High Altitude High Altitude TrainingTraining

College of AviationCollege of AviationGlenn Harmon, Aerospace Glenn Harmon, Aerospace

Physiologist, Physiologist,

Asst Professor of Aeronautical Asst Professor of Aeronautical ScienceScience

High Altitude TrainingHigh Altitude Training

Purpose: Demonstrate the symptoms Purpose: Demonstrate the symptoms and effects of hypoxia and recovery and effects of hypoxia and recovery using airline-style oxygen masks.using airline-style oxygen masks.

Hypoxia: Lack of oxygen in the blood or Hypoxia: Lack of oxygen in the blood or brain caused by low atmospheric brain caused by low atmospheric pressure or content resulting in pressure or content resulting in impairment or unconsciousness. impairment or unconsciousness.

Is Hypoxia Awareness/Training Needed?Is Hypoxia Awareness/Training Needed?

Hypoxia AccidentsHypoxia Accidents

High Altitude TrainingHigh Altitude Training

Military TrainingMilitary Training

FAA Oxygen RequirementsFAA Oxygen Requirements

Civilian and Airline TrainingCivilian and Airline Training

DOT/FAA StudyDOT/FAA Study

High Altitude TrainingHigh Altitude TrainingERAU’s VisionERAU’s Vision

Hypobaric Chamber……. Hypobaric Chamber…….

ROBDROBD

Normobaric EnclosureNormobaric Enclosure

ERAU’s Lab DesignERAU’s Lab Design

COA 132B

ERAU SuppliersERAU Suppliers

High Altitude TrainingHigh Altitude TrainingNormobaric LabNormobaric Lab

Typical ProfileTypical Profile40-50 Minutes40-50 Minutes

Lab start-up and ascent to altitude e.g. 25,000 Lab start-up and ascent to altitude e.g. 25,000 ft.ft.

Students briefed on Objectives, Ops, mask usageStudents briefed on Objectives, Ops, mask usage Enter - Don OEnter - Don O22 masks, Comm, pulse oximeters masks, Comm, pulse oximeters Review symptoms/discussion/accident recap Review symptoms/discussion/accident recap Select studs to remove mask, begin tasksSelect studs to remove mask, begin tasks

Studs identify 2-3 symptoms - 8-12 min– recover on OStuds identify 2-3 symptoms - 8-12 min– recover on O22

Student feedbackStudent feedback Subjective & objective symptomsSubjective & objective symptoms Exit lab – debrief Exit lab – debrief

Instructor TrainingInstructor Training

Symptoms of Hypoxic Symptoms of Hypoxic HypoxiaHypoxia

Tunnel vision, visual acuity, focusTunnel vision, visual acuity, focusSUBJECTIVESUBJECTIVE

Euphoria, dizziness, tingling, headacheEuphoria, dizziness, tingling, headache Fatigue, loss of coordination, slurred Fatigue, loss of coordination, slurred

speech speech Cyanosis, rapid breathingCyanosis, rapid breathing IncapacitationIncapacitation DeathDeath

OBJECTIVEOBJECTIVE

Menu

Participation in the High Participation in the High Altitude LabAltitude Lab

At least 18 years of age. At least 18 years of age. Hold at least a 2Hold at least a 2ndnd class FAA medical class FAA medical

or equivalent. or equivalent. Medical Screening:Medical Screening: For health and safety reasons, you must notify an instructor if you are For health and safety reasons, you must notify an instructor if you are

currentlycurrently experiencing any of the symptoms or conditions below: experiencing any of the symptoms or conditions below: _______ Dizziness, fainting spells, unconsciousness or seizures_______ Dizziness, fainting spells, unconsciousness or seizures _______ Eye or vision trouble (except corrective lens)_______ Eye or vision trouble (except corrective lens) _______ Heart or vascular trouble, or anemia _______ Heart or vascular trouble, or anemia _______ Upper respiratory infection, asthma or bronchitis _______ Upper respiratory infection, asthma or bronchitis _______ Chest pain or shortness of breath_______ Chest pain or shortness of breath _______ Diabetes_______ Diabetes _______ Medications not approved for flight_______ Medications not approved for flight _______ Recent surgery_______ Recent surgery _______ Pregnancy or you have other health concerns_______ Pregnancy or you have other health concerns

Normobaric TechnologyNormobaric Technology

Shaun Wallace, “Altitude Guru”

Colorado Altitude TrainingColorado Altitude Training Normobaric Hypoxic Systems for

Aviators

Shaun Wallace

Simulating Altitude

x =

Normobaric Hypoxia

x =

Hypobaric Hypoxia

Humans respond to Partial Pressure of Oxygen

Atmospheric X O2 content (%) = PPO2 Pressure

Air Separation Technology

Minimal maintenance or running costs

Self re-generating; expected life >20,000 hours use

No need for cylinders of nitrogen or other gasses

Creating Hypoxic Environments

Dilution with hypoxic air

Creating Hypoxic Environments

Oxygen extraction method

Technology – The CAT Controller

Measures:•Barometric Pressure•Oxygen Content•CO2 level

Single point of control for altitude system

Activates:•Air Units•Intake Selector•Alarms

Input:•On/Off•Desired Altitude•Feet/Meters

Displays:•Desired Altitude•Current Effective Altitude•CO2

Enclosure Options: TentFAA’s “portable” system

Enclosure Options: Modular System ERAU’s Modular

Enclosure System

High Altitude TrainingHigh Altitude Training

Questions? Discussion?