Solar Impulse Crew Plans Hypnosis Trial

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In preparation for a planned round-the-world flight in 2015, the builders of Solar Impulse, the world’s largest solar-powered electric airplane, will conduct a 72-hour simulation next week, during which pilot Bertrand Piccard will experiment with using self-hypnosis as a means to fight fatigue. “I hope it will work,” he said. During the 2015 flight, a solo pilot will need to stay airborne for up to five days and nights nonstop, to cross the Pacific Ocean. The simulator cockpit is identical to the real one, with a size of just 9 feet x 5 feet x 3 feet.

This will be second 72-hour simulation for the team — pilot Andre Borschberg successfully flew a 72-hour mission last year — but this is the first time the pilot will experiment with hypnosis. Piccard also will experiment with other aspects of the planned flight besides fatigue management, such as cockpit procedures and nutrition. The simulation, which will take place at the Solar Impulse base in Switzerland, is scheduled for next Tuesday through Friday, and will be reported live by Solar Impulse on Twitter, Facebook, and in Google hangouts.

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