Low Level Alcohol and its Residual Effect on a Pilot's Threshold for Detecting Angular Motion

<p>The purpose of this study was to examine a pilot's sensitivity to a change in angular motion after alcohol ingestion and determine the duration of effect after the time the blood alcohol content (BAC) reached zero. An earlier study determined that a pilot's threshold for detecting angular motion was affected by 30% with low doses of alcohol ingestion. An important question remaining is whether the pilot's sensitivity to angular motion will continue to be significantly affected after the time BAC reaches zero. Twelve instrument-rated pilots flew a partial panel rotating simulator under an in-flight scenario, and thresholds were measured before and after alcohol administration. As expected the pilot's sensitivity to angular motion (at BAC < 0.04%) registered a higher (> 30%) threshold and remained elevated when BAC returned to zero. However, within one hour after BAC reached zero, the mean thresholds had returned to their initial prealcohol level.</p>

Name thesis:degree_name

Master of Aeronautical Science

Level thesis:degree_level

Thesis - Open Access

Discipline thesis:degree_discipline

Graduate Studies

Year

1995

Author dc:creator

• Bolinger, Regina G.

Contributors dc:contributor

• John A. Wise
• David W. Abbott
• V. David Hopkin

• angular motion
• pilot
• blood alcohol content
• threshold
• Aviation

Repository record dc:identifier

https://commons.erau.edu/db-theses/303

OAI identifier oai:identifier

oai:commons.erau.edu:db-theses-1020