Hypoxic Stupidity

I applaud Paul Bertorelli for promoting hypoxia awareness ("My Payne Stuart Moment," December). Mr. Bertorelli clearly prefers the "reduced breathing method" of hypoxia awareness training over the traditional altitude chamber ride, apparently because the hypoxic symptoms come on slower. My observation is that recognition of the symptoms is the critical thing, not how long they take to become recognizable. Also, using the term "denial" for failing to take appropriate action after the onset of hypoxia is to my mind non-productive. Mr. Bertorelli uses a better term himself when he describes a "state of hypoxic stupidity."

Key Takeaways:

• Hypoxia awareness training should emphasize "hypoxic stupidity" as a more accurate description of impaired judgment under hypoxia, rather than "denial," stressing the critical importance of symptom recognition.
• A personal anecdote illustrates that under hypoxia, individuals may recognize symptoms but still exhibit "hypoxic stupidity" by delaying appropriate action due to impaired thinking.
• The article clarifies previous advice, emphasizing that pilots should not intentionally fly in potential icing conditions to gain knowledge.
• A correlation is suggested between a pilot's driving habits and their in-flight decision-making and judgment, a link supported by FAA medical certificate policies.

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