Altitude Chamber

Experience Hypoxia at NASA’s Altitude Chamber

What is it?

Physiological training is a 1-day training course designed to familiarize pilots and flight crews with physiological stresses of flight.

When?

Our next visit is planned for Monday, March 26, 2012.  Deadline to register is March 12th.

Where?

NASA-Sonny Carter Training Facility in Clear Lake (Houston), Texas.

Cost?

At this time, the altitude chamber is free of charge, although minimum attendance requirements must be met, and all medical paperwork must be completed by the deadline.

Course Contents

Ground School Topics

  • Flying environment
  • Physiological functions of the body at ground level
  • Physiological effects of altitude
  • Need for oxygen at higher altitudes
  • Oxygen equipment and pressurization
  • Hyperventilation & hypoxia
  • Ear pain on descent & body gas problems
  • Effects of alcohol, tobacco, and drugs as they apply to flying
  • Pilot vertigo discussion and demonstration

Altitude Chamber Flight

  • Individual symptoms of oxygen deficiency
  • Decompression
  • Proper oxygen equipment usage
  • Experience and recognize the symptoms that will be the same as in actual flight
  • Learn to take the necessary action to prevent loss of judgment and consiousness
  • Note: Decompression is not dangerous provided proper supervision is present, and proper action are planned and taken when necessary

Basic Requirements

  • Register with HPA: This will let us know you’re planning to attend (limited class size, so we need a headcount).  Click this link to register
  • Complete this application: FAA Altitude Chamber Application
  • Applicants must be 18 or older
  • Must be US Citizen or foreign national with current Permanent Resident Card.  Must present proper identification when picking up the visitor/training badge
  • Must hold a FAA Class III medical certificate or higher.  Certificate cannot be more than 36 months old. Even though it may be an FAA physical, you must meet NASA standards.
  • Must submit a copy of the FAA Medical Certificate and copy of the Medical History Interval Form at least 3 weeks in advance to: Physiological Training Officer jsc-htsgad@mail.nasa.gov OR Fax 281-792-5731

On the day of training the applicant must:

  • Be free from colds or allergies and have no affliction that could be aggravated by atmospheric pressure changes.
  • Not have participated in SCUBA diving activities within 48 hours preceding physiological training.
  • Not have full beard.  An applicant with a beard will not be permitted to participate in the chamber flight.
  • Bring the medical certificate to show and the logbook for the training statement

If you have any additional questions, please feel free to contact us.

Check out this video from ABC news about NASA’s chamber: