Analysis of Major Factors Contributing to Air Force Pilot Fatigue: A South Korea Case

Abstract

This study investigated the main causes of Air Force pilot fatigue, which could lead to aviation accidents. Data were collected from Korean pilots through in-person survey, utilizing the Human Factors Analysis and Classification System (HFACS). The study focused on preconditions for unsafe acts and unsafe supervision, as well as detecting fatigue using a modified checklist. A three-factor structure comprising 17 subfactors was identified, exhibiting robust psychometric properties, good model fit and reliability. Strong positive relationships were observed between pilot fatigue and all subfactors. The study highlighted the influence of age, job identity, and total flight hours on pilot fatigue. Instructors and more experienced pilots had higher fatigue scores than younger pilots. These findings underscore the need for targeted interventions to reduce fatigue among middle-aged pilots, instructors, and experienced pilots. The results validate the model’s applicability in Korea and suggest its potential utility in other industrialized nations. © 2025 Taylor & Francis Group, LLC.