Page 183 - PPL-engelsk 2025

Human Performance

This is not a problem as long as the diver is under pressure. When the diver

begins to ascend to the surface, the ambient pressure is reduced, and the

nitrogen is released from the body via the lungs when the diver exhales.

If the ascent occurs faster than the absorbed nitrogen can be released, the
nitrogen will form bubbles in the blood and tissues (like a soda bottle that is

opened too quickly).

What is surprising is that after such a deep dive, the sensitivity to

decompression sickness is so great that even during a flight in a pressurized

cabin, one can be affected by decompression sickness.

When nitrogen is released into the body, one feels a tingling sensation under

the skin and in the joints. Especially in the shoulders, elbows and knee joints.

The condition is called “decompression sickness”.

If you stick to diving with pure oxygen or snorkelling, there are no problems.

Diving schools teach that diving less than 10

metres entails a 12-hour flight break, and 10

metres and more entails a 24-hour break

before flying – even with a pressurized

cabin.

2.6.6.7 Nitrogen poisoning

Note that there is another danger when diving at greater depths. It is called

“nitrogen poisoning” (nitrogen poisoning) and has nothing to do with ordinary

“diving sickness” (decompression sickness).

Nitrogen poisoning is also called nitrogen poisoning or diver's intoxication. It

occurs without warning when diving deeper than 20 meters. The risk increases

dramatically at 30 meters, and at 40 meters it is really great.

Flight Theory PPL(A)(UL)/LAPL Henning Andersen, Midtjysk Flyveskole© 2025 183