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Luke Air Force Base Lifts Altitude Restriction For Pilots

Luke Air Force Base has recently given F-35A pilots permission to fly at higher altitudes. The 25,000 ft restriction that the base levied upon pilots had been in effect for a month. The regulation was originally put into place after several oxygen deprivation related incidents occurred during flights in June.

Restriction Established After 5 Pilots Experienced Oxygen Deprivation

The base is located near the Glendale area and the experiences of 5 pilots lead to the restriction. Each of their cases were all oxygen deprivation related, even though backup oxygen systems in the jets were fully functionable. Despite these occurrences, each pilot landed safely.


It is normal for people to suffer from hypoxia at high altitudes. Hypoxia refers to a lack of oxygen, specifically at the level of tissue. Hypoxia in the most extreme form is called Anoxia, which is when a supply of oxygen is completely eliminated. This presents a major problem for pilots, if confusion stemming from a lack of oxygen ensues. Hypoxia is potentially fatal, and is a problem divers encounter as well. Pilots in training are often exposed to a variety of altitude trainings, giving their bodies a chance to adapt to these conditions ahead of time.

New Military Developments For Oxygen Distribution Underway

Brig. Gen Brook Leonard said that the base is developing new strategies to reduce each of their pilots chances for encountering hypoxia. Pilots unable to receive an adequate amount of oxygen remains an ever-present Air Force issue. Although modern jets are feature adequate backup oxygen systems, human limitations at high altitudes play a factor.

F-35A Stealth Jets, or Lockheed Martin F-35 Lightning 2’s evolved from the X-35, and can reach speeds that exceed 1,100mph. They are capable of short takeoffs, as well as vertical landings. They are capable of performing a wide range of ground and air attacks.