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A final analysis of all of the 652 incidents in which pilot behavior was reported was undertaken for the purpose of determining where most of the critical situations were occurring. This analysis revealed the following: 

[[2 Columned Table]]
| Phase of Flight in Which Critical Situations Occur | Frequency |
| --- | --- |
| Engines Running (not taxiing) | 3 |
| Taxiing | 27 |
| Takeoff | 55 |
| Pattern | 12 |
| Final Approach and Landing | 319 |
| Go-around | 3 |
| Normal Flight | 238 |
| Undetermined | 11 |
| Total | 652 |

The very high frequency of critical situations occurring during approach and landing suggests that this phase of flight requires more of the pilot's critical skills and traits then other phases of flight, which is supported by the high percentage of pilot errors during execution of the approach and landing (see Table 4).

It can be seen from the preceding analyses that the occurrence of critical situations in airline flying is by no means a function of pilot behavior alone. Consequently, in order to understand the critical requirements of the job of the airline pilot, it becomes necessary to see the job in relation to the conditions under which the pilot must perform and to understand where the pilot is called upon to give the most skilled performance. 

Pilot Fatigue

Some information pertaining to the problem of pilot fatigue was obtained in this study. One of the aims of the study was to obtain from pilots examples of critical incidents which have occurred partially or wholly as a result of feelings of fatigue on the part of the pilots. From the interviews with the 240 airline pilots a total of only 70 such incidents was obtained. A large number of the pilots said they could not recall such a situation in their own flying experience. An analysis of the 70 incidents was undertaken, however, to determine some of the factors associated with these situations. Below is shown a breakdown of the incidents with regard to time of flight, day or night, instruments or contact flying, and the phase of flight in which the pilot error occurred.

[[4 Columned Table]]
| --- | --- | --- | --- |
| Day | 19 | Instrument | 35 |
| Night | 45 | Contact | 32 |
| Undetermined | 12 | Simulated Instruments | 5 |
| Total | 76* | Total | 72* |