No more O2 mask--if you act now

[densoo]

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_IqWal_EmBg&feature=player_embedded

Here is the back story:

The events unfolded on July 26, 2008 when controller McCombs accepted
the hand-off of KFS66 (callsign Kalitta 66), which appeared to have a
stuck mike creating incomprehensible transmissions. Unclear to those in
the Center, however, was that the co-pilot's arm was all the while
moving violently and uncontrollably on the other end as the captain
worked hard to hand fly the aircraft.

Through the help of another pilot's translation, Jay learned that the
aircraft had declared an emergency. The plane was quickly changing
altitude and McCombs immediately began to suggest closer airports, only
to receive a reply that they wanted to continue to Ypsilanti , MI .

Amid the chaos to translate the captain's words, fellow controller
Stephanie Bevins turns on the receiver so that she can now hear the
pilot with her own headset. As she thinks through the symptoms in her
head, she concludes that he must be hypoxic, a serious condition
involving lack of oxygen due to pressurization problems. She knows
immediately that they must descend the aircraft.

Following Bevin's initiative, McCombs begins bringing the aircraft to
the lowest altitude available in order to alleviate the possible oxygen
deprivation. Unable to answer questions, the pilot is only able to
respond to direct commands that the controllers now begin to
voice."Descend and maintain," they repeat.

Remarkably, the captain's inability to turn on autopilot requires him
to have to work in order to fly the airplane, keeping him conscious and
the plane airborne. The pilot's words gradually become more
understandable, and around 11,000 feet, he returns to normal and
confirms that he had, indeed, been suffering from hypoxia.

Great hero story for the controller! The pilots had a slow decompression and they didn't recognize it. The cabin pressure warning system must have failed and they didn't recognize their own symptoms of hypoxia. A great example of why the FAA/ICAO should require altitude chambers for all pilots at least once so that pilots can learn what their own symptoms are.

However, unless you're suggesting that one or both pilots should wear O2 masks at all times above 10000', which is the only way this would have been prevented, then please go to the FAA website to register your support for getting rid of the Halloween mask attached to a vacuum cleaner hose on your face. There are just hours left to do this, here:

http://www.regulations.gov/search/Regs/home.html#submitComment?R=0900006480a41a09

 

[densoo]

Forty three commented in favor of the NPRM, zero opposed it.

 

[UALRATT]

Great hero story for the controller! The pilots had a slow decompression and they didn't recognize it. The cabin pressure warning system must have failed and they didn't recognize their own symptoms of hypoxia. A great example of why the FAA/ICAO should require altitude chambers for all pilots at least once so that pilots can learn what their own symptoms are.

However, unless you're suggesting that one or both pilots should wear O2 masks at all times above 10000', which is the only way this would have been prevented, then please go to the FAA website to register your support for getting rid of the Halloween mask attached to a vacuum cleaner hose on your face. There are just hours left to do this, here:

[URL]http://www.regulations.gov/search/Regs/home.html#submitComment?R=0900006480a41a09[/URL]

I support the current regulation with only minor mods. I clean my mask as part of my preflight procedures for the O2 system which in my opinion is the most critical of aircraft systems...How about spending more of our resources on supporting H.R. 4788 (click the link below).

http://crewroom.alpa.org/ual/DesktopModules/ViewDocument.aspx?DocumentID=46681

Without a flying job they is very little need for supplemental oxygen. Please write your representatives...

 

[densoo]

How about spending more of our resources on supporting H.R. 4788 (click the link below).

http://crewroom.alpa.org/ual/DesktopModules/ViewDocument.aspx?DocumentID=46681

Without a flying job they is very little need for supplemental oxygen. Please write your representatives...

Thanks for pointing that out. If fact, I encourage everyone to go to this link to write your congressman: https://writerep.house.gov/writerep/welcome.shtml

Here is the text I used. Feel free to use it.

I am certain that you see your most important concern is the welfare of your constituents. Steady and secure employment is a critical part of that concern. As an airline pilot I urge you to support and even co-sponsor H.R. 4788, "Aviation Jobs Outsourcing Prevention Act."

Entire industries have been outsourced to other countries. Aviation is one that must not be but not just for the jobs, but for the security of our aviation system. Please support this bill. Here are the current sponsors. Would you add your name to that list?

Respectfully

SPONSOR:
Rep Bishop, Timothy H. [NY-1]
CO-SPONSORS:
Rep Brown, Corrine [FL-3]
Rep Filner, Bob [CA-51]
Rep Garamendi, John [CA-10]
Rep Hare, Phil [IL-17]
Rep Kagen, Steve [WI-8]
Rep Loebsack, David [IA-2]
Rep McCotter, Thaddeus G. [MI-11]
Rep Michaud, Michael H. [ME-2]
Rep Miller, Candice S. [MI-10]
Rep Murphy, Tim [PA-18]
Rep Schauer, Mark H. [MI-7]
Rep Sires, Albio [NJ-13]
Rep Stark, Fortney Pete [CA-13]