Pilot study on the value of a beta-blocking drug in initial helicopter training.

The effect on performance of a standard dose of a beta-blocking drug was examined in a controlled test situation closely approximating actual flying training conditions and involving helicopter flying skills. Pindolol or a placebo was administered 90 min before a test flight and the flying and hovering performance of five students was assessed by qualified flying instructors. No significant difference was found between assigned performance ratings of test drug flights and placebo flights. It could not be concluded that a beta-blocking drug would improve the hovering performance of ab initio helicopter trainee pilots.