Air force pilots describe health problems from flying F-22 jet

Major Jeremy Gordon of the Virginia Air National Guard describes the health problems he began to experience after flying the F-22 fighter jet.

[jackster]

“We have determined that your injuries were not service related.”

[minibuns]

During the initial years of service, F-22 pilots experienced symptoms as a result of oxygen system issues that include loss of consciousness, memory loss, emotional lability and neurological changes as well as lingering respiratory problems and a chronic cough; the issues resulted in a four-month grounding in 2011.[191][192] In August 2012, the DoD found that the BRAG valve, used to inflate the pilot's vest during high-g maneuvers, was defective and restricted breathing and the OBOGS (onboard oxygen generation system) unexpectedly reduced oxygen levels during high-g maneuvers

[MikelDaniel]

Considering that one pilot has already died due to this oxygen issue (which the Air Force had said was his fault due to him being too distracted by his inability to breath to engage the reserve oxygen system), not to mention over a dozen other incidents and near crashes due to oxygen issues which resulted in the F-22 being ground not once, but twice while they tried to figure it out the problem, I think these two officers have a legitimate claim.

[donnyberger]

meanwhile in the army airborne freaking knees hurt

[THECONDOR]

When the squad gets caught smoking a bong so they blame the coughing on the f22

[dannysalih]

These people has felt some Gs. I have so much respect for these pilots

[minnesotanice]

how does life feel after flying this ? must be pretty boring

[AroundWithTy]

It was an oxygen problem that is now fixed.

[fecesmaster]

This just in: Navy sailors grind rusty metal daily with no respirators

[jamesmandas]

Sorry about the illness. I saw 2 F22 Raptors perform at the OshKosh air show last summer. Could very well have been the coolest thing I've ever seen and heard in my life!

[nigel]

I had a very similar situation.... As I peddled my Huffy X12 down a particularly steep street, I lost control at about 77 mph and struck a dumpster behind a Long John Silvers.  17 days later I woke from a coma, and had the exact same symptoms.  What a remarkable coincidence.

[doubleaplays]

crazy how old the F22 is and it's still the best

[alfredkwok]

That was the oxygen supply problem in the cockpit that has been fixed long ago.

[edfrompampanga]

I absolutely concur with you and in all actuality, I feel really bad for these two pilots. With the death of Capt Jeff Haney in 2010, you would think it would be enough to raise some thought, but apparently not. I commend both Major Gordon and Capt Wilson for stepping forward and voicing their concerns however, I fear for their careers because I know the Air Force does not like bad publicity. All the best to these two guys.

[flankerskioneniner]

Starscream be like
"I'll change to F-16 anyway"

[start]

Raptor Cough and Raptor Rash are documented in the DOEHRS (pronounced doors). 2008-2010 Langley, VA ACC Aerospace Medicine Public Health Bioenvironmental Engineer Officer. Your exposures are documented in the Health Readiness System called Defense Occupational Environmental Health Readiness (DOEHRS) by me.

[Matt-odfs]

I'd still volunteer to fly the f-22

[shckvl]

First time it happend, was in Sabres back in 60-

Prolly the most common issue among fighter jets.

[MrJH]

Yeah, I know what the problem was. It was just so badass that you couldn’t get enough of it.

[ryanthompson]

The dude next to him there for emotional support or to say he couldn't chase as many kids after flying due to not being able to get the breath in