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At least 325 records · Page 18Linked to original sources
PubMed1982

Changes in the U.S. Army aviator selection and training program.

The Army's aviator selection program began in the mid 1950's. The first Flight Aptitude Selection Test (FAST) was implemented in 1966 and remained in use until 1980 when changes in personnel, aircraft, and tactics necessitated an improved or revised FAST (RFAST). This paper presents an overview of 1) the composition of the FAST and RFAST; 2) the advantages of the RFAST; and 3) the predictive validity estimates for the FAST and RFAST. Also presented are examples of current research projects which show promise for increasing effectiveness and for broadening the scope of the Army aviator selection program.

Aerospace Medicine↗
PubMed1982

Tennis elbow in aviators.

Tennis elbow, or lateral epicondylitis, is described in three aviators. In two of the three aviators, the tennis elbow was felt to be caused by duties involving flight operations and resulted in temporary suspension from flight operations. Relief of the symptoms was obtained with conservative therapy. The symptomatology, predisposing factors, physical findings, treatment, and prevention of tennis elbow are discussed.

Adult↗
PubMed1981

Eight-year follow-up of exercise electrocardiograms in healthy, middle-aged aviators.

To study to prognostic capabilities of the exercise electrocardiogram (ECG) in a fit, healthy, middle-aged population, 548 members of the U.S. Navy's "1000 Aviator" cohort were exercised to 85% predicted maximum heart rate in 1969 and then followed-up in 1977 for the development of clinically evident coronary artery disease (CAD). Of these subjects, 23 (4.2%) had significant ST depression during their exercise test in 1969. At the end of the 8-year follow-up period, 38 of the 548 subjects (6.9%) had developed clinically evident CAD. The sensitivity (percent of disease predicted by an abnormal test) and predictive value (percent of abnormal tests predictive of disease) of an abnormal exercise test were 15.7% and 26%, respectively. We conclude that even in a carefully screened aviator population with a low risk for CAD, a single normal exercise ECG does not exclude the presence of latent CAD. Furthermore, in this population, a single abnormal exercise ECG should not be a disqualifying defect without further work-up.

Adult↗
PubMed1981

Some non-auditory correlates of the hearing threshold levels of an aviation noise-exposed population.

In a retrospective analysis of data collected during the 1963 followup of the NAMRL Thousand Aviator Study, two hearing level groups were identified, normal and impaired, and compared along 33 non-auditory dimensions. It was discovered that these two equally noise-exposed groups could be differentiated according to their smoking history and eye color. That is, the impaired hearing group reported smoking more cigarettes for a greater period of time than did the members of the normal hearing group. Furthermore, blue-eye individuals were over-represented in the impaired hearing group and under-represented in the normal hearing group, whereas the reverse was true for brown-eyed aviators. This latter finding is consistent with reports linking temporary hearing loss and eye color. There was 31 other physical, psychological, and sociological measures which failed to appear differentially in the two groups.

Adult↗
PubMed1995

Undetected neuropsychophysiological sequelae of khat chewing in standard aviation medical examination.

BACKGROUND: Khat (Catha edulis Forsk) is a plant whose leaves contain cathinone, a natural amphetamine. Its leaves are chewed for their effect of central nervous system stimulation and sympathomimesis. METHOD: We examined 25 regular (daily) khat chewing flight attendants (RC), 39 social (occasional) khat-chewing flight attendants (SC), and 24 non-khat-chewing aircrew members (NC) who presented for FAA medical examinations, using electroencephalographic (EEG) frequency analysis and 4 psychometric tests measuring perceptual-visual memory and decision-speed. RESULTS: Memory function test scores were significantly lower in khat chewers than NC's, and in RC's than SC's. They correlated significantly negatively with both duration and quantity of khat abuse in both khat-chewing groups. While EEG analysis revealed a statistically significant shift towards fast frequency bands in RC's compared to SC's or NC's, it did not significantly correlate with, or influence, any of the tested memory functions. CONCLUSION: The results suggest an adverse effect of khat chewing on perceptual-visual memory and decision-speed regardless of EEG frequency changes, and are discussed in relation to aviation safety and standard FAA Aviation Medical Examination.

Adult↗
PubMed1995

[Aviation noise as an ecological environmental factor].

Average diurnal doses of noise, received by aviation engineers servicing up-to-date aircrafts and living near air fields, were analyzed. The doses appeared to outnumber the normal values, especially during the work and the sleep. The examinees living in 1-2 km from air fields were proved to have significantly higher auditory thresholds for 1,000-8,000 Hz, in comparison with the examinees residing 5-6 km apart. The excessive noise associated with no occupational matters worsens the hearing restoration after the work, promotes accumulation of the hearing fatigue. Those facts were proved by experiments with audiometry and impedometry. The studies stressed the importance of aviation noise as ecologic factor.

Aircraft↗
PubMed1994

[The modelling of the composition of the thermal oxidative breakdown products of aviation oils determined in the cabin air of aircraft].

The authors suggested a method to obtain a mixture of chemicals from splitting thermo-oxidation of aviation oil. The qualitative and quantitative aspects of the mixture correspond to the concentration of the chemicals in the air of aircraft cabins. The possibility to obtain such mixtures helps to assess in hygienic laboratory conditions a level of air pollution with aviation oil in aircraft cabins.

Aerosols↗
PubMed1994

[The organization of medical care for those with mild illness and infectious pathology in aviation commands in wartime].

Infectious diseases are the major cause of casualties in aviation in war time. The present system of casualty staging for infectious patients in an air force doesn't give the possibility for the AF Command and its medical service to execute stable control over minimally sick pilots and aviation technicians with infectious pathology who abandon the air force tactical zone. This fact delays their return to duty. The authors propose to alter the system of casualty staging for these patients by providing medical care right during the stages of medical evacuation.

Aerospace Medicine↗
PubMed1994

Focus adjustment effects on visual acuity and oculomotor balance with aviator night vision displays.

Sixteen U.S. Army aviators, who were given training on focus adjustment technique with aviator night vision goggles (NVG), showed an improvement in visual acuity with focus adjustment compared to a fixed infinity focus control. The long-term effect of focus adjustment on vision was not measured; however, adjustment accuracy was found to be generally within acceptable limits based on computer modeling and available physiologic data. Fixed focus eyepieces that are set to a low minus power may partially compensate for instrument myopia, but they may not optimize visual acuity to the extent that adjustable focus eyepieces do. Eyepiece adjustment proficiency with present night vision devices can be improved through training that emphasizes focusing to the least possible minus dioptric power. Future night vision displays can minimize focus misadjustment by providing a tactile zero marking, a limited dioptric adjustment range, and a focusing knob capable of finer adjustment than is available with current NVG's.

Aerospace Medicine↗
PubMed1994

Evaluation of an aviator with chronic disequilibrium, oscillopsia, and central sleep apnea.

A case is presented of an aviator with chronic disequilibrium, oscillopsia, and central sleep apnea. History, physical examination, and special studies are presented establishing a diagnosis of epidermoid tumor at the foramen magnum. Differential diagnosis and relation of findings to the lesion are presented. The aeromedical significance of this case is to reinforce the importance of persistence and the team concept in establishing diagnoses when aviators present with confusing or unexplained symptoms.

Adult↗
PubMed1993

Refractive error distribution and incidence among U.S. Army aviators.

Spectacle incompatibility has been a major problem in the fielding of advanced Army avionic and electro-optical systems. As a result, routine contact lens wear may be instituted as an option to spectacles. Refractive error data were extracted from the Aviation Epidemiological Data Registry, a computer-accessible repository of flight physical medical information on the entire Army aviation population. Refractive error distribution patterns in the class 1 and class 2 flight physical populations were analyzed in order to provide a contact lens supply reference database, estimate the annual incidence of refractive error development, and estimate costs of possible spectacle-wearer flight-duty deselection. Contact lens wear appears to be a more cost-effective alternative than deselection.

Aerospace Medicine↗
PubMed1993

Retroperitoneal fibrosis as a cause of hypertension in an aviator: a case report.

The authors describe a case report of a previously healthy rotary-wing aviator who developed hypertension of unknown etiology. His 30 pack/year smoking history and hypercholesterolemia (ranging from 224-268) were significant. The initial evaluation revealed an elevated creatinine of 1.7 (normal to 1.5). Right-sided hydronephrosis was noted on ultrasound and the right kidney was poorly visualized on IVP. A subsequent retrograde cystoureterogram confirmed the hydronephrosis and demonstrated a distal calculus and stenosis, findings which were compatible with retroperitoneal fibrosis (RPF). This diagnosis was confirmed at surgery and the patient's ureters were freed. Following surgery, return of normal kidney function and satisfactory recovery, this aviator returned to full flying duty. A review of RPF is included.

Adult↗
PubMed1993

Alcoholism and treatment in airline aviators: one company's results.

Airline transport pilots are at risk for alcoholism, although prevalence statistics are not known. (Alcoholism is used to mean alcohol dependence as defined in DSM-III-R.) Whether their prevalence of alcoholism is consistent with that of the general population's, less, or possibly enhanced by psychological vulnerabilities, is considered. However, the development and implementation of this job-based, peer-oriented alcohol treatment can be an asset to pilot career progression and airline pilot retention. According to a retrospective analysis of identified aviators, 87% of alcoholic pilots of this major airline returned to flight duties after substance abuse treatment. Relapse occurred in 13% of those accepting treatment. Early identification and treatment of the substance-abusing aviator can be enhanced by encouraging teamwork between pilots, union, airline management, flight surgeons, and employee assistance program professionals.

Aerospace Medicine↗
PubMed1977

Carbon dioxide hazards in general aviation.

There are numerous reports of carbon dioxide fire extinguishers or significant loads of dry ice causing actual or potential carbon dioxide intoxication leading to accidents or incidents, both in the military and in the airlines. To evaluate the significance of the problem in general aviation, dry ice sublimation reported in literature and measured sublimation was theoretically applied to general aviation aircraft, and carbon dioxide from fire extinguishers was measured, both in static and flight condition. The results indicate that the use of carbon dioxide fire extinguishers or the transportation under some conditions of dry ice could produce levels which could cause severe anxiety due to respiratory stimulation or actually produce pilot impairment and contribute to or cause accidents.

Aircraft↗
PubMed1996

Alcohol elimination and simulator performance of male and female aviators: a preliminary report.

OBJECTIVES: In this preliminary study of alcohol effects on aviators' flight simulator performance, we addressed some methodological issues regarding possible gender-related differences in response to alcohol. METHODS: Subjects were 11 male and 12 female general aviation pilots, ages 21-40. Subjects received 8 h of training before they were tested with alcohol. On the alcohol test day they were tested before drinking, while intoxicated (target BAC of 0.08%), and 8 h after drinking. RESULTS: The average, observed peak BAC readings for men and women were within 0.003% of each other. We observed faster disappearance rates for women such that women reached the FAA cutoff of 0.04% approximately 1 h before men, on average. Compared to predrink performance, there was a significant decrement in simulator performance during acute intoxication, but not 8 h after drinking. There were no significant gender differences in performance before or after drinking alcohol. Slower rates of alcohol elimination were associated with larger performance changes 8 h after drinking. This is the first report to our knowledge suggesting a possible relation between alcohol elimination rate and change in performance after drinking alcohol. CONCLUSIONS: A 12.5% dose reduction for women appears to be adequate for achieving comparable peak BAC's for male and female groups. Future studies using measures of circadian rhythmicity in conjunction with pharmacokinetic and performance measures could potentially shed light on differences in subjects' acute and delayed responses to alcohol.

Adult↗
PubMed1996

A case of a naval aviator on quinidine for lone atrial fibrillation.

While neither atrial fibrillation (AF) nor the therapeutic use of quinidine represent medical contraindications for civil aviation in the United States, they have both been indications for permanent grounding in the U.S. armed forces. We report a case of a naval aviator who was found to be in asymptomatic AF while undergoing a routine annual flight physical. The patient was pharmacologically converted and maintained in normal sinus rhythm with quinidine. Following review of his case by a Special Board of Flight Surgeons, he was returned to limited flight status for dual controlled aircraft only while maintained prophylactically on quinidine to prevent the recurrence of AF.

Adult↗
PubMed1996

Autosomal dominant polycystic kidney disease and hypertension in the aviator.

Autosomal dominant polycystic kidney disease is a relatively common familial disorder which frequently affects multiple organ systems. The condition is associated with hypertension, cardiac valvular abnormalities, cerebral berry aneurysms, and chronic renal failure. We describe an aviator with a long history of hypertension that was found to be due to autosomal dominant polycystic kidney disease. Following an extensive evaluation, he was found capable of continuation of flying duties. The epidemiology, pathogenesis, diagnosis, evaluation, and aeromedical implications of autosomal dominant polycystic kidney disease in an aviator are discussed.

Adult↗
PubMed1997

Spontaneous resolution of a disc protrusion in a military aviator: a case report.

The case history of a 38-yr-old military aviator qualified on a range of rotary and fixed wing aircraft is presented. A radiologically evident and clinically debilitating (initially) lumbar disc protrusion was the source of the aviator's temporary grounding from flying duties. A full clinical recovery was made and he returned to flying, eventually to ejection seat aircraft. It is proposed that: 1.) wherever possible, initial conservative non-invasive management of back problems is preferable; 2.) lumbar disc lesions may sometimes totally spontaneously resolve (retraction or autolysis?), and; 3.) development and diagnosis of a lumbar disc lesion should not always be an automatic permanent expulsion from rotary wing or ejection seat aircraft.

Adult↗