Sustained Flight Operations in Navy P-3 Aircraft.
Abstract
Flight crew fatigue during sustained flight operations (SUSOPS) is an important aeromedical problem. We evaluated the effects of SUSOPS on aircrew stress and fatigue in three U.S. Navy P-3 Orion crews (n = 21) before, during, and after a 6-month overseas deployment. Pre- and postdeployment laboratory tests measured aerobic capacity, pulmonary function, muscular strength and endurance, and resting blood chemistry. Postdeployment lung capacity, blood chemistry values, grip strength, and leg endurance all improved while leg strength, aerobic capacity, and percentage body fat decreased. During deployment, we collected inflight urine samples and subjective fatigue and positive/negative mood surveys hourly. Urinary sodium and potassium levels were significantly higher inflight compared to postdeployment control values. Urinary norepinephrine concentrations inflight were lower compared to controls. Subjective-fatigue scores decreased from preflight to postflight. Positive mood scores decreased while negative mood scores increased. Subjects showed varying levels of stress and fatigue, which did not appear to compromise performance and safety. The 15-h nonflying intervals between flights provided sufficient rest for the crews. Keywords: Fatigue, Sustained flight operations, Human subjects, Physical fitness, Patrol community, Urinalysis, Mood, Warfare. (sdw)
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- Apr 01, 1990
- Accession Number
- ADA226412
Entities
People
- C. A. Dejohn
- L. G. Meyer
Organizations
- Naval Aerospace Medical Research Laboratory