Oxygen and pressurization

There are three components to every oxygen supply system. What are they?

- The storage system - The delivery system - The mask/nasal cannula

What is expansion ratio?

A description of the volume increase that occurs when a compressed liquefied gas changes to a gas. IE: LOX has a 900 to 1 expansion ratio. This means that 1 liter of LOX can expand to 1 gaseous liter of ABO.

You are flying a pressurized aircraft above FL 350 but below FL 410. There is another pilot at the controls with you. Do you need to be wearing a mask? If so, what kind? (for part 91 operations)

FAR 91.211 No, you do not HAVE to wear a mask that is providing oxygen at the designated altitude if... There are TWO pilots at the controls, and BOTH have access to a quick don mask (can be put on the face with one hand in under 5 seconds). If one pilot must leave the controls for ANY reason, the remaining pilot then must wear a mask that is providing oxygen until the previous pilot returns to his post.

You are flying a pressurized aircraft above FL 410. There is another pilot at the controls with you. Do you need to be wearing a mask? If so, what kind? (for part 91 operations)

FAR 91.211 Yes, the pilot in command must be wearing a mask that is either constantly providing oxygen or will automatically provide oxygen if cabin pressure exceeds 14,000 feet MSL.

You are flying a pressurized aircraft above FL 350 but below FL 410. You are the only pilot at the controls. Do you need to be wearing a mask? If so, what kind? (for part 91 operations)

FAR 91.211 Yes, the pilot must be wearing a mask that is either constantly providing oxygen or will automatically provide oxygen if cabin pressure exceeds 14,000 feet MSL.

You are flying above 12,500 feet MSL but below 14,000 in an unpressurized aircraft. Do you need Supplemental oxygen? if so, for who?

FAR 91.211 Yes, you will need supplemental oxygen after 30 cumulative minutes above 12,500 feet MSL. The supplemental oxygen must be provided to the required crew members, and they must use it.

You are flying above 15,000 feet MSL in an unpressurized aircraft. Do you need Supplemental oxygen? If so, for who?

FAR 91.211 Yes, you will need supplemental oxygen for the entire duration of the flight at the designated altitude. It must be provided to all occupants of the aircraft and the required flight crew must use the oxygen for the entire duration of the flight at the designated altitude.

You are flying above 14,000 feet MSL but below 15,000 in an unpressurized aircraft. Do you need Supplemental oxygen? if so, for who?

FAR 91.211 Yes, you will need supplemental oxygen for the entire duration of the flight at the designated altitudes. It must be provided to the minimum flight crew, and they must use it.

You are flying a pressurized aircraft above FL 250. How much oxygen should you have on your plane? (for part 91 operations)

FAR 91.211 You are to have a 10-minute supply of oxygen for each occupant of the aircraft in the event of a rapid depressurization or an emergency descent.

Which federal aviation regulation deals with oxygen requirements for flight?

FAR 91.211 Supplemental Oxygen

What is a cannula? At what altitudes is this device used to?

It is a breathing apparatus that can be used to supply oxygen to the wearer. It is very economical and is comfortable. It is a continuous flow device and is RESTRICTED to 18,000 feet MSL and below.

What is an oral nasal rebreather? At what altitudes is this device used to?

It is a breathing device where the user's breathe inflates a small bag and oxygen is mixed with this exhalation for re inhalation. It is very common and the least expensive. It is typically used up to 25,000 feet.

What is a Quick don mask? At what altitudes is this device used to?

It is a device that can be put on the face with one hand in under 5 seconds that will provide oxygen to the wearer. It also must accommodate prescription gasses. it is typically used up to 45,000 feet.

What is an airline dropdown mask? At what altitudes is this device used to?

It is a device typically used in the airline industry and is commonly referred to as a "Dixie cup". It can provide a steady stream of oxygen to the wearer. It is typically used up to 40,000 in the event of an emergency.

What is gaseous aviator's breathing oxygen (ABO)? What are some of its advantages?

It is a form of acceptable oxygen that can fulfill any oxygen requirements for a flight. It is often stored in containers as a gas state. It is the most economical, but it is also bulky and heavy compared to the other forms of oxygen containment for aviation. Note: ABO must be aviation grade. Other canned oxygen grades (such as medical grade) could have potentially dangerous additives that could be a risk during flight.

What is Liquid Aviator's breathing Oxygen (LOX)? What are some of its advantages?

It is a form of acceptable oxygen that can fulfill any oxygen requirements for a flight. It is often stored in containers as a liquid state. It is incredibly compact for the amount of oxygen that it can provide (900 to 1 expansion ratio). it also saves on weight and space as compared to ABO. This form of oxygen must be kept INCREDIBLY cold at all times (-197 degrees Faren height).

What are molecular sieve oxygen generators (MSOG)? What are some of their advantages?

It is a process in which a machine takes surrounding ambient air and detaches any inert gasses from it leaving only oxygen. This method is quite common in military aviation and many medical practices for people that must carry around a portable oxygen system.

What is the solid state of oxygen that is used in aviation? What are some of its advantages?

It is a substance called sodium chlorate, often referred to as "candles". It is a chemical mixture that when exposed to enough heat, it begins to break down and produce breathable oxygen. It is more compact and saves weight as compared to ABO but once the chemical decomposition of the candle begins, it is incredibly difficult to stop. Additionally, the chemical mixture produces heat (fire) during decomposition can be a fire hazard for flight.

What is the diluter demand oxygen delivery system? What altitudes is this system typically used to?

It is a system similar to continuous flow except that it can detect when the wearer is inhaling or exhaling and only providing oxygen on inhalation. This system also provides the appropriate amount of oxygen that is required for your current altitude. This system is typically used at and below 40,000 feet.

What is the continuous flow oxygen delivery system? What altitudes is this system typically used to?

It is a system that constantly provides oxygen to the wearer regardless of if they are breathing in or not. Because of this, the system is somewhat wasteful. This system is typically used at and below 28,000 feet.

What is the pressure demand oxygen delivery system? What altitudes is this system typically used to?

This system utilizes an airtight mask around the users face and then uses positive pressure to slightly over inflate the wearers lungs to insure oxygen flow. This system can be used at any altitude but is typically used above 40,000 feet.