High Altitude Operations - QT

Lesson Quicktakes cover the items that should be memorized from each of the wifiCFI Lessons. They do not cover all of the lesson details in-depth.

TRAINING REQUIREMENT

If aircraft has a service ceiling or maximum operating altitude above 25,000’ MSL.

OXYGEN REQUIREMENTS

• Above 12,500’ MSL = Oxygen used for anytime over 30 min (by the flight crew).

• Above 14,000’ MSL = Flight crew must use oxygen for the entire duration.

• Above 15,000’ MSL = Each occupant provided with oxygen (they do not have to use).

HYPOXIA

Not enough oxygen.

• Hypoxic Hypoxia = Not enough oxygen in the environment (high altitudes).

• Hypemic Hypoxia = Oxygen cannot attach to blood cells (CO poisoning).

• Stagnant Hypoxia = Blood not flowing (G-Forces).

• Histotoxic Hypoxia = Brain rejects oxygen molecules (drugs and alcohol).

Symptoms of Hypoxia:

• Cyanosis (blue fingernails and lips).

• Headache.

• Decreased Response times.

• Impaired Judgement.

• Euphoria.

• Visual Impairment.

• Drowsiness.

• Dizzy Sensations.

• Numbness.

• Tingling in Fingers and Toes.

Hypoxia Corrective Actions:

• Descend.

• Put on an Oxygen Mask.

• Stop pulling G-Forces.

DCS

Decompression Sickness

SCUBA DIVING WAIT TIMES

OTHER PHYSIOLOGICAL FACTORS

OUTFLOW VALVES

Open and close automatically to keep cabin pressure altitude.

TURBOCHARGERS

OXYGEN SYSTEMS

• Continuous Flow System = Continuously supplies oxygen.

• Diluter and Pressure Demand Systems = Provide more oxygen at higher altitudes and less oxygen at lower altitudes. Provide oxygen when the user inhales.

• Quick Donning Masks = Can be placed on the face with one hand in under 5 seconds.

DECOMPRESSION

Rapid Decompression:

• Lungs decompress faster than the cabin.

• Caused by a small leak.

Explosive Decompression:

• Cabin decompresses faster than lungs (leads to lung damage).

• Caused by a large/fast leak.

TIMES OF USEFUL CONSCIOUSNESS