Pilots report pressure to extend working hours and fears of penalties for declaring themselves unfit to fly Three in four European airline pilots have taken microsleeps in the cockpit, while almost a quarter routinely fly despite being too fatigued to work, according to a report.

Also readSunlight at night: US startup’s demonstration of lighting Earth from space draws critcism

The findings, based on a survey of almost 7,200 captains and first officers by the European Cockpit Association (ECA), include pilots reporting insufficient rest, pressure to extend working hours and fears of being penalised for declaring themselves unfit to fly.