ERJ135

I was just wondering what some pilots do to protect themselves from some harmful UV rays. From what I understand being exposed to the sun at high altitudes can be harmful. I myself where longselves. Not sure if it does any good. However, I did notice I got a burn when I wore short sleeve shirts as opposed to wearing longleeves. I have also thought of sunblock but, never really associated it with flying. So I never remember it. I'm just curious if anybody does anything different or out of the ordinary to protect themselves from UV exposure. Maybe generate a little discussion on it. Thats all. I'm just a little bored on Ready Reserve, you'd be amazed of the stuff you think of

rickair7777

Do you get sunburned in an airliner or a GA airplane?

The acrylic windshields in light airplanes block almost zero UV radiation, so it's easy to burn.

You should get less exposure in an airliner because the windows are glass and are triple-layered. Glass is made of silicone, which blocks almost all UVB, which is known to cause skin cancer and sunburn. It passes most UVA which causes wrinkles but is not known to cause sunburn or cancer.

Some pilots wear sunblock while working.

Slice

I fly at night.

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Will fly for...$

Roll Inverted and Pull

I`ve found that covering my hat with tinfoil seems to help a lot.

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Klatu Barada Nicto

ERJ135

It was in the ERJ. I definitly couldn't wear longsleeves in the cherokee but I can blow snow with the AC in ERJ so I don't mind HAHE. Good to know about the windshield blocking UVB. Didn't know that. I could have got preflighting but, it was enough to notice a difference between wearing short sleeves and long sleeves. It was the cancer causing UV I was most concerned about. Thanks

SAABaroowski

I actually put on a lil Hawiian Tropic Oil before a flight............no need for the beach

I also hear the CRT's cause Testicular cancer......................

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XJT 177

sgrd0q

This used to be the prevailing wisdom, but I now hear both UVA and UVB can cause cancer. There is an FDA proposal to list a pass/fail rating for UVA in addition to the SPF which applies to UVB.

It is best to wear long-sleeved shirts and apply sunscreen to your face.

UnlimitedAkro

Wear Oakley's. They will protect your whole body. Magically.

CHQ Pilot

Here is a link from an FAA AC about high altitude radiation and it's effects. Seems aircraft skin or windows won't protect you from all radiation. I started wearing sunscreen on a daily basis after seeing some retired pilots that had growths removed from their arms and faces. The most telling was the pilot that spent most of his career in the left seat. The left side of his face and arms had numerous growths removed, while the right side looked perfectly fine. Made me not to forget to put it in the flight bag. Though after reading the AC, it still seems pilots are at a higher risk for cancer (other than skin).

http://www2.airweb.faa.gov/Regulatory_and_Guidance_Library/rgAdvisoryCircular.nsf/0/4429e431e6426faf862569bc0057cd44/$FILE/ATTTZXZ6/AC120-52.pdf

farnuts

Here's a good article/website on sunscreen and their ratings:

http://www.cosmeticsdatabase.com/spe...ns/summary.php