We were flying the other day, crossing Wolf Creek at around 13K', and my dad was curious if he was being affected by the thinner air. Is there a common sense way of checking yourself while flying, to see if you are being affected by the thinner air at higher altitudes?

Thanks Gary

shortfielder wrote:We were flying the other day, crossing Wolf Creek at around 13K', and my dad was curious if he was being affected by the thinner air. Is there a common sense way of checking yourself while flying, to see if you are being affected by the thinner air at higher altitudes?

Thanks Gary

For a real eye opening experience (no pun intended), go up high, over 10K, at night without O2 and see what you see, then put on O2. The difference is downright scary.

To really check your status buy a pulse oximeter, stick it on your finger, and read your oxygen saturation level. Should be over 90%.

I know some guys that high altitudes don't seem to effect at all. Me, I get sicker than a dog if I spend time at anything over 10 thousand feet. But, if you're flying with little kids it sure puts 'em asleep fast if they're screaming and yelling, and kicking the back of your seat. Same with spouses or girlfriends that are getting on your nerves.

Gump

Thanks gump
That's funny. I had heard about the effect at night, but I very seldom fly at night.

Take care Gary

I looked on eBay today, and there's a bunch of pulse oximeters for under $200.

Thanks again gump.

I doubt that he wants to spend any money on it. Doesn't happen very ofen that he gos over 10K'. I just thought that there might me some kind of self test that you could do on yourself to see if you were being affected.
Have a good evening Gary

shortfielder wrote: I just thought that there might me some kind of self test that you could do on yourself to see if you were being affected.
Gary

If you ever get the chance to ride in an altitude chamber, do it. A REAL eye opener on how you can't tell how stupid and dangerous you're getting from hypoxia. It's comical to sit outside waiting your turn, watching the guys inside look like a bunch of drunks, all the while thinking, "I can do better than that." Well, at least for me anyway, I can't.

I've done my share of sneaking up to 15-18 thousand without O2 to get over weather or ride a tailwind, and I pay for it big time with puking and headaches a few hours later.

Gump

I live in Durango right near Wolf Creek. Here's what I understand and have experienced. You lose the common sense to accurately tell how much of your brain function you are losing at the same rate that you lose brain function.

Pretty good little paradox.

Gump
I think it is probably also affected by what your base altitude is. Here in Durango, we are based around 6700'. I think that gives us a little "head start" over someone based around sea level.

Were you going to 18K when in Ak. or Nv.?

Gary

shortfielder wrote: Were you going to 18K when in Ak. or Nv.?

I don't think I've ever been over about 9,000 feet in Alaska. Ever.

I've had flying jobs Lower 48 here and there over the years, and grew up and learned how to fly in Northern CA/Southern OR.

Gump

hello