In my latest analysis, we explored how flight represents a constant challenge to our natural physiological functions. The human body is not designed to operate under the conditions of altitude, acceleration, and sleep deprivation typical of modern aviation. Yet, for decades, aviation professionals have been expected to “adapt” to discomfort, normalizing fatigue as an inevitable cost of the profession.
After more than thirty years in the industry, between military and civil aviation, I have learned that adaptation does not eliminate wear it simply conceals it, silently eroding our cognitive safety margins.
For this reason, within my project “Women in Aviation,” I wanted to highlight a perspective that is reshaping the concept of Human Factors. Today, I am pleased to host Shaney Snell, founder of Fly Well. Shaney does not speak only about health, but about professional sustainability. In this interview, we explore how the science of nutrition, sleep, and mental resilience is becoming an increasingly relevant pillar of flight safety.
Interview: Wellness as a Pillar of Flight Safety
Giuseppe Lo Turco (Aviation Expert) interviews Shaney Snell (Founder of Fly Well)
1. The Turning Point
Shaney, every impactful initiative begins with a moment of clarity. What specific experience made you realize that wellness in aviation needed a fundamental shift?
Shaney: Research started when I noticed that performance wasn't just about technical skill, but about the biological state of the operator. Professionals who prioritize wellness don’t just perform better; they protect their longevity and career sustainability.
2. Challenging the System
Aviation is built on strong procedures and tradition. What kind of resistance did you face when introducing the Fly Well concept to operators and institutions?
Shaney: The biggest challenge is the "tough it out" culture. Many still see fatigue management as a soft skill rather than a safety requirement. Overcoming this means proving that a depleted human is a compromised system.
3. Rethinking “Part of the Job”
Fatigue and jet lag are often accepted as unavoidable. How do you change the mindset of experienced professionals who see discomfort as normal?
Shaney: In aviation, it’s not just about how well you perform today; it’s about how long you can perform at a high level. We teach that "normalizing" discomfort is actually a slow erosion of cognitive margins.
4. From Error to Prevention
Human Factors are often associated with error analysis. How does Fly Well reposition the conversation toward prevention and biological optimization?
Shaney: We shift from "Why did they fail?" to "How can we ensure they are in the best state to succeed?". It’s about biological optimization ensuring the "human engine" is maintained with the same precision as a turbine.
5. Bridging Science and Operations
Concepts like circadian rhythms and nutrition are well-known in science but less embedded in aviation practice. What has been the biggest challenge in translating this knowledge into daily operations?
Shaney: The challenge is making science practical. A pilot needs strategies that work in a cockpit or a hotel, not a lab. We provide actionable habits that fit the reality of flight operations.
6. Leadership and Perspective
As a founder in this space, have you observed differences in how wellness is perceived across roles, seniority, or even gender within aviation?
Shaney: Yes. While veterans often have the "habit of endurance," the newer generation is more open to proactive health. However, seniority often brings a deeper realization of the physical toll the career takes, making them our strongest advocates.
7. Real-World Impact
Can you share a concrete example where your approach led to a measurable improvement in performance or well-being?
Shaney: We’ve seen data where crews using specific hydration and light-exposure protocols reported 30% less fatigue during long-haul rotations, leading to better decision-making during the critical approach phase.
8. The Role of Technology
With the rise of wearable devices and AI, how do you see technology supporting real-time monitoring and management of crew wellness?
Shaney: Technology is a game-changer. Wearables allow us to see the "invisible" data of fatigue before it becomes a risk. AI can help tailor recovery schedules based on individual biological data.
9. A Necessary Evolution
Do you believe wellness will eventually become a mandatory component in aviation training, similar to CRM? What needs to happen for that shift to occur?
Shaney: Absolutely. For this shift to happen, regulators must recognize that Human Sustainability is a safety pillar. Wellness is the next frontier of CRM; it’s about managing the internal resources of the human being.
10. A Tool for the Next Generation
For young professionals entering aviation today, what is one essential habit or tool related to wellness they should adopt from day one?
Shaney: Consistency. Don’t wait for burnout to start taking care of your system. Understand that your body is your most important piece of flight equipment maintain it with the same discipline you apply to your pre-flight checks.
Regulatory Framework: From Well-Being to Compliance
We are no longer in the realm of simple recommendations. Global regulatory authorities have progressively recognized that psychological and physical health are key elements of operational safety.
EASA (Europe): With Regulation (EU) 2018/1042, Pilot Peer Support Programmes (PPSP) were introduced to support flight crews in managing stress and psychological challenges. The EPAS 2022–2026 strategy further confirms the growing focus on psychosocial risks and human factors.
FAA (USA): Through the Aviation Rulemaking Committee, the FAA is working on updating aeromedical certification standards, with increased attention to mental health and fatigue management. The approach is evolving toward more proactive models based on Fatigue Risk Management Systems (FRMS) and a stronger integration of the human factor into safety systems.
Conclusion: The New Frontier of Safety
Shaney Snell’s approach reminds us that the most advanced technology on board still relies on a human being. As reflected in both European and U.S. regulatory developments, ignoring the biology of those who operate aircraft means accepting a calculated but unnecessary risk.
The future of safety will not depend solely on machine sensors, but on the awareness of our physiological limits and our ability to maintain our most valuable asset: the aviation professional.
In the future of aviation, true innovation will not be only technological, but biological: understanding, protecting, and optimizing the human factor.
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