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SESK: Stuff Everyone Should Know · sesk.info/pilot-hyperventilation-recovery

How can a pilot recover from hyperventilation?

Slow the breathing rate, breathe into a paper bag, or talk aloud.

  1. Breathe faster and deeper
  2. Slow the breathing rate or talk aloud ✔
  3. Climb to a higher altitude

Why: Hyperventilation is breathing too fast and too deep, which blows off too much carbon dioxide. Slowing down, breathing into a paper bag, or talking aloud brings it back to normal. Recovery is usually quick.

Huh, didn't know that: Many hyperventilation symptoms look like hypoxia symptoms, so it is important to tell them apart.

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Sources

  1. FAA Pilot's Handbook of Aeronautical Knowledge (FAA-H-8083-25C), Chapter 17 https://www.faa.gov/regulations_policies/handbooks_manuals/aviation/faa-h-8083-25c.pdf
  2. FAA Private Pilot Airplane (PAR) sample questions https://www.faa.gov/sites/faa.gov/files/training_testing/testing/test_questions/par_questions.pdf

Test yourself in the game

Flying & DronesWhich type of hypoxia comes from the lower pressure of oxygen at high altitude?Flying & DronesCarbon monoxide from a leaky cabin heater causes which type of hypoxia?Flying & DronesAlcohol and certain drugs can cause which type of hypoxia?

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