Originally Posted by
Lead Balloon
So, for all those craving a rule:
Why, in the 21st century, isn't the rule a prescribed blood oxygen level (or prescribed blood oxygen level for night ops and a prescribed blood oxygen level for day ops, if the science supports the difference)?
A pilot's blood oxygen level is easily and cheaply measured, continuously, in the 21st century. If a pilot can't be trusted to maintain those levels, why can pilots be trusted to use mandatorily-fitted or carried oxygen supplies?
Not to mention that if you're on oxygen with a proper oxygen system then measuring your oxy levels should only confirm that yes, you're breathing oxygen. You're also now talking about a rule that DOES mandate having to use it, this rule mandates having to carry it which is far easier to check has been complied with.
Also no one is "Craving" a rule as you seem to think. A lot of us are pointing out that this particular rule isn't that onerous and has valid justification. If you're not prepared to compromise and accept some level of new rules to come about then to be perfectly honest you shouldn't be involved in any discussion involving Aviation Safety as times change, tech changes, and therefore the rules must change with them. We've got Aircraft now that are far more capable of getting above 10k and being there for a long time thanks to companies like Cirrus for example and as such the rules need to acknowledge this.
Dick, you yourself have just proven the point by using your own C208 as an example and the ability to get into a place like La Paz. You also talk about the Pilot being in a position to make this decision, not really a decision if you're wanting to go above 10k but didn't bring any oxygen with you and don't really spend any time up there and have never completed and high altitude courses is it?
Does CASA bring in mindless, stupid rules that we should rally against? Absolutely, but this is not one of them and if we don't choose our battles we end up looking stubborn and belligerent which only makes our lives more difficult in the end trying to fight against the ridiculous rules that do come about.