Dr. Charles T. Crinnian, MD, Aerospace Medicine Specialist | Aerospace Medicine
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Dr. Charles T. Crinnian, MD

Aerospace Medicine Specialist | Aerospace Medicine

8415 N Pima Rd Ste 150 Scottsdale AZ, 85258
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About

Dr. Charles Crinnian is an aerospace medicine specialist practicing in Scottsdale, AZ. Aerospace Medicine focuses on the clinical care and operational support for flight crewmembers.  Pilots and flight crewmembers work in challenging high altitude enviorments under conditions of physical and psychological stress. 

Dr. Crinnian provides speciality care services for aviation professionals that are pilots and crewmembers who work and travel in the air or space. As an aerospace medicine specialist, Dr. Crinnian discovers, manages and prevents health issues that result from traveling in extreme environments. These enviroments include microgravity, radiation exposure, G-forces, and hypoxic conditions. These physicians are particularly trained in diseases that may arise from air travel, and work to keep airmen healthy and safe.  Additionally, medical conditions can have a greater impact on aviators and potentially cause incapacitation.  Addressing these conditions prior to flight assures a safe national airspace system.

Education and Training

Univ of Az Coll of Med, Tucson Az 1990

Board Certification

Psychiatry and NeurologyAmerican Board of Psychiatry and NeurologyABPN

Provider Details

Male English
Dr. Charles T. Crinnian, MD
Dr. Charles T. Crinnian, MD's Expert Contributions
  • Escaping Heat, Flying High…and the Flight Physiology you need to Know

    The heat across the nation is now upon us.  Fortunately, we have aircraft that can be one’s “magic carpet ride” to cooler air and climates that are more enjoyable.  Just the establishment of enroute cruise at 12,000’+ can give us cabin temperatures in the 60s-70s.  But, this is now...

  • What You Don't Know Could Hurt You!

    What You Don't Know,Could Hurt YouorHow Dumb Can You Be?  Back in the “glory days” of aviation, the professional airline pilot had a mandatory retirement age of 60.  Many died before age 65.  Why?  Deferred maintenance and regular inspections of their own physiologic systems.  If a pilot...

  • Not Built to Fly

    Humans and all mammals have evolved in a 1 G environment. Although the brain is the central processing unit (CPU) in our physiological system, it receives input from several sense organs. The interaction of numerous sensors in our muscles, tendons, joints and skin feed information to the brain under...

  • What could cause constipation when flying?

    Dehydration is a likely contributor to this. The atmosphere at high altitudes is very dry. Without adequate hydration, water is drawn from the lower GI tract to augment blood volume. Pre-hydrate before your flight. You will feel better upon landing at your destination. READ MORE

  • Can I fly with the flu?

    If you are a pilot/flight crew definitely not. Illness will impact your cognitive abilities, focus, and stamina. Also, any sinus congestion will set you up for a sinus or ear block on descent. Pulminary congestion will make you more subject to hypoxia. If you are a passenger, besides spreading the illness to others, you will have an awful flight experience. Would not recommend it. READ MORE

  • Is there one central pilot's license for all planes?

    Aircraft are certified in a category, class, and type. Categories include airplane, glider, lighter than air. Class includes single engine, multi-engine, land, sea. Type is a specific model such as Lear Jet 35, Boeing 777, etc. Licenses are for type of operation Private, Commercial, Airline Transport and for type/class- single engine/land, multiengine sea, etc. For jet and aircraft over 12.500 lbs, a type rating is needed. READ MORE

  • What foods to avoid before the flight?

    First thing that comes to mind are "flatogens". Examples are beans, cabbage, brussel sprouts. These great gas when digested and with the reduced atmospheric pressure when aloft you will be uncomfortable. Fried foods can cause heartburn and contain high sodium. This can lead to bloating and swelling. Don't overeat. Dehydration is an issue aloft, so avoid any caffeinated drinks or alcohol-even if you are a passenger. Obviously, pilots don't drink alcohol many hours before assuming flight crew duty. READ MORE

  • Can a transplant surgery be performed in space?

    At some point in the future, it may be technically possible. However, it is unlikely that any space vehicles will have a "Human Spare Parts Bin". Also, like on Earth, one needs a diverse transplant team and critical care facilities and staff. it is unlikely this will be a focus in the foreseeable future. That said, emergency trauma surgery in space is something being investigated. READ MORE

  • What types of injuries occur in aerospace careers?

    Common issues are hypoxia (low oxygen) acute illness, acute loss of consciousness from G-forces, physiological challenges from microgravity (space travel), sleep pattern disruption from long distance time zone travel, and spine injuries in fighter pilots. That said, many illnesses and conditions that are a minor inconvenience on the ground have a substantial impact at altitude and in the cockpit. READ MORE

  • Can I take allergy medications when flying?

    First, if you are affected with seasonal allergies, don't fly until the symptom is resolved. You will be at risk for a sinus or ear block. This is quite painful and may be difficult to focus on aviating. If you have seasonal allergies, the acceptable medications are non-sedating antihistamines. Examples are Sudafed, Afrin, Astepro, Astellin, Singular. Do not take a sedating antihistamine such as Benadryl, ChlorTrimeton, or Hismanal. Do your research and ask your physician or pharmacist. READ MORE

  • My husband who is a pilot has recently been detected with vertigo. How will this affect him at work?

    Vertigo is a symptom, not a disease. Vertigo (feeling of motion) can be a benign issue such as Benign Position Vertigo, or it may be a harbinger of something serious. Fitness to fly and medical certification depends on the cause. He needs to address this ASAP. Start with a Neurologist or ENT physician. Find the cause, then address the treatment. Only then can he discuss his medical fitness with an Aviation Medical Specialist. No flying until he gets this addressed. READ MORE

  • How to prevent high blood pressure when flying?

    First question is do you have high blood pressure on the ground in a controlled environment? If you do, get it addressed. If not, and your BP raises in flight that is most likely a physiologic response to stress, low oxygen content or anxiety. Be sure you are not hypoxic, use supplemental oxygen- check a pulse ox saturation. Relax and enjoy the flight. READ MORE

Expert Publications

Data provided by the National Library of Medicine

Areas of expertise and specialization

Aeromedical Certification Standards, High Altitude Environments, Aviation Physiology, Survival Skills

Charities and Philanthropic Endeavors

  • Embry Riddle Aeronautical University
  • Expirmental Aircraft Association
  • Mooney Caravan Safety and Educational Foundation-President

Internships

  • St. Joeseph's Hospital and Medical Center, Phoenix, AZ

Areas of research

  • Wilderness Medicine, Survival Skills

Awards

  • FAA Certificates: ATP, CFI-Airplane, Single and multiengine, Instrument, Flight Engineer- Turbojet, B-727, Ground Instructor Instrument and AdvancedFAST Formation Qualified-Lead PilotFAA Wright Brothers Master Pilot AwardHonors and Awards-Excellent in Research Award, Univ. of Arizona

Teaching and speaking

  • Experimental Aircraft Association, Annual AirVenture Forums,National Aircraft Type Specific Organizations,FAA Safety Team, various locations in Arizona,Various Local and Regional Pilot Groups

Favorite Place to Vacation

  • Anywhere above 7000'. Colorado, Utah.

Hobbies / Sports

  • Other than aviation, Alpine Skiing, Canyoneering, Rock Climbing.

Areas of research

Wilderness Medicine

Survival Skills

Crash Survival

Dr. Charles T. Crinnian, MD's Practice location

Frontier Aerospace Medicine

8415 N Pima Rd Ste 150 -
Scottsdale, AZ 85258
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New patients: 480-670-6642
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