Hypoxico Delivers Innovative Hypoxic Training Solution for FAA Pilots
May 15, 2024 | By Jeremy Cipiti
Hypoxico is proud to be a trusted partner of the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), having engineered and delivered the innovative PROTE (Portable Reduced Oxygen Training Enclosure) and PermaROTE (Permanent Reduced Oxygen Training Enclosure) systems for the FAA’s national pilot training program. These state-of-the-art altitude chamber solutions enhance pilot safety, preparedness, and aeromedical education across the United States.
FAA Hypoxia Training: Enhancing Pilot Safety Nationwide
To support the FAA’s mission of providing comprehensive hypoxia training for pilots, Hypoxico designed, developed, and installed two custom altitude chamber systems. These solutions are deployed both at the FAA’s headquarters in Oklahoma City and during their nationwide tour of regional airports and airshows, ensuring accessible, high-quality pilot training.
Portable Reduced Oxygen Training Enclosure (PROTE)
The PROTE system enables the FAA to deliver mobile hypoxia training at regional airports and aviation events nationwide. This modular chamber simulates altitudes up to 30,000 feet, allowing pilots to experience and recognize the symptoms of hypoxia in a controlled environment.
Key Features:
- Portable Design: Constructed from extruded aluminum and durable vinyl/polycarbonate, the chamber can be quickly disassembled, packed into a compact shipping crate, and reassembled at new locations.
- Advanced Oxygen Control: Twelve Hypoxico HYP-123 altitude generators use pressure swing adsorption (PSA) technology to filter oxygen and deliver clean, hypoxic air, while automated sensors and programming ensure precise simulated altitude regulation.
- Integrated Climate Control: A closed-loop split air conditioning system maintains comfort.
- FAA Field Use: The PROTE chamber has been successfully deployed at locations supporting hands-on pilot training such as Centennial Airport in Colorado, Southeast Missouri State University, EAA AirVenture in Oshkosh, and Concord-Padgett Regional Airport near Charlotte, NC.
Permanent Reduced Oxygen Training Enclosure (PermaROTE)
Hypoxico's PermaROTE chamber installed at the FAA's CAMI facility
In addition to the portable solution, Hypoxico installed the PermaROTE system at the FAA’s Civil Aerospace Medical Institute (CAMI) in Oklahoma City. This permanent chamber supports larger groups and delivers consistent, high-fidelity hypoxia training for FAA personnel and pilots.
Key Features:
- High-Capacity Training: Accommodates multiple pilots simultaneously, simulating altitudes up to 30,000 feet for extensive group training.
- Industrial-Grade System: Utilizes a large compressor and the K2-4500 High Flow Commercial cabinet, featuring multi-stage filtration and membrane oxygen separation (molecular sieve) technology to provide clean, dry, hypoxic air.
- Safety & Compliance: Engineered with multiple safety features and operated under the supervision of FAA medical experts, ensuring rigorous adherence to aeromedical standards.
Proven Results: Supporting Aviation Training at Leading Institutions
Hypoxico’s altitude simulation technology is also trusted by top aviation schools, such as Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University in Daytona Beach, FL. There, a similar, higher-capacity system enables faculty and students to conduct advanced altitude and hypoxia research and training.
Why Hypoxico’s Altitude Chambers Lead in Aviation Training
- FAA-Approved Hypoxia Training Solutions
- Customizable, Scalable Systems for Any Training Environment
- Cutting-Edge Oxygen Control and Safety Technologies
- Proven Deployments at FAA and Leading Aeronautical Universities
Hypoxico is dedicated to advancing pilot education and safety by delivering reliable, innovative altitude training solutions. Our work with the FAA and aviation universities underscores our commitment to improving pilot preparedness and flight safety across the industry.
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