MAINTAIN ACCIDENT AWARENESS
Don't become a statistic!
The NTSB has reported 32 ag accidents including three fatal accidents in 2017. A fourth fatality occurred in Ark. over the weekend when an airplane hit terrain.
IMPAIRMENT BY MEDICATION
A 2014 safety study by NTSB and FAA investigated pilot impairment from prescription and over-the-counter (OTC) drugs in fatal accidents through the period from 1990-2012. Medications prohibited by the FAA were the cause of, or contributed to, 12% of fatal general aviation accidents in the previous decade. A significant trend of the proportion of fatally injured pilots with at least one positive drug finding increased from less than 10% in 1990 to 40% in 2011.
The FAA toxicology laboratory found 42% of pilots who died in accidents between 2004 and 2008 tested positive for drugs or medications. The most common at 6% was diphenhydramine (e.g. Benadryl), which is found in over 50 OTC and prescription medications. In addition, 6% tested positive for marijuana or morphine and 4% tested positive for diazepam (e.g. Valium) or hydrocodone, a narcotic pain medication.
Pilots can mitigate their risk of medical-induced impairment by:
1. Using the IM SAFE checklist before flight to assess their physical condition - see the 5/16/2016 Fly Safe for details about the checklist;
2. After stopping the use of a medication with impairing side effects, follow FAA guidelines and don't fly for at least five maximal dosing intervals;
3. Getting expert guidance on medicinal use from your designated FAA Medical Examiner or aviation support organization; and
4. Becoming an educated pilot and health care consumer.
Remember TFR Awareness
Check Temporary Flight Restrictions (TFRs) before flying! FAA recommends you obtain TFR NOTAMs from FSS. Make sure you have proof that you made the effort to comply as verified by briefing records at FSS or by DUATS log in.
Make a "Fly Safe" Resolution Now!
