Herbal and dietary supplements should be avoided because they can cause what in flight?

• A. No Effect
• B. They Can Significantly Improve Flight Performance
• C. Use Can Result In Sudden Incapacitation In Flight
• D. They Are Banned Entirely

Answer: (C)

The key idea is that herbal and dietary supplements can produce unpredictable, potentially dangerous effects in flight. These products often contain potent active substances that can affect the nervous system, cardiovascular system, hydration, or bleeding risk, and their potency and purity vary from batch to batch. In the air, where pilot workload is high and decision-making must be immediate and precise, even a small, unforeseen reaction can impair judgment, reaction time, or coordination. Supplements are not tightly regulated in the same way as medicines, so they may also interact with other medications you’re taking or with alcohol, leading to sudden incapacitation. Because safety hinges on consistent, reliable performance, anything that could suddenly compromise your abilities in flight should be avoided.