FAA Private Pilot Helicopter (PRH)Human FactorsHard
A pilot has been on duty for 14 hours across several flight legs with minimal rest breaks and reports feeling generally run-down and mentally slow, a condition that has persisted for several days despite getting a full night's sleep. This best describes which type of fatigue?
- AAcute fatigue
- BSkill fatigue
- CChronic fatigue
- DCircadian fatigue
Show answer & explanationAnswer & explanation
Correct answer: C. Chronic fatigue
Chronic fatigue results from continuous high stress or inadequate rest over an extended period and is not relieved by a single period of sleep, unlike acute fatigue, which is resolved by proper rest, food, and relaxation after a normal day's activities.
Why the other options are wrong
- A. Acute fatigue is resolved by one good night's sleep, unlike this ongoing multi-day condition.
- B. Skill fatigue is not a standard FAA-defined fatigue category.
- D. Circadian fatigue relates specifically to disruption of the body's internal clock (e.g., time zone changes), not general cumulative tiredness.
Chronic Fatigue
A cumulative state of exhaustion from continuous high stress or insufficient rest over an extended period, not relieved by a single episode of sleep.
- Persists over days or weeks despite normal sleep
- Reduces performance, judgment, and vigilance significantly
- Requires extended rest and lifestyle changes to resolve, unlike acute fatigue
Memory trick: 'One night fixes acute; many nights needed for chronic.'