AFPAM11-406 — Aerospace Physiology Program Guidance

AFPAM11-406 governs the U.S. Air Force Aerospace Physiology Program, including training, decompression sickness, chamber events, and equipment.

Search AFPAM11-406

  • Publication number: AFPAM11-406
  • Title: AEROSPACE PHYSIOLOGY PROGRAM GUIDANCE
  • Date: 2020-12-29

View AFPAM11-406 on armypubs.army.mil


It addresses instructor programs, parachute duty, hazardous duty pay, ancillary training, decompression sickness procedures, chamber deficiency reporting, protective equipment, and equipment records. It requires specified reporting, inspection, protective clothing, and information-maintenance practices.

Applies to: This publication applies to the Regular Air Force, the Air Force Reserve, the United States Space Force and associated reserve components, and the Air National Guard.

Topics covered

  • Aerospace physiology instructor programs
  • Parachute duty and military free fall
  • Hazardous duty pay
  • Ancillary training
  • Decompression sickness reactor plans
  • Altitude chamber deficiency reporting
  • Pressurized gas container protective equipment
  • Chamber equipment records

Questions and answers

What flight and chamber details must be included in an incident profile?

The profile included 100% O2 prebreathe for 30 mins; including ear and sinus check (680 AGL - 5000 ft for X mins) and standard hypoxia/night vision demonstration for a total time of XX mins. (paragraph 2)

How is decompression sickness classified for reporting?

Decompression sickness is considered an occupational injury. (paragraph 7)

Who should write up an AFSAS report for decompression sickness?

Public Health and or wing, delta/garrison safety should write up an AFSAS report. (paragraph 7)

What follow-up actions must the physiology unit document?

Include inspection of regulator and student equipment or notice to the reactor's unit to check personal equipment, and an oxygen purity test. (paragraph 5)

What protective clothing must AP personnel wear during chamber operations?

All AP personnel performing inside observer (IO) duties, chamber operations in general, reduced oxygen breathing device (ROBD) operations and servicing pressurized gas containers wear Nomex gloves, Flight Dress Uniform (FDU)/2 Piece Flight Dress Uniform (2PFDU) and eye protection. (paragraph 7)

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