Galactic Radiation- the risks?

RPJ

RPJ

Well-Known Member
Doc,

I have a odd question but I am curious. For a pilot that spends his career in high altitude operations (airline pilot), are there higher risks of cancer due to the elevated amounts of radiation from the atmosphere? Is there any type of study that has been done on this for career aviators? Would there be a higher risk for international flights vs domestic because of time at higher exposure? I read on a website that a career airline pilot is subject to comparable amounts of radiation that a hospital x-ray tech receives throughout an equal career length. Any info would be great.


Thanks,
Ryan
 
Thank you! Great document. I found this interesting:

"Suppose a crew member worked 700 block hours per year for 25 years flying between new york, NY and Chicago, IL. The dose to the crewmember would be 68 millisieverts. Crewmembers receiving 68 millisieverts will, on average, incur an increased risk of fatal cancer of about 1 in 360."


Is there anything else other than flying at lower altitudes an aircrew can do to reduce the amounts received? I like the idea of the Solar Radiation Alert System but do airlines even listen to this as it is not a requirement only recommendation?

Thanks again,
Ryan
 
As far as I know, there is nothing else you can do.

I doubt the airlines or the FAA pays any attention. After all, they don't pay attention to fatigue and it is a bigger danger than galactic radiation.
 
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