A number of physiological effects can be linked to flying. Some are minor, while others are important enough to require special attention to ensure safety of flight. In some cases, physiological factors can lead to inflight emergencies. Some important medical factors that a WSC pilot should be aware of include hypoxia, hyperventilation, middle ear and sinus problems, spatial disorientation, motion sickness, carbon monoxide poisoning, stress and fatigue, dehydration, heatstroke, and hypothermia. Other factors include the effects of alcohol and drugs, and excess nitrogen in the blood after scuba diving.
A prerequisite to this chapter is the aeromedical factors portion of the Pilot’s Handbook of Aeronautical Knowledge (FAA-H-8083-25) which provides detailed information a pilot must consider in all flight operations. All of the aeromedical factors described in that book are applicable to WSC. However, the following are additional topics applicable to WSC not specifically covered.
Fatigue
Because the WSC aircraft moves weight through pilot input, there is significant arm and upper body strength required to fly a WSC aircraft, especially in turbulence. If flying a cross-country flight midday in moderate turbulence for more than an hour, a pilot would require significant strength and endurance. This significantly adds to fatigue, as discussed in the Pilot’s Handbook of Aeronautical Knowledge. This is accomplished all the time by experienced pilots, but it is a workout. If this type of workout is combined with dehydration in a desert environment, a greater than anticipated headwind, or flying an unfamiliar cross-country route, the added aeromedical risk factors could lead to a fatal error chain.
Hypothermia
Hypothermia is an important factor and knowledge requirement in the WSC Practical Test Standards. Cold temperatures for long periods reduce the inner body core temperature when the heat produced by the body is less than the amount of heat being lost to the body’s surroundings. This loss of heat is highly accelerated in WSC open flight decks with wind chill. The first symptom of flying a WSC aircraft is cold hands because of exposure to wind chill. Symptoms continue with other parts of the body becoming cold until the entire body feels cold. Hypothermia results in weakness, shivering, lack of physical control, and slurred speech followed by unconsciousness and death. Dressing warm and/or aircraft heating systems to help the pilot remain warm during flight prevents hypothermia. Motorcycle gloves and socks that run off the aircraft electric system are commonly used and can keep a pilot from getting cold. [Figure 1-21] Also, carrying an appropriate survival kit prepares a pilot against hypothermia if forced down in cold temperatures.
Medical Summary
Before approaching the WSC aircraft, a pilot must take a moment to reflect upon current medical, physical, and psychological conditions. During this time, a pilot should evaluate his or her ability to conduct the flight considering self, passenger, and people and property on the ground. Using the “I’M SAFE” checklist is a smart way to start a preflight before getting to the WSC aircraft. Prior to flight, assess overall fitness as well as the aircraft’s airworthiness. [Figure 1-22]
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