Dehydration

How hot can the temperature be inside the cockpits?

120℉ or higher when avionics are turned on!

How much water should you drink a day?

2 to 4 quarts of new water to keep our system running properly.

Why flying at high altitudes and breathing aviation oxygen is especially dehydrating?

Because the humidity in the cockpits is between 3%- 5% and aviation oxygen contains no moisture to prevent water from freezing the system. This means pilots lose moisture from their lungs and skins between 2 to 4 ounces per hour! So drink plenty of water before flying.

What is our temperature and relative humidity comfort zone?

Between 20℃ and 23℃

What happens to our bodies if it is very hot and there is high relative humidity?

Our bodies cannot effectively cool down through our normal sweating cooling system. This can cause us to make more physical and mental errors and become irritable. Also, our short-term memory can be affected.

What happens if we do not have enough water?

Our physical and mental abilities decline. In addition, we can feel: Fatigue, sleepiness, dizziness, headaches, cramps, and nausea...

What is relative humidity?

The ratio between the amount of water vapor in a given volume of gas and the maximum amount such volume is capable of holding at that temperature.

What drinks should you try to stay away from?

These beverages are diuretics and make you go to the bathroom more frequently. In addition, caffeine and sugar can inhibit the absorption of water.

What should you do during extremely hot weather?

Try to be in a shade with fresh air, drink lots of water, wear loose-fitting, light-colored clothing, and a hat!

What is a heat stroke?

When the body temperature is 106℉ (41℃) or higher and generally happens to people who are exercising in hot weather. Mild: causes loss of physical & mental abilities Severe: may cause unconsciousness or death