Jump to content

Hypoxia we are all different


Danb

Recommended Posts

I flew home to day from Detroit to Wilm De, only 9,000 ft. After about 30 minutes I started to yawn continuously I told my wife to get my O2 and the oximeter. I was at 89 % really and my wife was 95% after a few minutes on oxygen I felt fine.  Beware!

 

The point being we are all different even though the FAA regs. State altitudes, we've had lots of great discussions here lately, but make sure you determine when you need oxygen. I flew there at 8,000 ft. so everyday is different.

Edited by Danb
  • Like 3
Link to comment
Share on other sites

The presentation at the Mooney Summit on fatigue was interesting since one's alertness is also sleep dependent.

Between breathing and sleeping enough and not drinking any alcohol, this flying business is going to make us all respectable citizens!

:o

  • Like 3
Link to comment
Share on other sites

Good point I cancelled going to the Summit at the last minute and went north since it was a vacation, I slept in a hotel for 5 nights so not sleeping good probabably was a factor.

 

Edited by Danb
Link to comment
Share on other sites

The presentation at the Mooney Summit on fatigue was interesting since one's alertness is also sleep dependent.

Between breathing and sleeping enough and not drinking any alcohol, this flying business is going to make us all respectable citizens!

:o

And don't forget eating well and exercise.

Link to comment
Share on other sites

I flew home to day from Detroit to Wilm De, only 9,000 ft. After about 30 minutes I started to yawn continuously I told my wife to get my O2 and the oximeter. I was at 89 % really and my wife was 95% after a few minutes on oxygen I felt fine.  Beware!

 

The point being we are all different even though the FAA regs. State altitudes, we've had lots of great discussions here lately, but make sure you determine when you need oxygen. I flew there at 8,000 ft. so everyday is different.

MAPA saftey foundation recommends O2 at 8000 ft during the day and 5000 or 6000 ft at night...good on you to recognize it and being prepared to deal with it.

  • Like 1
Link to comment
Share on other sites

Hypoxia is insidious and unless you have experienced it before, can be difficult to identify.  I'm glad you were able to figure it out and get on O2! The body is affected by recent sleep patterns, caloric intake, caffeine and alcohol as well.  One day you could fly at 11,500 and the next 8,500 is too much.  The reason for O2 at lower altitudes for night operations is because our acuity at night is severely reduced.  A lack of O2 makes your night vision hampers it even more. 

  • Like 2
Link to comment
Share on other sites

Yes indeed everyone is affected differently by altitude.  The only way to now is to be aware of the symptoms of Hypoxia.  Thankfully the only time it hit me was after a 5 hour flight at 11,500, and that was a very, very, very mild altitude sickness afterwards.  Didn't help that I spent all night at a concert.  Be especially careful at night, hypoxia affects your vision first.  You might not notice it during the daytime hours, but at nigh the visual degradation can become marked.

Link to comment
Share on other sites

Join the conversation

You can post now and register later. If you have an account, sign in now to post with your account.

Guest
Reply to this topic...

×   Pasted as rich text.   Paste as plain text instead

  Only 75 emoji are allowed.

×   Your link has been automatically embedded.   Display as a link instead

×   Your previous content has been restored.   Clear editor

×   You cannot paste images directly. Upload or insert images from URL.

×
×
  • Create New...

Important Information

We have placed cookies on your device to help make this website better. You can adjust your cookie settings, otherwise we'll assume you're okay to continue.