Connecting to the mission, one spin at a time

U.S. Air Force Senior Airman Alexander Lee, 47th Operations Support Squadron aerospace physiology technician, observes Master Sgt. Edward Whittle, 47th Flying Training Wing Command Post superintendent, sitting in a Barany Chair at Laughlin Air Force Base, Texas, Aug. 22, 2025. The Barany Chair was designed for pilots to train for spatial disorientation by accelerating the inner ear. (U.S. Air Force by Airman 1st Class Darryl Keith.)

Connecting to the mission, one spin at a time

U.S. Air Force Airman 1st Class Crystal Arredondo, 47th Operations Support Squadron aerospace physiology technician, and Airman 1st Class Cain Paff, 47th OSS aerospace physiology technician, educate 2nd Lt. Cort Ballinger, 47th Student Squadron pilot trainee, about the Hyperbaric Chamber at Laughlin Air Force Base, Texas, Aug. 22, 2025. The Hyperbaric Chamber tests pilots' symptoms of hypoxia so they can take measures to correct it. (U.S. Air Force photo by Airman 1st Class Darryl Keith.)

Connecting to the mission, one spin at a time

U.S. Air Force 2nd Lt. Nicholas Dedomenico, 47th Student Squadron student pilot, fastens a parachute harness at Laughlin Air Force Base, Texas, Aug. 22, 2025. Dedomenico received a hands on demonstration how pilots practice descent landing techniques while parachuting. (U.S. Air Force photo by Airman 1st Class Darryl Keith.)

Connecting to the mission, one spin at a time

U.S. Air Force Airman 1st Class Aniyah Tillman, 47th Flying Training Wing command post, sits inside a spatial disorientation training simulator at Laughlin Air Force Base, Texas, Aug. 22, 2025. Tillman participated in an Aerospace Physiology immersion tour hosted by the 47th Operations Support Squadron. (U.S. Air Force photo by Airman 1st Class Darryl Keith.)

Connecting to the mission, one spin at a time

Published Sept. 3, 2025
By Airman 1st Class Darryl Keith
47th Flying Training Wing Public Affairs

LAUGHLIN AIR FORCE BASE, Texas --

Airmen from the 47th Flying Training Wing Command Post (FTW CP) participated in an Aerospace Physiology immersion training hosted by the 47th Operations Support Squadron (OSS) Aerospace Physiology Flight Aug. 22, 2025.

The tour served to educate Team XL personnel about Aerospace Physiology and connect them closer to Laughlin’s daily mission.

“Aerospace Physiology is a very unique and small career field,” said Master Sgt. William Hazelwood, 47th OSS Aerospace Physiology flight chief. “I wanted to strengthen partnerships and show others how we all work together to impact the mission.”

Participants experienced pre-flight training, seeing how student pilots prepare for the physiological stresses of flight in a controlled environment. Pilots step inside equipment such as the Hypobaric Chamber and Barany Chair to to recognize and overcome the physiological challenges of flight.

“The training equips them to recognize early warning signs, how to apply corrective actions quickly and build confidence under pressure to enhance safety and effectiveness,” said Hazelwood.

Hypoxia, spatial disorientation and rapid decompression are common stressors pilots may encounter while airborne. Learning about these stressors, their symptoms and the equipment pilots utilize improve communication flow between command post and pilots traversing the skies.

“By helping pilots identify signs of hypoxia, we ensure they are well-prepared to handle any potential issues that may arise during flights,” said Master Sgt. Edward Whittle, 47th FTW CP superintendent. “I was really impressed by the Aerospace Physiology team’s attention to detail and deep sense of pride in their work.”

With each immersion tour, Laughlin Airmen can view how their duties play a vital role in training pilots every day.

“Every career field directly contributes to producing and training the world’s best pilots,” said Hazelwood. “Understanding how their role connects to pilot production builds purpose, strengthens teamwork and ensures Airmen stay focused on mission readiness.”

For other units looking to get more understanding of the Aerospace Physiology mission at Laughlin, please contact MSgt William Hazelwood.