A fatigued pilot, about to embark shortly, should do which action?

• A. Rest
• B. Eat a lot before and after flight
• C. Drink red bull
• D. Use autopilot as much as possible

Answer: (A)

Fatigue seriously degrades attention, reaction time, memory, and decision-making, which are all critical for safe flight operations. Resting before starting a flight restores cognitive resources and alertness, reducing the risk of errors or missing cues during demanding phases like takeoff and initial climb. While caffeine or energy drinks can provide a temporary boost, they’re not a substitute for sleep and can lead to dehydration, jitters, or a crash later. Eating a large meal beforehand can make you feel sluggish and sleepy, further reducing performance. Relying on autopilot doesn’t remove the need to stay attentive or ready to take manual control; fatigue can impair monitoring and response even with automation. The safest approach is to rest so you’re fully alert when you begin the flight.