The questionnaire also assessed the methods used by pilots to cope with fatigue before a duty as well as on the flight deck. Analysis showed that these symptoms could he grouped into five factors: sleepiness, cognitive dysfunction, emotional disturbance, boredom, and physical effects. Pilots reporting high levels of overall fatigue differed from other pilots in terms of noticing symptoms related to cognitive difficulties and emotional disturbance. The most common coping strategies used prior to a duty involved napping and conserving energy.

Coping strategies used by pilots on the flight deck could be grouped into five factors: planning energy use, active coping, mental withdrawal, communicating with other crew, and coffee drinking. In their coping strategies during flights, high-fatigue pilots differed from other crew in their higher use of energy planning.

The study suggests that pilots reporting high levels of fatigue may use different sensations to monitor when they are tired. Modifying some of the less functional coping strategies used by high-fatigue pilots may he a useful point of intervention to reduce fatigue.