Why U-2 Pilots Breathe Pure Oxygen For An Hour Before Flying To 70,000 Feet

U-2 spy plane pilots undergo a critical procedure prior to high-altitude missions, specifically designed to mitigate the effects of extreme altitude. These pilots require breathing pure oxygen for precisely sixty minutes before commencing flight operations. This protocol addresses the significant reduction in available oxygen at altitudes exceeding seventy thousand feet. The need for this extended oxygen exposure is directly linked to the aircraft’s operational range and mission requirements. Consequently, the entire process ensures pilot safety and optimal performance during reconnaissance flights.