What causes skill fatigue?

Skill fatigue occurs primarily due to repetitive actions over extended durations. When individuals engage in the same task repeatedly without variation, the mental and physical demands of that task can lead to a decrease in performance efficiency and an increase in errors. This is particularly relevant in aviation environments where pilots, air traffic controllers, or ground crew may perform the same tasks multiple times, often under high-stakes conditions.

Repetitive tasks can result in both cognitive and physical fatigue. For instance, as muscle groups become fatigued from overuse, motor skills may decline, resulting in slower reaction times or loss of precision. Similarly, the brain can become less attentive or efficient due to the monotony of repetitive work, leading to lapses in focus and increased susceptibility to distractions.

Understanding skill fatigue is crucial in designing work schedules and training systems that mitigate its effects, thus ensuring safer and more efficient operations in aviation.