State where information can be obtained about the suitability of over the counter and prescription medication for flying.
Medicines affect each person differently. You must not take advice from anyone other than an approved aviation doctor when it comes to flying and medication.
An aviation approved GP doctor can give information on what medication can be used / taken whilst flying
Explain the effects of drugs on pilot performance.
All non-prescribed drugs are not acceptable for pilots.
Effects can last longer than the drug in the system
Heavy drugs and so called “party drugs” are seriously dangerous and cause degraded performance, addiction, and death.
Cannabis has been linked to heavier addictions and degraded performance
Stay-awake formulas are also not acceptable
for pilots
Absolutely prohibited in pilots
State the recommended time periods between the consumption of alcohol and flying.
It takes time for the body to remove alcohol.
As a general rule, a pilot must not fly for at least 8 – 12 hours after drinking small quantities of alcohol.
After heavy drinking, alcohol may still be in the blood 24 hours later.
Sleep will not speed up the removal process and may cause the elimination of alcohol to take longer due to slowing the body’s processes down.
Explain the effects of alcohol on pilot performance.
Alcohol is a depressant. It depresses the body’s natural defenses (sensitivities, cautions and fears) while at the same time, lowering capabilities.
Even small quantities of alcohol in the blood impair one’s performance and judgement, with the added danger of suppressing anxiety and removing inhibitions.
An alcohol influenced person can perform poorly, believe he is performing marvellously and may not be deterred by danger.
The effects of alcohol are aggravated by high altitude, where there is less oxygen
Describe the following factors, including their effects on pilot performance and methods by which they may be minimised/managed:
Coronary artery disease and Brain artery disease.
If the pilot has risk factors for coronary artery disease they must take positive steps to reduce these. If cardiac surgery eg bypass / stenting, procedures are deemed successful then they may be reassessed to be medically fit to return to flying.
High blood pressure is a risk factor for coronary artery disease. The best way to reduce high blood pressure is changing your lifestyle – healthy diet, weight loss, avoiding alcohol, regular exercise. This will also help your general health, fitness and well-being. If medications are required they are need to be approved by your Doctor, but the side effects have to be minimal.
Low blood pressure increases the risk of fainting / dizziness.
Going on a ‘diet’ is not recommended for pilots as it can upset normal body function and potentially lead to hypoglycemia (low blood sugar). The term ‘diet’ implies a short term strategy when what is required is a long term change in lifestyle and eating habits.
Generally doesn’t sit right with a pilot who is trying to maintain “general good health” and can lead to later health problems. There can be problems getting in and out of the cockpit and may cause obstruction to free and full movement of controls.
Not compatible with someone who is trying to maintain a high level of health and fitness, causes greater susceptibility to hypoxia and can lead to health problems later in life.
These conditions can affect the pilots clarity of thinking and decisive reactions will be less. A blockage of the Eustachian tubes can cause pain due to pressure changes and loss of the ability to equalise, in the worst case lead to the rupture of the eardrum and dizziness also associated with this. If a cold is mild and the pilot can equalise the ears easily – then they may be allowed to fly.
Not good if a toilet is needed frequently. Can be associated with pain, dehydration and reduced energy levels. There is a tendency to reduce food intake which is also not good.
Anyone who can become incapacitated in the cockpit is not allowed to fly.
Describe the problems associated with pregnancy and flying.
Problems can arise if there are any of the following complications of the pregnancy:
Anemia, nausea, tiredness, low blood pressure
In later pregnancy there are issues with getting in and out of the aircraft, reaching and moving controls and harnesses.
Flying is not recommended after the 26th week of pregnancy (6.5 months)
Describe the IMSAFE method of assessing fitness for flight.
Access your fitness to fly using the following check list:
I – Illness
M – Medications
S – Stress
A – Alcohol
F – Fatigue
E – Eating
Identify symptoms and circumstances that would lead you to consult your aviation doctor
Licence holders are legally required to advise the CAA if they are aware of or suspect a change in their medical condition that may interfere with aviation safety.
This reporting obligation is contained in the Act. Under section 27C(1) of the Act all
licence holders have an obligation to advise the CAA if they are aware of, or have
reasonable grounds to suspect, any change in their medical condition or any previously
undetected medical condition that “… may interfere with the safe exercise of the privileges
to which his or her medical certificate relates”.
Also when this occurs, the pilot or air traffic controller may not fly or undertake air traffic
control activities.
Explain the CAANZ system of assessing medical fitness, with regard to ...
Grade 1 medical examiner can issue your medical on the spot
Grade 2 must send away information to the CAA
Needs to be issued by a certified medical examiner
Class 1
ATPL and CPL
Yearly if under age 40
Yearly if over 40 yrs with no risk factors and no single pilot commercial opp’s
After 40 six-monthly
Class 2
PPL
If under age 40 – every 60 months
Two-yearly if over 40 yrs
DL9
Microlight or truck driving medical
Lasts for 2 years
Describe the term fitness to fly.
It is a question that should be asked by the pilot about various aspects of his life and situation:
The ‘IMSAFE’ acronym personal pre flight checks are a great way to check you are good to go flying
Illness
Medications
Stress
Alcohol
Fatigue
Eating