Aeromedical Factors – Signs of Hypoxia

Thanks Jason.  This is the best video example of how hypoxia can sneak up on a pilot that I have ever seen. Your videos are great because you actually show flight maneuvers that I read about in books.  I learn a lot from you.  Keep it up.

I have never seen someone who’s about to become hypoxic be so happy and excited!!

This was a really interesting video. Two things I noticed that I thought were really interesting and weren’t mentioned — your use of vocal disfluencies increases with altitude and your rate of speech slows. Basically you seem like a sleepy, slightly drunk person!

How did you feel afterwards? Were there any after-effects or symptoms that you experienced after you’d come back to sea level?

There is something else I’m curious about — do people who are more aerobically fit tolerate a depressurization better?

This really is one of the best videos you’ve made and incredibly instructive.
Cheers!

My incredible check ride examiner emphasized hypoxia and suggested that I always take a bottle of oxygen;  a few months ago a Colorado pilot crashed near the New Mexico border due to hypoxia.

I have experienced mild hypoxia a few times. Twice in the Rocky Mountains and once in the air (flying to Oshkosh at just 10,000 feet).

All three times I started feeling really good (a little too good) and found that I forgot things easily (answering radio calls etc). On the Oshkosh trip I wasn’t the flying pilot but I was tasked with answering the radio. Let’s just say, I didn’t do very well after an hour at 10k.

I have since lost over 60 pounds and much improved my cardiovascular conditioning (by running etc). Now I am comfortable at 10k for extended periods of time with only minor symptoms (tingling hands) if any.

I also noticed one of my flying buddies getting very irritated during a long night flight at 8000 feet. I was the flying pilot when out of nowhere he started getting grumpy, this was totally out of charter for him. I mentioned that he may be getting a little hypoxic and he only mumbled something. Later on he told me that he thought that he was hypoxic but didn’t know it at the time. For me, I video tape my flights so I have an impartial witness to everything I do.

Great demonstration, I only wish he had given you a bit more time to display the effects.

I have been told that when you are very hypox you will perform like you are drunk but think you are doing a great job.

Would have been funny: “Dr Buza: Jason, you are in a steep dive!” “Jason: What are you talking about? I am doing great!”

It is scary how Hypoxia can slowly creep up on you.
Thanks again for the lesson.

Really enjoyed that. Thank you!

Dear Jason many years ago I was flying with a non pilot passanger at night 26,000 ft IFR from Kansas to Brownsville TX my T21oJ has oxigen masks and I was as I like it flying myself no autopilot next scene my airpline diving at 10,000 ft I awoke, not any pre hypoxia I can remember just passed out, my mask stop providing oxygen  y leveled, reduced speed and took my scared passanger mask for me, requested a change altitude to 10,000 ft and kept the flight to Brownsville TX
It´s something you should take good care and use a  good oxigen system.

Thanks Mike!

The main take away from this and your comment is this…Hypoxia can strike at altitudes even lower then you would think!

Thanks for the comment man and keep up the GREAT work

Jason

Thanks Captain!

You said it yourself… It’s one thing to read it in a book it’s another to live it and experience it

Jason

Thanks Andrew that means a lot!

Jason

Bryan thanks so much man! It’s so funny how quickly hypoxia can set in!

Jason

Thanks Man! I know I forgot to grab my lav mics that day bummer!

Jason

You are soooo very correct!

Great comment man!

Jason

Hahaha … 5AM is bedtime, not waking up time!

Thanks Larry! Ya this was a true dream of mine too! Dr Buza was so smart and helpful! A truly wonderful experience.

Jason