When engaged in formation flying at night, what breathing technique is recommended?

The recommended breathing technique when engaged in formation flying at night is the use of 100% oxygen. This is primarily due to the reduced levels of atmospheric oxygen that pilots may encounter at higher altitudes, especially at night when visibility may be limited. Utilizing 100% oxygen helps to ensure that pilots maintain adequate oxygenation, reducing the risk of hypoxia, which can impair cognitive function and spatial awareness.

At night, visual reference points can become obscured, making it more challenging for pilots to maintain their situational awareness. The use of pure oxygen enhances performance by ensuring that the body receives sufficient oxygen for optimal brain function, which is essential for tasks such as navigating and operating the aircraft safely. Additionally, the mental alertness gained from breathing pure oxygen can help pilots react more quickly to changes in the flight environment.

While other techniques may have specific applications in different scenarios, they do not provide the same level of safety and efficiency as breathing 100% oxygen during nocturnal formation flying.