Fitness To Fly

Question 1

Describe the term fitness to fly.

Answer 1

Being fit to cope with physical and mental demands of flying.

Question 2

Explain the responsibilities of pilots towards medical fitness for flight.

Answer 2

If a pilot has grounds to suspect change in medical condition, or is aware of any previously undetected medical condition that may interfere with safe exercise of their privileges to which their certificate relates, that they advise the director and their AME.

Question 3

Identify symptoms and circumstances that would lead you to consult your aviation medical examiner prior to further flight. (7)

Answer 3

Heart - chest pain, extending to neck left shoulder and arm

High blood pressure - increased strain on the heart, accelerates the hardening of arteries and increased possibility of stroke

Obesity - hypertension, diabetes and other arthritic problems

Faints, seizures, repeated faints

Continuous Headaches

Migraines, and symptoms with it

Smoking - increased risk of heart disease and blood pressure.

Question 4

Problems associated with flying while pregnant. And 34.30.12/46.30.6 When a pregnant pilot must stop flying

Answer 4

May result in early miscarriage, or later on in premature labour.

Nausea, vomiting and fatigue and other symptoms of pregnancy

• Class 1 and 2 medical certificate holders may not fly until reaching the end of 12 weeks pregnancy
• Class 1 privileges are suspended at 28 weeks
• Class 2 privileges allowed until 32 weeks with a safety pilot.

Question 5

Effects on pilot performance with arterial disease.

Answer 5

Blood to the heart through coronary arteries become blocked or partially blocked. When heart workload is increased.

Sudden block can result in cardiac arrest or myocardial infarction.

Question 6

With regard to the following factors, describe their effects on pilot performance (blood pressure) and how to minimise

Answer 6

Variant upon several factors, hypertension (high blood pressure) increases the workload of the heart, weakens blood vessel walls and accelerates hardening of the arteries.

can be reduced by making lifestyle changes including increasing physical fitness, altering your diet, reducing coffee and alcohol intake, reducing stress and weight.

Question 7

With regard to the following factors, describe their effects on pilot performance and methods by which they may be minimised/managed: (diet)

Answer 7

Diet is a big part of your life and accounts for all of the foods and drink you regularly consume.

To form a healthy diet you need to eat various foods in moderation.

Question 8

With regard to the following factors, describe their effects on pilot performance and methods by which they may be minimised/managed: (exercise)

Answer 8

Exercise is beneficial to general health and is most effective when it is regular.

Generally, doubling the pulse for 20 minutes at least 3 times a week, which can be achieved by activities such as jogging, swimming or tennis are good for the body, keeping you fit.

Question 9

With regard to the following factors, describe their effects on pilot performance and methods by which they may be minimised/managed: (obesity)

Answer 9

Obesity can lead to hypertension, diabetes, gout and heart disease. The additional load on joints, due to the excess weight, can also lead to arthritic issues.

It can be managed by a healthy diet and regular exercise.

Question 10

With regard to the following factors, describe their effects on pilot performance and methods by which they may be minimised/managed: (smoking)

Answer 10

There is a proven correlation between smoking and heart disease. In addition, it increases the chances of a heart attack and high blood pressure.

The best way to manage the negative effects is by quitting smoking.

Question 11

With regard to the following factors, describe their effects on pilot performance and methods by which they may be minimised/managed: (colds)

Answer 11

makes patient feel lethargic and has difficulty concentrating/making decisions.

Additionally, the blockage of sinuses and eustachian tubes leads to difficulty with pressure changes

Question 12

With regard to the following factors, describe their effects on pilot performance and methods by which they may be minimised/managed: (flu)

Answer 12

has similar symptoms to the cold but usually more severe with body aches, coughs and sore throat, with the symptoms lasting longer.

Vaccinations can be used for strains of the flu.

Question 13

With regard to the following factors, describe their effects on pilot performance and methods by which they may be minimised/managed: (hay fever)

Answer 13

congests the nose and sinuses. Antihistamines are NOT to be used while flying due to negative effects such as drowsiness and loss of concentration.

An AME can prescribe effective nasal sprays

Question 14

With regard to the following factors, describe their effects on pilot performance and methods by which they may be minimised/managed: (asthma)

Answer 14

a condition that leads to difficult in breathing. Needs to be discussed with your AME depending on severity and as case by case basis.

Question 15

With regard to the following factors, describe their effects on pilot performance and methods by which they may be minimised/managed: gastro

Answer 15

Generally caused by the consumption of certain types of food. Symptoms include diarrhoea, nausea, vomiting, stomach cramps and fever. Liquid intake needs to be increased to keep hydration.

Pilots should not fly until symptoms subside – usually within a day or two.

Question 16

With regard to the following factors, describe their effects on pilot performance and methods by which they may be minimised/managed: (seizures)

Answer 16

leads to unconsciousness and not acceptable in aviation

presence of epilepsy can be detected through EEG (electroencephalogram) test

Question 17

With regard to the following factors, describe their effects on pilot performance and methods by which they may be minimised/managed: (fainting)

Answer 17

a loss of consciousness by reduction of blood to the brain, can be caused by loss of blood, shock, lack of food or abnormal posture.

isolated events usually have no affect on fitness to fly, however repeated incidents need to be treated.

Question 18

With regard to the following factors, describe their effects on pilot performance and methods by which they may be minimised/managed: (headaches)

Answer 18

affect most people and are often associated with illness or stress

over the counter medication can eliminate the symptoms (Panadol or Nurofen)

Question 19

With regard to the following factors, describe their effects on pilot performance and methods by which they may be minimised/managed: (migraines)

Answer 19

repetitive, severe headaches including symptoms of nausea, vomiting, sensitivity to light or noise, loss of speech, confusion, flashing lights and possibly temporary paralysis.

it can restrict a pilots fitness to fly

Question 20

With regard to the following factors, describe their effects on pilot performance and methods by which they may be minimised/managed: (head trauma)

Answer 20

symptoms include fatigue, decreased concentration, sleep disturbance, and nausea

Observations are required over varying periods of time to allow the CAA NZ to consider granting a medical certificate

Question 21

With regard to the following factors, describe their effects on pilot performance and methods by which they may be minimised/managed: (depression)

Answer 21

a persistent depressed mood or lack of interest over a period of weeks.

Symptoms include difficulty sleeping, loss of appetite/weight (occasionally people eat and sleep more) feeling worthless, suicidal thoughts and memory impairment.

If indicated treatment is required by a specialist

Question 22

With regard to the following factors, describe their effects on pilot performance and methods by which they may be minimised/managed: (anxiety)

Answer 22

may be experienced after an accident

Question 23

With regard to the following factors, describe their effects on pilot performance and methods by which they may be minimised/managed: (dehydration)

Answer 23

Symptoms of dehydration are sore eyes, coughing dry nose/throat and possible bloody nose.

Aircraft at high altitudes pressurise cabin and control humidity, but this is lower than normal increasing risk of dehydration.

Dehydration can be prevented by keeping up regular intakes of water.

Question 24

With regard to the following factors, describe their effects on pilot performance and methods by which they may be minimised/managed: psychiatric diseases

Answer 24

Psychosis - loss of contact with reality. Results in permanent denial of license

Neurosis - anxiety, depression, phobia, obsession. Can be treated and controlled

Flying is prohibited while undergoing treatment but after recovery may regain license

Question 25

With regard to the following factors, describe their effects on pilot performance and methods by which they may be minimised/managed: physical injuries

Answer 25

A full history of physical injuries must be disclosed to AME

Question 26

With regard to the following factors, describe their effects on pilot performance and methods by which they may be minimised/managed: hypoglycaemia

Answer 26

Low blood sugar symptoms like hunger, sweating, shaking, weak

Prevent this by eating throughout the day, foods with protein will help stabilise blood sugar as well as fruits and carbs.

Question 27

Symptoms of gastrointestinal problems

Answer 27

Vomit, diarrhoea, nausea, stomach cramps.

Depending on severity, sufferer may have fever, chills, bloody shit,

Last 24-48 hr

Question 28

34.30.18/46.30.12 Primary causes of food poisoning

Answer 28

Infectious agents – viruses, bacteria, parasites

•Toxic agents – poisonous mushrooms, pesticides, improperly prepared exotic foods (barracuda – ciguatera toxin)