High Altitude Training College of Aviation Glenn Harmon, Aerospace Physiologist, Asst Professor of Aeronautical Science

High Altitude Training Purpose: Demonstrate the symptoms and effects of hypoxia and recovery using airline- style oxygen masks. Purpose: Demonstrate the symptoms and effects of hypoxia and recovery using airline- style oxygen masks. Hypoxia: Lack of oxygen in the blood or brain caused by low atmospheric pressure or content resulting in impairment or unconsciousness. Hypoxia: Lack of oxygen in the blood or brain caused by low atmospheric pressure or content resulting in impairment or unconsciousness. Is Hypoxia Awareness/Training Needed? Is Hypoxia Awareness/Training Needed?

Hypoxia Accidents

High Altitude Training Military Training Military Training FAA Oxygen Requirements FAA Oxygen Requirements Civilian and Airline Training Civilian and Airline Training DOT/FAA Study DOT/FAA Study

High Altitude Training ERAU’s Vision Hypobaric Chamber……. Hypobaric Chamber……. ROBD ROBD Normobaric Enclosure Normobaric Enclosure

ERAU’s Lab Design COA 132B

ERAU Suppliers

High Altitude Training Normobaric Lab

Typical Profile Minutes Lab start-up and ascent to altitude e.g. 25,000 ft. Lab start-up and ascent to altitude e.g. 25,000 ft. Students briefed on Objectives, Ops, mask usage Students briefed on Objectives, Ops, mask usage Enter - Don O 2 masks, Comm, pulse oximeters Enter - Don O 2 masks, Comm, pulse oximeters Review symptoms/discussion/accident recap Review symptoms/discussion/accident recap Select studs to remove mask, begin tasks Select studs to remove mask, begin tasks Studs identify 2-3 symptoms min– recover on O 2 Studs identify 2-3 symptoms min– recover on O 2 Student feedback Student feedback Subjective & objective symptoms Subjective & objective symptoms Exit lab – debrief Exit lab – debrief

Instructor Training

Symptoms of Hypoxic Hypoxia Tunnel vision, visual acuity, focus SUBJECTIVE Tunnel vision, visual acuity, focus SUBJECTIVE Euphoria, dizziness, tingling, headache Euphoria, dizziness, tingling, headache Fatigue, loss of coordination, slurred speech Fatigue, loss of coordination, slurred speech Cyanosis, rapid breathing Cyanosis, rapid breathing Incapacitation Incapacitation Death OBJECTIVE Death OBJECTIVE Menu

Participation in the High Altitude Lab At least 18 years of age. At least 18 years of age. Hold at least a 2 nd class FAA medical or equivalent. Hold at least a 2 nd class FAA medical or equivalent. Medical Screening: Medical Screening: For health and safety reasons, you must notify an instructor if you are currently experiencing any of the symptoms or conditions below: For health and safety reasons, you must notify an instructor if you are currently 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 Technology Shaun Wallace, “Altitude Guru”

Colorado 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 CO 2 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 CO 2

Enclosure Options: Tent FAA’s “portable” system

Enclosure Options: Modular System ERAU’s Modular Enclosure System

High Altitude Training Questions?Discussion?