John W Beck, PhD

These procedures summarize the use of Personal Protection Equipment (PPE) during flight operations. The goal is to protect flight crew and passengers from contracting or transmitting virus .03 μ (Coronavirus). This webpage is posted to share our experience with family and friends during the COVID-19 pandemic. I am Chief Pilot of an air charter company authorized to conduct air ambulance flights based in New Jersey and serving the Northeast USA.

1. Preparation — You will need:
   1. Several pairs of nitrile (or latex) gloves for each flight crew member.
   2. A face mask for each flight crew member, in a plastic bag.
   3. A face mask for each passenger, in a plastic bag.
   4. A small garbage disposal bag for used gloves and disinfecting wipes.
   5. Clorox or Lysol disinfecting wipes.
   6. RMR-141 RTU Fungicide Cleaner & Disinfectant (Alkyl Dimethyl Ammonium Chloride).
   7. Paper towels or disposable rags for disinfecting the aircraft.
   8. Alcohol Swabs (70% isopropyl alcohol) for disinfecting the 3-D face mask.
      
   Note: The face mask needs to be an N95 mask or a 3D printed mask with a 1 to 3 micron filter.
   Note: We are currently 3-D printing and testing face masks; and, optimizing fit, function, and ease-of-use for pilots and passengers.
   Note: The 3-D face mask can be cleaned with the alcohol swabs; or, soap and water. The mask can be cleaned in a dish washer. Other forms of cleaning and sterilizing the face mask are being investigated.
2. Start with a sterile cockpit, cabin, and baggage area.
3. Just prior to the passengers arrival:
   1. Place a face mask on your face.
   2. Put on nitrile gloves.
4. When passengers arrive:
   1. Brief the passengers.
   2. Provide a face mask to each passenger.
   3. Instruct each passenger on how to put on the mask.
   4. Tell each passenger that the mask must be kept on until they exit the aircraft.
   5. Tell each passenger that they should not touch anything in the cabin.
   6. Do not provide gloves for the passengers.
5. After all passengers have boarded:
   1. Enter the aircraft, close and secure the passenger door.
   2. Brief the passengers.
   3. Enter the cockpit and close the cockpit door or curtain.
   4. Clean your face mask with an alcohol swab.
   5. Remove your gloves and carefully place the used gloves in garbage bag without touching the gloves to the outside of the garbage bag.
   6. Remove your face mask and carefully stow without touching the outside of the mask.
   7. Wipe your hands and face with the hand wipes.
6. Fly save, have fun.
   Note: Air exits our pressurized aircraft through vents and valves at the back of the cabin.
7. After engine shutdown:
   1. Put on a new pair of nitrile gloves.
   2. Carefully secure your mask to your face.
   3. Exit the aircraft.
   4. Remove baggage.
8. When passengers debark the plane:
   1. Disinfect the cabin.
   2. Dispose of the cleaning material in the garbage bag.
   3. Clean your face mask with an alcohol swab.
   4. Remove your gloves and carefully place the used gloves in garbage bag without touching the gloves to the outside of the garbage bag.
   5. Carefully place the used gloves in garbage bag without touching the gloves to the outside of the garbage bag.
   6. Remove your face mask and carefully place in plastic bag.
   7. Wipe your hands and face with the hand wipes.
   8. Dispose of the garbage bag containing the used gloves.
   9. Wash hands as soon as possible.
9. After returning home:
   1. Wash hands, take a shower, wash clothes, kiss spouse.
   2. Remove face mask from bag and dispose of the bag.
   3. Wash face mask with soap and water.
   4. When dry, place face mask in new, clean plastic bag.

1. Wash hands with soap and water.
   1. Wash palms, fingers, and back of hands for at least 20 seconds (30 seconds is preferred).
   2. Wash hands after touching anyone or anything that is entering your personal or work space.
   3. Wash hands after visiting the rest room, touching door nobs or hard surfaces, or when in contact with anything questionable.
   4. Use moisturizing lotion on your hands because washing hands dries the skin.
2. Stay at home as much as possible.
3. Practice spacial distancing:
   1. Stay at least 6 feet away from others in public places.
   2. Maintain a distance of 12 feet separation from others, when possible.
4. Practice social connectivity:
   1. Call friends and family or visit by video.
   2. Contact work associates and meet via Zoom, WebEx, FaceTime, etc.
5. Avoid people who appear sick.
6. Go grocery shopping during off-peak times. It is better to do fewer but bigger shopping trips.
7. Help your friends and family but maintain spacial distancing except for those with whom you share living space.

1. Protection: Washing hands in soap and water is one of the best ways to reduce the coronavirus spread and minimize your chance of becoming infected.
2. Older Adults [Hopkins]: An estimated 6% to 29% of people 85 and older who get COVID-19 will require intensive care because:
   1. Older adults are more likely to have long-term health problems that can put them at risk.
   2. People’s immune systems tend to weaken with age, making it more difficult for older people to fight off infections.
   3. Lung tissue becomes less elastic over time, making respiratory diseases like COVID-19 a particular concern for older people.
   4. Inflammation in older people can be more intense, causing organ damage.
3. High Risk[Hopkins]: People who have the following issues are at higher risk of death from COVID-19 —
   1. Heart Disease
   2. Lung Disease
   3. Diabetes.
4. Retention Times [NIH]:
   

   Time	Material
   Hours to Days	Aerosols and Surfaces
   4 Hours	Copper
   24 Hours	Cardboard
   72 Hours	Plastic and Stainless Steel

5. WHO Facts: From the World Health Organization website —
   1. Sun or high temperatures (≥25°C) does not prevent COVID-19.
   2. Hot and humid climates are not proven to reduce the transmission of COVID-19.
   3. Washing hands for 20 seconds (I wash for 30 seconds) eliminates viruses that may be on your hands and helps to avoid infection.
6. Symptoms:
   1. Fever
   2. Fatigue
   3. Body Aches
   4. Cough
   5. Shortness of Breath.