"Drink Up -- Fly Dry"

by ANN Correspondent Aleta Vinas

While roaming around the exhibit hall at the Women in Aviation Conference last week, there were booths sponsored by the armed forces, aviation universities, authors, WASPs, avionics suppliers and more. Then, all of a sudden, there was a booth with something "different"... something that seems like it should really remain hidden behind closed doors... yet makes perfect sense to be out and "flaunted."

"Drink Up -- Fly Dry" is the motto for the AMXD, or Advanced Mission Extender Device by Omni Medical Systems. It sounds like some type of gas additive or wing tip tank, but what the AMXD is, is a new type of bladder relief device. The subject can't be ignored, it's something everyone must do.

Imagine being in the armed forces on a long flight in a fighter. When you gotta go, you gotta go. The current method for guys is inconvenient to say the least, unstrapping, unzipping and maneuvering to use the current issue "piddle pac" or a relief tube. How many pilots have lost control during this unusual attitude in the cockpit?

Needless to say, a woman's choices are even more limited.

The Air Force had enough, and sent out an SOS for relief-and-extraction solutions. Using a SBIR (Small Business Innovation Research) grant, development on AMXD as the better way started in May 2002. AMXD is the brainchild of Mark Harvie Omni Medical Systems President and owner. The product holds over 100 patents, here and abroad.

In October 2006 the FDA gave their approval. By November 2006, AMXD received its Safe to Fly Award by the US Air Force.

AMXD is deceptively simple, easy and comfortable to wear. Men use a special undergarment made to fit with the AMXD. Women wear a regular female undergarment and stick the AMXD to the undergarment. The hose extends to the outside of the flightsuit. The control unit, which pumps the "liquid" into a collection bag, is a separate unit and can be stored until needed along with the collection bag.

When you're ready to "go", you fit the control unit onto the hose, making sure a collection bag is securely attached at the other end. Press and hold the start button until you're finished and do the deed. The collection bag will solidify the fluid.

"It pumps the liquid away from your body" says Sanita Kacanovska Marketing and Special Projects. "You stay dry at all times". "It's a good safety measure" adds Jamie Walker Marketing Manager. No more unzipping and unstrapping. "Pilots remain hydrated" says Walker. Many pilots will willingly dehydrate themselves just so they won't be inconvenienced.

In addition to the USAF, the British Royal Air Force and the Royal Netherlands Air Force use AMXD. Other countries are currently in test mode with the device but orders are expected. On US soil, the Navy, NASA and NASCAR are also interested in AMXD. (NASCAR? So that's why they pour Gatorade on the drivers BEFORE we see them get out of the car...)

"A similar product is being designed to market to the nursing homes and the VA hospitals," Walker said. Pricing for purchase by an individual is expected within the next couple of months. Walker sees the device as independence for some. "What would someone pay to be able to restore the independence in their life?" Walker wonders. "Being able to go outside and not worry about having an accident."

The next step is an integral control unit on the pad, with a liquid activated sensor to start the pump, making it even easier to use.

We should all feel safer knowing that the men and women flying the skies in defense of our country are happy, hydrated... and dry.

FMI: www.omniamxd.com