Aviat Space Envir Md
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In 1989, a Boeing 737-400 aircraft crashed at Kegworth, near Nottingham, England. The survivors suffered a large number of pelvic and lower limb injuries, and approximately one-third of the passengers died. Subsequent research has suggested that the "brace-for-impact" position that passengers are advised to adopt prior to a crash landing might be modified in order to reduce the incidence of such injuries. The aim of this research was to evaluate biomechanically such a modified crash brace position. ⋯ A modified brace position would involve passengers sitting with the upper torso inclined forward so that the passenger's head rested against the structure in front, if possible. The legs would be positioned with the feet resting on the floor in a position slightly behind the knee. The position differs from those previously recommended in that the feet are positioned behind the knee. This study suggests that such a position would reduce the potential for head and lower limb injury in some passengers, given that only a single seat type and single size of occupant have been evaluated. Standardization to such a position would improve passenger understanding and compliance. Such a recommendation should not obscure the fact that an occupant seated in a forward-facing aircraft seat, restrained only by a lap belt, is exposed to considerable forces during an impact accident. Such forces are capable of producing injuries in the femur, pelvis, and lumbar spine.
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Aviat Space Envir Md · Oct 1998
Pilots with missing fingers and/or foot components: contemporary certification.
When an applicant with amputations presents to the Aviation Medical Examiner (AME) for Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) medical certification several potential "gates" must be passed. The first gate is the AME's impression of the applicant's reaction and adaptation to the loss. ⋯ Others may need to progress through the second gate. A few applicants will be unable to transit the gates and will not become certified.