What are the rules for supplemental oxygen aviation?

Supplemental Oxygen Requirements:
  • Sea Level to 12,500' - No oxygen required.
  • 12,501' to 14,000' - Required by the required crew if over 30 minutes at this altitude.
  • 14,001' to 15,000' - Required to be provided and used by the required flight crew.
  • 15,001' to 25,000' - Must be provided for every occupant.




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To serve as a first officer in Part 121 (airline) operations:
  • Be at least 21 years old.
  • Hold an Air Transport Pilot (ATP) certificate or an ATP certificate with restricted privileges (R-ATP) (both include instrument rating qualification)
  • An appropriate aircraft type rating.
  • At least a second-class medical certificate.


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For best protection, you are encouraged to use supplemental oxygen above 10,000 feet MSL. At night, because vision is particularly sensitive to diminished oxygen, a prudent rule is to use supplemental oxygen when flying above 6,000 feet MSL. So, when you fly at high altitudes, supplemental oxygen is the only solution.

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There are three standard types of aviation oxygen systems:
  • Continuous flow: For aircraft that fly under 25,000 feet or utilize a portable oxygen supply.
  • Diluter demand: Meant for flight between 25,000 and 40,000 feet high.
  • Pressure demand: Systems for aviation at over 40,000 feet.


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(ii) Above 15,000 feet MSL, oxygen to each occupant of the aircraft, other than the pilots, for one hour unless, at all times during flight above that altitude, the aircraft can safely descend to 15,000 feet MSL within four minutes, in which case only a 30-minute supply is required.

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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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