Hypobaric training for AFB pilots

COLUMBUS, Miss. - One of a myriad of assets designed for training pilots about the dangers of hypoxia is the hypobaric chamber at Columbus Air Force Base’s 14th Flying Training Wing. The chamber is used as a training device for pilots to experience the symptoms of hypoxia (dizziness, mental confusion, fatigue and headaches) in a safe environment. Hypoxia is a condition in which a region of the body is deprived of adequate oxygen. Experiencing those symptoms is extremely important to AF pilots to gain a simulated experience of the symptoms so they can recognize and correct potential problems. “We have (pilots) take off their oxygen mask so they can safely experience (those) symptoms" in simulated altitude conditions, says Senior Airman Dawn Edwards, Aerospace Physiology Technician. “You should not be feeling any of the symptoms (of hypoxia while flying) unless something went wrong," said Lt. Col. Mark Harrison, a navigator student from Maxwell (Ala.) AFB. Harrison flies in C-130s. The hyperbaric chamber is essential to proper pilot and rated aircrew training as an every-five- year refresher course to assist them in executing their jobs safely and efficiently. (Source: Columbus AFB 06/12/14)