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Jordan
Jordan asked in Cars & TransportationAircraft · 10 years ago

Flying in the traffic pattern with a slight head cold?

Hi:

I've had the last three weeks of work off, so I haven't flown since. Last week I flew a short flight only up to about 3 thousand feet and encountered a little lag with the ear popping and also slight pain in my sinuses. Tomorrow I was hoping to do some pattern work with my flying buddy who is in town. We would only go up to about 1500ft or so, I was just wondering if anybody knew whether or not it would cause a problem.

Thanks!

4 Answers

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  • Techwing
    Lv 7
    10 years ago
    Favorite Answer

    While a change in altitude of only 1500 feet usually should not cause a problem with a cold, you've already experienced problems at 3000 feet, so you should consider yourself unfit to fly and wait until the cold resolves completely. A sinus or ear block in flight would not be fun, it could be dangerous, and it could also be construed as a violation of regulations (since you're not supposed to fly if you're not in physical condition for flight).

  • Anonymous
    10 years ago

    Flying with a head cold is a good way to end up with a sinus infection. Heal up, then fly.

  • Warbird Pilot
    Lv 7
    10 years ago

    Like Been Dere said, or a popped ear drum (which is a special kind of pain) or even an imploded sinus (also very painful).

  • Bradley245
    Lv 7
    10 years ago

    You would likely be fine, maybe some discomfort when descending. I never fly with a head cold though, it's not worth the risk.

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