Aeromedical Requirements for Flight Services

Chapter 3.11

General Health / One’s Demeaner of the Day

In a state of advanced fatigue, in case of stress or irritability, one should not fly.
Emotions or strong feelings are detrimental to any flight.

Physical Condition

The physical requirements for a flight are:

• good general health
  

• well-rested

• Prescription glasses must be worn (have with you spare glasses)

No smoking before and during the flight (problems related to altitude).

After scuba diving at depth, you should not fly for a prescribed ammount of time.

Physical Condition

Under the following conditions, no flying activity should be undertaken:

Under the influence of drugs, alcohol or medication

Under the influence of a cold, the Eustachian Tube must be free

During acute sinusitis; Pressure compensation cannot take place

Measures to be Taken During Flight Operation

Avoid dehydration

Dehydration by evaporation or transpiration must be compensated for during long flights with light drinks (little or no carbonic acid).

Lack of oxygen

In high altitude flights the lack of oxygen, HYPOXIA, can be dangerous.

Precautions and therapy:

Inhale oxygen through certified equipment, and in case of emergency, by controlled breathing.

A lack of oxygen can already cause problems as of 3500m. From 4000m the use of oxygen is recommended.

Measures to be Taken During Flight Operation

Pressure compensation

As a result of altitude, pressure compensation takes place in the ears, in the frontal region and in the jaw cavities. The pressure compensation in the ears can be accumplished by holding one’s nose, and by gently using one’s breath to creating a slight back pressure in the aural cavity.

Caution: A strong back pressure can damage your eardrums.

Ear protection

The school aircraft must be equipped with an INTERCOM installation. HEADSETS must be worn during flight (headset with microphone).

Aerobatics

Aerobatic flights impose on the pilot above average physical constraints. For this type of training flight, special medical recommendations and precautions must be observed.

Clothing

It should not be tight. We recommend:

• Light overalls

• Comfortable shoes, with which one has good traction with the airplane (sensitivity)
  

• Cap for cockpits with large windshields or canopies

• Sunglasses

Because of the danger of being badly burnt by burning fuel following an accident, only natural materials (wool, cotton, silk, leather, linen etc.) should be worn during the flight. This is especially important for clothes that are in direct contact with the skin. Plastics that burn or melt stick to the skin, resulting in particularly painful and deep burns.

Skin and Respiratory Protection

It is essential to avoid solvents, in any form whatsoever, and in particular fuel, to come in contact with the skin. If accidental skin contact occurs, immediately rinse the contaminated area with running water and soap.

Fuel vapors should not be inhaled.

Wear protective gloves against solvents to prevent skin irritation.