Lancair ES-P, Pilot Operating Handbook

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horizon) to correct this sense the result can be vertigo. NEVER
SECOND GUESS YOUR INSTRUMENTS, ALWAYS BELIEVE
YOUR INSTRUMENTS — PERIOD. The message is be alert for
vertigo.
Vertigo is as insidious as hypoxia, that high altitude phenomena
resulting from lack of oxygen. The regulations limit flight altitudes to
12,500 feet when operating without pressurization or oxygen. Hypoxia
is the result of an insufficient supply of oxygen to the blood. The result
of which is insufficient oxygen to the brain cells. The manifestations
of hypoxia vary from individual to individual and day to day.
However, the following lists the general symptoms in the order in
which they occur:
1. Loss of peripheral (side) vision
2. Bluish fingernails vs. reddish color
3. Sense of euphoria or well-being
4. Seemingly darker than normal lighting conditions
5. Grey-out
6. Black-out
Somewhere in this sequence an in-flight decision can be made which is
wrong or improperly reacted to, or just ignored. Loss of control or
over-control of the aircraft is a typical result and an accident occurs.
This type of loss of control is serious — an accident is almost
inevitable. Hypoxia is a dangerous condition. It is not limited to VFR
pilots. IFR rated pilots who are not up to par because of medicines,
mental stress, turbulence, or other condition are also subject to the
condition. All pilots should be particularly wary of and on the lookout
for these symptoms — their lives and the lives of their passengers
depend on it!
Hyperventilation, a kissing cousin of hypoxia, is another breathing
anomaly. However rather than lack of oxygen, it is the result of over-
breathing which upsets the balance of oxygen and carbon dioxide in the
blood. The resulting symptoms are similar. The correction is rather
the opposite however, i.e. hold your breath and then breathe slowly and
deliberately. The general cause of hyperventilation is stress,
nervousness, anxiety, fright, etc. Upon the realization of the
symptoms, evaluate the potential cause and take the appropriate action.
Recovery from hypoxia is dependent upon obtaining oxygen (lower
altitude). Hyperventilation requires a few seconds for the blood
balance to be restored.
Both of these problems are aggravated by smoking and alcohol which
also upset the blood's ability to carry oxygen to the brain. Avoid them
for your safety and that of your passengers. The presence of carbon