Loss of oxygen incidents increase

WASHINGTON, D.C. (WAVY) - New documentation says F-22 Raptor pilots experience a loss of oxygen at a rate at least ten times higher than aboard any other U.S. Air Force aircraft.

According to the report, Air Force reported 26.43 hypoxia or hypoxia-like incidents among F-22 pilots per 100,000 flight hours through May 31, 2012.

The issue gained national attention in early May when two "whistleblowers," Captain Joshua Wilson and Major Jeremy Gordon, expressed their concerns of fellow F-22 pilots' breathing issues and blackouts on "60 Minutes."

The new information, released to Congress by  U.S. State Senator Mark Warner (D-Va.) and U.S. Representative Adam Kinzinger (R-Il.) also states that following a 2011 U.S.A.F. aircraft survey, a "majority of F-22 pilots surveyed did not feel confident" with breathing systems in the aircrafts.

Due to these results, U.S.A.F. ordered an installation of charcoal filters in September 2011. According to the U.S.A.F., a study conducted by The Boeing Corp. found that the filter negatively impacted the F-22's breathing system for pilots.

Warner and Kinzinger have also called for the U.S.A.F. and the Virginia Air National Guard to rescind any disciplinary hearings for the two "whistleblowers" who spoke with "60 Minutes."