Topic: Altitude

NORAD scrambled fighter jets to track a high-altitude balloon drifting over the western United States at approximately 45,000 feet. The 50-foot tall balloon with a small payload was first spotted over Utah and is not believed to be remotely steered. While the Biden administration is monitoring the situation closely, officials stated the object does not currently pose a threat to national security or flight safety.

The Pentagon releases a selfie taken by a U-2 Dragon Lady pilot flying above the Chinese spy balloon. The segment questions why the 1950s-era U-2 aircraft is still in service for high-altitude surveillance missions.

A technical discussion explains the limits of helicopter hovering, distinguishing between "in-ground" and "out-of-ground" effects. The hosts cover altitude restrictions caused by air density and oxygen requirements, noting that most helicopters cannot operate effectively above 18,000 feet when fully loaded.

Adam Curry and John C. Dvorak sign off for the day, promising to return on Thursday. The final segments include a strange, looped clip of a conversation regarding "lawn clippings" and chewing coca leaves for altitude sickness in Peru, followed by the show's signature "Adios Mofos" exit.

Sir Patrick Coble announces a honeymoon trip to Machu Picchu. John Dvorak shares his personal experiences in the Andes, recommending the use of coca leaves and tea to combat altitude sickness. He describes the traditional method of chewing the leaves and the physical benefits for travelers in high-altitude regions.

Technical data from Flightradar24.com suggests the Germanwings aircraft's altitude setting was manually changed from 38,000 feet to 96 feet. This ADS-B data indicates someone twirled the altitude dial on the Flight Management Computer rather than simply pressing a button. The lack of authentication in the ADS-B "extended squitter" system is discussed as a potential security vulnerability.

Analysis of the Malaysia Airlines Flight 17 crash focuses on reports of a Ukrainian Su-25 fighter jet flying within five kilometers of the airliner. Technical specifications regarding the Su-25's service ceiling and max operating altitude are compared against the airliner's descent from 35,000 to 33,000 feet.

John Dvorak recounts a trip to the Andes mountains where he used coca leaves to combat altitude sickness. While younger American travelers refused the leaves due to their association with cocaine, Dvorak found them essential for maintaining energy at high altitudes. He describes "breezing past" exhausted millennials on a hike because he utilized the local traditional remedy.

Al Gore's claim that Barack Obama's poor debate performance in Denver was due to altitude sickness is mocked by the hosts. They point out that Air Force One is pressurized to 8,000 feet and that Denver's 5,000-foot elevation is unlikely to cause such a significant cognitive decline in a healthy individual.