Introduction
Australian pilots who fly the Airbus A320 aircraft are invited to participate in this research study about onboard exposure to engine oil fumes. Airbus A320 pilots are asked to complete a confidential online survey about flights, fumes, and symptoms (if any). The survey can be accessed at the bottom of this page. In addition, 50 of those pilots (randomly-selected by AFAP) are invited to contribute a blood sample. No pilot participants will be named or otherwise identified.
The blood samples will be tested by a research team at the University of Washington (UW) in Seattle, USA for changes to a blood protein which are specific to the triaryl phosphate blends added to aviation engine oils. This blood test is expected to be a useful, practical tool to determine exposure to oil fumes on aircraft. The research to develop this test has been funded by crewmember unions around the world (including AFAP and AIPA) and also by the Royal Australian Air Force.
To participate in the survey component of this study:
- Contact AFAP to receive your unique alphanumeric identifier (ID); and
- Complete the confidential online survey below (expected to take about 30 minutes);
If you have been randomly selected to provide a blood sample as well:
- Contact AFAP to receive a copy of the UW consent form. In place of your name and signature on the form, enter your AFAP-assigned alphanumeric identifier; and
- Coordinate with AFAP to get 20 milliliters of your blood drawn, per the UW research protocol.
If you want to get a copy of your blood test result, check "give permission" on the UW consent form and provide the name and details of the doctor to whom your results can be sent. You may contact AFAP for more information.
Participation is voluntary and strictly confidential. Participants will only be identified by their unique, AFAP-assigned, alphanumeric ID.
- AFAP will maintain a list of the names of each pilot participant and their alphanumeric ID. AFAP will keep the name and all identifying information of each pilot participant in strict confidence.
- The UW researchers will have access to the participants' alphanumeric IDs and blood test data.
- Researchers representing crewmembers who have been approved by AFAP will have access to participants' alphanumeric IDs and survey data.
- The alphanumeric IDs allow the team to consider whether there is a correlation between survey results and blood test findings without identifying any pilot.
Participation in this study is not paid but it is offered at no cost thanks to funding from the GCAQE and AFAP.
Thank you for your interest in furthering the understanding of pilot exposure to oil fumes on aircraft.
Thank you for your interest in furthering the understanding of pilot exposure to oil fumes on aircraft.
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