Flight Safety Foundation Human Factors & Aviation Medicine 2005-2006

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January–February 2006

Accumulated Stress Presents Range of Health Risks 6 pages. [PDF 344K]

Although small amounts of stress can yield benefits such as increased alertness and an improved ability to concentrate, an accumulation of stress caused by daily frustration and major life events has been associated with numerous health problems. In studies of flight crewmembers, stress has been associated with pilot error.

November–December 2005

Avian Influenza Presents Range of Risks 6 pages. [PDF 60K]

Although in its current form, the bird flu virus rarely infects people, public health authorities believe that, if the virus is not brought under control in birds, it eventually might mutate into a highly contagious form of human influenza.

September–October 2005

Regular Screening, Prompt Treatment Reduce Risk of Colorectal Cancer 6 pages. [PDF 93K]

Although this typically slow-growing cancer is among the leading causes of cancer death in developed countries, if detected early, it often can be excised before it spreads. In most cases, there is no recurrence of the disease. For pilots, treatment often requires minimal absence from work.

July–August 2005

Memory Lapses Usually Do Not Signal Serious Medical Problems 6 pages. [PDF 152K]

Researchers — including some who have studied pilot behavior — have measured age-related declines in performance of some memory tasks. They describe these declines as normal developments in the aging process, and they recommend techniques to help lessen memory loss.

May–June 2005

Aeromedical Specialists Caution Against Side Effects of Herbs Used for Medicinal Purposes 6 pages. [PDF 116K]

As the worldwide market for these products increases, civil aviation authorities say that pilots should discuss their use with private physicians and aviation medical examiners.

March–April 2005

Increased Reliance on Automation May Weaken Pilots’ Skills for Managing System Failures 4 pages. [PDF 69K]

A report issued by the U.K. Civil Aviation Authority says that pilots are not receiving adequate training in the use of automated systems, including when and how to interrupt an automated process with manual inputs.

January–February 2005

Diabetes Presents Pilots With Range of Risks 8 pages. [PDF 101K]

Diabetes can lead to heart disease, nerve damage and related problems that may endanger medical certification. Nevertheless, if diabetes is diagnosed early and is controlled, pilots can continue their flying careers.