QUESTION: 
I would like to know if crewmembers have to undergo any special physical 
training.  Also are there physical requirments for crewmembers (such as 
height)? Thanks.


ANSWER from Steve Patterson on November 15, 1995:
To answer your question, I think we need to differentiate between the flight 
crew and the observatory crew (in the back of the plane).  The pilots have to 
take a special FAA physical exam, with a vision test, every 6 months to 
maintain their license.  All of our pilots are ex-military, and the 
military does have restrictions on minimum and maximum height for pilots, 
along with lots of other rules which they had to meet somewhere along 
the line.

For the observatory crew, we don't have any set rules regarding height, 
vision, or anything else, but the the missions we fly will tax one's 
endurance, so it helps to be in pretty good overall physical condition.  
We do have to have periodic physical exams, but they are not as stringent 
as the ones the pilots take.  We also have been through a 2-day high altitude 
training class with the Air Force, which includes lectures on the effects 
of high altitude on the body and how to deal with it, as well as a "ride" 
in the altitude chamber, where they evacuate the chamber to simulate the 
atmosphere at 35,000 feet and you take your oxygen mask off so you can feel 
the effects of hypoxia first-hand.  They also simulate a rapid decompression 
of the cabin.  The class was very interesting, I enjoyed it a lot.  We have 
to take a "refresher" class every two years, and when we fly above 41,000 
feet, everyone on board, including the astronomers, must have this current 
high-altitude certification.  (BTW, there is a test you must pass to get 
your card.)

In addition, we have annual safety training onboard the airplane, where 
everyone gets to practice using the equipment, opening the emergency exits, 
inflating the life rafts, and other hands-on activities.  Everyone who flys 
with us must watch the safety training video, and be fitted with an 
oxygen mask (and learn how to use it).

Hope this answers your question.

Yours truly,
Steve Patterson
KAO Mission Director