Sun block while flying

[EagleRJ]

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.

FWIW, the UV radiation is indeed more intense at higher altitudes, but the windows of pressurized aircraft filter out 100% of it, so it isn't a factor. Plexiglas windows in smaller planes let it all through unless the window has a special UV tint, but the windows in pressurized aircraft are made with layers of both glass and plastic, as well as the metal used for anti-ice.

Pilots who fly at high altitudes aren't off the hook though. Being above most of the atmosphere exposes you to cosmic radiation, but it's the greatest problem for those who fly long-haul (high altitudes, long duration, high latitudes near the thinning ozone layer). I read somewhere that pilots crossing the North Atlantic under worst-case conditions (after a solar storm) are exposed to the equivalent of 10 chest X-rays. If you do that regularly, it will add up after a while!

 

[El Cóndor]

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/

Now . . . why didn't I think of that !!!! I would be filty rich, I would be able to afford my own Eclipse 500 AND have my picture taken with the Commander in Chief.

 

[DorkProp]

ALPA did an article a few years ago that referenced a study showing that pilots have higher incidences of skin cancer.

If you're fair like me, have a family history of skin cancer like me, sun burned as a child of the 70s/80s like me, then wear sunscreen every day! I've had five dysplastic (pre cancerous) moles removed already, and I'm only 30. Melanoma will certainly ground you for several months. But besides being grounded, experiencing cancer could really ruin your day.

 

[CapnVegetto]

I highly recommend sunblock. I have an uncle that flew a Citation headsetless for 20+ years, and he had to have a small top part of his left ear removed b/c of skin cancer. His doctor blamed it on flying.

 

[CrewResearch]

Pilots who fly at high altitudes aren't off the hook though. Being above most of the atmosphere exposes you to cosmic radiation, but it's the greatest problem for those who fly long-haul (high altitudes, long duration, high latitudes near the thinning ozone layer). I read somewhere that pilots crossing the North Atlantic under worst-case conditions (after a solar storm) are exposed to the equivalent of 10 chest X-rays. If you do that regularly, it will add up after a while!

It's true.

I have a whole info page about cosmic radiation exposure on my website.

http://aircrewhealth.com/Topics/hazards/radiation.htm

if you are interested.

 

[WizardPilot]

I talked to my doctor the other day about this. He recommended full length clothing AND sunblock. I asked him about full body suits, and he said they were ok. So I went out and bought myself this fine piece of work

http://www.wolfhazmat.de/respirex/NuclearProtection_0001.jpg

Sure it's a little bulky, but hey, I don't want the cancer. The doctor even told me to wear it as much as possible outside. 100UV protection AND it has those little fans that pump the "methane you rane" out when detected!

Just kiddin guys. Wear the sunscreen!!! My family is very prudent to getting some skin malfunctions, so I wear it as much as possible.

 

[CrewResearch]

Gee WizardPilot, thanks for that.


Maybe I should put a link to that suit on my website!

 

[FN FAL]

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?

Plexiglass windows?

Mostly the non-pressurized planes. Figure the career CFI is at risk in 2-6 place singles and twins (laugh all you want, some people find it rewarding being a CFI; it's better than working in chicken deboning)

Then you got the guys that fly twin otters, otters and bush planes for a career. Jump pilots fly otters and twin otters.

Freight dogs fly Caravans, Shorts Skyvans, etc. All these airplanes mentioned are non-pressurized and have plexiglass.

Your corporate pilot or chater pilot spends a lot of time in Navajo, Beech Barrons, Cessna 300 series airplanes. Non-pressurized and plexiglass.

Then there are your state pilots, who fly law enforcement and fire patrols in non-pressurized planes with plexiglass windows. Lot's of state guys enjoy their careers and I know of one that flies 8 hours a day in a single engine Cessna doing fire patrols. I'd think he'd be at great risk of skin cancer.

Last but not least, there are the fire contractors. They fly all kinds of non-presurized planes with plexiglass windows and make a career of doing it. Here you have helicopters, twin pistons, single pistons, some big radial engined jobs and some turbine powered non-pressurized planes. This is another aspect of the aviation field where a person may choose to spend an entire career flying a non-pressurized plane with plexiglass windows.

As an afterthought, you have your scenic tour operations. I'm sure they fly lots of aircraft with plexiglass windows.

 

[WMUSIGPI]

Then there are us corporate pilots flying around at FL 450 getting blasted with all the cosmic rays. Good thing I only flew 2 times this month and never even got to the flight levels. The only good thing about TAWS being installed this month. (other than I didn't have to foot the bill)