High-Altitude Normobaric Lab (HAL)

The purpose of the High-Altitude Normobaric Lab (HAL) is to conduct high altitude and hypoxia awareness training and research.

The lab teaches participants how to recognize the signs and symptoms of hypoxia in themselves and fellow crew members. Participants engage in exercises consisting of cognitive thought, visual awareness, hand-eye coordination, etc., while they begin to experience symptoms of hypoxia. The HAL chamber experience provides first-hand experience of what it is like to be hypoxic. It also provides a more thorough understanding of this emergency situation and the requirement to don the oxygen mask and descend the aircraft as appropriate.

Research Capacity

The HAL has supported human factors-based studies related to aviation physiology. Additionally, the lab has the capacity to investigate oxygen-deprived environments and the impact the environment has on humans.