By LCdr. Ryan Dunn
f those who fly aircraft are governed by rules that dictate how long their crew day is, why isn’t there a common risk management tool for those who work on aircraft? Should we accept a fatigued aviation machinist’s mate replacing a vital engine part, after working 15 hours straight, just because he or she isn’t flying an aircraft? Should we assume good old deckplate leadership has a firm grasp on what their people are doing and know when to cut them loose when it pushes the safety envelope?
I don’t think so. Inevitably, 100 percent of our leadership doesn’t make the right decisions concerning risk management all of the time. None of us do. So what are the options? HSL-49 has fought the problem of potential fatigue, associated with maintenance personnel’s extended working hours, by putting an instruction in place that takes risk management to a new level. HSL-49’s commanding officer directed his leadership to come up with a tool that enhances the quality of maintenance and the
Navy photo by Ltjg. P.J. Perrott, HSL-49 Scorpions public affairs officer
CONDITION Work > 12 hours Work > 15 hours Rest < 10 hours Rest < 8 hours 12
APPROVAL AUTHORITY MO/Det OIC XO MO/Det OIC XO Mech
