Can’t comment on the specifics of the Himalayas but I’ll offer the following:
Originally Posted by
SG73x
1. Why 14'000ft initially ? Does it have to do with EASA supplemental oxygen requirements ?
As a general point the 14000’ might be airline specfic...we use an initial default 15000’ or the MEA whichever is higher, regardless of where we are in the world, whether an escape route is “in play” or not..we would then try to carry on the descent to 10000 as soon as possible but other factors can come into the equation such as range to alternate.....for example if the depressurisation occurred the middle of an ETOPS segment over the ocean then despite the lack of terrain a descent to 10k might not be possible for quite some time.
2. In case of an engine failure, or a fire onboard, would you use the same escape route or are there other "types" ? I am assuming that engine out is less critical in terms of time and altitude.
Where we are the documentation will give the escape route for a depressursation, and then state, what if any escape route is needed for an engine failure. Typically for us single engine cruise would be above 20000’ so you are right in saying the engine out might be slightly less critical.
5. Are escape routes published anywhere, or are they developed by airlines ?
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Ours are produced by the airline and are contained in the aircraft performance manual (since performance and oxygen equipment/provision varies by customer specification, aircraft type and variant within that type).