QUESTION:
What special safety precautions must be taken when flying high in the
stratosphere?

ANSWER from Steve Patterson on November 1, 1995:
Well, we do most of the same things you would do on a commercial flight,
except we don't have tray tables and overhead luggage bins to contend
with-or a flight attendant to perform the safety demo for everybody.  We do
give a safety briefing prior to boarding the KAO, which covers the
procedures to follow if there is a cabin decompression or electrical fire in
the equipment, mainly to ensure that everybody is aware of the difference
between flying on the KAO and a commercial flight.  (BTW, some of the folks
who have flown with us were on their first airplane ride ever-hope we didn't
scare them too badly).

More specifically related to the high altitude flights we do, all crew
members have been through training with the Air Force, which entails a 2-day
class on the effects flying at high altitudes has on the human body, and how
to use the oxygen system and other safety equipment.  The classroom work is
followed by a "ride" in an altitude chamber, where the air is evacuated to
simulate an altitude of 35,000 feet, and you remove your oxygen mask to
experience first-hand the effects of hypoxia.  These include loss of visual
acuity and color perception, and the ability to read, write, or do simple
math.  Half the class takes their mask off and suffer from lack of oxygen,
while the other half observes the effects, and helps his-or-her "buddy"  out
if they have a problem, then we switch places so everybody gets to see how
it feels.  You get pretty spaced out, but it was a lot of fun.  They also
simulate a rapid decompression.  It was a very interesting class-you do have
to pass a written test to get your certification card, BTW.

Normally, we fly at  an altitude of 41,000 feet, but sometimes we have to
climb to 45,000 feet.  This makes a big difference in the time of useful
consciousness you have if there is a cabin decompression, so we have to take
further precautions; everyone has to strap into their seat, all loose
equipment must be stowed, and most of the people on board must be on oxygen.
If we did suddenly lose cabin pressure at that altitude, you would pass out
in about 5 seconds, so you must be prepared beforehand.

We have not had any serious incidents in flight because we do try to be
very safety-conscious.  Personally, I think it is more dangerous when the
plane is on the ground getting ready to fly a mission, since when people are
climbing around installing equipment, working with power tools, connecting
wires, & etc, that is when they tend to get hurt.  
Flying is safe by comparison.

Yours truly,
Steve Patterson
KAO Mission Director