1. HFM-151/WS EVDG Paris FRANCE 07 - 09 Feb 2007 Col Dr. Wolfgang M. Krause Operational Fatigue 1 COL. Dr. Wolfgang M. Krause Office of the Surgeon General German Air Force BrigGen Dr. Erich Roedig

2. HFM-151/WS EVDG Paris FRANCE 07 - 09 Feb 2007 Col Dr. Wolfgang M. Krause Operational Fatigue 2 Overview Operational considerations Contributing factors Upcoming challenges Aeromedical options Outlook for the German Armed Forces Conclusion

3. HFM-151/WS EVDG Paris FRANCE 07 - 09 Feb 2007 Col Dr. Wolfgang M. Krause Operational Fatigue 3 Operational considerations No circadian limits to weapon employment Aircraft and mission endurance Extended operational capabilities Increasingly challenging missions Crew rest considerations - a subject on the strategic level? Operations in remote areas with difficult general conditions

4. HFM-151/WS EVDG Paris FRANCE 07 - 09 Feb 2007 Col Dr. Wolfgang M. Krause Operational Fatigue 4 Contibuting factors to fatigue Disruption of the circadian rhythm Extended air operations High mental and physical workload Difficult ergonomic conditions Environmental situation General obstacles to crew rest HF!

5. HFM-151/WS EVDG Paris FRANCE 07 - 09 Feb 2007 Col Dr. Wolfgang M. Krause Operational Fatigue 5 Upcoming challenges Highly agile, capable and challenging aircraft Operations in altitude up to 65000 ft G-loads up to 9 g with onset rates of 15 g/s Complete operations with NVG Operations in NBC conditions Combined operations with UAV

6. HFM-151/WS EVDG Paris FRANCE 07 - 09 Feb 2007 Col Dr. Wolfgang M. Krause Operational Fatigue 6 General and aeromedical options Avoidance of alternate shift operations General conditions for optimal crew rest Intelligent assisting aircraft systems Distribution of HPL knowledge to crews and leaders Consequent application of CRM Availability of aeromedically trained psychologists Close supervision by Flight Surgeon

7. HFM-151/WS EVDG Paris FRANCE 07 - 09 Feb 2007 Col Dr. Wolfgang M. Krause Operational Fatigue 7 Another aeromedical option? sleep-preventing drugs / GO - pills? sleep-inducing drugs??? / NO GO - pills Application of: Ethics Legal issues Medical side effects

8. HFM-151/WS EVDG Paris FRANCE 07 - 09 Feb 2007 Col Dr. Wolfgang M. Krause Operational Fatigue 8 Outlook for the German Armed Forces Strong emphasis of non-medical options to counter fatigue: Organizational solutions to prevent fatigue Development of technical aids Improvement of general conditions Effective psychological support Selling HPL and CRM to leaders Continuous presence of flight surgeon to assist and protect crews In the future: Medication only as a last resort with many caveats

9. HFM-151/WS EVDG Paris FRANCE 07 - 09 Feb 2007 Col Dr. Wolfgang M. Krause Operational Fatigue 9 Conclusion Fatigue identified as a main factor in performance and operational risk Organizational and technical solutions preferred HPL- and CRM-training of crews and leaders necessary Flight surgeons and aeromedical psychologists play a key role At present no operational option for drug application in the German Armed Forces

10. HFM-151/WS EVDG Paris FRANCE 07 - 09 Feb 2007 Col Dr. Wolfgang M. Krause Operational Fatigue 10 The next step has been taken on 24 Oct 2006