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Summary
Pilots with human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) may fly, as there is no increased risk of tuberculosis transmission on aircraft. In-flight medical events are rare and often managed by physician passengers.
Area of Science:
- Aviation Medicine
- Infectious Disease Transmission
Background:
- Debate exists regarding the permissibility of pilots with human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) operating aircraft.
- In-flight medical emergencies occur approximately three times daily.
- Physicians, as passengers, provide medical assistance in 85% of these emergencies.
Purpose of the Study:
- To evaluate the risks associated with pilots infected with human immunodeficiency virus (HIV).
- To assess the likelihood of tuberculosis transmission in the unique environment of a commercial airliner.
Main Methods:
- Review of existing evidence on HIV in pilots.
- Analysis of in-flight medical emergency data.
- Assessment of tuberculosis transmission risks on commercial flights.
Main Results:
- No evidence suggests tuberculosis is more likely to be contracted on a commercial airliner compared to other public conveyances.
- In-flight medical emergencies are infrequent and typically managed by medical professionals on board.
Conclusions:
- The presence of human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) in pilots does not appear to pose an elevated risk for tuberculosis transmission.
- Current data do not support barring pilots with HIV from flying based on infectious disease concerns.