One shot how high Altitude, Temporary O2 in RV-8

[Mark12A]

Originally Posted by John Clark

FAR 61.31(g) covers the training requirements for operating over 25000 feet. Altitude chamber training isn't required, but I recommend it to anyone that flies. Experiencing hypoxia is a real education.

John Clark ATP, CFI
FAAST Team Representative
EAA Flight Advisor
RV8 N18U "Sunshine"
KSBA

The learning curve on that one is kinda steep...

[rv9av8tr]

As a civilian pilot, I did all day altitude chamber training at Edwards AFB in the early 90's, so been there done that. One person lost all mental capacity. Instructor YELLED at the guy, in his face, to put his mask on, but no response. Started into muscle twitching, had to input his mask on for him. Within 10 sec he was completely "back". He said he didn't hear or remember any of what happened. It was like the lights were on but no one home. Fascinating experience. Gave me incredible respect for the dangers of high altitude operations, which is the point of the training. I highly recommend anyone planning to spend any time flying over 12K ft to seek out this training.

[Sig600]

Originally Posted by rv9av8tr

As a civilian pilot, I did all day altitude chamber training at Edwards AFB in the early 90's, so been there done that. One person lost all mental capacity. Instructor YELLED at the guy, in his face, to put his mask on, but no response. Started into muscle twitching, had to input his mask on for him. Within 10 sec he was completely "back". He said he didn't hear or remember any of what happened. It was like the lights were on but no one home. Fascinating experience. Gave me incredible respect for the dangers of high altitude operations, which is the point of the training. I highly recommend anyone planning to spend any time flying over 12K ft to seek out this training.

The scarey thing is 12K is just the legal line in the sand. It varies from person to person. I can site accidents in which pilots lost consciousness at or below 12K and rode the plane to the crash scene.

When I did the altitude chamber about 10 years ago, one of the "rides" we did was at night (lights off) at 10K feet cabin altitude. There was a small red flood light on the ceiling for vis. They had us just hang out, chat, look at color charts in the red light... basic stuff for about 15-20 minutes. I didn't feel anything at all. Then they had us put our masks back on, and on the third breath it was like someone flipped on the lights. Instantly the room was so bright I could see everything. The instructors hadn't done a thing. Scared the **** out of me as I had been routinely flying in the mid-low teens at night, single pilot for a few years prior.

[logansc]

I'll chime in with the minority on this one, Don. Do your homework, carefully prepare your equipment, make a plan, and... HAVE A GREAT FLIGHT!

Although what you are considering is perfectly within the capabilities of your aircraft and with the proper preparation, you and the equipment available to you as well, I salute your enterprise (and in the face of all this negativity), your daring.

You don't get any Air Medals sitting in the 'Ready Room'.


Lee...

[mannanj]

Originally Posted by logansc

You don't get any Air Medals sitting in the 'Ready Room'.

Lee...

I agree. I've flown mine over the Sierras twice---16,500ft going West and 17,500ft coming back East. Used the cannulas as I didn't plan on going over 17,500.

Of course, I had a Pulse/Oximeter and regularly checked myself and my wife.

Let me tell you, the top of Mt. Whitney and surrounding peaks look like they're just below your toes even at 17,500!

[donaziza]

Originally Posted by logansc

I'll chime in with the minority on this one, Don. Do your homework, carefully prepare your equipment, make a plan, and... HAVE A GREAT FLIGHT!

Although what you are considering is perfectly within the capabilities of your aircraft and with the proper preparation, you and the equipment available to you as well, I salute your enterprise (and in the face of all this negativity), your daring.

You don't get any Air Medals sitting in the 'Ready Room'.


Lee...

Got all the air medals I need in Vietnam. Did my high altitude chamber training in the military.

[logansc]

In that case, thanks for your service!

And, have a great flight!


Lee...

[Sig600]

Originally Posted by donaziza

Got all the air medals I need in Vietnam. Did my high altitude chamber training in the military.

respect! You guys actually earned them. I got mine just existing over Iraq and A-Stan.

[Mark Albery]

I'm surprised nobody's mentioned this.

Of course that's taking it to extremes. At least it doesn't get any colder once you get to the tropopause.

The bar's been set quite high - at least it was an 'RV".

[pierre smith]

Originally Posted by Mark Albery

.....The bar's been set quite high - at least it was an 'RV".

Ya reckon? At what point is an RV no longer an RV? Bruce's airplane has 380 HP and is a single seater...RV 3 1/2?

Best,