![]() This is why oxygen masks become essential. ![]() In comparison, during any maneuvering, modern fighter pilots deal with 9G, or approximately 2,000 pounds of crushing gravity that makes it almost impossible to draw breath. You may recall the pressure that pushed you into the seat and made it hard to move or breathe. For reference, if you have ever done a loop on a roller coaster, you have likely experienced 2 or 3G. This is what happens when pilots do those amazing tricks and spin out of the way of enemy fire in the movies. In addition, G-force, or the acceleration we feel due to the force of gravity, puts added pressure on the pilot’s body. However, the problem is that even with the most advanced systems, the changes are still not enough to offset the loss of oxygen in the atmosphere at high levels. This means that as the aircraft climbs and descends, the pressure inside the cockpit changes. Nowadays, most fighter jets have a dynamic pressurization system. This means that, for single seat aircrafts like the ones Maverick frequents, hypoxia’s final symptom, loss of consciousness, can be deadly. For fighter pilots in particular, confusion can make taking simple steps such as recalling emergency training, checking the oxygen supply or dropping to a lower atmospheric level, hard to think through. ![]() Left unchecked, this can rapidly lead to confusion and eventually loss of consciousness. The first symptoms are tingling in fingers and toes, followed by light-headedness and mild euphoria. ![]() For most people, this occurs around 10,000 feet above sea level. ![]()
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