Excessive Daytime Sleepiness and Associated Factors in Military Search and Rescue Personnel.

Abnormal excessive daytime sleepiness (EDS) has been reported worldwide, but too little is known about EDS and its determinants in Search and Rescue (SAR) populations. We aimed to determine the prevalence of abnormal EDS and contributing factors among Royal Norwegian Air Force (RNoAF) SAR helicopter personnel. In this cross-sectional study, a total of = 175 RNoAF SAR personnel completed an electronic survey including socio-demographic and lifestyle questions.

Readability of New Aviation Chart Symbology in Day and NVG Reading Conditions.

Background: The Swedish Air Force (SwAF) conducted a study in 2010 to harmonize portrayal of aeronautical info (AI) on SwAF charts with NATO standards. A mismatch was found concerning vertical obstructions (VO). Norway regarded Sweden's existing symbology as a way to solve the problem of overcrowded air charts and the two countries started to cooperate.

Medical Reasons for Loss of License in Norwegian Professional Pilots.

Background: The aim of this study was to quantify causes of medical disqualification (groundings) of Norwegian commercial pilots for the period 2006-2010, and to compare our findings with former Norwegian studies on the subject to reveal possible changes in the disease spectrum over the last decades. We compared our data with previous studies for the periods 1982-1997 and 1997-2001, respectively.

Methods: The material was collected from the aeromedical section's archive.

Aeromedical Evaluation for an F-16 Candidate with Incomplete Paraplegia.

Background: A candidate with paraplegia contacted the Institute of Aviation Medicine, Oslo, requesting a medical examination and medical certification for flying back seat on an F-16 Fighting Falcon. Thorough aeromedical examinations, including specialist evaluations, were initiated for the final decision to be made.

Case Report: Almost 13 yr earlier the candidate had acquired spinal cord damage at neurological level L1 after falling 4 m (13 ft) from out of a window.

Action slips during whole-body vibration.

Helicopter aircrew members engage in highly demanding cognitive tasks in an environment subject to whole-body vibration (WBV). Sometimes their actions may not be according to plan (e.g.

+Gz-induced spinal symptoms in fighter pilots: operational and individual associated factors.

Introduction: Neck pain in fighter pilots has been studied by several air forces and found to be relatively common. The aim of this project was to study the incidence, characteristics, possible associated causative factors, and operational impact of neck pain in Royal Norwegian Air Force (RNoAF) fighter pilots.

Methods: The study was designed as a retrospective anonymous questionnaire survey, collecting data on age, aircraft type, flying hours, and physical activity.

Arterial oxygen pressure following whole-body vibration at altitude.

Introduction: Most helicopter operations are carried out at altitudes below 10,000 ft. At these altitudes, the risk of the crew experiencing hypoxia is low. For that reason, supplementary oxygen is not standard equipment on board most helicopters.

Shift and night work and long working hours--a systematic review of safety implications.

Objective: In order to devise effective preventive strategies, it is important to study workplace stressors that might increase the risk of workplace accidents - both affecting workers themselves as well as causing harm to third-parties. The aim of this report is to provide a systematic, updated overview and scientific review of empirical research regarding accidents in relation to long work hours and shift work, primarily based on epidemiological studies.

Methods: The search for articles was part of a large review study on the effects of work hours on various health outcomes, safety, and performance.

Hearing loss in civilian airline and helicopter pilots compared to air traffic control personnel.

Introduction: In order to investigate possible hearing loss as a consequence of aviation noise, a comparative analysis of audiometric data from Norwegian Air Traffic Control (ATC) personnel, airline (fixed-wing) pilots, and helicopter pilots was performed. The results may be of use in giving advice regarding preventive measures.

Methods: Male ATC, airline, and helicopter pilots were selected randomly from the Civil Aviation Authority (CAA) medical files.

Medical disqualification of 275 commercial pilots: changing patterns over 20 years.

Introduction: The medical requirements for commercial pilots are issued by the ICAO and the European aviation safety organization JAA. In Norway, the Aeromedical Section of the Civil Aviation Authority assesses whether pilots are medically fit to fly. This study presents the reasons for medical disqualification among the Norwegian commercial pilot population during a 20-yr period.