{"id":22759,"date":"2022-02-03T17:38:35","date_gmt":"2022-02-03T21:38:35","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/hartzellprop.com\/?p=22759"},"modified":"2022-02-03T17:38:35","modified_gmt":"2022-02-03T21:38:35","slug":"pilot-reminders-for-cold-and-flu-season","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/hartzellprop.com\/pilot-reminders-for-cold-and-flu-season\/","title":{"rendered":"3 Pilot Reminders for Cold & Flu Season"},"content":{"rendered":"\n\n\n

Cold and flu season is in full swing, and it\u2019s that time of year when many people find themselves dealing with fatigue, sore throats, and congestion. For most, these symptoms tend to be mild and manageable. However, coming down with the common cold or seasonal flu brings more serious considerations for pilots.<\/p>\n

What can you do to help keep yourself and your passengers safe and healthy in the skies this cold and flu season? Here are a few important reminders:<\/p>\n

As always, evaluate your fitness to fly<\/strong><\/h3>\n

It\u2019s never a good idea to operate an aircraft when you aren\u2019t feeling your best. Symptoms such as fatigue, fever, headache, aching muscles, cough, sore throat, congestion, and sinus pressure<\/a>, can become highly uncomfortable and distracting in the cockpit, hindering your ability to fly safely.<\/p>\n

Before any flight operation, it\u2019s your responsibility as the pilot to self-evaluate your fitness for flight. Of course, there\u2019s a checklist for that! Use the \u201cIM SAFE\u201d checklist, which stands for:<\/p>\n

I – Illness: <\/strong>Do you have a current (or recent) illness that could affect your flight? \u201cMild\u201d cases of the cold or flu \u2014 even allergies \u2014 should be taken seriously.<\/p>\n

M – Medication: <\/strong>Are you taking any medications that could impair your flying abilities?<\/p>\n

S – Stress: <\/strong>Are you experiencing unusual psychological pressure and\/or anxiety?<\/p>\n

A – Alcohol:<\/strong> Have you had any alcohol in the last eight hours? Are you hungover?<\/p>\n

F – Fatigue:<\/strong> Are you tired? Have you had enough rest?<\/p>\n

E – Emotions: <\/strong>Is anything upsetting or bothering you? Are you feeling sad, angry, frustrated, or impatient?<\/p>\n

It\u2019s not always easy to acknowledge when you\u2019re feeling under the weather \u2014\u00a0physically or mentally. Running through this checklist is a smart way to remain objective when making the go\/no-go decision.<\/p>\n

Use caution with over-the-counter medications<\/strong><\/h3>\n

Impairment from medication, including over-the-counter (OTC) medication, has been cited in a number of general aviation accidents over the years. In particular, sedating antihistamines are known to be dangerous because they can cause drowsiness, blurry vision, and impaired thinking, coordination, and judgment in flight.<\/p>\n

If you\u2019re taking OTC medication for cold or flu symptoms, allergies, pain relief, or even as a sleep aid, make sure it\u2019s on the FAA\u2019s \u201callowed\u201d list<\/a> before you fly and follow the wait time guidance on \u201cno-go\u201d medications. Remember that even drugs that don\u2019t have noticeable side effects on the ground can cause serious problems with slight changes in altitude. If you have any questions about a specific medication, consult your Aviation Medical Examiner (AME).<\/p>\n

Sanitize your airplane the right way<\/strong><\/h3>\n

The onset of cold and flu season \u2014 along with the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic \u2014\u00a0has heightened the importance of keeping aircraft clean to limit the spread of viruses, especially if you carry passengers or share the plane with others. However, it\u2019s important to use the right products and techniques when cleaning and disinfecting your airplane. Using the wrong cleaning substances could cause extensive (and expensive) damage to delicate avionics displays, instrument panels, headsets and electronics, windows, paint, and even the propeller blades<\/a>. Before cleaning a component, check the manufacturer\u2019s recommendations \u2014\u00a0there may be a specific product or method they suggest for the best results.\u00a0\u00a0<\/p>\n

When in doubt, wait it out<\/strong><\/h3>\n

Safe flight depends on pilots who are alert, attentive, and healthy. If you\u2019re not feeling like yourself, even if it\u2019s \u201cjust a cold,\u201d it\u2019s better to stay grounded than risk putting yourself and others in danger. Use common sense, take care of yourself, and remember, there will be another day to fly!<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"

Cold and flu season is in full swing, and it\u2019s that time of year when many people find themselves dealing with fatigue, sore throats, and congestion. For most, these symptoms tend to be mild and manageable. However, coming down with the common cold or seasonal flu brings more serious considerations for pilots. What can you […]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":923,"featured_media":22742,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"_acf_changed":false,"inline_featured_image":false,"footnotes":""},"categories":[8],"tags":[332,12,320,615,385,142,136,227,547],"class_list":["post-22759","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-blog","tag-airplane","tag-aviation-safety","tag-cold-and-flu","tag-cold-season","tag-flight-safety","tag-flying","tag-propeller","tag-safe-flying","tag-safe-flying-tips"],"acf":[],"yoast_head":"\n3 Pilot Reminders for Cold & Flu Season - Hartzell Propeller<\/title>\n<meta name=\"description\" content=\"Cold and flu season is in full swing, and pilots need to be mindful before hopping in the cockpit! 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