ANU Institute for Space | InSpace’s Post

OFF TO WORK FLIGHT! Something a bit different for yesterday’s work trip to California. My youngest had a fencing tournament in Austin this past weekend, so the departure point was Austin-Bergstrom International Airport (AUS) instead of DFW. Got upgraded to First Class on the Austin (AUS)-Seattle (SEA) leg of my flight on N277AK, one of Alaska’s Boeing 737-900ER aircraft. I also got upgraded to First Class on the Seattle (SEA)-Fresno Yosemite (FAT) leg which was on N707AL, a Boeing 737-9 MAX, the type that replaced the 737-900ER in the Boeing product line. Alaska has the cabins of both types configured identically, so they’re interchangeable in the airline’s network. Where the -9 MAX shines as a newer aircraft is thanks to its more advanced CFM International (CFM) LEAP-1B engines which compared to the CFM56 engines of the -900ER, burn about a 1000 lbs less fuel per hour. That can translate into more payload or more range. On the 3500 mile flight between Austin and Seattle, that roughly translates to 23 gallons of fuel burned per passenger- about 152 miles per gallon to haul me to the Pacific Northwest. I was upgraded to First Class on both the AUS-SEA and SEA-FAT legs. Once again, the attentiveness of the cabin crew was exemplary- shout out to Brandy on AS595 AUS-SEA and David on AS1160 SEA-FAT! My work as medical director at Tule River continues to be an education on the operational side of the delivery of medical care. One of the things that has been valuable is that I have 20 years of private practice experience, so I've seen what primary care looks like in the private world. Having experience in a side of medicine not a part of Native American healthcare means there's possible solutions and ways of doing things that might not have otherwise been explored. That's not to say the way things are done in private practice are better- mind you, many aspects of private practice burned me out and led me to switch to Native American healthcare in the first place- but I love the challenge of trying to figure out how to blend "the best of both worlds" into something that works for the tribal communities I serve. #FamilyMedicine #IndianHealthCare #IndianCountry American Academy of Family Physicians

Traveling for the holidays? Aerospace Medicine specialist and ABPM Diplomate Dr. Leigh Speicher offers tips to airline passengers to ensure healthy and comfortable flights.  https://lnkd.in/gUch4DFY American Board of Preventive Medicine (ABPM) offers certification to physicians in Aerospace Medicine; learn more at https://lnkd.in/gsf8RSU.

The Federal Aviation Administration Guide for Aviation Medical Examiners (AMEs), updated May 29, continues to demonstrate the agency’s willingness to address treatable pilot mental health concerns. As part of this latest revision, the FAA has identified 11 mental health diagnoses that an AME can issue medical certification for, without having to send records to the FAA for review and approval. Acceptable diagnoses include several kinds of depression, anxiety, and other related conditions, and this certification requires that the pilot meet certain restrictive criteria. Our Aeromedical advisor Dr. Quay Snyder said, “The FAA has significantly liberalized pilot mental health conditions with this latest policy change.” Snyder noted that this move is in partial response to the recommendations of the recent Mental Health and Aviation Medical Clearances Aviation Rulemaking Committee, which he and Capt. Travis Ludwig (UAL), our Air Safety Organization Pilot Assistance Committee chair, were members of. The FAA has intimated that additional policy changes could come as soon as this September. The latest AME Guide also outlines a new process to expedite recertification for pilots who have recovered from coronary heart and artery diseases. Individuals must remain asymptomatic for at least a year and meet other conditions. Learn more: https://lnkd.in/g5UTdDH7 #MentalHealthAwareness

These are exactly the steps that we should be taking. On May 29, 2024, the FAA released new guidance for Aviation Medical Examiners (AMEs) regarding medical certificates for those with certain mental health histories. Certain combinations of past occurrences of depression and anxiety (i.e. situational depression, Generalized Anxiety Disorder, or postpartum depression) that have been resolved now make potential pilots eligible for a medical certificate. In order to create the safest form of aviation, it is essential that our pilots feel they exist in an environment where they can speak out on their struggles. This is the first step of hopefully many towards a future in aviation that emphasizes support in times of need. Pilots should not fear speaking out- and they should be free to receive help. Life is complicated, and pilots are human. Here's to a great start- and hope towards a better future for those in the sky. https://lnkd.in/ggr7jddc

The Pilot Minute 15- Case Management - The role of your Aviation Medical Examiner (AME) is primarily to conduct your FAA medical exam and determine if you meet the FAA’s certification criteria. But what happens if your case is deferred to the FAA? Let’s explore the options!

Are you getting ready for your Private Pilot Licence for Aeroplanes exams? At Ground School, we provide the ultimate resources to ensure you pass with flying colours! Our comprehensive study materials and realistic practice exams are designed to give you the confidence and knowledge you need. Whether you're tackling navigation, meteorology, or air law, our resources cover all the essential topics. Here's how Ground School can help you succeed: - Detailed Study Guides: Access thorough and easy-to-understand materials that cover every -aspect of the PPL(A) exams. - Practice Exams: Simulate the real test environment with our practice exams and get instant feedback to pinpoint your strengths and areas for improvement. - Expert Insights: Gain valuable insights from aviation professionals in our explanations to help you grasp complex concepts with ease. Don't let exam anxiety hold you back. With Ground School, you can approach your exams with confidence and achieve your aviation dreams. Ready to get started? Visit Ground School to explore our exam resources today! - Air Law and Operational Procedures - Aircraft Technical and General - Flight Performance and Planning - Human Performance - Meteorology - Navigation - Principles of Flight

How do we keep our skies safe? Dive into the critical role of aviation medicine in ensuring pilot health and safety. This week on "Grow Your Business & Grow Your Wealth," we explore how rigorous health standards are the backbone of aviation safety. 🔍 Discover: The impact of medical fitness on pilot performance and air travel. Why proactive health management is crucial for pilots. 👨✈️ Whether you're in aviation, healthcare, or just fascinated by how these industries intersect, this episode provides valuable insights into the meticulous world of aviation medicine. 📌 Tune in to learn more about the essential standards that keep our pilots and skies safe! https://lnkd.in/gBs2EdxS

#Health and #wellbeing supportive #environments in the sky are a thing! Yet for years, many of us have been force-fit into conditions that were frustrating at best and overwhelming at worst. I'm highly #SensorySensitive and don't sleep on planes. So I'm normally that person on the plane who is wide awake in the dark for 15 hours. To make matters worse, I specialise in #environments that can support versus hinder human #HealthAndWellbeing. So I know how much better things can be when they're bad and how little effort it would require with some intentional #spatial and #organisational #design. Just last month, I took multiple international flights--many which balanced a darkening light approach with service. Unfortunately, one flight I took with Thai Airways International from London to Bangkok was awful. I had been assigned a seat incorrectly (something I'm still fighting) and therefore had no window. The closest one was the teeny tiny emergency exit door aperture, which the staff kept covered and monitored doggedly the entire 11.5 hour flight, further contributing to my #claustrophobia and discomfort by disallowing access to light and orientating views. This is not how #AirTravel can or should be, especially in an age when we understand the importance of #light to our #circadianrhythm function and overall #mental, #physical, and #social health. Instead, airlines should offer #HealthSupportive #experiences that are #CarefullyCurated based on #Art, #Engineering, and #Science. I love this article and brief video feature that highlight the need for better #AirplaneDesign, recognizing non-sleeping passengers like me in addition to those who wish to sleep. Kudos to Associate Professor Sveta Postnova of the University of Sydney and Qantas for this fantastic work! I hope to be a traveler on one of these planes very soon. #BetterAirplanes #AirplaneExperiences #TransformingAviation #TheArtOfAviation #PieInTheSkyDesign

Embry-Riddle, FAA On New Mental Health Guidelines for Aviation Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University and the FAA are prioritizing mental health among aviation professionals following a comprehensive review. A committee of aviation and medical experts, including Dr. Alan Stolzer from Embry-Riddle, released a report, proposing 24 recommendations to enhance safety and support for pilots and air traffic controllers. These guidelines aim to facilitate the disclosure of mental health issues in a non-punitive manner, align FAA medical screenings with safety, expand peer support, and increase mental health awareness without risking job security. These recommendations follow heightened concerns after incidents involving pilots with mental health issues, including a 2015 Germanwings crash and a 2023 Alaska Airlines incident. The suggested reforms include changes to reporting requirements for therapy and medication, aiming to simplify the reinstatement process and mitigate safety risks in the National Airspace System. Follow the AEROTHRIVE LinkedIn page for frequent aviation safety news!