If the oxygen delivery is an issue, a pulse oxymetry with an alarm (example alarm beep at < 90 % or other threshodl depending on pilot ) could be easily installed on these superplanes.
Obviously this means that there is a secondary (or more) reliable supply of good oxygen in case the primary supply is deficient.
Sounds like an incomplete thought. Try to explain further. Another writer suggested that a pulse oximeter will not function correctly if the pilots are being CO poisoned. That is they will function but will not accurately identity available oxygen to the pilot. I wouldn't know. But seems reasonable on the surface. If that is true, sure seems like a CO sensor would be the thing to have if that is indeed the problem. And yes, the pilots have a secondary oxygen supply. My guess is that it is a very small quantity, just enough for a safe landing, etc. This may be a dumb question but are these jets using 'jet fuel?' I think it might be K2, not sure. Anyway, is it the higher grade kerosene that they are using, or are they using stuff like the shuttle used, hydrazine or some other exotic fuel? Thank you.
I wonder if CO is the problem and they're keeping it quiet. It would have been easily detected later during the pilot's physical exam through ABG bloodwork. CO stays around in the blood for a long time. If it CO poisoning, then Hyperbaric treatment is warranted (as they have already treated some of their pilots with).
It takes the courage of a warrior to fight injustices around the globe. The U.S. Military is not immune to these injustices nor the fight to halt them. The pilots of the Raptor program that speak out against a safety issue within the machines they fly, should not be reprimanded by their superiors, but given meritorious awards for their vigilance, courage, and initiative. They have shown outstanding leadership qualities, which the military looks for in its soldiers and rewards with promotion. Why is it that when the focus is turned on their (the military) faults, that it all of a sudden becomes, not leadership qualities, but insubordination.
Alan Gill
Bandera, Texas
Former U.S. Navy Aircrewman,
Disabled American Veteran
This sounds like a combination of issues due to the O2 generator system. They should also look into ozone gas exposure as one contributor to the "Raptor Cough"
These men are heroes. When an f22 goes down...in some neighborhood...the air force will backpeddling faster than mach-1. Do the right thing!!!! Embarrassment??? Seriously!!?? Lives are at stake. Getting oxygen from air that's traveled through the engines and then is "cleaned"? There has to be an easier/better/safer way!! It's stressful enough up there without having to worry about being disoriented from the only air you have to breathe. Thanks for doing the story and thanks to these men for coming forward. Gutsiest move I've ever seen.
The oxygen system on the F-22 is nearly identical to the system on many other airplanes. The air travels through the engine compressor, not the whole engine. The oxygen is made using a molecular sieve that removes the nitrogen. This oxygen generator is nearly identical to the device that makes oxygen in thousands of living rooms where there is a COPD patient.
FDC85's comment sounds exactly correct. It's a no-brainer when you look up carbon monoxide poisoning. It is a perfect match. And the stupidity of it? The people in charge having them wear pulse oxymeters will not detect the problem, because in CO poisoning, the blood oxygen level does not go down! It's just that the hemoglobin will not release it to the body!
I'm not in the medical field but it appears that the person who wrote this posting knows more then a little about how the body works so much attention should be paid to this. Also, If something is found that can detect when a pilot is at risk he should not have to multi-task to look at it to determine his health. It should be automatic where a noise us sounded and the data-link informs COM-Center about the event to this specific aircraft!!! With all this computer power and not in real combat the plane ought to be taken over by the computer if the pilot is not able to fly it. Yes, we are talking about drone type flying and with what we know and can do today this should be possible. Aren't we being penny wise and pound foolish with the cost of the plane around 475 Million and probably the same for the pilot and his training.
Wake up and do something before we loose another plane and pilot.
First ground the planes. Second remove the oxygen generators and replace them a good old LOX system. Third, fire the general that says he can see no reason to ground the aircraft. He should be court martialed and kicked out.
It is amazing that our own Air Force is putting in high risk our pilots for just not cleaning air/oxygen to be breathable. Air force spent million of dollars from tax payers improving the destructive force for F22 and not taking care the most IMPORTANT our PILOTS. Lets be PROUD OF THESE TWO (2) PILOTS for letting us know in public. I also heard that these pilots will be in disciplinary action for telling what is happening. Please contact your congressman to support these valient PILOTS.
These two officers are couragious whistle blowers. I am afraid their careers as AF pilots may be over for speaking out. They are knowingly endangering their own future in order to save the aircraft they obviously love and the lives of their fellow pilots. I salute you gentleman. In 1982 I was in command of an old 747-100 that was recently brought out of retirement from an Arizona "bone yard." During this long inaugural voyage I used the O2 mask to refresh myself. Because I was very tired and sleepy, I forgot the basic step in purging the mask before use. I felt something like dust particle entering my lungs. A few days later while surfing at home I became so exhausted, ill and disoriented, I had to be pulled out of the water and rushed to a hospital. I was only 38 then and in great physical condition. Doctors were puzzled as to why I had become so sick and suspected walking pneumonia! Further X' rays and tests revealed a dark mold like substance in my lungs. The first question was if I was heavy smoker. One Dr. even asked if I had ever worked in a foundry! The answer was negative to both. After a long recovery I did some research and found out pure Oxygen is a great place for bacteria and other life form to multiply. Even though my old 747 had gone through rather extensive checks, I doubt the cockpit emergency oxygen system was thoroughly cleaned and purged. I happened to be the first person to suck all the bad stuff into my then healthy lungs. Ever since the incident I have had a nagging dry cough and never fully recovered. Surely the amazing technology that created the Raptor can solve the mysterious poisionus O2 system. Unfortunately, the AF buracracy and the business greed prevents this from happening. Captain Ross "Rusty" Aimer UAL Ret. CEO Aero Consulting Experts Los Angeles, CA
I understand what you're talking about. I remember in my Microbiology 101 class the prof said that bacteria can live anywhere, in places that would surprise you. She said that the first outbreak of legionnaire's disease in the 1970's was a mystery until they finally traced it to bacteria that lived in the ventilation ducts of the building.
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Obviously this means that there is a secondary (or more) reliable supply of good oxygen in case the primary supply is deficient.
Alan Gill
Bandera, Texas
Former U.S. Navy Aircrewman,
Disabled American Veteran
How many sons will die before something is done about the F 22?
Wake up and do something before we loose another plane and pilot.
"ever seen a LOX fed fire?"
Ever seen the remains of an aircraft after a 600 knot collision with the earth?
Gen Michael Hostage Head of Air Combat Command says...
"I can't see a reason to stand the aircraft down"
Here is my take on situational awareness...
Gen. Hostage can't see a reason because his boss's butt cheeks are stretched around his head.
In 1982 I was in command of an old 747-100 that was recently brought out of retirement from an Arizona "bone yard."
During this long inaugural voyage I used the O2 mask to refresh myself. Because I was very tired and sleepy, I forgot the basic step in purging the mask before use. I felt something like dust particle entering my lungs. A few days later while surfing at home I became so exhausted, ill and disoriented, I had to be pulled out of the water and rushed to a hospital. I was only 38 then and in great physical condition. Doctors were puzzled as to why I had become so sick and suspected walking pneumonia! Further X' rays and tests revealed a dark mold like substance in my lungs. The first question was if I was heavy smoker. One Dr. even asked if I had ever worked in a foundry! The answer was negative to both.
After a long recovery I did some research and found out pure Oxygen is a great place for bacteria and other life form to multiply. Even though my old 747 had gone through rather extensive checks, I doubt the cockpit emergency oxygen system was thoroughly cleaned and purged. I happened to be the first person to suck all the bad stuff into my then healthy lungs. Ever since the incident I have had a nagging dry cough and never fully recovered.
Surely the amazing technology that created the Raptor can solve the mysterious poisionus O2 system.
Unfortunately, the AF buracracy and the business greed prevents this from happening.
Captain Ross "Rusty" Aimer
UAL Ret.
CEO
Aero Consulting Experts
Los Angeles, CA