Decompression Sickness Risk Assessment and Awareness in General Aviation

Area of Science:

• Aviation Medicine
• Physiology
• Public Health

Background:

• Decompression sickness (DCS) is a known risk in aviation, typically studied in commercial or military contexts.
• General aviation (GA) aircraft, particularly popular piston models, frequently operate above 18,000 feet (FL180), a critical altitude for DCS risk.
• The potential for DCS in GA pilots has not been adequately studied, posing a public health and safety concern.

Purpose of the Study:

• To assess the risk of decompression sickness (DCS) in general aviation (GA) pilots flying unpressurized aircraft above 18,000 feet.
• To identify the prevalence of DCS symptoms among GA pilots operating at these altitudes.
• To evaluate potential safety implications for GA operations.

Main Methods:

• Analysis of flight tracking data to identify US-based flights above FL180 in unpressurized piston aircraft over one year.
• Calculation of DCS risk using the USAF Altitude Decompression Sickness Risk Assessment Computer (ADRAC).
• Cross-referencing aircraft registrations with federal databases for safety events and conducting a web-based survey of GA pilots regarding altitude practices and symptoms.

Main Results:

• 1696 flights above FL180 were identified, with an estimated DCS risk of 1.9-4.2%.
• Of 42 survey respondents, 25 pilots reported flying above FL180, and 21 (84%) reported possible DCS symptoms, with none seeking medical attention.
• No safety events attributable to DCS were identified during the study period.

Conclusions:

• The risk of decompression sickness (DCS) in the general aviation (GA) community is a tangible concern.
• Increasing performance and sales of GA aircraft capable of high-altitude flight necessitate attention to DCS risks.
• Further research is crucial to understand and mitigate DCS risks in GA to ensure pilot and public safety.