This course covers the physiological, aerodynamic, and environmental hazards associated with high altitude flight, including:
• The composition, circulation, and properties of the Earth’s atmosphere.
• High altitude aerodynamics and the dangers associated.
• Environmental factors specific to high altitude flight, including jet stream winds, clear air turbulence, thunderstorms, icing, low ambient temperatures, volcanic ash, and wake turbulence.
• Aircraft pressurization and oxygen systems.
• High altitude physiology including hypoxia, hyperventilation, decompression sickness, barotrauma, and the effects of cosmic radiation.
• Abnormal and emergency procedures relating to gradual decompression, rapid decompression, and emergency descent.
• High altitude accident case study