Handling Heat

Excellent article by Tom Turner in Julys issue ("Hot And High How-To") but a couple of things come to mind. First, in the sidebar Cruise Considerations, you infer that a high density altitude decreases the available amount of oxygen for breathing. This is technically true, but the difference is so small it is hardly worth considering. Obviously, if one feels the need for it oxygen should be taken regardless of altitude, density or otherwise. A pulse oximeter is a huge help here, and the basic guideline is to maintain a saturation level that is within 10 percent of sea level saturation to avoid judgment impairment. Dr. Jack Hastings, former author of the American Bonanza Societys Aeromedical column, and a past president of the group, was kind enough to research and answer my question concerning density altitude and human saturation. Briefly stated, he said that oxygen saturation in the human body is dependant upon the "partial pressure" of oxygen in the atmosphere to create the osmotic exchange in the lungs. That partial pressure is only slightly affected by density altitude, and therefore insignificant.

Key Takeaways:

• Density altitude has a negligible effect on the oxygen available for breathing; pilots should rely on pulse oximeters to determine oxygen needs based on saturation levels.
• There's a differing opinion on optimal EGT values for aircraft engines, with a reader suggesting higher EGTs for "best power" versus the editor's preference for lower EGTs (1200-1300F) to ensure cylinder cooling during takeoff.
• "Plan continuation bias" is identified as a significant issue, affecting decision-making in both aviation and other fields, where projects or plans proceed despite clear indicators of problems.
• Concerns over military intercept procedures in active MOAs were highlighted, leading to an F-16 pilot's reprimand and subsequent changes in military training protocols.

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