Fasting or feeding? a survey of fast-jet aircrew nutrition in the Royal Air Force Strike Command, 1979

The dietary patterns of 266 fast-jet aircrew serving nine operational bases in the RAF Strike Command were studied by questionnaires and statistical analysis, including interrogation of a computer package. There were 113 aircrew (42.5%) who admitted to specific symptoms which, in 59 cases (22%), could have been due to inadequate feeding, apart from or in addition to other stresses associated with the high workload and nature of the operational task. Surprisingly, missing breakfast or eating a light breakfast did not appear to be significant, but diet-related symptoms were associated with missing a meal, during the flying programme, which the individual would normally expect to eat. Because of the pressures and tempo of the flying task, many aircrew said they could often not spare the time to leave the squadron for a meal. Provision of decentralised catering facilities at these units was recommended.