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1f%~~ /~~ ~4j 0(~~r..-~:\~ 4!: V~ I ~~/ST\tI'-~===,-'::? U.S. DEPARTMENTOF TRANSPORTATIONFEDERALAVIATIONADMINISTRATION ORDER3150.1CApril 4, 2006SUBJ: AVIATIONPHYSIOLOGYTRAININGFOR FAA FLIGHTPERSONNEL

1. PURPOSE. This order prescribes an aviation physiology training program for FAA flightpersonnel to include course content, location of agency, military training facilities, andprocedures for applying for such training.2. DISTRIBUTION. This order is distributed to branch level in Washington, Regions,Aeronautical Center, and Technical Center; and limited distribution to all Flight Standards,Air Traffic, and International Aviation Field Offices.3. CANCELLATION. Order 3l50.1B is canceled.4. OBJECTIVE. The objective ofthis order is to provide information, list training sources,define the program content, and provide administrative procedures to enable FAA aircrewpersonnel to learn the physiological effects of flight and how to compensate for thenumerous body handicaps posed by the flight environment.5. TRAININGREQUIREMENTS. Aviation physiological training requirements are asprescribed in Order 4040.9D, FAA Aircraft Management Program. Initial qualification inphysiological training is met by attendance at a course as outlined inAppendix B.6. TRAININGPREREQUISITES. Prerequisites for receiving aviation physiologicaltraining are:

a. A valid first-, second-, or third-class medical certificate. An inquiry shall be madeconcerning the current state of health of each trainee prior to the altitude chamberexposure. Doubtful cases shall be referred to a physician for appropriate decision.b. Assignment to flight duties within FAA as prescribed by Order 4040.9D.c. FAA personnel seeking flights on military aircraft should contact the appropriatemilitary organization for clearance requirements.7. APPLICATION FOR TRAINING.

a. The trainee or their representative must contact the Civil Aerospace Medical Institute,AerospaceMedical Education Division (AAM-400), to arrange the initial physiologicaltraining course.

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Distribution: A-WXYZ-3; A-FFS-O/FAT-.Q~IA-OLTD) Initiated By: AAM-400

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3I50.1CAppendixA

APPENDIX A -U.S. GOVERNMENT PHYSIOLOGICALTRAINING FACILITIES. Civil AerospaceMedical Institute, Oklahoma City, OK. Andrews AFB, MD . Laughlin AFB, TX. Beale AFB, CA . Moody AFB, GA. Columbia AFB,MS . Peterson AFB, CO. Fairchild AFB, WA . Randolph AFB, TX

. Tyndall AFB, FLFt. Rucker, Army, AL. Langley AFB, VA

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3150.1CAppendix B

APPENDIX B -TOPIC OUTLINEFORACADEMIC TRAININGThis lesson plan is a guide only. It is expected that the compositionof the class will determinewhether the instructor chooses to cover the subject material in a different sequence and/or depth.It might also be appropriate to change the curriculum subjects on occasion. The idea is to teach abasic course of pertinent facts to assure that the pilot has the necessary aeromedical knowledgeto perform safely during flight. (See Appendix C for Flight Profiles.)1. Physics of the AtmosphereChemical CompositionDivisions (Physical and Physiological)Concept of Atmospheric Pressure andPartial PressureGas Laws2. Respiration and Circulation

Basic Anatomy and Physiology of the Respiratory and Circulatory SystemsExchange of Oxygen and Carbon Dioxide: Environment-Lungs-TissuesChanges in the Composition of Alveolar Gas with Altitude3. Trapped GasesAnatomical Areas Affected

Correlation of Gas Law PhysicsPredisposing and/or Contributing FactorsSigns and SymptomsPrevention and Treatment

4. HypoxiaDefinition, Types, and CausesCorrelation of Gas Law PhysicsSymptoms and SignsTime of Effective PerformancelUsenll ConsciousnessPredisposing and/or Contributing FactorsUse of Oxygen to Prevent HypoxiaPressure Breathing at High Altitude

5. Oxygen Equipment Use and Equipment FamiliarizationDescription of Systems and Equipment used in Civil AviationEmphasis on High Pressure, Continuous Flow, and Portable KitsChecking of Oxygen Equipment and Emergency Drills6. Cabin Pressurization

Physiological Requirements for Cabin PressurizationIsobaric andDifferential Pressurization MethodsCauses and Types (slow, rapid, explosive) of CabinDecompressionsSymptoms and Signs Following a CabinDecompressionEmergency Procedures Following a CabinDecompression

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7. HyperventilationDefinition and CausesSymptoms, Signs, and Performance EffectsPrevention and Treatment

8. Altitude-Induced Decompression SicknessDefinition, Types, and CausesPredisposing and Contributing FactorsSymptoms and SignsPrevention and Treatment9. Spatial Orientation and Disorientation

Role of the Visual, Vestibular, Auditory, and Propioceptive Systems in SpatialOrientationDefinition, Types, and Causes of SpatialDisorientationDuring FlightPreventive Measures and TreatmentPractical Demonstration of Somatogyral and Coriolis Illusions (Barany Chair,Vertigon, Gyro-I, etc.)

10. Principles and Problems of VisionAnatomy and Physiology of Day and Night VisionFactors Affecting VisionDark AdaptationVisual Scanning MethodsHazards to Vision in FlightUse of Sunglasses

II. Thermal StressPrinciples of Thermal Transfer andBody Temperature RegulationSources of Heat and Cold Stress in AviationSymptoms, Signs, and Performance Effects of Heat and Cold StressPredisposing and Contributing Factors to Thermal StressPrevention and Treatment of Heat Illnesses, Cold Injury, and Hypothermia

12.Hearing, Noise, and VibrationAnatomy and Physiology of the EarDefinitions, Types, and Causes ofNoise and VibrationSymptoms, Signs, and Performance Effects ofNoise and VibrationPrevention and Treatment of Noise and Vibration Exposures

13.Air Sickness/Motion SicknessDefinition and CausesPredisposing and Contributing FactorsSymptoms and SignsPrevention (including adaptation) andTreatment

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3150.ICAppendix B

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3150.1CAppendix B14.Operational FatiguePhysiology of Sleep, Sleep Loss, Circadian RhythmsDefinition and Causes of Fatigue

Predisposing and Contributing Factors (individual, environmental, operational)Symptoms, Signs, and PerformanceEffectsPrevention and Countermeasures15.Acceleration ExposureDefinition and Types (including terminology)Sources of Accelerative Forces in Civil Aviation (crop dusting, aerobatics, aerialfire-fighting, push-pull effect)Symptoms, Signs, and Performance EffectsPredisposing and Contributing FactorsCountermeasures and Preventive Measures16. Self-Imposed StressIllnesses and Diseases (acute and chronic)Poor Physical FitnessInadequate Diet/NutritionInadequate HydrationExcessive Body WeightDrugs, Alcohol, and Tobacco Use!AbuseUse of Medications (non-prescription and prescription)Excessive Caffeine ConsumptionCarbonMonoxide PoisoningPsychological Stress17.Human Performance Issues

Decision Making ProcessPerception andAttentionCognitive ProcessingMemory (types)Response/ReactionHuman Error18. FAAAltitude Chamber TrainingProfilesUSAF Physiological Training Units may select either one of the two chamber flightprofiles shown in figures 1 and 2

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3150.1CAppendix C

APPENDIX - C ALTITUDE CHAMBERTRAININGThe following are the Altitude Chamber TrainingProfiles proposed by the FAA for thepractical demonstration of the effects of individual exposure to decreased barometricpressure. These profiles can certainly be modified at the discretion ofUSAF aerospacephysiologists/chamber operators to include a pre-exposure denitrogenation period,and/or to accommodate for technical and operational differences (hardware andsoftware) amongUSAF altitude chambers.Profile 1: FAA Altitude Chamber TrainingPre-flight briefing (in the chamber) for familiarization of trainees with oxygenequipment, communications system, other instrumentation, and safety procedures.Initiate ear and sinus check ascent to 5,000 ft (MSL) at a rate not to exceed 3,000ft/min. Descend to ground level not exceeding 3,000 ft/min. Following the ear andsinus check, begin ascent to 8,000 ft (MSL). At 8,000 ft (MSL), begin the maximumascent rate that the pump will allow up to 25,000 ft (MSL) to simulate a rapiddecompression. Discuss rapid decompression signs and symptoms. Assure that allstudents have donned their oxygenmasks by 18,000ft (MSL). Continue ascent to25,000 ft (MSL) at 3,000 ft/min. During ascent discuss gas expansion and elaboratefurther on the prevention of oxygenmask leakage, periodic checks of oxygen regulatoroperation and connections, etc. Divide trainees into two groups for the hypoxiaexercises with each group; allow the trainees to experience the full onset of hypoxia buttry to prevent any student fromprogressing to the point of loss of useful consciousness.Employ devices to challenge the mental and physical dexterity processes. Oncompletion of the hypoxia exercises, begin chamber descent to 18,000ft (MSL) forvisual acuity demonstration. After this demonstration, begin descent to ground level ata rate not to exceed 3,000 ft/min. Discuss the individual tolerance factors, symptomvariances, performance impairments, and time versus altitude to relation to severity.Encourage students to participate in enumeration of hypoxia symptoms. Studentsexperiencing problems shall be evaluated by a Flight Surgeon if necessary.Profile 2 - Part 1: Oxygen Equipment Familiarization and Hypoxia SymptomsOrientation of oxygen equipment, intercom and instrumentation configurations. Pre-flight check. Oxygen pre-breathing is optional. Begin ear check ascent. Studentsshould be breathing 100%oxygen. Do not exceed 1,500FPM on ear check descent.Following the ear check, trainees will begin ascent to 25,000 feet. Average rate ofascent should not exceed 3,500 FPM. During ascent, discuss gas expansion andelaborate further on the elimination of oxygenmask leakage, periodic checks of oxygenregulator operation and connections, etc. Divide trainees into two groups for thehypoxia exercise. Level at 25,000 feet. Perform the hypoxia exercises on each groupallowing the trainees to experience the full onset of hypoxia, but try to prevent anystudent fromprogressing to the point of unconsciousness. Employ devices to challengethe mental and physical dexterity processes. Upon completion of the hypoxiaexercises, begin chamber descent. Average rate of descent should not exceed 3,000FPM. Discuss the individual tolerance factors, symptom variances, performance

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APPENDIX -D PHYSIOLOGICALTRAINING COURSERECURRENTTRAINING

TOPIC OUTLINEThis course given at the Aeronautical CenterDuration: 4 hours

1. Content - Classroom - 3 hoursa. Hypoxiab. Self-imposed stressc. Decompressiond. Oxygen Systems and Equipmente. Decompression Sickness

2. Altitude Simulator Flight - 1houra. Pre-flight Equipmentb. Ear Clearance PretestDescent from 10,000feet to 2,000 feet at 1,500 FPMc. Rapid DecompressionAscent from 8,000 feet to 18,000feet in 10 seconds

d. HypoxiaMask removed at 25,000 feete. Pressure BreathingTrainees experience a mild pressure breathing effect at 25,000 feetf. Descent to ground level

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3150.1CAppendix D