Dr. Fredrick Tilton, Federal Air Surgeon By Brent Blue, M.D. With a new Federal Air Surgeon in office -- one who is also a pilot -- many are wondering if changes will come to the medical certification process. Bureaucracies move slowly, but AVweb's Dr. Brent Blue learned about some interesting plans when he interviewed Dr. Frederick Tilton.
Every Breath You Take: Danger Lurks at High-Altitude By Mike Haenggi Training and new technology are helping to reduce the danger of hypoxia. But understanding why your body reacts the way it does can ensure you catch the symptoms before you are incapacitated.
FAA Streamlines "Special" Medicals By Brent Blue, M.D. The FAA recently expanded its special issuance program for pilots with medical problems; now the program includes First- and Second-Class medical certificates as well as Third-Class medicals. The change promises to streamline the FAA's approval process for pilots who require the higher certificates. Senior FAA Aviation Medical Examiner Brent Blue, M.D., explains all.
Carbon Monoxide Detectors By Mike Busch Very few pilots carry any sort of carbon-monoxide (CO) detector when they fly, except perhaps the el-cheapo chemical spot detectors that leave much to be desired. Mike Busch analyzes the CO-related accident history, discusses the medical aspects of CO poisoning, and evaluates the various kinds of CO detectors available for under $100. Note: Updated November 2003 to reflect changes in available products.
E-Ox Personal Emergency Oxygen System By Brent Blue, M.D. Aeromedix has developed a miniature aviation-grade personal oxygen system that slips easily into in your flight bag, briefcase or tote-bag, and provides up to 113 liters of breathing oxygen that you can have with you wherever you go. Active pilot and aviation medicine expert Dr. Brent Blue (president of Aeromedix) thinks this little $200 system is a terrific option for GA pilots who don't do enough high-altitude flying to justify spending $600 to $900 for a full-blown portable oxygen system. And in an emergency, it could be a lifesaver. NOTE: This is an update to Dr. Blue's previous article on the Breath of Life system.
