[Functional dynamics of the pilots of heavy transport helicopters in the course of a flight shift].

Before and after flights about 300 crewmembers of heavy transport helicopters were examined, using psychophysiological and integral methods that yield professionally important information. During a flight shift the health state of helicopter pilots varies via three stages: habituation, initial decline and distinct lassitude, with the latter developing after 5 h flight load. In order to increase human reliability in the pilot-helicopter system, it is advisable to allow 4 h flight time during a flight shift onboard helicopters of the above type. In this case the pilot exposure to vibration effects will also be limited. The paper describes a maximally permissible spectrum of vibration velocity for a 4 h exposure.