Curated by Dr. Rachael Ferraro, FAA AME & founder of Aviate Medical – Coeur d'Alene, Idaho.
From remote backcountry airstrips to busy terminals and hotel layovers, pilot wellness requires proactive care. This page brings together trusted tools and evidence-based support tailored to the unique demands of life in aviation—whether you're flying jets, seaplanes, or taildraggers.
Stay Hydrated, Fly Smarter
Hydration is always important—but it’s especially crucial in the cockpit, where altitude, dry cabin air, and long hours can leave you more dehydrated than you realize. While there are countless electrolyte powders on the market, not all are created equal.
Many products are packed with excessive sodium, which may be helpful for athletes engaged in intense, sweaty workouts—but isn’t always necessary for day-to-day flying. For pilots with elevated blood pressure, hidden sodium can be a real concern. That’s why I recommend Ultima Replenisher for daily electrolyte replacement.
Ultima is naturally sweetened (no sugar alcohols), has a clean ingredient list, great taste, and includes six essential electrolytes—plus zinc and vitamin C for immune support. Even better? The single-serve packs are easy to toss in your flight bag so hydration is always within reach.
Inclusa provides comprehensive metabolic care and weight optimization— with Dr. Ferraro available for pilot consultations. Services include: • Weight management • Hormonal and metabolic testing • FAA medical alignment.
*Covered by most major insurance plans.
Our process is streamlined, pilot-friendly, and built for real-world schedules. We work hard to maximize your insurance benefits and make care accessible through a dedicated billing team and flexible options—because we believe metabolic health should be inclusive of all budgets.
As a contributing author to The Ninety-Nines Magazine, Dr. Ferraro writes the "Ask the AME" column to empower pilots through preventive health.
Featured articles include: • The Female Flight Physical • Maintaining a Healthy Weight as a Pilot: Why It Matters and How to Do It • Skin in the Game — A look at skin conditions pilots are more prone to.
Recovery matters just as much as exertion—especially for pilots dealing with jet lag, long days, or physical stress from travel. Upgrade Labs offers cutting-edge recovery technology that can help reduce fatigue, promote circulation, and support cognitive clarity.
Recommended tools include: • Compression therapy • Red light therapy • Cryotherapy • PEMF (pulsed electromagnetic field therapy).
Whether you're flying multiple legs or bouncing back from a busy week, Upgrade Labs gives your body and brain the reset they need to stay sharp.
Fueling smart doesn’t end when you leave the airport. Keep your flight bag stocked with travel-friendly, blood sugar-stable snacks that deliver real energy without added junk. These pilot-approved options are nutrient-dense, shelf-stable, and easy to toss in your headset bag or overnight kit.
“That’s It” Bars Minimalist fruit bars with clean ingredients and no added sugar. Great for natural fiber and quick fuel without a blood sugar spike.
NOKA Superfood Smoothie Packs Portable, plant-based, and packed with organic fruit, veggies, and plant protein. They don’t require refrigeration and make a great inflight or between-leg snack.
TRUBAR Protein Bars Clean, satisfying protein without artificial sweeteners or inflammatory oils. Tastes like a treat but works like a functional snack. These options are ideal for long flight days, FBO downtime, or hotel layovers—helping you stay nourished and focused without relying on vending machine fuel.
Copow delivers colorful, organic meals built for real-life performance. Available at Coeur d’Alene Airport (COE) inside StanCraftNationwide shipping for individual pilots or flight departments Designed with metabolic wellness in mind—perfect for pilot lifestyles.
In-Flight Oxygen Pick: Aithre Oxygen Delivery System
For high-altitude or extended GA operations, staying mentally sharp and physiologically protected means managing oxygen levels.
Aithre Oxygen Systems are my top pick for reliable, compact, and smart in-flight oxygen delivery.
Key features: • Lightweight and portable tanks ideal for GA and backcountry flying • Bluetooth-enabled smart pulse delivery system • App-based oxygen saturation and flow monitoring • FAA-approved and pilot-designed for real cockpit use
Whether you're cruising above 10,000 feet or supplementing on long cross-country legs, Aithre provides confidence and convenience in every breath.