Controlled Rest in Position (CRIP): Consumer Perceptions in the United States

Controlled rest in position (CRIP) has been suggested as a viable countermeasure to the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) in the ongoing efforts to combat in-flight pilot fatigue. It is already in use in other parts of the world; however, it is not currently permitted in the United States. While expert opinion suggested it poses little threat to flight safety, with valuable returns in terms of improved crew alertness and performance, there is some doubt about the level of consumer buy-in. This study completed a preliminary investigation into overall consumer willingness to fly, in the use of CRIP procedures in the United States. Two studies were completed to examine consumer perceptions toward the use of CRIP. It was found in both studies that male and female participants were less willing to fly when CRIP was used. Additionally, female participants were less willing than their male counterparts in both the control and experimental condition. In the second study, affect measures were collected and found to completely mediate the relationship between the use of CRIP and consumers’ willingness to fly. Findings may provide both regulators and airlines data that could aid in their decision-making processes as it relates to implementing such practices in the United States.