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Over-the-counter drugs…

  • A
    are safe for pilots since they do not need any prescription.
  • B
    may be used at any time on flight duty.
  • C
    do not have any effects on the central nervous system.
  • D
    may have some adverse effects on a pilot’s performance.

Any medication can cause side effects, some of which may impair the safe performance of flying duties. Equally, symptoms of colds, sore throats, diarrhoea and other abdominal upsets may cause little or no problem whilst on the ground but may distract the pilot or cabin crew member and degrade their performance whilst on duty. The in-flight environment may also increase the severity of symptoms which may only be minor whilst on the ground. Therefore, one issue with medication and flying is the underlying condition and, in addition, the symptoms may be compounded by the side effects of the medication prescribed or bought over the counter for treatment.

The pilot is responsible to make sure that self medication has no adverse effect on a his/her ability to perform his/her duties safely. Before taking any medication and acting as a pilot or cabin crew member, the following three basic questions should be satisfactorily answered:

(1) Do I feel fit to fly?
(2) Do I really need to take medication at all?
(3) Have I given this particular medication a personal trial on the ground to ensure that it will not have any adverse effects on my ability to fly?

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This question has appeared on the real examination, you can find the related countries below.

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