Crew members who have required treatment for decompression sickness must not fly within how many hours of recovery?

Crew members who have required treatment for decompression sickness must not fly within how many hours of recovery?

• A. 24 hours
• B. 48 hours
• C. 72 hours
• D. 96 hours

Answer: (C)

Decompression sickness carries a real risk of symptoms returning or worsening if a person flies too soon after treatment. In flight, the cabin pressure is lower than at sea level, which can cause any remaining inert gas bubbles to expand. After treatment, those bubbles may take time to fully dissolve and healing to complete, so a waiting period is provided to ensure the person is symptom-free and medically cleared before returning to flight duties. A 72-hour window gives a safe buffer for recovery and helps prevent in-flight deterioration. Shorter intervals may not allow complete resolution, while longer delays aren’t typically required unless symptoms persist or complications are present.

Decompression sickness carries a real risk of symptoms returning or worsening if a person flies too soon after treatment. In flight, the cabin pressure is lower than at sea level, which can cause any remaining inert gas bubbles to expand. After treatment, those bubbles may take time to fully dissolve and healing to complete, so a waiting period is provided to ensure the person is symptom-free and medically cleared before returning to flight duties.

A 72-hour window gives a safe buffer for recovery and helps prevent in-flight deterioration. Shorter intervals may not allow complete resolution, while longer delays aren’t typically required unless symptoms persist or complications are present.