Research

Flight Medicine Systems offers a comprehensive range of aviation medicine research services. We can respond to any research requirement. We specialise in the following areas:

  • Gravitational physiology and the effects of high G forces
  • Altitude physiology and oxygen systems
  • Spatial disorientation
  • Motion sickness
  • Escape and survival (including ejection seat technology)
  • Clinical aviation medicine
  • Human factors
  • Research project design and implementation
  • Literature reviews

We have completed a significant number of research projects for various private companies, government agencies and international clients. The majority of these are commercially sensitive and confidential.

We recently participated in a UK CAA enquiry into the risk to civil aviation safety from cognitive impairment in pilots experiencing low level G forces at levels, and for durations, likely to be experienced in commercial and recreational, civil air operations. Our Managing Director Dr David Newman participated in this enquiry as a member of the Expert Review Panel, on the basis of his recognised expertise in G. The final report can be accessed here:

In Australia, we have completed the following research projects for the Australian Transport Safety Bureau (ATSB), all of which are publicly available on the ATSB website:

  • An overview of spatial disorientation as a factor in aviation accidents and incidents. ATSB Transport Safety Report B20070063. December 2007.
  • Pilot incapacitation: analysis of medical conditions affecting pilots involved in accidents and incidents. 1 January 1975 to 31 March 2006. ATSB Transport Safety Report B2006/0170. January 2007.
  • An analysis of in-flight passenger injuries and medical conditions. 1 January 1975 to 31 March 2006. ATSB Transport Safety Report B2006/0171. October 2006.
  • Accidents and incidents involving alcohol and drugs in Australian civil aviation. 1 January 1975 to 31 March 2006. ATSB Transport Safety Report B2006/0169. June 2006.
  • Depressurisation accidents and incidents involving Australian civil aircraft. 1 January 1975 to 31 March 2006. ATSB Transport Safety Report B2006/0142. June 2006.
  • Diabetes mellitus and its effects on pilot performance and flight safety: a review. ATSB Research Report, June 2005.
  • Alcohol and human performance from an aviation perspective: a review. ATSB Research Report, March 2004.
  • Cannabis and its effects on pilot performance and flight safety: a review. ATSB Research Report, March 2004.