Defibrillators

"My guess is we'll see more medical problems in flight," Rayman said.

"Not only minor illness but major illness will increase because of the demographics of the flying public." The association has been trying to collect data, even anonymously, from the airlines on in-flight medical events but hasn't been successful, he said.

Another factor with potential health effects is the rising number of flight delays that keep passengers on the ground or circling in the air longer.

Last year was the third worst for on-time arrivals in the 12 years the Bureau of Transportation Statistics has been tracking them, spokesman Dave Smallen said.

While still rare, the number of extended delays has grown in the last two years.

Weather conditions, gate congestion and internal meltdowns led to high-profile passenger confinements of up to 10 hours on some JetBlue planes in February.

Last year, 36 out of a total 7.1 million annual flights were held on the ground for more than five hours, up from 27 that sat that long in 2005, according to the bureau.

Meanwhile, demand for air travel is forecast to pick up.

U.S.

commercial airlines transported about 741 million passengers last...

» The association confirmed that legendary Punahou athlete Charlie Wedemeyer will be inducted into the High School Hall of Fame this summer.

The process of selection involves three screening committees, Amemiya said.

Wedemeyer was a four-sport sensation, but is also widely known for his motivational talks with the help of wife Lucy.

The former coach has overcome ALS for more than two decades.

» The BIIF announced plans to organize a sportsmanship summit in July.

» A committee of league representatives will meet in early May to discuss transfer rules.

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