A survey of the cosmic radiation exposure of Air Canada pilots during maximum galactic radiation conditions in 2009

With the cosmic radiation exposure at altitude in 2009 being at a relative high intensity due to the current position in the 11 year solar cycle, a year-long study of Air Canada pilots was undertaken. The empirical Predictive Code for Aircrew radiation exposure (PCAire) along with corresponding in-flight measurements were used to estimate their exposures from flight data and crew rosters continually provided by Air Canada. Almost all of the pilots studied received more than the annual general public limit of 1 mSv, with the majority receiving around 3 mSv and none exceeded the recommended intervention level of 6 mSv. The highest route exposures were found to be on flights from Canada to Asia, Europe and the Southern hemisphere. The routes with the highest dose rates were to Europe and the long haul flights over Canada and the northern USA, a result of the distortion of the vertical cutoff rigidity from the magnetic North Pole's location in Canada. Although altitude, geomagnetic latitude and flight time are contributing factors to the exposures to the pilots on each route, Canada's unique geomagnetic location indicated a need to assess Canadian aircrew over their careers.

► Air Canada pilots were surveyed for cosmic radiation exposure for one year. ► The semi-empirical code, PCAire, was utilized to conduct this survey. ► This survey allowed for a realistic and practical assessment of aircrew exposure. ► Both measurements and survey results were comparable and as expected. ► The results are conservative due to the 2009 radiation peak in the solar cycle.