iscover
Flying fastjets requires the utmost in instantaneous reflexes, concentration and absolutely perfect physical fitness. Smoking not only greatly decreases the pilot's overall long-term fitness but also affects that pilot's ability to pull high G loadings in air-to-air combat. A current Hornet pilot recently commented to this writer that in air combat manoeuvring (ACM) exercises it was always easier to stay with an adversary in close-in combat if the adversary was a smoker. The adversary's blood was less able to absorb and transport the vital oxygen that the brain and body in general required in order to meet peak loads of both mental and physical extremes. (DPR)
Air Safety
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Smoke Gets in Your Eyes
That cigarette smoking is a guaranteed means of reducing your fit and healthy life potential is something that nowadays is argued against by few thinking people. However, while not in the league of alcohol, smoking can and does have a debilitating effect on an aviator’s capability. Whether you fly a Piper or a Hornet the following article from the RAAF’s Spotlight magazine is of direct relevance to you.
Would you believe that three cigarettes before takeoff can reduce, by 20%, a pilot’s clarity of vision and ability to quickly switch focus from the instrument panel, to the horizon and back to the clocks again?
Because of these facts, a Melbourne eye specialist recently recommended a ban on smoking in aircraft cockpits and no smoking by crew members for eight hours before takeoff.
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