When must automatically deployable oxygen equipment be installed for each passenger in a pressurized aircraft?

Current FAA regulations require that the cabin pressure altitude on transport category airplanes remain at or below 8,000 feet in normal operating conditions, and that supplemental oxygen be automatically presented to passengers before the cabin pressure altitude reaches 15,000 feet.



People Also Ask

On most pressurized aircraft, if cabin pressurization is lost when the aircraft is flying at an altitude above 4,267 m (14,000 feet), compartments containing the oxygen masks will open automatically, either above or in front of the passenger and crew seats, and the oxygen masks will drop down in front of the passenger.

MORE DETAILS

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.

MORE DETAILS

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.

MORE DETAILS

In most cases, you must provide at least 48 hours (72 hours for certain destinations) advance notice and obtain submit the Oxygen Physician's Statement before travel. Select your airline, download the form, have your doctor complete the form and return it to the airline.

MORE DETAILS

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.


MORE DETAILS

Passenger Compartment In non-pressurised aircraft which routinely fly above 10,000', passenger oxygen is typically provided by either a fixed or a portable system. Fixed systems draw their oxygen supply from a pressurised cylinder of gaseous oxygen.

MORE DETAILS

If the cabin altitude reaches a predetermined height (14,000' is standard), or if the system is activated by the flight crew, overhead panels open and oxygen masks drop out. To put the mask on, it is necessary for the intending user to pull it down and this action releases the firing pin and activates the generator.

MORE DETAILS

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).

MORE DETAILS

Cabin Oxygen System Each container has an electrical latching mechanism that opens automatically to allow the masks to drop, if the cabin pressure altitude exceeds 14,000 ft (+250, -750 ft). Chemical generators produce the oxygen.

MORE DETAILS

A simple pulse oximeter reading while you are at high altitude, at rest and during activity, can determine if oxygen is needed at altitude. Alternatively, some pulmonary function labs can perform an altitude simulation test to determine your oxygen saturation at altitude.

MORE DETAILS