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Old 29th August 2008, 00:34   #8 (permalink)
BelArgUSA
 
Join Date: Jun 2005
Location: Near AEP or FLN
Age: 65
Posts: 1,015
The Andes...

People in La Paz, Bolivia, live at 14,000 feet MSL... Any airplane operating to that airport requires a special 14,000 P-ALT optional T/O and LNDG limitation, as most Part 25 airplanes are normally limited to 10,000 P-ALT. Special cabin oxygen system re-calibration to 15,000 P-ALT also required for passenger masks, since, with a somewhat "low QNH", your cabin masks would fall due to the aneroid switch which triggers the PSUs to release the masks at 14,000 P-ALT (plus/minus 500 ft). A separate circuit breaker is required to silence the cabin altitude warning horn which would normally sound at/above 10,000 P-ALT.
xxx
At times, PanAm operated B-720Bs to/from La Paz. The PanAm GOM required the cockpit crew to use their O2 masks continuously for 15 minutes prior takeoff, until cabin altitude was returned to below 10,000 P-ALT, and for approach/landing. A few 720s in the fleet had the special "high altiude" operations kit. The LAB Bolivian crews do not have such a rule... I guess they have turbocharged lungs...
xxx
After the Himalayas, you can find the next highest minimum enroute levels (in the order of FL 250/260) to be between Mendoza (Argentina) and Santiago (Chile), near Cerro Aconcagua (6,965 meters high)... A regular emergency descent for pressurization loss is basically impossible in that area. The only option is a "180º turn" towards Mendoza/Cordoba on the Argentina side, and towards the Pacific Ocean on the Chilean side. DME from Mendoza or Santiago can be used to know which way to go, turn, or continue to descent.
xxx
If VMC, you might be able to negotiate some mountain passes at about FL 160/170. If you ever fly that route with good visibility, the VMC descent into Santiago is quite scenic. Recommend you to take your camera, it is worth it.
xxx

Happy contrails
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