ENVIRONMENTAL AND HEALTH FACTORS AFFECTING PILOT PERFORMANCE

As a pilot, it is important to stay aware of the mental and physical standards required for the type of flying done. This chapter provides information on medical certification and on aeromedical factors related to flying activities.

A number of health factors and physiological effects can be linked to flying. Some are minor, while others are important enough to require special attention to ensure safety of flight. In some cases, physiological factors can lead to in-flight emergencies. Some important medical factors that a pilot should be aware of include hypoxia ("reduced oxygen" or "not enough oxygen." Hypoxia can be caused by several factors including an insufficient supply of oxygen, inadequate transportation of oxygen, or the inability of the body tissues to use oxygen), hypoxic hypoxia (This type of hypoxia is a result of insufficient oxygen available to the lungs. A decrease of oxygen molecules at sufficient pressure can lead to hypoxic hypoxia), hyperemic hypoxia (A type of hypoxia that is a result of oxygen deficiency in the blood, rather than a lack of inhaled oxygen. It can be caused by a variety of factors. Hyperemic means "not enough blood."), stagnant hypoxia histotoxic hypoxia, and symptoms of hypoxia, hyperventilation (Occurs when an individual is experiencing emotional stress, fright, or pain, and the breathing rate and depth increase, although the carbon dioxide level in the blood is already at a reduced level. The result is an excessive loss of carbon dioxide from the body, which can lead to unconsciousness due to the respiratory system's overriding mechanism to regain control of breathing.), middle ear and sinus problems, spatial disorientation (Specifically refers to the lack of orientation with regard to the position, attitude, or movement of the airplane in space), motion sickness, carbon monoxide poisoning, stress and fatigue, dehydration, and heatstroke. Other subjects include the effects of alcohol and drugs, anxiety, and excess nitrogen in the blood after scuba diving.