Ian Kalter

02/06/11

II.A. Aeromedical Factors_________________________________________________________

References:
1. FAA-H-8083-3 (Airplane Flying Handbook)
2. AC 67-2 (Medical Handbook for pilots)
3. AIM (Airman’s Information Manual) pg. 8-1-1

Objective To develop the students understanding of Aeromedical Factors as they pertain to aviation.

Elements 1. How to obtain a medical certificate

2. How to obtain a medical certificate in the event of medical deficiency
3. Hypoxia
4. Hyperventilation
5. Middle Ear and Sinus problem
6. Spatial Disorientation
7. Motion Sickness
8. Effects of Alcohol and Drugs
9. Carbon Monoxide Poisoning
10. SCUBA diving
11. Fatigue

Schedule 1. Discuss Objectives 03

2. Review Material 02
3. Development 20
4. Conclusion 05

Equipment 1. White Board / Markers

2. Flight Training Handbook
3. Medical Handbook for Pilots
4. AIM

IP’s Actions1. Discuss lesson objectives

2. Present Lecture
3. Ask and Answer Questions

SP’s Actions1. Participate in discussion

2. Take notes
3. Ask and respond to questions

Completion This lesson will be complete when the student demonstrates an understanding of the elements related to
Standards Aeromedical Factors.

II.A. Aeromedical Factors

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Instructor’s Notes: Aeromedical Factors____________________________________________

INTRODUCTION:

WHAT? – This is not intended to be an in-depth discussion of all the aeromedical factors with which pilots must
be concerned. However, pilots need at least a basic knowledge of these medical factors related to
safe flight.
WHY? – Once the pilot enters the airplane, the ability to function properly is absolutely essential to safe flight.
Ignorance of and indifference to the physical demands of flight is senseless.

OVERVIEW - This lesson will cover the basic elements pertaining to Aeromedical Factors, including:
1. How to obtain a medical certificate
2. How to obtain a medical certificate in the event of medical deficiency
3. Hypoxia
4. Hyperventilation
5. Middle Ear and Sinus problem
6. Spatial Disorientation
7. Motion Sickness
8. Effects of Alcohol and Drugs
9. Carbon Monoxide Poisoning
10. SCUBA diving
11. Fatigue

DEVELOPMENT:
HOW?
1.) How to obtain a medical certificate
A.) All pilots (except gliders and free air balloons) must possess a valid Medical Certificate (FAR 61.23)
B.) The initial and periodic medical examination for issuance must be conducted by a designated Aviation
Medical Examiner (67.405)
1. Your Instructor can help you locate
2. The local FAA Flight Service Station can provide a list of AME’s in your area
C.) It is a good idea to get the highest class medical certificate that might be necessary in pilots career to
avoid training expense in the event you don’t qualify
2.) How to obtain a medical certificate in the event of medical deficiency
A.) If you are uncertain of a medical deficiency, then schedule an appointment as soon as possible
1. Not all medical factors are disqualifying to flight
B.) The applicant has 30 days to write an appeal to the Federal Air Surgeon after denial of a medical
certificate (67.409)
3.) Hypoxia
A.) State of Oxygen deficiency
1. Impairs functions of the brain and other organs
B.) Symptoms
1. Deterioration in night vision
2. Impaired judgment, memory, alertness, coordination, ability to make calculations
3. Headaches
4. Drowsiness
5. Dizziness
6. Sense of well-being (Euphoria)
7. Belligerence

II.A. Aeromedical Factors

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C.) Corrective action

1. Usually hypoxia is caused by excessive cabin altitude
2. Hypoxia is prevented by
a) Heeding regulations related to supplemental oxygen at altitudes
b) Taking care of health by not smoking
c) Abstaining from alcohol, antihistamines, tranquilizers, sedatives and analgesics
3. If hypoxia is encountered and supplemental oxygen isn’t available you must descend
4.) Hyperventilation
A.) Definition
B.) Symptoms
1. Lightheadedness
2. Suffocation
3. Drowsiness
4. Tingling in the extremities
5. Coolness
6. If allowed to progress by a panicked person with greater hyperventilation
a) Incoordination
b) Disorientation
c) Muscle spasms
d) Finally, Incapacitation or Unconsciousness
C.) Effects
1. Abnormal increase in the volume of air breathed in and out
2. Occurs subconsciously when in a stressful situation
3. Causes excessive carbon dioxide depletion from body
D.) Corrective action
1. If using oxygen system, set to 100%
2. Use controlled deep breathing
5.) Middle Ear and Sinus problem
A.) Causes
1. Air expanding in the middle ear during ascent pushes the Eustachian tube open to equalize
2. On descent, the pilot must manually equalize by swallowing, yawning, tensing throat muscles, or
Valsava maneuver (pinch nose and blow)
3. Upper respiratory infection or nasal allergic condition can pinch Eustachian tube closed
B.) Effects
1. Severe ear pain
2. Loss of hearing (from several hours to several days)
3. Ruptured ear drum
4. Infection
5. Pain in teeth or bloody mucus discharge from nose (sinus block)
C.) Corrective action
1. Not flying with upper respiratory infection or nasal allergic condition
2. Decongestants are not recommended due to side effects
6.) Spatial Disorientation
A.) Causes
1. Various complex motions, forces, and certain visual scenes encountered in flight
2. Rapid head movements
B.) Effects
1. Spatial disorientation can be overwhelming and incapacitating
2. Effects are like vertigo, not knowing which way is up
C.) Corrective action
1. Prevented only by visual reference to reliable, fixed points on the ground or to instruments

7.) Motion Sickness

A.) Causes
1. Continued stimulation of Inner Ear balance mechanism
2. Effects subside with experience
B.) Effects
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1. Loss of desire for food (however food is the best thing for it)
2. Salivation
3. Perspiration
4. Nausea and disorientation
5. Incapacitation in extreme cases
C.) Corrective action
1. Do not take preventive drugs due to side effects
2. Open air vents
3. Loosen clothing
4. Use supplemental oxygen
5. Keep eyes on point outside the airplane (horizon)
6. Land ASAP
7. Wimp Bracelets
8.) Effects of Alcohol and Drugs
A.) Quite obviously Alcohol and Drugs (over the counter, prescription, and illegal) negatively affect our
piloting ability and have no place in aviation. Reference FARs
9.) Carbon Monoxide Poisoning
A.) Symptoms
1. Primarily due to leaking heater exhaust
2. Colorless, odorless and tasteless gas in exhaust fumes (if you smell exhaust, beware!)
3. Headache
4. Drowsiness
5. dizziness
B.) Effects
1. Reduce bloods ability to carry oxygen to the brain and other parts of the body
2. CO2 attaches to blood more readily than oxygen and doesn’t want to leave
3. Can cause unconsciousness, and even death (prior to impact)
C.) Corrective action
1. Turn off heater
2. Open air vents
3. Land if symptoms do immediately go away
10.) SCUBA diving
A.) During SCUBA diving, the high pressure at depth causes nitrogen in the blood to deposit in areas of the
body. Joints are most susceptible.
B.) Upon ascent to the surface, pressure is reduced and the nitrogen is absorbed back into the blood, however
it takes time
C.) Recommended waiting period
1. Flight below 8,000 feet
a) 12 hours following dive not requiring controlled ascent
b) 24 hours following dive requiring controlled ascent
2. Flight above 8,000 feet
a) 24 hours regardless
11.) Fatigue
A.) Perhaps one of the most treacherous hazards to flight safety
B.) Short-term (Acute) or Long-term (Chronic)
C.) Affects coordination and alertness
D.) Acute fatigue is prevented by adequate rest and sleep
E.) Chronic fatigue requires prolonged period of rest
CONCLUSION

OVERVIEW
Discuss Elements, to include:
1.) How to obtain a medical certificate
2.) How to obtain a medical certificate in the event of medical deficiency
3.) Hypoxia
4.) Hyperventilation
5.) Middle Ear and Sinus problem
6.) Spatial Disorientation
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7.) Motion Sickness

8.) Effects of Alcohol and Drugs
9.) Carbon Monoxide Poisoning
10.) SCUBA diving
11.) Fatigue

PRIVATE PTS pg. 1-4

1.) Symptoms, causes, effects, and corrective actions of three of the following
A.) Hypoxia
B.) Hyperventilation
C.) Middle ear and sinus problems
D.) Spatial disorientation
E.) Motion sickness
F.) Carbon monoxide poisoning
G.) Stress and fatigue
2.) Effects of over-the-counter drugs
3.) Effects of SCUBA diving

COMMERCIAL PTS pg. 1-13

1.) Symptoms, causes, effects, and corrective actions of four of the following
A.) Hypoxia
B.) Hyperventilation
C.) Middle ear and sinus problems
D.) Spatial disorientation
E.) Motion sickness
F.) Carbon monoxide poisoning
G.) Stress and fatigue
2.) Effects of Alcohol and drugs to include over-the-counter drugs
3.) Effects of SCUBA diving

COMPLETION STANDARDS:
This lesson will be complete when student has adequate understanding of Aeromedical factors

II.A. Aeromedical Factors

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