Flying GA to FAA training facility in OKC

MacFlier

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MacFlier
I’m scheduled to attend the FAA hypoxia training in OKC. I’m thinking about flying GA to OKC, but the procedures indicate I have to go to the visitor center first, then go to the training building a mile away.
I thought about taking an Uber to the visitor center but this option will have me walking that mile.
Renting a car may work, but I don’t know if the rental car place will be open early.
Has anyone done this by flying GA there? How did you solve that last mile problem?
 
I did the portable chamber when they had it traveling around. Best training I ever had. It was a real eye opener.
 
The visitor's center isn't that far from the main area. Honestly, the roughest part is figuring out which building it's in. Haha! I was in a rental and didn't have any issues, but my impression was that a walk in fair weather wouldn't be the worst. I've done hypoxia training in just about every possible variation, from full altitude chamber training to the various forms of normal pressure gas-mixture variations. When I was visiting, we did the FAA training for fun and to see what they were doing. I thought it was very, very effective training and well worth every pilot's time to go through. Pay particular attention to your symptoms, as they're unique to everyone. Depending on the group size, you can ask someone to film you too (from outside the area). Seeing is believing.
 
It looks like we can't walk there apparently... :-( I'm checking rental car options. Worst case scenario I get an Uber and hope to hitch a ride from one of the instructors.
 
Why can't you walk? I've walked from the visitors center to work a few times for various reasons. Is it a "escort required" type of issue?

When will you be there? If I'm around I'd be happy to give you a ride. But the chances I'll actually be around are pretty minimal. I pretty much only go into work when I'm flying these days (so I wouldn't be there anyway). The rest is telework.
 
I'll be there on 9/25 for the physiology training (PROTE). The coordinator said I'd have to get a ride from another student, from an instructor or use a rental car. The last option is what I'm working on but it has the challenge that I'm planning to park at AAR around 6:30-7am so I can be at the Visitor center before 8am. However, the car rental companies are not open that early.
 
My experience is that you can Uber from anywhere to anywhere, even in Europe. If it is in a restricted area, that may present a problem, but I bet they can get you really close.
 
I have flown there and taken that training - And it was well worth it!

We rented cars, and went in the night before because it is a bit of an early start that presents some difficulties, as you're finding. IIRC, we were told not to fly for 24 hours afterwards, so we made a 3-day trip out of it and checked out some of the local restaurants, and a P-51 that was being built from the data plate on up, basically new. It was a good trip.

As I recall, the Mike Monroney center is a pretty sizable campus and not particularly walkable from the visitor center/entrance to the rest - No sidewalks or anything. The rental car was worth having. Enterprise might leave you a car the day before if you really need to come in day-of.
 
Fly the day before, rent a car, stay in a local hotel. Seems like you're adding a lot of stress by trying to compress everything.

What if there's a problem with the plane, weather, etc? If it was me I guarantee something would go wrong in that scenario.
 
I am considering flying in the day before after work.
If it helps your decision at all, you want to be well rested and fed prior to the training, so you can ensure that the hypoxia symptoms you're experiencing are not mixed with those of fatigue or stress. You will get the most from your training that way. I certainly endorse the plan to arrive the afternoon/evening prior and show up with a good night's sleep under your belt.
 
They spend a good deal of time teaching you about flatulence.
 
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