Aerospace Physiological Technician Responsibilities

Aerospace physiological technician responsibilities comprise of operating the physiological training devices, testing new devices without compromising on the quality standards, and maintaining them. This will help in ensuring that no failure occurs in the important parts of the aircraft. Thus, they perform a vital role in ensuring the safety.

Key Responsibilities of an Aerospace Physiological Technician

Aerospace physiological technician works in close association with the scientists and engineers and are actively involved in designing, construction, operating, and testing those aircraft structures to identify, evaluate, and resolve the technical problems associated with it. Based on these, they try to evolve new designs by applying new concepts. They are generally involved in training the pilots and astronauts. Here is a general list of responsibilities that need to be performed by them:

1. To plan and design schedules to conduct aerospace physiological activities to teach and train the flying personnel, so that they are able to deal in pressure situations
2. To calibrate the equipments used in testing by identifying the defects or faults associated with it and monitor that the test procedures follow smoothly by taking all the necessary safety precautions
3. To integrate and maintain accurate data of relevant records
4. To operate the low pressure chambers and stimulate them to fly at varying conditions of speed, altitude, and barometric pressure
5. To provide training on operating the hypobaric and hyperbaric chambers to the astronauts and crew members
6. To ensure safety measures while operating the parasail equipments and also during the operation and adjustment of harness, seat, and headrest of ejection tower. They ensure that the ammunition is placed in the catapult, so that it can be fired to stimulate ejection from the aircraft

They conduct routine inspections on storage and maintenance of various life supporting equipments. They document the medical as well as the physiological histories of the crew members that will help them in taking a decision, as to whether they are fit or not. They are responsible for maintaining and regulating the airflow, gas, temperature, and pressure in the pressure chambers as well as inside the suits and helmets. They conduct training sessions on parasailing and parachuting techniques, fitting and adjustment of oxygen masks, safety harnesses, landing procedures, etc. They serve as a helping hand if there is any mishap. They conduct lectures, workshops, and give demonstrations on how to deal with the stressful conditions like extreme temperature, high altitudes, varying pressure conditions, decompression, etc. They help in conducting preflight and post operational checks of the physiological devices. It is essential that they completely adhere to the rules and regulations.

Essential Skills

Excellent interpersonal communication skills are a must to be able to communicate their problems to the supervisor as well as to be able to understand and follow the guidelines as per the instructions. Should be able to supervise and provide training to the crew members. Should have good analyzing ability and have an ability to deliver quick appropriate solutions to the problems faced. They should possess excellent technical knowledge and help the engineers in developing structures that will be free of all defects. Should be detail oriented and be able to identify minor defects. Should be updated with the technological advancements in the relevant field and be a good team player.

Educational Requirements

A high school course in biology, chemistry, a vocational program, or a diploma is desirable. A degree in engineering technology or an aerospace physiological course with an inclination to test different equipments and devices with a mechanical and electrical principles application aptitude is definitely desirable.

Salary Details

The salary is normally dependent on the type of experience and academic background that one has. It varies roughly in the range of $35,000 to $65,000.

Career Prospects

According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, the demand for aerospace physiological technicians is definitely going to rise. They mostly work on projects related to designing of civilian aircraft and national defense.

Thus, if you are aiming to make a career in this field, make sure that you carry out aerospace physiological responsibilities well, as they play a vital role in preventing the mishaps by testing the key parts involved, thereby assuring the adherence to quality standards.