We live at the bottom of an ocean of air, the atmosphere, which is necessary to support life on earth. Not only does it provide oxygen but it also filters out harmful radiation from the sun. The presence of the atmosphere prevents excessive heat loss in both plants and animals, and maintains their surface temperature … Continue reading Medical Handbook For Pilots Chapter 02 – The Flyer’s Environment
Category: Medical Articles
Medical Handbook For Pilots Chapter 03 – The Pressure is On
About 175 years ago scientists first discovered that the prime purpose of breathing was to obtain oxygen needed by the body and to get rid of excess carbon dioxide, a waste product. The human body is a heat engine which, like any engine, consumes fuel (the carbohydrates, fats, and proteins derived from food). This fuel … Continue reading Medical Handbook For Pilots Chapter 03 – The Pressure is On
Medical Handbook For Pilots Chapter 01 – The Physical Examination for Pilots
The FAA (Federal Aviation Administration) requires that you be properly certificated and physically able to operate your aircraft competently before you are licensed to fly. Periodic physical examinations are intended not only to evaluate your general health, but to help ensure that you will not suffer a medical emergency during actual flight. It is also … Continue reading Medical Handbook For Pilots Chapter 01 – The Physical Examination for Pilots
Medical Handbook For Pilots Foreward
To become a safe pilot, it is not enough that you want to fly. You must also be physically fit, psychologically sound, and well trained. Most aircraft accidents are caused by pilot deficiencies in one of these areas. Training procedures have been adequately covered in other publications, and must be learned from a certificated instructor … Continue reading Medical Handbook For Pilots Foreward
Vision and the Aging Pilot by Dr. William Monaco
The median age of professional pilots, like that of the general population, is increasing. Pilots from the World War II era are retiring in great numbers and Vietnam aviators are now in their 30s, 40s and 50s. Granted, there are younger recruits to fill their slots, but most of the older group still have quite … Continue reading Vision and the Aging Pilot by Dr. William Monaco
What Every Pilot Shold Ask the Eye Doc by Dr. William Monaco
A common concern to all pilots is the retention of their unique gift of vision. However, most pilots do not know the questions to ask the eye doctor and typically don't get the special attention they deserve in the management of their unique eye care needs. These problems are particularly magnified when the pilot is … Continue reading What Every Pilot Shold Ask the Eye Doc by Dr. William Monaco
Glaucoma by Dr. William Monaco
Vision problems are a frequent cause for pilot groundings and waivers. While there is no way of knowing exactly how many pilots glaucoma grounds we do know that more than 2000 with glaucoma are able to retain active flying status with a medical certificate. CFR 67 states that a pilot may have, "No acute or … Continue reading Glaucoma by Dr. William Monaco
Nutrition and Pilot Eyesight by Dr. William Monaco
Pilot performance depends on a number of factors including genetics, environment, age and health status. As a key component of health, nutrition plays a very important role in performance. It can affect the functioning of the nervous, endocrine and digestive systems. Our ability to respond to physiological stresses produced by influences such as altitude, temperature … Continue reading Nutrition and Pilot Eyesight by Dr. William Monaco
20/20 May Not Be Enough by Dr. William Monaco
The Year of the Near Miss' was Newsweek magazine's label for the year 1987. In July it was prophesied that near collisions would increase by 75% over the number reported by the FAA for 1986. The number of near-miss reports did rise, but final NTSB statistics showed that general aviation had the lowest number of … Continue reading 20/20 May Not Be Enough by Dr. William Monaco
Seven Essentials of Aeromedical Certification by John Hastings, M.D.
1. Something has changed: If a change has occurred since your last airman physical, assume the FAA will show an interest. If you have to answer "yes" or report a new condition, expect questions. Anticipate the FAA's questions. Remember, they are looking at a paper record in search of conditions that might compromise aviation safety. … Continue reading Seven Essentials of Aeromedical Certification by John Hastings, M.D.