Navy demos PE training device

WASHINGTON: The Navy demonstrated a new training device July 7 that is designed to prepare its aviators for potential in-flight emergencies by having them feel the effects of oxygen deprivation while safely grounded. The new tool in the service’s years-long struggle with the phenomena known as physiological episodes (PEs). The “Mask on Breathing Device” allows pilots feel the PE symptoms that could happen in flight - from hypoxia to hyperventilation and “air hunger.” The service has delivered 10 devices to date and plans to install 35 throughout the fleet’s training centers. PEs have been a problem for the Navy and Air Force. A PE is characterized by a pilot body’s adversely reacting to intense pressures of flight, combined with issues with the aircraft, in ways that can debilitate the pilot. The Navy's highest number of PEs per flight hour in 2017 were roughly 71 per 100,000 flights hours in the T-45 trainer, according to the Navy. Studies concluded there is no singular root cause. It is a combination of factors in the cockpit and the pilot’s health that could lead to blacking out mid-flight. Since the height of the phenomenon, PE episodes have declined. (Source: Breaking Defense 07/13/22) New Navy flight mask could prep aviators to avoid blacking out mid-flight - Breaking Defense