ENDOCRINE-METABOLIC EFFECTS OF UNUSUALLY LONG OR FREQUENT FLYING MISSIONS IN C-130E OR C-135B AIRCRAFT
Abstract
Flight-stress appraisal was made by means of a battery of urinary determinations (epinephrine, norepinephrine, 17-OHCS, urea, uric acid, phosphorus, magnesium, sodium, and potassium) for flyers who participated in (a) 20-hour missions in C-130E aircraft (flights from New Zealand to Antarctica, and back), (b) 6-day missions in C-135B aircraft (earth-circling missions), or (c) 7-week missions in C-135B aircraft (over-frequent transoceanic and transcontinental flying). The adrenal medulla (as judged by urinary epinephrine) consistently showed flight-sensitivity, but other endocrine- metabolic functions varied in ways indicative of adaptation. With flight circumstances standardized (particularly with respect to time of day), flight effects tended to be reproducible. With crew rest limited to 2 days, recovery from flight-stress tended to be incomplete. Sleep deprivation and crew position were shown to be factors which modify flight-stress reactions. Eastbound and westbound earth-circling missions did not induce different degrees of flight- stress, as judged by these endocrine-metabolic indices.
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- Mar 01, 1968
- Accession Number
- AD0669346
Entities
People
- Clarence A. Anderson
- Edgar W. Williams
- Emanuel Tanne
- Henry B. Hale
Organizations
- United States Air Force School of Aerospace Medicine