Flight Safety Foundation Human Factors & Aviation Medicine 2001

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November–December 2001

Laser-light Displays, Laser Pointers Disrupt Crewmember Vision 8 pages. [PDF 57K]

Exposure to intense beams of laser light has caused occurrences of short-term visual disruption. Crewmembers can minimize their risks by being aware of situations in which laser lights are most likely to be in use and by appropriate reactions if they are exposed to laser light.

September–October 2001

Allergy Symptoms May Interfere With Pilot Performance 6 pages. [PDF 60K]

New types of antihistamines have been approved by civil aviation authorities for use by pilots. In most instances, these antihistamines eliminate allergy symptoms without the side effects that were common for users of earlier medications.

July–August 2001

Dehydration Presents Unique Risks for Pilots 6 pages. [PDF 92K]

The effects of water loss can be pronounced for flight crewmembers operating in the dry environment of high altitudes; therefore, crewmembers should ensure that they drink adequate amounts of water and should try to avoid situations that deplete the body’s supply of water.

May–June 2001

Elevated Cholesterol Levels Present Major Risk for Cardiovascular Disease 8 pages. [PDF 54K]

Civil aviation authorities differ in their methods of addressing the problem, but individual pilots can use the results of cholesterol tests to develop personal methods of controlling their cholesterol levels and reducing their health risks.

March–April 2001

Sedentary Lifestyles and High-fat, High-calorie Diets Blamed for Worldwide Increases in Overweight, Obesity 6 pages. [PDF 49K]

Rapid growth in the numbers of overweight and obese people means that, in some countries, more than half of the adult population is dieting. Specialists say that both excess weight and some forms of weight-reduction can present health risks. Pilots must exercise care in using weight-reduction drugs.

January–February 2001

Regulations Allow Pilots With Depression To Fly After Successful Treatment 6 pages. [PDF 227K]

Pilots are prohibited from flying while undergoing treatment for the disorder, but one study is being conducted to determine whether some can fly safely while taking antidepressants.