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Hypoxia
A condition in which the body is not getting or using enough oxygen. In flight, hypoxia can impair judgment, coordination, vision, and decision-making — sometimes with euphoria that makes the impairment hard to self-detect. Suspected hypoxia calls for supplemental oxygen and a descent as conditions allow.
Related Terms
- IFR (Instrument Flight Rules)A set of regulations and procedures for flying aircraft by reference to instruments only, without visual reference to the ground. IFR flight requires an Instrument Rating, an IFR-equipped aircraft, and an ATC clearance.
- ILS (Instrument Landing System)A precision instrument approach system that provides both lateral (localizer) and vertical (glideslope) guidance to the runway. ILS approaches allow landings in lower visibility conditions than non-precision approaches.
- Instrument Proficiency Check (IPC)An instrument proficiency evaluation with an authorized instructor or examiner under 14 CFR 61.57(d). An IPC restores instrument currency when a pilot has not met recent instrument experience requirements and is distinct from the broader flight review under 61.56.
- KnotThe standard unit of speed in aviation, equal to one nautical mile per hour (approximately 1.15 statute miles per hour or 1.852 kilometers per hour). Airspeed, wind speed, and ground speed are typically expressed in knots.