Nate Callender, Tyler Babb, Don Crews

nate.callender@mtsu.edu, tyler.babb@mtsu.edu, don.crews@mtsu.edu

Ron Ferrara

Aerospace

Discipline specific equipment

BAS S116, Airport Campus Hangar #2, Airport Campus Simulation Laboratory

N/A

N/A

The Aerospace Department trains professional pilots to routinely operate technically advanced aircraft at altitudes where there is not sufficient oxygen to maintain appropriate blood oxygen levels, a dangerous condition called hypoxia. Hypoxia alters perception and cognition, making it difficult for pilots to recognize the condition. Symptoms of hypoxia vary with each pilot. Currently most aerospace programs train for hypoxia through lecture/discussion rather than through exposure to hypoxia. However, it is essential that each pilot experience hypoxia in order to recognize his or her individual symptoms. To provide this training we are requesting two Reduced Oxygen Breathing Devices (ROBD) and associated equipment for their operation alone or with flight simulators (campus & flight school locations). ROBDs are a means to safely and efficiently expose students to their unique symptoms of hypoxia without the risk and expense of hyperbaric chambers. ROBD use has been validated by the U.S. Navy, and the Aerospace and Biology departments gained experience with a U.S. Navy ROBD as part of a joint research program during fall 2006. This equipment may be utilized in the following Aerospace classes: 2201, 2230, 3170, 3202, 3203, 3204, 3210, 3215, 3222, 3223, 3225, 3240, 3241, 4071, and 4250 (approximately 300 students/year). Additionally, the systems may be used for graduate research by students in Aerospace, Biology, and Health and Human Performance. Practical hypoxia training through ROBDs will help the Aerospace program remain a leader in this competitive field.