[Current problems in aviation physiology]

Soviet aviation has developed an efficient system of medical support based on physiological knowledge and aimed at the solution of various problems associated with pilot selection and training, his professional activity, arrangement of his working place, etc. It is understood that the following lines of research hold great promise in protecting the human body against adverse flight effects: methods of protection against high altitude effects which also help maintain high operational efficiency; conditioning of transport, regulation and energy mechanisms of oxygen supply; methods of predicting man's tolerance to motion sickness; study of mechanisms of photoreception of blinding brightnesses; development of photoprotectors, etc. With respect to professional selection, it is important to use EEG data for prognostic purposes, to investigate lateral functions of paired organs, and to explore their relationship with body tolerance to flight factors and efficiency of training. The results of physiological investigations of the functional state of the pilot form the basis to standardize his workload, to develop rational work-rest cycles, and to prevent performance deterioration. Physiological recommendations can be used to formulate requirements for the configuration of the pilot working place.