It’s been a busy week in the world of aerospace physiology. On Friday, C got to practice “getting drunk on altitude” in the altitude chamber. The idea is that pilots will be able to recognize the symptoms of hypoxia and be able to take appropriate action (hypoxia = a deficiency in oxygen at altitude). They were asked to do word scrambles and basic math at 25,000 feet, without the oxygen mask, to learn the effects decreased pressure. Hypoxia makes a person feel “drunk”, with a feeling of euphoria paired with dizziness and mental confusion. Pilots need to be able to recognize this feeling so that they know it is time to give themselves oxygen. C knew it was time to put on his mask when he had trouble figuring out 6 x 4.
Check out this video to see hypoxia in action!
Next, C got to strap in to the ejection seat trainer to learn how to strap in and orient his body for ejection.
 |
| Ejection seat training |
On the same day, he used a T-6 mock-up to strap in to the plane and practice ground egress (getting out of the plane really quickly while on the ground).
 |
| Egress training |
 |
| C all suited up after egress |
C also had his first two written tests this week (which he rocked!) and the Fighter Aircrew Conditioning Test. The FACT tests a pilot’s ability to physically withstand G’s and consists of weightlifting and endurance exercises.
Today he’s on to parachute training (next blog’s feature) and on Friday he’s fully immersed into systems academics. Only 5 short weeks until he’s in the air!
