Latest "physiological episodes" stories

Physiological issues in flight are going down, but still persist

Five years after a spike in reports of dangerous mental and physical effects in flight, military aviators are breathing easier. But problems persist.

By Rachel S. Cohen, Irene Loewenson and Diana Stancy Correll

3 months ago

Staff Sgt. Kimberly May, noncommissioned officer in charge of aerospace and operations physiology for the 1st Special Operations Support Squadron, operates a hypoxia-familiarization trainer at Hurlburt Field, Florida, July 11, 2019. May and her team of five train aircrew by using a reduced oxygen breathing device (ROBD) to detect the signs of hypoxia during flight. Hypoxia is a condition caused by a lack of oxygen that can lead to injury to personnel, damage to Air Force assets and death. (Senior Airman Dennis Spain/Air Force)

The Air Force is fighting in-flight physiological issues but can’t end them, Pentagon watchdog says

“All occupations have some hazards that cannot be eliminated.”

By Rachel S. Cohen

2 years ago

Dutch F-16 makes emergency landing after plane shoots itself

Sometimes, even inanimate objects will do anything to get out of training.

4 years ago

Here’s how House lawmakers plan to fix the US military’s hypoxia problem

The House Armed Services Committee wants to bump up funding to develop technologies that could help the Air Force and Navy mitigate pilot physiological episodes.

By Valerie Insinna

5 years ago

Military aviation mishap panel receives House Armed Services’ blessing

A proposed commission to review spiking military aviation mishaps and physiological episodes is on track to become part of the House Armed Services Committee’s version of the annual defense policy bill.

By Joe Gould and Leo Shane III

5 years ago

Valve may lead to cabin pressure problems in Super Hornets, Growlers

The valve freezes, causing cabin pressure to rise or drop substantially.

By Jeff Schogol

6 years ago

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