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Published on: June 9, 2016
Flight deck magnetic fields in commercial aircraft
J S Nicholas1, G C Butler, D T Lackland
1Department of Biometry and Epidemiology, Medical University of South Carolina, Charleston, South Carolina 29425, USA. nicholjs@musc.edu
American Journal of Industrial Medicine
|October 12, 2000
Summary
Airline pilots experience significant flight deck magnetic field exposure, with levels substantially exceeding typical office environments. Further research is needed to assess potential long-term health effects for aviation professionals.
Area of Science:
- Occupational health
- Aerospace engineering
- Electromagnetic field exposure
Background:
- Airline pilots are occupationally exposed to magnetic fields from aircraft electrical systems.
- Previous research has not extensively quantified personal magnetic field exposure for pilots.
Purpose of the Study:
- To directly measure personal magnetic field exposure for pilots on various aircraft types.
- To compare magnetic field exposure levels across different flight deck designs and pilot roles.
Main Methods:
- Personal dosimeters were used to measure magnetic fields.
- Measurements were conducted on Boeing 737/200, 747/400, 767/300ER, and Airbus 320 aircraft.
- Data was collected over a 75-hour flight-duty month, totaling approximately 1,008 block hours.
Main Results:
- Pilot magnetic field exposure varied by aircraft type, ranging from 6.7 mG (Boeing 767/300ER) to 12.7 mG (Boeing 737/200).
- These measured levels are significantly higher than typical home or office magnetic field levels (0.8-1 mG).
Conclusions:
- Flight deck magnetic field measurements indicate substantial exposure for airline pilots.
- The findings suggest a need for further investigation into the health implications of chronic magnetic field exposure in aviation.
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