SESKStuff Everyone Should Know
SESK: Stuff Everyone Should Know · sesk.info/drone-chronic-stress-grounding

What should a pilot do when chronic stress makes performance fall sharply?

Do not fly and consult a physician when chronic stress overwhelms the ability to cope.

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  1. Fly only with a visual observer
  2. Ignore it during short flights
  3. Do not exercise pilot privileges ✔

Why: Chronic stress can overload coping ability and sharply reduce performance. At that point the pilot is not safe to operate and should get medical guidance.

Huh, didn't know that: Stress can raise heart rate, breathing rate, blood pressure, blood sugar, and perspiration.

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Why did the stressed pilot take the day off? The schedule needed some ground control.
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References

Answer: Do not exercise pilot privileges. Chronic stress can overload coping ability and sharply reduce performance. At that point the pilot is not safe to operate and should get medical guidance.

  1. FAA Remote Pilot Study Guide www.faa.gov/sites/faa.gov/files/regulations_policies/handbooks_manuals/aviation/remote_pilot_study_guide.pdf
    Pilots experiencing this level of stress are not safe and should not exercise their airman privileges.
    Checked 2026-10-09.

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