Low In-Flight Blood Oxygen Levels in CF CC-130 Aircrew

Abstract

Routine non-destructive testing (NDT) revealed cracks in a key aluminum airframe beam on E model CC130. Consequently, the CF Aeronautical Engineering community issued an operational restriction to all squadrons flying these aircraft that cabin pressure differentials were to be maintained a no more than 10psi (pounds per square inch). At service ceilings ranging from 24,000 ft to 28,000 ft, a 10psi cabin pressure differential produces corresponding cabin altitudes ranging from 8,000 ft to 10,000 ft. Such cabin altitudes have been implicated in 2 recent physiological incidents. Of the 20 CC130 aircraft based at 8 Wing (CFB Trenton), 17 are the affected E models. The 8 Wing Surgeon requested that DCIEM monitor percent arterial oxyhemoglobin saturation (% SaO2) with a view to quantification of this aero-medical problem and possible countermeasures to protect the crews flying these aircraft.

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Document Details

Document Type
Technical Report
Publication Date
Apr 01, 2001
Accession Number
AD1005357

Entities

People

  • Gary W. Gray
  • Michel A. Paul

Tags

Communities of Interest

  • Biomedical

DTIC Thesaurus Topics

  • Aeronautical Engineering
  • Aircrafts
  • Airframes
  • Altitude
  • Drug Abuse
  • Engineering
  • Flight
  • Ground Level
  • Liquid Oxygen
  • Psychomotor Performance
  • Scientists
  • Side Effects
  • Transatlantic Flights

Readers

  • Aerospace Engineering
  • Aviation Safety Risk Assessment.
  • Underwater engineering and Marine Technology.