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<p>Pilot fatigue and the Window of Circadian Low (WOCL) gained unprecedented public attention following the aviation crisis of November–December 2025, yet their scientific basis remains poorly understood. This article synthesizes evidence from chronobiology, sleep science, and aviation human-factors to clarify the mechanisms linking circadian rhythms, sleep debt, and pilot performance. It traces the historical development of the concept of pilot fatigue, outlines its multi-factorial neurobehavioral consequences, and explains its regulation through Borbély’s Two-Process Model of sleep. Particular emphasis is placed on the primary WOCL (02:00–06:00) and the secondary afternoon circadian dip, highlighting their physiological significance and operational relevance. Regulatory incorporation of WOCL into fatigue risk management and flight time limitation frameworks is critically reviewed, emphasizing its central role in aviation safety.</p>

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Pilot Fatigue and the Window of Circadian Low

  • 期刊论文

  • 发表日期：

    2026年2月24日

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  • Velayudhan Mohan Kumar,
  • Hruda Nanda Mallick,
  • Deepak Shrivastava,
  • Manvir Bhatia,
  • Ravi Gupta,
  • Kamalesh K. Gulia

摘要

Pilot fatigue and the Window of Circadian Low (WOCL) gained unprecedented public attention following the aviation crisis of November–December 2025, yet their scientific basis remains poorly understood. This article synthesizes evidence from chronobiology, sleep science, and aviation human-factors to clarify the mechanisms linking circadian rhythms, sleep debt, and pilot performance. It traces the historical development of the concept of pilot fatigue, outlines its multi-factorial neurobehavioral consequences, and explains its regulation through Borbély’s Two-Process Model of sleep. Particular emphasis is placed on the primary WOCL (02:00–06:00) and the secondary afternoon circadian dip, highlighting their physiological significance and operational relevance. Regulatory incorporation of WOCL into fatigue risk management and flight time limitation frameworks is critically reviewed, emphasizing its central role in aviation safety.