The cardiovascular fitness of airline pilots report of a working party of the cardiology committee of the royal college of physicians of London

Abstract

The Working Party was convened by The Royal College of Physicians to examine the standards of cardiovascular fitness of airline pilots with specific reference to the place of electrocardiographic effort testing as mentioned in the Trident Crash Report (Civil Aircraft Accident Report 4/73, 1973). The final terms of reference of the Working Partywere widened to include: cardiovascular examination before acceptance for training (Section II); cardiovascular reassessment of licensed pilots (Section III); advice to pilots on the maintenance of health (Section V); and recommendations for research (Section VII). Notice was given through the medical press and to the British Cardiac Society inviting evidence from any member of the medical profession with special interest or experience in these matters. Evidence was als taken from representatives of the Civil Aviation Authority, British Airline Pilots Association (BALPA), and from certain other individuals (Appendix 3). In October 1975 the American College of Cardiology published the report of its Eighth Bethesda Conference on 'Cardiovascular Problems Associated with Aviation Safety', to be known hereinafter as the 'Bethesda Report' (American College of Cardiology, 1975). This report is extensive and valuable, setting out cardiovascular criteria relating to aviation safety recommended by a Panel of American Cardiologists. The 'Bethesda Report' can be regarded as a reference manual whereas this report should be considered more as an operational document.