The effect of repeated doses of 30 mg pyridostigmine bromide on pilot performance in an A-4 flight simulator.

The effect of repeated doses of 30 mg pyridostigmine bromide every 8 h on flight skills in an A-4 simulator was tested in this crossover double-blind placebo-controlled study on 10 pilots experienced in actual and simulated A-4 flights. The pilots flew two test simulator flights 2 h after the fourth dose of pyridostigmine or placebo. The flight profile included navigation, rapid ascent, 360 degrees turns, and instrument landing.

Determination of the "time of useful consciousness" (TUC) in repeated exposures to simulated altitude of 25,000 ft (7,620 m).

Time of useful consciousness (TUC) was determined in 17 subjects exposed twice to 25,000 ft (7,620 m) in an altitude chamber. The criterion for TUC determination was inability to add two-digit numbers correctly. Median values of TUC were 267.

Diurnal rhythmicity and Air Force flight accidents due to pilot error.

In order to evaluate the possible role of an endogenous rhythmic factor in Air Force flight accidents a retrospective study was carried out. The study included all Air Force (aircraft) flying accidents which have been attributed to pilot's error and which occurred, in peace time missions, over a period of 12 years (1968-1980). The frequency of hourly accidents was computed separately, for each year, for each month, for each day of the week, and for each calendar day.

Altitude and hypoxia as phase shift inducers.

The daily fluctuations in the levels of some physiological and performance parameters have been assessed in three young subjects. The assessment was carried out before and after exposing them to the combined effect of two stressors, reduced barometric pressure and hypoxia. The exposure was effectuated by a simulated flight in a low pressure chamber for 30 min.