IntroductionMost aviation accidents have been widely attributed to "pilot fatigue" (Mohler, 1998). Indeed, a pilot's actions in the plane mainly depend on his consciousness at work. Therefore, if he is tired, it leaves room for error in his actions (Smith, 2008). Even though technological advances in avionics, the flight systems of today's aircraft have preventative mechanisms that ensure that pilots are always alert, sleep-free and rested, small effects of fatigue can greatly compromise flight safety (Mohler, 1998). . Indeed, the tasks carried out by the pilot in the cockpit require a lot of vigilance, care as well as mental and physical well-being and vigilance. That being said, it is very difficult to eliminate cockpit noise, aircraft vibrations and long flights; lack of sleep as well as irregular work schedules which are the main contributors to pilot fatigue and which can have a great influence on their performance. This article analyzes the main factors that cause pilot fatigue; the impact of pilot fatigue as well as the damage associated with it and ends with ways to manage it.Definition of Pilot FatigueAccording to the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA, 2009), fatigue is a subjective feeling of tiredness which, in its view, distorts a person's ability to concentrate. on a particular task and the task often seems difficult even though the person performing it may be an expert in the same field. Jackson (2006) adds that fatigue itself is a state that reflects inadequate rest combined with a myriad of symptoms closely associated with displaced, interrupted, or disrupted biological factors. .tybrochures/media/Fatigue_Aviation.pdfJackson, AC and Earl, L. (2006). Prevalence of fatigue among professional pilots. Oxford Journals. Retrieved from http://occmed.oxfordjournals.org/content/56/4/263.fullMohler, S.R. (1998). Pilot fatigue is manageable, but remains an insidious threat. Human Factors and Aviation Medicine: Vol. 45:1. Retrieved from http://www.smartcockpit.com/data/pdfs/flightops/humanfactors/Pilot_Fatigue.pdfPrintup, M. (2000). The effects of fatigue on performance and safety. AirlineSafety.Com. Retrieved from http://www.airlinesafety.com/editorials/PilotFatigue.htmSmith, B.L. (2008). Pilot fatigue detection using aircraft state variables. West Virginia University: College of Engineering and Mineral Resources. Retrieved from http://wvuscholar.wvu.edu:8881//exlibris/dtl/d3_1/apache_media/L2V4bGlicmlzL2R0bC9kM18xL2FwYWNoZV9tZWRpYS8xMzk3MA==.pdf