Abstract No:
1714
Abstract Type:
Student Poster
Authors:
R Sharma1, M Wilson2
Institutions:
1Purdue University, Michigan City, IN, 2Purdue University, West Lafayette, IN
Presenter:
Ria Sharma
Purdue University
Faculty Advisor:
Dr. Mark Wilson
Purdue University
Description:
Aircrafts that are used for student pilots are typically smaller in size and are often not equipped with air conditioning. During the flight, the cabin or cockpit temperatures may rise to levels that may be uncomfortable during the flight. Prolonged exposure to elevated temperatures may contribute to fatigue or discomfort. This study investigates the relationship between the cabin temperature and outdoor environment conditions during flight training.
Situation/Problem:
Some small airplanes are not equipped with air conditioning units. Temperatures inside the cabin may rise to uncomfortable levels. This study aims to investigate how the temperature inside the airplane cabin changes in relation to outdoor conditions.
Methods:
Temperature was recorded with a Reed Instruments R6250SD Data Logging Heat Stress Meter. The dry bulb temperature, wet bulb temperature, globe temperature, humidity, and dew point were logged in 2 sec increments. The WBGT meter was mounted on the rear bench seat of the aircraft, in a custom 3D printed holder. The instrument was mounted in a location in which exposure to sunlight was present but would not interfere with flight operations. Temperature data analysis was conducted via AI machine learning. WBGT, Globe, Wet Bulb, and Dry Bulb temperatures trends were analyzed according to three flight legs: Climb, Level flight, and Descent. Subjective level of fatigue was measured with a visual analog scale.
Results / Conclusions:
Temperature measurements revealed that cabin heat could be significant among student pilots despite it not being warm conditions outside. On the flights that were observed, the cabin air temperatures and globe temperatures were rising to higher levels in smaller planes. On multiple flights there was a trend that was seen. One example is from November 16, 2025. The data shows that the globe temperature inside the cabin during was 72.7 degrees Fahrenheit and the WBGT was 59.3 degrees Fahrenheit during a level flight, while the ambient outdoor temperature was 47 degrees Farenheit. These measurements had decreased more gradually with altitude, whereas if there was also cloud cover, sharper cooling with altitude would also be experienced. Globe temperature showed a steeper temperature lapse during level flight than the wet bulb temperature, which was relatively stable. The WBGT exhibited a decreasing temperature trend, however not as steep as the globe temperature. This suggests that heat exposure is primarily due to radiant heat, factoring in specific weather conditions.
Changes in WBGT during flight are driven primarily by the large shifts in globe temperature. This suggests radiant heat as a major factor impacting the temperature inside airplane cabins. This study was conducted under the cooler, relatively mild environmental conditions typical of early spring in the Midwest. Accordingly, the findings may not represent the full range of thermal stressors encountered during warmer periods of the year. Future research conducted during the summer months, when outdoor temperatures may exceed 85°F, would provide a more complete understanding of heat exposure in small training aircraft and its operational significance for pilots.
Core Competencies:
Thermal Stressors
Secondary Core Competencies:
Exposure Assessment
Work Environments, Occupations, and Industrial Processes
Choose at least one (1), and up to five, (5) keywords from the following list. These selections will optimize your presentation's search results for attendees.
Exposure Assessment
Real-time detection services and direct reading instruments
Thermal stress protection and monitoring
Based on the information that will be presented during your proposed session, please indicate the targeted audience practice level: (select one)
Practitioner: Practitioner is a job title given to persons in various occupational fields who are trained to assist professionals but are not themselves licensed or certified at a professional level by a certification body recognized by the National Accreditation Recognition (NAR) Committee of IOHA. The IH/OH practitioner performs tasks requiring significant knowledge and skill in the IH/OH field, such as conducting worker exposure monitoring and, in some cases, may even function independently of a professional IH/OH but may not be involved in the breadth of IH/OH practice nor have the level of responsibility of a professional IH/OH certified by examination.
The IH/OH practitioner requires a certain level of education that can be obtained from an accredited university or equivalent. Additional training in specific skill sets that provide additional career paths to the IH/OH practitioner can also be obtained. IH/OH practitioners may also serve as team leaders or project managers.
Was this session organized by an AIHA Technical Committee, Special Interest Group, Working Group, Advisory Group or other AIHA project Team?
No
Are worker exposure data and/or results of worker exposure data analysis presented?
No
How will this help advance the science of IH/OH?
This raises awareness of heat stress issues in aviation. The study also highlights a unique method of sampling the environment and overcoming challenges associated with mounting of monitoring equipment.
Have you presented this information before?
No
I have read and agree to these guidelines.
Yes