What is the waiting period for an ACM to fly after donating plasma?

After donating plasma, the recommended waiting period for an aviation crew member (ACM) to fly is 24 hours. This guidance is based on the need for plasma donations to replenish the volume of fluid and proteins in the donor's body, which is crucial for maintaining overall health and performance during flight operations.

Flying too soon after donating plasma can lead to potential physical effects such as dehydration, fatigue, or decreased ability to respond to emergency situations, which are critical for safety in aviation roles. Therefore, adhering to the 24-hour waiting period allows sufficient recovery time and ensures that the crew member is fit for duty.

The other options provide longer waiting periods that exceed what is recommended, which could discourage plasma donations or unnecessarily restrict the flying schedule of ACMs without justifiable reasons.