How high can a plane fly without being pressurized?

For operations conducted under Parts 121 and 135, the flight crew must use oxygen when cabin altitudes are above 10,000 up to 12,000 feet after 30 minutes and at all times when above 12,000 feet. The general aviation pilot flying an unpressurized airplane will not normally operate above 25,000 feet.



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Depending on the altitude of the aircraft when depressurisation takes place, loss of pressurisation can very quickly lead to the incapacitation of the crew and passengers unless they receive supplementary oxygen.

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For Part 91 General Aviation operations the required flight crew must use supplemental oxygen for any portion of the flight that exceeds 30 minutes above a cabin pressure altitude of 12,500 feet mean sea level (MSL) up to and including 14,000 feet (MSL).

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Traveling by airplane exposes people to decreased air pressure and lower than normal oxygen levels. For most people, these changes are not noticeable.

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Absolutely. There is nothing in the rulebook that says a pilot can't be afraid of heights.

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With loss of cabin pressurization at altitude, pressure breathing of 100% oxygen at high airway pres- sures enables the pilot's alveolar PO2 to be maintained at a safe level during emergency descent.

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When you go to a high elevation there is less air pressure. The lower air pressure makes air less dense (thinner) and so there is less oxygen in the air you breathe. At the top of Mount Everest there is only ? of the oxygen available as there is at sea level.

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