Airman Education Programs Topics of Interest
Beware of HypoxiaBy Larry Boshers
Each year, as a member of the FAA Civil Aeromedical Institute's Airman Education Program Team, I attend several air shows and Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) - sponsored Wings Safety Programs. The primary purpose for our participation is to promote aviation safety through education. Normally, we present seminars about Aviation Physiology-related topics and provide pilots with the opportunity to experience spatial disorientation by "flying" the demonstration trainer designed specifically for that purpose. We also provide pamphlets and other handouts with information about how pilots can obtain formal training in post-crash survival and high-altitude physiology.
All too often, pilots tell me they don't need physiological training because they don't fly that high. The statement points out the general feelings of a large majority of the aviation population. I suppose then the burning question is "why do we still have aircraft accidents?" more....