News Letter 1941 Jul-Dec - Air Force Historical Studies Office

DISCIPLINE, in general, is the willing obedience
to all orders and instructions, and in
the absence of orders and instructions, the decision
to follow a line of action one believes the
orders and instructions would have required.
Discipline implies promptness and dependability.
There exists among many an attitude of mind which
makes for self-discipline, but in the case of
large groups, one cannot depend upon it. The individuals
must be trained, and the more complicated
and hazardous the action required, the
greater necessity there exists for training.
Training leads to correct habit formations, which
in turn, develop self-confidence, and discipline
is then more apt to become manifest.
Flight Discipline may be described as a state of
mind which has resulted from a willing and wholehearted
obedience to all orders and instructions
affecting conduct preliminary to and during
flight, in order that lives may be saved and tasks
performed.
OKygen Discipline has become an important part
of Flight Discipline.
Recent advances in aeronautical and power plant
engineering have increased the ceiling of aircraft
to heights, which require most exact methods in
delivering oxygen to individuals in an airplane in
order that full advantage may be taken of such
high altitude equipment.
Training In Use Of Olygen
The use of modern oxygen equipment, including
the individual accessory emergency oxygen unit, in
routine flights and in emergencies requires the
training of all individuals prior to the time such
flights are required and prior to the occurrence
of the emergencies.
Only crew members who have demonstrated their
ability to use proper ly oxygen equipment should be
selected to perform high altitude missions. These
men must also appreciate that it is mandatory to
examine the oxygen equipment prior to flight and
assure t be ese Ives that it is functioning properly.
The crew must also be thoroughly convinced as to
the importance of following the detailed instructions
governing the use of oxygen and allow no interference
to its continuous use until safe altitudes
are reached. When they have developed that
frame of mind, Oxygen Discipline has been attained.
Par. 1 a Technical Order No. 03 -50-1 W .D. Office
of the Chief of Air Corps, dated April IS, 1939,
states, "Except in urgent, unforeseen emergencies
all personnel will use oxygen at all times while
participating in flight above 15,000 feet. Oxygen
will also be used when remaining at an altitude
below 15,000 feet but in excess of 12,000 feet for
periods of two hours or longer duration and when
participating in flight below 12,000 feet but at
or in excess of 10,000 feet for periods of six
hours or longer durat ion."
Death At High Altitudes
The limit of - unimpaired" performance without
oxygen is 10;000 to 11,000 feet. Sudden deprivation
of oxygen above 23,000 feet will result in
mental deterioration, unconsciousness and death,
the time required depending on the altitude at
which the interruption of the oxygen flow occurs.
The margin of safety is so narrow at extreme altitudes
that the failure of complying with instructions
relative to the use of oxygen for so
short a time as 35 seconds at 35,000 feet will result
in unconsciousness.
The commanding officer of Air Corps troops is
responsible for the oxygen discipline of the command,
and under him the senior flight surgeon of
the unit is responsible for the instruction and
training of flight personnel in the limits and use
of oxygen equipment. The several commanders are
responsible that oxygen equipment is used in accordance
with existing instructions and principles.
"Unimpe. ired"
Per forlllloceSought
The training of crew members will provide
familiarity with the general subject and oxygen
equipment,and the requirements therefor, and will
resul't in their ability to properly protect themselves
from exposures to high altitude and so accomplish
their tasks. The object to attain is
"unimpaired" perf ormance .
Training consists of lectures which include
measures that can be taken by individuals before
and during flight to insure an unimpaired performance;
demonstrations such as movies, etc. and
exper ience in so-called "low pressure chambers."
It is anticipated that in time low pressure chambers
will be more generally available for the purpose
of training personnel in the use of altitude
oxygen equipment.
Altitudes can be assimilated in these chambers
and personne 1 can be trained in and exper ience a 1-
titude conditions and in the use of life saving
NOVEMBJ