TBM pilots routinely operate in flight regimes where hypoxia risk is real, insidious, and unforgiving. Even with pressurization and supplemental oxygen systems, subtle physiological impairment can occur long before warning signs are recognized. SAMI training gives TBM pilots the rare opportunity to safely experience and identify their personal hypoxia symptoms in a controlled environment—knowledge that directly translates to safer high-altitude operations.

Hypoxia remains one of the most underestimated threats in turbine aviation. SAMI equips pilots with the ability to recognize early cognitive and physical degradation, respond appropriately, and maintain operational discipline when it matters most.

Led by Tyler Sexton, President of the American College of Hyperbaric Medicine and MAPWCA MD, the program combines expert instruction with immersive physiological exposure and applied learning.

This exclusive FAA-approved civilian course offers a rare opportunity to experience slow-onset hypobaric chamber exposure, simulating altitude-induced hypoxia under controlled and medically monitored conditions. Training is reinforced through simulator scenarios that mirror real-world decision-making at altitude.

Schedule:

Arrival to Melbourne International Airport (KMLB)
Sheltair, previously Apex Jet Center-FBO
 

Friday, March 6
Noon -1:00 pm Lunch and Meet and Greet at Southern AeroMedical 
1:00 - 6:00 pm Ground School
6:30 pm Dinner with group at EV Italian Restaurant 
 

Saturday, March 7
9:00 am - 6:00 pm Chamber Sessions

•  Lunch with SAMI onsite
• We recommend you attend and watch other sessions that are not your own so that you can recognize other symptoms of onset Hypoxia. 
• SAMI also recommends not flying for 24 hours after the chamber session.

Participants will complete:

• A one-hour expert-led didactic on flight physiology, hypoxia risk, and mitigation strategies
• A controlled hypobaric chamber session with real-time physiological monitoring
• Simulator-based training focused on recognition, response, and cockpit decision-making

Key Features

• The only FAA-approved civilian hypoxia training of its kind
• Direct relevance to high-altitude TBM operations
• Slow-onset hypobaric chamber exposure in a controlled environment
• Instruction led by nationally recognized flight physiology experts
• FAA-approved certification upon completion

TAAP Continuing Education Credit

Participation in SAMI qualifies as TAAP Continuing Education, supporting the TBM Advanced Aviator Program’s emphasis on physiological awareness, operational discipline, and continuous proficiency. This training directly aligns with TAAP’s focus on reducing human-factor risk and strengthening pilot decision-making in demanding operational environments. This course is ideal for TBM pilots, turbine operators, aviation professionals, and serious student aviators seeking FAA-approved physiological training that meaningfully enhances safety at altitude.