Portable Reduced Oxygen Training (PROTE) Device
Each individual reacts to a reduction in their body’s oxygen levels in a unique manner. Some people notice first a bluish tint to their fingernails. Others exhibit a sense of euphoria. Some just get sleepy. Whatever your symptoms, if you don’t recognize them and react to the dangerous condition immediately you are looking at a probably fatal situation.
The Reno FAA Safety Program is bringing a PROTE (Portable Reduced Oxygen Training Simulator) to the Reno-Tahoe Airport. It will be set up at Atlantic Aviation and be available for training on December 14-18, 2016.
This is your chance to experience your individual hypoxia symptoms in a safe, controlled environment where the farthest you can fall is off your chair and onto the ground.
I experienced Air Force Altitude Chamber Training several times during my 20-yr career as an AF pilot. I can tell you that this opportunity will be well worth your time.
Sign up for your training period at FAASafety.gov. There are limited seats, so don’t wait until the last minute. Only 80 pilots a day can go through the training.
You must be 18 years old and have at least a 3rd class medical to enter the enclosure. APPROX. 1 WEEK BEFORE YOUR SCHEDULED DAY YOU WILL BE SENT AN EMAIL WITH A SUGGESTED TIME TO ARRIVE. THIS IS TO HELP THE FLOW THOURHGOUT THE DAY. IF THIS DOES NOT WORK FOR YOU, COME WHEN YOU CAN. The PROTE “flight” will last all of 6-8 minutes with those experiencing hypoxia being in the enclosure, off oxygen, for up to 5 minutes. The remainder of the time allows for recovery before exiting the enclosure. The entire PROTE evolution pre-brief, hypoxia exercise and debrief will last 20-30 minutes. . Additional announcements will be sent for each day available.
