The effect of repeated doses of 30 mg pyridostigmine bromide on pilot performance in an A-4 flight simulator

The effect of repeated doses of 30 mg pyridostigmine bromide every 8 h on flight skills in an A-4 simulator was tested in this crossover double-blind placebo-controlled study on 10 pilots experienced in actual and simulated A-4 flights. The pilots flew two test simulator flights 2 h after the fourth dose of pyridostigmine or placebo. The flight profile included navigation, rapid ascent, 360 degrees turns, and instrument landing. Each flight lasted approximately 20 min. Flight parameters measured included indicated air speed, true heading, barometric altitude, vertical velocity, and bank. The mean whole blood cholinesterase inhibition level was 29%. There was no decrement in performance under treatment with pyridostigmine in the percent of deviation time from the prescribed limits or in the average duration or magnitude of the deviation in each of the flight parameters. We conclude that pyridostigmine bromide in repeated doses of 30 mg every 8 h does not appear to influence pilot performance during short A-4 missions.