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High aspect ratio wings give the U-2 [[glider]]-like characteristics and make the aircraft extremely challenging to fly, not only due to its unusual landing characteristics, but also because of the extreme altitudes it can reach. When flying the U-2A and U-2C models (no longer in service) the maximum speed ([[critical mach]]) and the minimum speed ([[stall]] speed) approach the same number, presenting a narrow window of safe airspeed the plane must maintain. In these models over 90% of a typical mission is flown within five [[knot (speed)|knots]] of stall speed.
The difficulty experienced by the pilots flying the U-2 led to it being called the "Dragonlady" because the aircraft was extremely unforgiving with respect to pilot ineptness or incompetence.
Because of its high-altitude mission, the pilot must wear the equivalent of a [[space suit]]. The suit provides the pilot's oxygen supply and emergency protection in case [[cabin pressure]] is lost at altitude (the cabin provides pressure equivalent to approximately 30,000 feet). To prevent [[decompression sickness]], pilots don an S1034 full pressure suit (manufactured by the David Clark Company) and begin breathing 100 percent oxygen one hour prior to launch; while moving from the building to the aircraft they breathe from a portable liquid oxygen supply.
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