Drugs; Scuba Diving; Carbon Monoxide And Night Vision - Beechcraft Musketeer Sport III A23-19 Pilot Operating Handbook

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Sectlon X
Safety lnformatlon
Single Englne (Piston)
(b) Except in an emergency, no pilot of a civil air-
craft may allow a person who appears to be intoxi-
cated or who demonstrates by manner or physical
indications that the individual is under the influence
of drugs (except a medical patient under proper
care) to be carried in that aircraft."
Because of the slow destruction of alcohol by the body, a
pilot may still be under influence eight hours after drinking a
moderata amount of alcohol. Therefore, an excellent rule is
to allow at least 12 to 24 hours between "bottle and throttle,"
depending on the amount of aleoholic beverage consumed.
DRUGS
Self-medication or taking medicine in any form when you are
flying can be extremely hazardous. Even simple home or
over-the-counter remedies and drugs such as aspirin, anti-
histamines, cold tablets, cough mixtures, laxatives, tranquil-
izers, and appetite suppressors, may seriously impair the
judgment and coordination needed while flying. The safest
rule is to take no medicine before or while flying, except
after eonsuitalion with your Aviation Medical Examiner.
SCUBA DtVING
Flying shortly after any prolongad scuba diving could be
dangerous. Under the increased pressure of the water,
excess nitrogen is absorbed into your system.
Ił
sufficient
time has not elapsed prior to takeoff for your system to rid
itself of this excess gas, you may experience the bends at
a!tjtudes even under 10,000 feet, where most light planes
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CARBON MONOX/DE AND NIGHT VISlON
The presence of carbon monoxide results in hypoxia which
will affect night vision in the same manner and extent as
hypoxia from high altitudes. Even smali levels of carbon
May, 1994
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