Figuring Out if Pilots are Fit to Fly

Health & Wellness

Figuring Out if Pilots are Fit to Fly

By
Dana Sparks

October 24, 2012

Recent pilot issues with the physically demanding F-22 fighter jet are an example of why in-flight pilot monitoring is increasingly important. Common problems like oxygen deprivation, spatial disorientation, fatigue and stress aren’t assessed by standard tools. Mayo Clinic researchers and other aerospace medicine physicians are stressing the need for in-flight pilot monitoring, similar to a black box. It could determine in real time whether pilots are fit to fly, helping to head off cognitive and physical failures that could take a jet down. The Mayo commentary is published in the journal Aviation, Space, and Environmental Medicine.

Read entire news release: FittoFly

Sound bites with Lawrence Steinkraus, M.D., are available in the downloads above

Expert title for broadcast cg:
Dr. Lawrence Steinkraus, Mayo Clinic Aerospace Medicine