What is hypoxia?

Hypoxia refers to a deficiency in the amount of oxygen reaching the tissues of the body. This condition can occur for several reasons, including high altitudes where the atmospheric pressure is lower, resulting in less oxygen available for respiration. As a pilot, understanding hypoxia is crucial because it can significantly impair cognitive and physical performance, leading to dangerous situations during flight.

This definition aligns perfectly with situations encountered in aviation, particularly when flying at high altitudes where the oxygen levels are reduced. Additionally, recognizing hypoxia is essential for identifying symptoms and taking remedial action, such as descending to lower altitudes or using supplemental oxygen when necessary. Awareness of hypoxia and its effects is a key component of flight safety training.