Nate Callender, Don Crews, Tyler Babb

nate.callender@mtsu.edu

Wendy Beckman

Aerospace

Discipline specific equipment

BAS S116 and Airport Campus Simulation Laboratory

N/A

N/A

The Aerospace Department trains professional pilots to 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. Most aerospace programs train for hypoxia through lecture 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 use with MTSU flight simulators. ROBDs are a means to safely and efficiently expose students to their unique hypoxia symptoms without the risk and expense of hyperbaric chambers. GoPro cameras and associated equipment are included in this request for monitoring and recording student perspectives and performance. 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 and undergraduate 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 a very competitive field.