Drugs & Alcohol

Question 1

Explain the effects of alcohol on pilot performance.

Answer 1

Alcohol is a sedative and, in many cases, an addictive drug that impairs judgment and leads to behaviour that can easily contribute to or cause an incident/accident.

Question 2

Explain the effects of alcohol on pilot performance (brain

Answer 2

With the consumption of alcohol, the brain will have impaired reaction time influencing reasoning, judgment and memory.

Alcohol decreases the ability of the brain to make use of the oxygen. Consequently, there is less oxygen with an increase in altitude and so the brain is further impaired.

Question 3

Explain the effects of alcohol on pilot performance. (Vision)

Answer 3

it creates eye muscle imbalances, causing double vision tendencies and difficulty focusing, in some cases.

Question 4

Explain the effects of alcohol on pilot performance. (Vestibular system)

Answer 4

When drinking, the viscosity (stickiness) and composition of the fluid change which can cause vertigo (dizziness) and over time, it can also cause decreased hearing perception.

Question 5

Explain the restriction associated with the consumption of alcohol and flying

Answer 5

Zero blood alcohol is required for safe operation in aviation.

A general guideline is known as “Bottle to Throttle” - this means the time from which you finish drinking (bottle) to the time you start flying (throttle), which is approximately 12 hours.

Question 6

Explain the effects of drugs on pilot performance. (5)

Answer 6

• impairment of attention and learning
• increase in reaction times
• difficulty in concentration
• reduction in physical strength
• impairment of balance, coordination and steadiness

Question 7

Describe considerations associated with the taking of over the counter medication and flying.

(Antibiotics, tranquillisers, stimulants, painkillers, antihistamines, anaesthesia)

Also describe the difference between the two anaesthesia and their wait time restrictions.

Answer 7

Antibiotics
includes penicillins and tetracyclines
may impair performance

Tranquillisers
includes anti-depressants and sedatives
affects the ability to respond must not fly when taking them

Stimulants
includes caffeine, amphetamines or pep pills
cause dangerous levels of overconfidence - if coffee is not enough, don’t fly

Anti-histamines
can cause drowsiness and fatigue

Pain killers- there are different types of pain killers
paracetamol is approved
panadeine or variants which contain codeine (morphine based compound) not approved
aspirin and anti-inflammatories require a trial as you could cause an upset stomach.

Anaesthesia
causes paralysis as a result of either local anaesthesia - a part of the body (e.g. mouth when removing a tooth) or general anaesthesia - the whole body (e.g. surgery) that would otherwise cause unnecessary pain to the patient

with anaesthesia, there are restrictions in flying
local anaesthetic - wait 24 hours
general anaesthetic - wait 72 hours

Question 8

Explain why illegal/recreational drugs are unacceptable for pilots.

Answer 8

Drugs impair both performance and reaction times, and therefore, recreational drug use is unacceptable for pilots.

Question 9

Describe the effect on the body of donating blood.

Answer 9

donating blood, body has to replenish both the plasma and the red blood cells.

Red blood cells contain hemoglobin, which carries oxygen around the body, and returns carbon dioxide to the lungs so that it can be exhaled.

This means that someone will be more susceptible to hypoxia

Question 10

State the recommended time period between the donation of blood and flying.

Answer 10

24 hours

Question 11

Describe the symptoms, effects and immediate treatments for the following hazards present in the aviation environment: carbon monoxide

Answer 11

CO is colourless and odourless, but highly toxic.

Effects are headaches, nausea, lethargy. Sluggishness of mental processes or mental confusion and unconsciousness

If detected, cut off the source and open all air vents.

Question 12

Describe the symptoms, effects and immediate treatments for the following hazards present in the aviation environment:

Fuel, lubricant and hydraulic fluids

Answer 12

They are all irritants and fumes can be toxic. They can cause pain on exposure to the eye.

In pressurised aircraft it is less likely to enter the cabin, but oil leaks in gas turbine compressors can easily lead to polluted air

Can also be absorbed into the blood flow if there is repeated exposure on the skin

Question 13

State the source of carbon monoxide poisoning in general aviation aircraft.

Answer 13

Piston engine exhausts

Faulty cabin heating.

Question 14

Describe reliable methods for the detection of carbon monoxide.

Answer 14

Carbon monoxide indicator.

Question 15

Describe methods of eliminating carbon monoxide from the cockpit.

Answer 15

regular maintenance. Aircraft are subject to regular checks, including checking of the exhaust.

if detected or suspected, shut off the cabin heater and open all fresh air vents. Land as soon as possible

Question 16

Describe the symptoms, effects and immediate treatments for the following hazards present in the aviation environment:

Fire extinguishing agents and fire accelerant substances

Answer 16

Fire extinguishing agents deplete the air around of oxygen therefore there is a risk of hypoxia possibly fatal. Cabin areas must be vented with fresh air after using fire extinguishers.

• Powder extinguishers can irritate the skin and line the lungs.
• Fire accelerants include petroleum, butane and kerosene. Dangers are high vapour pressures and low flash points. This makes them ignite easily when mixed with the correct air/fuel ratio, they can readily explode.
• Prolonged or repeated exposure on the skin can result in it being absorbed into the blood flow, all are toxic.

Question 17

Describe the symptoms, effects and immediate treatments for the following hazards present in the aviation environment:

De icing fluids

Answer 17

De icing fluids made up of ethylene and glycol

•Can affect the eye and respiratory tracts, if ingested the central nervous system, the heart and the kidneys. Can be fatal. It is odourless so hard to detect.

Question 18

Describe the symptoms, effects and immediate treatments for the following hazards present in the aviation environment:

Liquid oxygen

Answer 18

Liquid Oxygen is highly flammable, Clothing soaked or splashed with liquid oxygen can be flammable for hours. It is also very cold which can be harmful in itself.

Question 19

Describe the symptoms, effects and immediate treatments for the following hazards present in the aviation environment:

Ozone

Answer 19

A gas present in the upper atmosphere that protects us from high levels of ionising radiation from the sun.

• Distinctive “electrical” smell – similar to what a photocopier emits
• Slightly irritant to the lungs – no damaging effects
• Symptoms: coughing and irritation to the eyes, nose, mouth and throat
• Treatment: Although it is of no consequence, to alleviate symptoms breathe through a moist towel or transfer to oxygen.

Question 20

Describe the symptoms, effects and immediate treatments for the following hazards present in the aviation environment:

Solar radiation

Answer 20

Sunlight falling on the Earth is about 58% infrared, 40% visible light and 2% UV

• Higher altitude UV levels can reach 4 – 6%
• Those who have fair skin, under 6 and over 60 are at more risk to the effects of UV rays
• These include: sunburn, photokeratitis (snow blindness) and cumulative exposure can increase the risk of some cancers
• Prevention includes: Wearing a SPF sunscreen, wearing suitable sunglasses.