Oskari H Lindfors, Tuomo K Leino, Matti Mäntysaari, Saku T Sinkkonen
{"title":"Middle Ear and Sinus Barotraumas of Military Pilots in Finland.","authors":"Oskari H Lindfors, Tuomo K Leino, Matti Mäntysaari, Saku T Sinkkonen","doi":"10.3357/AMHP.6899.2026","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.3357/AMHP.6899.2026","url":null,"abstract":"<p><strong>Introduction: </strong>Middle ear and sinus barotraumas (MEBt and SBt) are common conditions in aviation medicine, but systematic prevalence data on military pilots in real-life military flight are lacking.</p><p><strong>Methods: </strong>An anonymous electronic questionnaire was distributed to 170 consecutive military pilots of the Finnish Defense Forces as part of their annual flight physical examinations. The primary outcomes were the self-reported frequency, clinical characteristics, and occupational health effects of MEBt and SBt in flight. The secondary outcomes were factors associated with repeated MEBt and SBt in flight [odds ratios (ORs) with 95% confidence intervals (95% CIs)].</p><p><strong>Results: </strong>In total, 74% (N = 126/170) of military pilots had experienced MEBt and 60% (N = 102/170) SBt during their careers. The symptoms warranted the use of medications in 19% of pilots with MEBt and in 21% of pilots with SBt; otorhinolaryngology-related surgical procedures in 4% of pilots with MEBt and in 14% of pilots with SBt; and sick leave in 17% of pilots with MEBt and in 20% of pilots with SBt. Factors most associated with repeated MEBt and SBt were episodes of MEBt (OR 5.56, 95% CI 1.07-28.88) and SBt (OR 40.61, 95% CI 7.51-219.70) in hypobaric pressure chamber tests, respectively.</p><p><strong>Discussion: </strong>MEBt and SBt are frequent in military pilots, causing the need for medications, otorhinolaryngology-related surgical procedures, and sick leave from flight duty. The factors most associated with repeated MEBt and SBt are episodes of MEBt and SBt in hypobaric pressure chamber tests in connection with the annual flight physical examinations, respectively. Lindfors OH, Leino TK, Mäntysaari M, Sinkkonen ST. Middle ear and sinus barotraumas of military pilots in Finland. Aerosp Med Hum Perform. 2026; 97(7):488-495.</p>","PeriodicalId":7463,"journal":{"name":"Aerospace medicine and human performance","volume":"97 7","pages":"488-495"},"PeriodicalIF":0.8,"publicationDate":"2026-07-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"148366528","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":4,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Flaminia Maltese, Jarle Steinberg, Juergen Schultz, Peter Hodkinson, Oliver R Runswick
{"title":"Feasibility of Real-Time Astronaut Eye-Tracking During Analog Extravehicular Activities.","authors":"Flaminia Maltese, Jarle Steinberg, Juergen Schultz, Peter Hodkinson, Oliver R Runswick","doi":"10.3357/AMHP.6895.2026","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.3357/AMHP.6895.2026","url":null,"abstract":"<p><strong>Introduction: </strong>As lunar missions increase in frequency and duration, astronauts will conduct more extravehicular activities (EVAs) under demanding conditions that elevate workload, reduce situational awareness, and heighten the risk of operational errors. Despite extensive use in other high-risk fields, eye-tracking technology has not yet been applied to assess gaze behavior during EVAs. We evaluated the feasibility of using mobile eye-tracking within analog EVA suits, focusing on implementation, data quality, livestreaming capability, and the ability to compare gaze behavior across tasks and suits.</p><p><strong>Methods: </strong>A trained subject performed locomotion, tool-cart navigation, and regolith sampling tasks under lunar-analog conditions while wearing different EVA training suits and a mobile eye-tracker fitted prior to donning the helmet. Data quality was evaluated in terms of robustness, reliability, and accuracy, while data quantity reflected the availability of sufficient data for analysis of fixations, saccades, and head movement.</p><p><strong>Results: </strong>In total, 4.5 h of stable and accurate eye-tracking data were recorded, with no data loss and successful livestreaming between the subject and mission control. Post hoc descriptive analysis indicated task-dependent gaze behavior, with mean fixation durations across suits ranging from 231-367 ms during locomotion, 316-380 ms during tool-cart navigation, and 417-2260 ms during regolith sampling.</p><p><strong>Discussion: </strong>Conducted in a representative EVA environment, this study demonstrates the feasibility of mobile eye-tracking within spacesuit helmets and its potential as an objective measure of cognitive workload and as a live monitoring tool between astronauts and mission control, enabling new possibilities for astronaut training and EVA operations. Maltese F, Steinberg J, Schultz J, Hodkinson P, Runswick OR. Feasibility of real-time astronaut eye-tracking during analog extravehicular activities. Aerosp Med Hum Perform. 2026; 97(7):543-549.</p>","PeriodicalId":7463,"journal":{"name":"Aerospace medicine and human performance","volume":"97 7","pages":"543-549"},"PeriodicalIF":0.8,"publicationDate":"2026-07-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"148366493","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":4,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Joanna Magill, Andrew Kelly, Cliona McRobert, Ellen Slungaard
{"title":"Relationship Between Neck Flexor Endurance and Flight-Related Neck Pain in Typhoon Pilots.","authors":"Joanna Magill, Andrew Kelly, Cliona McRobert, Ellen Slungaard","doi":"10.3357/AMHP.6564.2026","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.3357/AMHP.6564.2026","url":null,"abstract":"<p><strong>Introduction: </strong>Flight-related neck pain (FRNP) is common among fast-jet pilots. The neck flexor endurance test (NFET) provides a reliable measure of isometric neck flexor muscles endurance. This study aimed to establish NFET performance values for Royal Air Force Typhoon pilots and explore the relationship between endurance and FRNP.</p><p><strong>Methods: </strong>There were 81 Royal Air Force pilots who completed an FRNP survey and undertook the NFET. The associations between NFET and FRNP over the last 3 and 12 mo were assessed with Pearson's correlation. One-way analysis of variance with Bonferroni correction was used for categorical variables.</p><p><strong>Results: </strong>FRNP prevalence was 86% in the last 12 mo and 61% in the last 3 mo. NFET performance did not show statistically significant correlations with FRNP; however, pilots with the highest neck flexor endurance (>150.7 s) were 24% less likely to report FRNP than those with the lowest performance (<83.2 s). Pilots with the highest NFET scores self-reported increased levels of neck strength, stability, and endurance exercises weekly or more frequently. Greater cumulative Typhoon hours were associated with reduced FRNP during flight. Pilots wearing the Mk10 helmet were more likely to experience FRNP after flight. Repetitive high +Gz (>+6) maneuvers wearing a helmet-mounted symbology system were an attributable cause of FRNP both during and after flight for all.</p><p><strong>Discussion: </strong>Despite high NFET performance, FRNP remained high in this cohort. Higher neck flexor endurance was linked to reduced likelihood and frequency of FRNP. More objective measurement of flight-related loading and fatigue could help refine injury-prevention and performance-enhancement strategies. Magill J, Kelly A, McRobert C, Slungaard E. Relationship between neck flexor endurance and flight-related neck pain in typhoon pilots. Aerosp Med Hum Perform. 2026; 97(7):478-487.</p>","PeriodicalId":7463,"journal":{"name":"Aerospace medicine and human performance","volume":"97 7","pages":"478-487"},"PeriodicalIF":0.8,"publicationDate":"2026-07-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"148366551","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":4,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
{"title":"Aviation-Focused Shoulder Surgery and Rehabilitation Accelerates Return to Work in Civilian Aircrew.","authors":"Erik Hohmann, Reino Pieterse","doi":"10.3357/AMHP.6735.2026","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.3357/AMHP.6735.2026","url":null,"abstract":"<p><strong>Introduction: </strong>Over 30% of temporary aircrew incapacitations are musculoskeletal, with 20% involving the shoulder. The purpose of this study was to analyze return to work (RTW) after shoulder surgery in an aviation-focused surgical practice serving a civilian commercial major airline's crew.</p><p><strong>Methods: </strong>This retrospective case series reviewed shoulder surgical procedures performed at a specialized orthopedic practice between 2023-2024, excluding second opinions, conservative treatments, and follow-up cases from other surgeries. Unrestricted and full RTW was defined as the days from surgery to the first day of work resumption.</p><p><strong>Results: </strong>There were 30 patients who underwent shoulder surgery: 19 male pilots (mean age 50.3) and 11 cabin crew (7 females, mean age 36.3; 4 males, mean age 30), with an overall mean cabin crew age of 35.1. The average RTW was 59.2 d. Shoulder dislocations had a mean RTW of 75.7 d, while impingement with acromio-clavicular joint osteoarthritis averaged 55.1 d. Other conditions, including impingement, rotator cuff tears, clavicle fractures, and superior labrum anterior to posterior lesions, ranged from 15-70 d. One complex proximal humerus fracture required 103 d, while two frozen shoulder cases returned after 15 d.</p><p><strong>Discussion: </strong>This study indicates that most surgically treated shoulder conditions have a mean RTW time of 50-60 d. Shoulder stabilization after dislocation takes 14 d longer, while complex proximal humerus fractures take twice as long. Aviation-focused surgical practices coupled with an aviation-specific musculoskeletal rehabilitation unit facilitate a faster RTW when compared to local regulatory data. Hohmann E, Pieterse R. Aviation-focused shoulder surgery and rehabilitation accelerates return to work in civilian aircrew. Aerosp Med Hum Perform. 2026; 97(7):510-515.</p>","PeriodicalId":7463,"journal":{"name":"Aerospace medicine and human performance","volume":"97 7","pages":"510-515"},"PeriodicalIF":0.8,"publicationDate":"2026-07-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"148366555","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":4,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Gabrielle A Dillon, Kevin L Webb, Koji Uchida, Chad C Wiggins, Jonathon W Senefeld, John R A Shepherd, Zachary A Buchholtz, Sarah E Baker, Max R Trenerry, Clifton R Haider, David R Holmes, Michael J Joyner, Timothy B Curry
{"title":"Cognitive Performance During Acute Hypoxia Is Associated with Cerebral Oxygenation and Blood Flow.","authors":"Gabrielle A Dillon, Kevin L Webb, Koji Uchida, Chad C Wiggins, Jonathon W Senefeld, John R A Shepherd, Zachary A Buchholtz, Sarah E Baker, Max R Trenerry, Clifton R Haider, David R Holmes, Michael J Joyner, Timothy B Curry","doi":"10.3357/AMHP.6851.2026","DOIUrl":"10.3357/AMHP.6851.2026","url":null,"abstract":"<p><strong>Introduction: </strong>Acute hypoxia can impair cognitive performance, yet the underlying systemic and cerebral physiological mechanisms remain unclear. The objective of this study was to elucidate the systemic and cerebral physiological responses associated with changes in cognitive performance during acute hypoxia.</p><p><strong>Methods: </strong>There were 11 healthy subjects (5 females) who completed a cognitive test during baseline normoxia (21% fraction of inspired oxygen, FIO2) followed by 2 randomized hypoxia trials: 11.8% FIO2 (moderate hypoxia) and 7.7% FIO2 (severe hypoxia). Subjects were instrumented with an arterial catheter, transcranial doppler ultrasound, and near-infrared spectroscopy to measure systemic (arterial O2 saturation) and cerebral oxygenation (cerebrovascular conductance and cerebral tissue saturation).</p><p><strong>Results: </strong>Moderate hypoxia reduced arterial O2 saturation and cerebral tissue saturation, with no change in cerebrovascular conductance. Severe hypoxia decreased arterial O2 saturation, cerebrovascular conductance, and cerebral tissue saturation. Cognitive performance did not differ from baseline during either hypoxia condition (omission rate, errors/min: baseline 0 ± 1 vs. moderate hypoxia 1 ± 1; baseline 1 ± 1 vs. severe hypoxia 1 ± 1). No associations were observed between physiological changes and cognitive performance during moderate hypoxia. During severe hypoxia, smaller declines in arterial O2 saturation (r = 0.643) and greater declines in cerebrovascular conductance (r = -0.651) were associated with increased omission rates.</p><p><strong>Discussion: </strong>Cognitive performance during acute severe hypoxia correlated with cerebral oxygenation and blood flow. Associations differed between moderate and severe hypoxia, suggesting that both duration and severity of hypoxia influence the relationship between physiological responses and cognitive performance.</p>","PeriodicalId":7463,"journal":{"name":"Aerospace medicine and human performance","volume":"97 7","pages":"496-504"},"PeriodicalIF":0.8,"publicationDate":"2026-07-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"148366458","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":4,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Sarah Woodside, Daniel Nguyen, Jessica Smith, Austin Udy, Teresa Whetstone, Joe Zhang
{"title":"Incidental Renal Cell Carcinoma in an Active-Duty Fighter Pilot.","authors":"Sarah Woodside, Daniel Nguyen, Jessica Smith, Austin Udy, Teresa Whetstone, Joe Zhang","doi":"10.3357/AMHP.6311.2026","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.3357/AMHP.6311.2026","url":null,"abstract":"<p><strong>Background: </strong>Renal cell carcinoma (RCC) is a relatively uncommon medical illness among the civilian population and less common within the U.S. Air Force pilot population. While the classic presentation of RCC is macroscopic hematuria, flank pain, and palpable flank mass, these are rarely seen. RCC is often clinically silent and it is not uncommon for RCC to be incidentally discovered in an already highly metastasized state.</p><p><strong>Case report: </strong>A 44-yr-old male fifth-generation fighter pilot presented with acute chronic lower back pain who was evaluated with routine x-rays, which led to the incidental discovery of RCC. The patient underwent left nephrectomy for a potential cure. He was initially diagnosed with Stage II RCC but was later found to have metastatic disease to the lungs. The patient subsequently underwent immunotherapy and was able to finish his military career in a nonflying status prior to his death approximately 7 yr after his initial diagnosis.</p><p><strong>Discussion: </strong>Our patient was treated with the classic surgical approach, but at the time of surgery, the tumor had already spread to the vasculature and metastasized. The late-stage RCC at diagnosis necessitated a nonflying status for the remainder of his military career. Training costs of a fifth-generation fighter pilot as of 2018 reached upwards of $10.9 million. The pilot described had significant military training and flying experience, which likely incurred an estimated $30 million in loss. This case highlights the need for close monitoring and proactive screening of this special patient population. Woodside S, Nguyen D, Smith J, Udy A, Whetsone T, Zhang J. Incidental renal cell carcinoma in an active-duty fighter pilot. Aerosp Med Hum Perform. 2026; 97(7):539-542.</p>","PeriodicalId":7463,"journal":{"name":"Aerospace medicine and human performance","volume":"97 7","pages":"539-542"},"PeriodicalIF":0.8,"publicationDate":"2026-07-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"148366502","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":4,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Daniel Alejandro Mendoza Mantilla, Adriana Zuluaga Serna, Alexandra Mejía Delgado, Charles Hood Mathers
{"title":"Long-Term Post-Bariatric Surgical Outcomes for Aeromedical Certification Consideration.","authors":"Daniel Alejandro Mendoza Mantilla, Adriana Zuluaga Serna, Alexandra Mejía Delgado, Charles Hood Mathers","doi":"10.3357/AMHP.6765.2026","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.3357/AMHP.6765.2026","url":null,"abstract":"<p><strong>Introduction: </strong>Obesity represents a growing concern in the aviation environment due to its association with cardiovascular disease, diabetes mellitus, and obstructive sleep apnea, conditions that may compromise aeromedical certification and long-term medical fitness for flight duties. Although bariatric surgery (BS) effectively reduces obesity-related comorbidities, its long-term implications for pilots remain insufficiently characterized from an aeromedical perspective. This systematic review evaluates long-term health outcomes following BS relevant to flight personnel performance, safety, and aeromedical decision-making.</p><p><strong>Methods: </strong>This PRISMA-compliant systematic review included studies published between 2013-2024. Long-term postoperative outcomes following BS were evaluated in relation to aeromedical certification and fitness-for-duty standards established by the Federal Aviation Administration, European Union Aviation Safety Agency, and International Civil Aviation Organization.</p><p><strong>Results: </strong>Of 3201 records identified, 38 studies met inclusion criteria. BS demonstrated substantial long-term benefits, including sustained weight loss, improved glycemic control, and reduced cardiovascular events. However, several aeromedically relevant risks were identified. Chronic micronutrient deficiencies-particularly vitamin B12, iron, copper, and vitamin D-were frequently reported and may result in anemia and potential in-flight incapacitation. Neurological complications were reported in 5-16% of patients and altered pharmacokinetics may impair absorption. Notably, no long-term aviation-specific postoperative surveillance guidelines were identified.</p><p><strong>Discussion: </strong>Given the absence of aviation-specific guidance, aeromedical certification following BS should be based on individualized, risk-oriented assessments rather than early postoperative outcomes alone. This approach should emphasize lifelong monitoring of nutritional status and neurocognitive function, while recognizing that evidence highlights the need for further research to better define aeromedical implications. Mendoza Mantilla DA, Serna AZ, Delgado AM, Mathers CH. Long-term post-bariatric surgical outcomes for aeromedical certification consideration. Aerosp Med Hum Perform. 2026; 97(7):524-533.</p>","PeriodicalId":7463,"journal":{"name":"Aerospace medicine and human performance","volume":"97 7","pages":"524-533"},"PeriodicalIF":0.8,"publicationDate":"2026-07-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"148366505","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":4,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Qiao Ye, Huimeng Chen, Binrui Huang, Xianglin Wan, Guangyun Wang
{"title":"Landing Technique Effects on Lower-Limb Biomechanics During Half-Squat Parachute Landing.","authors":"Qiao Ye, Huimeng Chen, Binrui Huang, Xianglin Wan, Guangyun Wang","doi":"10.3357/AMHP.6814.2026","DOIUrl":"10.3357/AMHP.6814.2026","url":null,"abstract":"<p><strong>Introduction: </strong>During a half-squat parachute landing, foot-strike pattern influences joint kinematics and injury risk. This study compared forefoot and full-foot landing techniques to determine their effects on joint biomechanics, impact forces, and landing stability.</p><p><strong>Methods: </strong>A total of 17 male paratroopers performed both landing conditions. Lower-limb kinematics, ground reaction forces, and surface electromyography were synchronously recorded using infrared motion capture, a force platform, and wireless electromyography. Paired-sample t-tests or Wilcoxon signed-rank tests were applied (α = 0.05).</p><p><strong>Results: </strong>Forefoot landing produced greater knee (96.8 ± 12.2° vs. 89.3 ± 11.2°) and ankle range of motion (12.7 ± 3.8° vs. 10.8 ± 3.1°), higher peak knee (1206.4 ± 108.7 ° · s-1 vs. 1147.8 ± 88.8 ° · s-1) and ankle flexion angular velocity (223.5 ± 60.1 ° · s-1 vs. 156.5 ± 42.5 ° · s-1), and a longer braking phase (265.0 ± 29.4 ms vs. 246.5 ± 24.7 ms). It also reduced peak vertical ground reaction forces, loading rate, and dynamic postural stability index, and increased time to peak ground reaction forces. During preactivation, electromyography amplitudes were higher for the biceps femoris (0.097 ± 0.066 vs. 0.081 ± 0.071), lateral gastrocnemius (0.304 ± 0.251 vs. 0.130 ± 0.070), and medial gastrocnemius (0.203 ± 0.144 vs. 0.111 ± 0.105). During the braking phase, amplitudes were higher in the rectus femoris, biceps femoris, semitendinosus, lateral gastrocnemius, and medial gastrocnemius.</p><p><strong>Discussion: </strong>Forefoot landing enhances joint motion, muscle activation, impact attenuation, and dynamic stability during half-squat parachute landing. It may therefore represent a safer landing strategy. Findings should be interpreted cautiously due to the small, all-male sample. Ye Q, Chen H, Huang B, Wan X, Wang G. Landing technique effects on lower-limb biomechanics during half-squat parachute landing. Aerosp Med Hum Perform. 2026; 97(6):435-442.</p>","PeriodicalId":7463,"journal":{"name":"Aerospace medicine and human performance","volume":"97 6","pages":"435-442"},"PeriodicalIF":0.9,"publicationDate":"2026-06-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"148147906","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":4,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
{"title":"Midair Collisions Over a Period of Technological Advances Targeting Human Performance Deficits.","authors":"Douglas Boyd, Carolina Anderson","doi":"10.3357/AMHP.6821.2026","DOIUrl":"10.3357/AMHP.6821.2026","url":null,"abstract":"<p><strong>Introduction: </strong>Midair collisions (MACs), while rare for air carriers, are not infrequent for general aviation, partly reflecting the limitations of the see-and-avoid method. However, considering technological advances potentially offsetting ocular limitations and little research on the subject, we sought to determine 1) whether the MAC rate has declined over time and 2) the underlying causes.</p><p><strong>Methods: </strong>MACs' (1995-2023) injury severity, mission type, and ambient conditions were per the National Transportation Safety Board database. Statistics used Poisson distributions/Chi-square tests.</p><p><strong>Results: </strong>There were 480 aircraft (90% and 8% fixed-/rotary-wing aircraft, respectively) involved in 257 midair events. Despite an overall decline (63% reduction) in MAC rates (2020-2023), the proportion of fatal events (44-58%) was unchanged. Aircraft engaged in personal and training missions represented 61% and 24% of MACs, respectively, with the training mission MAC rate declining 70%. Although traffic density is highest surrounding aerodromes, surprisingly, only half of the MACs were within this environment. MAC rates, adjusted for arrival/departure counts, at aerodromes with a control tower were 6.5-fold lower compared with airports lacking such a facility. However, some MACs were still evident for aircraft receiving traffic deconfliction services, and for such mishaps, 78% were due to pilots not maintaining visual separation.</p><p><strong>Discussion: </strong>The following recommendations are advanced. General aviation authorities and organizations should update pilot training curricula and safety programs to include training on physiological limitations, e.g. field of vision deterioration with advancing age. Further, the findings herein warrant future research to determine whether over-reliance on electronic traffic displays and panel modernization negatively impact external visual scanning. Boyd D, Anderson C. Midair collisions over a period of technological advances targeting human performance deficits. Aerosp Med Hum Perform. 2026; 97(6):443-450.</p>","PeriodicalId":7463,"journal":{"name":"Aerospace medicine and human performance","volume":"97 6","pages":"443-450"},"PeriodicalIF":0.9,"publicationDate":"2026-06-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"148147918","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":4,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
{"title":"The Annual Scientific Meeting and ICAM.","authors":"Anthony Wagstaff","doi":"10.3357/AMHP.PP9706.2026","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.3357/AMHP.PP9706.2026","url":null,"abstract":"","PeriodicalId":7463,"journal":{"name":"Aerospace medicine and human performance","volume":"97 6","pages":"393"},"PeriodicalIF":0.9,"publicationDate":"2026-06-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"148147983","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":4,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}