Aircrew dosimetry using the Predictive Code for Aircrew Radiation Exposure (PCAIRE)

Area of Science:

• Aviation Safety
• Space Physics
• Radiation Biology

Background:

• Aircrew are exposed to elevated levels of cosmic radiation at jet altitudes.
• Accurate prediction of radiation dose is crucial for aircrew health and safety.
• Previous measurements since 1999 provided a foundation for predictive models.

Purpose of the Study:

• To validate an improved version of the Predictive Code for Aircrew Radiation Exposure (PCAIRE).
• To assess PCAIRE's accuracy in predicting dose-equivalent rates from galactic cosmic radiation.
• To develop an empirical model for estimating solar energetic particle (SEP) exposure.

Main Methods:

• Conducted 49 jet-altitude flights using a portable instrument suite for cosmic radiation measurements.
• Validated the PCAIRE code against integral route dose measurements from these flights.
• Developed an empirical correlation using ground-level neutron monitoring data for SEP events.

Main Results:

• PCAIRE predictions agreed with measured data within +/- 25% on most flights.
• The validated PCAIRE code provides confidence in predicting aircrew exposure to galactic cosmic radiation.
• An empirical model was developed to estimate aircrew exposure from SEP events, including a theoretical flight during GLE 42.

Conclusions:

• The improved PCAIRE code is a reliable tool for predicting aircrew exposure to galactic cosmic radiation.
• The study provides a method for estimating exposure from solar energetic particle events.
• These findings contribute to enhanced radiation safety protocols for aviation personnel.