I have crossed the Alps in twins and jets on numerous occasions be very careful!
Even on relatively mild wind days you can get local conditions where you will get massive sink.
Regarding oxygen the FAA limits are no oxygen to 12500. 12500 TO to 13999 feet for 30 minutes. 14000 feet and above oxygen at all times! PAX on at 15000.
I am sure Americans do not have better lungs than us.
I have never had a problem at 12500 and once ran out of oxygen at FL160 again no problems for the 20 minutes I had to stay there but pressure breathed!
As a Scuba Diver I am used to breath control! Pilots who feel funny at lower levels think its altitude causing it but often it can be anxiety causing over breathing!!!
But people vary! I knew one glider pilot who was a heavy smoker and went funny at FL80.
You should be OK to FL120 so do a test flight?
If you have never flown the Alps really do be very selective when you do it or dont do it at all!!!
If you are flying 1013 check what the real altitude is??
Get a transportable oxygen bottle for the trip as its a good safety backup.
Pace
Last edited by Pace; 27th August 2012 at 22:45.