No. APB 10-02 December 30, 2009 Page 1 of 3
Subject: Medications, Flying, and Fitness
Area of Concern: All Aviation Activities
Distribution: All Aviation Users
Interagency Aviation
Accident Prevention Bulletin
Interagency Aviation
Accident Prevention Bulletin
Discussion: It never fails. You’ve waited all month to go
flying and you wake up with a sore throat and sniffles.
Do you think to yourself: Well, I can still clear my ears
so I’ll just pop a couple of cold tablets and go flying.
Or, do you realize that pilot performance can be seriously
affected by both prescribed and over-the-counter (OTC)
medications and stay on the ground?
OTC medications are legal, non-prescription substances
taken for the relief of discomforting symptoms. They
come in capsule, tablet, powder, or liquid form. They also
include topical agents that use a dermal delivery system
(i.e. patch). Some of the more common OTC
medications include:
Analgesics: Non-steroid anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAID) such as Ibuprofen, aspirin, and
acetaminophen. (Motrin, Bayer, Tylenol)
Cold and flu preparations: antihistamines, decongestants, and cough preparations. (Alka-Seltzer Cold
Plus, Sudafed)
Allergy preparations: antihistamines, decongestants. (Claritin D)
Bowel or gastrointestinal agents such as laxatives and anti-diarrhea. (Ex-Lax)
Sleeping aids which generally have a low dose of antihistamines in them. (Tylenol PM, Sominex)
Dietary supplements, including agents such as amino acids, vitamins, herbal and mineral/vitamin
combinations.
CAUTION
“The CFRs prohibit a pilot who possesses a current medical certificate from performing
crewmember duties while the pilot has a known medical condition or increase of a known
medical condition that would make the pilot unable to meet the standards for the medical
certificate.” FAA Aeronautical Information Manual (8-1-1.c2)
No. APB 10-02 December 30, 2009 Page 2 of 3
Subject: Medications & Flying
The FAA recommends the following:
READ and follow label directions for use of all medications.
If the label warns of side effects, do NOT fly until twice the recommended dosing interval has
passed. For example, if the label says “take every 4-6 hours” then wait at least 12 hours!
Remember, the condition you are treating may be as disqualifying as the medication itself.
When in doubt, ask your physician or Aviation Medical Examiner.
As a pilot, you are responsible for your own personal “pre-flight.” Be wary of any illness that
requires medicine to make you feel better.
If an illness is serious enough to require medication, it is also serious enough to prevent you
from flying.
Do not fly if you have a cold; changes in atmospheric pressures with changes in altitude can
cause serious ear and sinus problems.
Avoid mixing decongestants and caffeine.
Beware of medications that use alcohol as a base for the ingredients.
REMEMBER. If in doubt, err on the side of caution! An old quote from the past is still applicable
today:
“Tis better to be a live chicken than a dead duck!”
Don’t be a Dead
Duck !
No. APB 10-02 December 30, 2009 Page 3 of 3
Subject: Medications & Flying
/s/ John Mills /s/ Ron Hanks
John Mills Ron Hanks
Aviation Safety Manager (Acting) Chief, Aviation Risk Management
and Training Systems
The I’M SAFE Checklist can be just the thing to keep you alive. USE IT !!
I’M SAFE CHECKIST
Illness—Do I have any symptoms?
Medication—Have I been taking prescription or over-the-counter
drugs?
Stress—Am I under psychological pressure from the job?
Worried about financial matters, health matters, or family discord?
Alcohol—Have I been drinking within 12 hours? Within 24
hours?
Fatigue—Am I tired and not adequately rested?
Eating—Am I adequately nourished?
FITNESS FOR FLIGHT - How fit are you for flying? Before you go fly, ask yourself the following
question: Am I ready to go fly? By using the I’M SAFE checklist, you can answer that question.
