![]() ![]() If an aviator is having chronic, un-managed, or new acute stressors, this may impact his/her ability to focus, communicate, and function safely as part of the aircrew. Stress can include financial problems, marital issues, family discord, or health concerns. ![]() Stress - While short term stress has been shown to have a positive impact on the performance of mental and physical tasks (for women more so than men), functioning with chronic stress can deteriorate spatial memory and performance in some people according to a 2003 study by Bowman in Hormones & Behavior. Physicians should look for organizational or aircraft, specifically approved medications guidance to ensure no prescription written requires a period of duty, not including flying. According to the official, Air Force Aerospace Medicine Approved Medications list, many over-the-counter medications that are seemingly benign to the patient, can negatively impact performance. The awareness that even a minor illness could be a “No Go” event, and the flight physician may ground the affected aircrew member occasionally leads the member to self medicate without medical advice this is against military regulation and strongly discouraged in civilian aviation by the FAA. It often makes flyers reluctant to disclose an illness. Medication - The internal pressure exerted by each member of the aircrew and passenger manifest to complete the flight is also a risk factor. Designated flight physicians (flight surgeons in the military) are specially trained to assist in the treatment of transient illness and helping the aviators and passengers determine if medications are necessary, which medications are safe to use, or if the illness is a “no go” condition. Before flight, each crew member should do a systems check of their health to determine if they feel well enough to fly. Febrile illness can affect wakefulness and job performance, necessary for safe flight. Gastroenteritis and the accompanying dehydration and frequent elimination urgency can make focus on instrument cross-check, in-flight clearance of airspace, and quick response to deconfliction instructions difficult. For instance, during flight nasal and sinus congestion can induce severe acute pain that resolves with tympanic perforation due to the changes in barometric pressure that often accompany flight. All illnesses, even the common cold, can have a detrimental impact on the safety of flight. Illness - Piloting aircraft is a task that requires constant focus and attention for prolonged periods to conduct safe flight operations. ![]()
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