Originally Posted by
uxb99
I have read stories of WW1 pilots up to 13'000. WW1 pilots didn't have oxygen. I also believe they suffered illness because of it.
.
By 1917/18 RFC/RAF pilots were regularly doing high altitude patrols at 17,000ft up to sometimes 21,000ft (depending on a/c type) - not a healthy occupation without oxy and pressurisation.
I have been up to 11,500ft quite a few times in a glider without oxy with no ill effects but I usually did not stay above 10,000ft very long
