This readable, updated textbook by a flight surgeon comprehensively covers the factors that affect "medical airworthiness." Includes practical chapters on dealing with in-flight medical emergencies and on maintaining flight fitness with diet and exercise.

How your mind and body can be impaired in flight to undermine safety--now updated with the latest research and case studies An understanding of flight physiology is crucial to aviation safety. Although strides have been made in understanding the human factor, 70% of flight accidents remain linked to pilot error. Now updated and expanded, this definitive text on the mind and body in the flying environment will benefit everyone who flies, particularly civilian pilots. You'll get eye-opening, potentially accident-preventing information on how to anticipate and compensate for the physiological effects unique to flying that can erode performance.

Thoroughly revised to reflect the latest research and data, this essential text includes new chapters on the effects of automation on crew resource management (CRM), emphasizing the crucial importance of situational awareness. Other topics include: Fatigue; Dehydration; Extreme temperatures; Vibration and hearing; Spatial disorientation; Hypoxia; Stress; Vertigo and motion sickness; Visual illusions and misperceptions; Tolerance to G forces; Jet lag; Health maintenance; the effects of over-the-counter medications, caffeine, alcohol and drugs, and more.