Dosimetry at aviation altitudes (2006-2008)

Area of Science:

• Aviation safety
• Radiation physics
• Occupational health

Background:

• European Union Directive 96/29/EURATOM mandated radiation protection for aircrew by May 2000.
• Article 42 requires assessment of aircrew radiation exposure, typically done via dose calculations.
• Spot checks using flight measurements are conducted by airlines and research institutes to validate calculated doses.

Purpose of the Study:

• To assess and validate aircrew radiation exposure during the solar minimum.
• To investigate cosmic radiation dose rates at aviation altitudes during a period of maximum solar cycle activity.
• To implement and verify regulatory requirements for aircrew radiation protection.

Main Methods:

• Conducting repeated measuring flights during the solar minimum (March 2006 - August 2008).
• Utilizing a suite of radiation detection instruments: tissue equivalent proportional counter, Liulin semiconductor detectors, and bubble detectors.
• Cooperation between the German Aerospace Center (DLR) and several German airlines.

Main Results:

• Dose rates at aviation altitudes reach their maximum during the solar minimum.
• Measurements provided real-world data to compare against calculated radiation doses for aircrew.
• The study contributed to understanding and managing radiation risks in aviation.

Conclusions:

• Regular measurements are crucial for validating calculated aircrew radiation doses.
• The solar minimum presents heightened radiation exposure risks for aviation personnel.
• This research supports the effective implementation of radiation protection regulations in aviation.