Breathing is one of the most automatic things we do — over 20,000 times a day. Each breath does two things for our body. It expels carbon dioxide when we exhale, and takes in oxygen when we inhale. It’s a delicate balance. Exercise or stress increases the production of carbon dioxide, so we breathe faster …
Category Archives: Aeromedical Factors
Pilot Vision
Vision is a pilot’s most important sense to obtain reference information during flight. Most pilots are familiar with the optical aspects of the eye. Before we start flying, we know whether we have normal uncorrected vision, whether we are farsighted or nearsighted, or have other visual problems. Most of us who have prescription lenses—contacts or …
Fit for Flight
Being Fit for Flight does not mean that you necessarily have to be a bodybuilder and all ripped with muscles, or a marathon runner. Looking ripped is probably more of a personal choice, but fit for flight is to stay in good shape. Anyways, looking ripped with muscles and a perfect looking body may have …
Fatigue in Aviation
Fatigue is an expected and ubiquitous aspect of life. For the average individual, fatigue presents a minor inconvenience, resolved with a nap or by stopping whatever activity that brought it on. Typically, there are no significant consequences. However, if that person is involved in safety-related activities such as operating a motor vehicle, piloting an aircraft, …
Circadian Rhythm Disruption and Aviation
It’s All About the Rhythm and Blues Our body’s biological functions work much like a finely tuned watch: Every part works in unison to keep the body in homeostasis (maintenance of the internal environment within tolerable limits). However, when one working part doesn’t function normally, it tends to disrupt many other vital parts and can …