Aeromedical Factors

OBJECTIVE
  • To develop the pilot’s familiarization of the medical process and aeromedical factors, and to their application to the flight environment. 
ELEMENTS
  • How to obtain an appropriate medical certificate 
  • How to obtain a medical certificate in the event of a possible medical deficiency 
  • The causes, symptoms, effects, and corrective action of the following medical factors— 
  • Hypoxia 
  • Hyperventilation 
  • Middle ear and sinus problems 
  • Spatial disorientation 
  • Motion sickness 
  • Carbon monoxide poisoning 
  • Fatigue and stress 
  • Dehydration 
  • The effects of alcohol and drugs, and their relationship to flight safety 
  • The effect of nitrogen excesses incurred during scuba dives and how this affects pilots and passengers during flight. 

COMPLETION STANDARDS
  • The symptoms, causes, effects, and corrective actions of the following: 
  • Hypoxia 
  • Hyperventilation 
  • Middle ear and sinus problems 
  • Spatial disorientation 
  • Motion sickness 
  • Carbon monoxide poisoning 
  • Stress and fatigue 
  • Dehydration 
  • The effects of alcohol, drugs, and over-the-counter medications 
  • The effects of excesses nitrogen during scuba dives upon a pilot or passenger in flight 
COMMON ERRORS
  • Thinking one is better able to tolerate conditions than the average human 
  • Not contacting AOPA Medical Department or AME before taking over-the-counter or prescription medication 

THINGS TO REMEMBER
  • Colds can cause busted ear-drums and severe incapacitating pain 
  • Use of AME and OKC for medical questions, including free resources from AOPA & online 
  • Spatial disorientation can include or cause, or be caused by positional disorientation 
  • Fatigue makes everything worse 
  • Airsick child passenger might have low grade ear infection 
  • If DUI/Alcohol-related arrest, must report to the FAA, NO EXCEPTIONS. Then, the final result must be reported. Consult a competent aviation lawyer in addition to your arrest defense lawyer. 
  • Scuba Network DAN for decompression sickness: +1-919-684-8111 or +1-919-684-4DAN (Collect) and http://www.diversalertnetwork.org for more information 
  • Aeronautical Information Manual recommends altitude chamber flights, these are still available. Take a pulse oximeter. 
  • FAA policy is to preclude flying if on various types of disability benefits, especially Social Security Disability. Long Term Disability benefits may preclude flying, check with AME and document that you checked with your AME. 

STUDY
  • • Advisory Circular 61-107A “Operations Of Aircraft At Altitudes Above 25,000 Feet MSL And/Or Mach Numbers (Mmo) Greater Than .75” (Hypoxia Section GREAT for ALL pilots)
  • FAA Regulations Part 63  and 67
  • AOPA Medical Information 
  • “Pilot’s Handbook of Aeronautical Knowledge” Ch. 16 
  • “Aeronautical Information Manual” Ch. 8 

Aeromedical 

Hypoxia Video (Altitude Chamber)
Hypoxia symptoms with an airline pilot
AOPA Aeromedical Quiz
  • Getting your medical:

-Why another medical?
-What types of medical are there?
-What are the standards?
-How long is it good for?
-What if I have a disqualifying condition?
  • Before flight:
-"I'M SAFE" - realistic? AOPA Risk Assessment Tool
  • Hypoxia (PHAK Chapter 16)
-Hypoxic: inadequate oxygen supply, as in our breathe-out scenario.
-Hypemic: Inability of blood to carry oxygen, mostly as a result of inhalation of carbon monoxide (including from cigarette smoke).
-Stagnant: Poor blood circulation. In aircraft this can happen through G forces or cold.
-Histotoxic: Inability of cells to use oxygen, mostly from alcohol or drug use.
Carbon monoxide can come in through the heating system. If you ever smell exhaust, or suspect that carbon monoxide is coming in the cabin, turn off the heater, open windows and vents, use supplemental oxygen if available, and land as soon as possible. CO can stay in the body for 48 hours.
-Symptoms and Resolution (FAA CAMI)
  • Hyperventilation
  • Middle Ear and Sinus Problems (and remedy)
  • Spatial Disorientation and Illusions