Use of oxygen when one pilot is on break
Thread Starter
Use of oxygen when one pilot is on break
I am interested to know how many countries mandate the donning of oxygen masks by pilots left alone in the flight deck while in cruise.
the FAA is the only aithority I have seen that require this practice, interested to know what happens in Europe?
Specifically talking about quick donning masks as installed in the Airbus for example.
the FAA is the only aithority I have seen that require this practice, interested to know what happens in Europe?
Specifically talking about quick donning masks as installed in the Airbus for example.
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As if "two persons in cockpit at all times" rule is not enough, you want us to be putting oxygen masks on as well?
How many cases have included rapid decompression with only one pilot in the cockpit?
How many cases have included rapid decompression with only one pilot in the cockpit?
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How many cases have included rapid decompression with only one pilot in the cockpit?
How many do you need? With all of the dumb causes for accidents over the last ten+ years this sounds pretty reasonable. TOUC above FL300 is pretty small as I recall.
How many do you need? With all of the dumb causes for accidents over the last ten+ years this sounds pretty reasonable. TOUC above FL300 is pretty small as I recall.
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TOUC above FL300 is pretty small as I recall
FL300 - 1 minute
FL350 - 45 seconds
FL400 - 15 seconds
Allowing 5 seconds for the startle effect and a further 5 seconds to don the oxygen mask, I think there is plenty of time when using quick donning masks.
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Skor:
At my employer (U.S.) we had a supply of wet alcohol wipes on the flight deck that had been approved by the company medical department. We carefully cleaned the mask when we originated or replaced another crew, and then tested it both for O2 flow and the mic.
Made sense to me.
I jump seated on a couple other major U.S. carriers who did not do such a test.
Not in the UK. I can't imagine the germs that must collect in those things. I assumed they don't get cleaned between every crew.
Made sense to me.
I jump seated on a couple other major U.S. carriers who did not do such a test.
Thread Starter
My new job is my 6th airline, all in different countries but my first in the US. Its been an eye opener how the FAA mandate certain things compared to others. Not as progressive as i expected.
Its the first time i have seen the use of oxy masks in flight (except for oz in the old days) and it appears to me that the masks are getting beaten up by constant use. Last week a crew had the hose come off the mask during removal and flailed all over the cockpit.
Its the first time i have seen the use of oxy masks in flight (except for oz in the old days) and it appears to me that the masks are getting beaten up by constant use. Last week a crew had the hose come off the mask during removal and flailed all over the cockpit.
Bottums Up
Excerpt from the relevant Australian Order, CAO 20.4.
8.4 Unless paragraph 8.5 applies, where a pressurised aircraft to which this subsection applies is operated above Flight Level 250, then at least 1 pilot seated at the controls of the aircraft must use supplemental oxygen at all times during which the aircraft is operated above Flight Level 250.
8.5 Paragraph 8.4 does not apply if an aircraft is equipped with a quick- donning type oxygen mask for the pilot or, if more than 1 pilot is required for the flight, each pilot. However, whenever the aircraft is operating above flight level 450, the pilot, or one of the pilots, seated at the controls of the aircraft must wear an oxygen mask that is properly fitted and supplying oxygen
8.5 Paragraph 8.4 does not apply if an aircraft is equipped with a quick- donning type oxygen mask for the pilot or, if more than 1 pilot is required for the flight, each pilot. However, whenever the aircraft is operating above flight level 450, the pilot, or one of the pilots, seated at the controls of the aircraft must wear an oxygen mask that is properly fitted and supplying oxygen
If they get worn out by 'constant use' so be it, replace them.
They can save your life, I always give mine a thorough cleaning
on every preflight and use it when required.
Completely unsanitary and plain stupid not to do this, the last thing you
need is a mouth full of dust, crap and germs when you really need it.
They can save your life, I always give mine a thorough cleaning
on every preflight and use it when required.
Completely unsanitary and plain stupid not to do this, the last thing you
need is a mouth full of dust, crap and germs when you really need it.
The only airline I know for certain that does it is Omni (euro controller here), and that's only because the guy apologised to me for possible poor transmission quality (there was zero difference in his case).He obviously didn't realise I talk to Aeroflot and Turkish on a daily basis.
Apart from the above omni though I must say it's been very hard to understand what you folks are actually saying when you're on the oxy. Definitely worth bearing in mind if you're ever on it.
Apart from the above omni though I must say it's been very hard to understand what you folks are actually saying when you're on the oxy. Definitely worth bearing in mind if you're ever on it.
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It's still FL250 under part 121
121.333 (c)(3) Notwithstanding paragraph (c)(2) of this section, if for any reason at any time it is necessary for one pilot to leave his station at the controls of the airplane when operating at flight altitudes above flight level 250, the remaining pilot at the controls shall put on and use his oxygen mask until the other pilot has returned to his duty station.