Sun block while flying

[satpak77]

My left arm is tanner than my right. Which brings up the question-

Anyone use sun block to protect themselves while up at altitude?

Or the ramp for that matter?

 

[mayday1]

i don't use sunblock but my dermatologist swares up and down pilots are more susceptible to and have more incidences of skin cancer. She says the UV rays are stronger at altitude and that I should wear sunblock every time I fly... and i do, of course : )

 

[semperfido]

if you are genetically predisposed to skin issues then you should use sun block every day

 

[CrewResearch]

Yes, it is a good idea to use sunblock while flying when you're sitting up there in the pointy end!

Ultra-violet radiation, the part of "sunshine" that can damage your skin, is more intense at altitude than on the ground for the simple reason that the higher up you go, the less of the Earth's atmosphere you have between you and the sun. So, more UV rays get through to you.

UV radiation can cause or contribute to skin cancers. It also affects certain cellular structures in the skin, resulting in faster "aging" of the skin: Leathery texture and premature wrinkles.

UV radiation can also damage the eyes, causing cataracts. (This happens over time, of course -- not from one exposure.) Untreated, cataracts can lead to blindness. Exposure to UV rays is also blamed for a number of other eye disorders, such as inflammations of the cornea, the iris, and the membranes that line the eyelids.

What to do:

For the skin, sleeves help. So does sun block. Get some that's intended for use on the face. You can use this on arms and necks as well. (If you get "regular" sunscreen for your arms and neck, you'll have to get a second one for your face -- face sunscreen is usually anti-pore-clogging. Might as well use that kind for the whole works!)

For your eyes, the World Health Organization (WHO) recommends wrap-around sunglasses, or sunglasses with side panels. And if you think that kind looks dorky on you -- only wear them in the cockpit, and switch to your "cooler" shades after you land.

 

[Singlecoil]

I wish my left arm was tanner than my right. In my case, its the other way around.

 

[cforst513]

yeah, i think the original poster was showing off and letting the world know he's a captain

 

[semperfido]

I wish my left arm was tanner than my right. In my case, its the other way around.

simple answer is to swap seats

 

[TonyC]

What is this "sun" thing to which you refer? Is it that thing that rises from the horizon to sting my eyes during the landing after a long night of dodging clouds I cannot see, and the thing that drowns my hotel room in light when I'm trying to sleep?

Why is it sunscreen, but moonshine? Is there a moonscreen?

? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ?





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[HMR]

My crewmember and I divide up our assignments as TP (Tanning Pilot) and NTP (Non-Tanning Pilot). If it's your day to be TP, you get to wear your swimsuit and hold the shiny-side of the cockpit sunscreen in your lap (helps focus the sun's rays on that hard-to-tan spot under your chin). The NTP is responsible for all flying duties as well as preparing the cucumber slices we place over our eyes. Aside from not being able to control the yolk or tiller with Baby Oil on your hands it's a great way to fly.

 

[English]

Cool...I wanna fly with HMR!

 

[CrewResearch]

You guys crack me up!

 

[FN FAL]

In case you missed it Dr. Sullivan, those of us who have careers flying aircraft with only plexiglass windows are more at risk at developing skin cancer, as those windows do not filter uv rays.

 

[CrewResearch]

Very interesting, FN FAL. You are right -- I had not considered that.

I learn something new from you guys every day! (Which is why I'm here... ).

So, tell me, what kinds of a/c do have plexiglass instead of glass?

 

[sstearns2]

I use one of those mesh screens with suction cups when up high during the day. You can still see thru it, but it cuts out most of the sunlight. They're at the autoparts store. There are people who say the sunblock itself is not very good for you either. I don't know if I'd use sunblock every day of my working life.

Scott

 

[seethru]

I've found these sunscreen wipes to be very convenient for the cockpit. No need to lug around a bottle of greasy sunscreen.

http://www.spwipes.com/