George O’Connor, Jr., ATP, CFII, MEI

 Introduction  The Atmosphere  Hypoxia and Hyperventilation  Medical Factors  Oxygen Systems  Questions 2

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Composition to 300,000 ft.  Nitrogen 78%  Oxygen 21%  Trace Gases 1% 4

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Definition: A state of oxygen deficiency in blood, cells and tissues sufficient to impair human functions 6

At Sea Level O 2 Hb Sat = 98% At 10,000 ft O 2 Hb Sat = 87% Threshold for Hypoxic Hypoxia At FL340 O 2 Hb Sat = 33% Insufficient to Support Life At FL340 w/100% O 2 O 2 Hb Sat = 98% At FL430 w/100% O 2 O 2 Hb Sat = 72% At FL430 w/100% O 2 Under Pressure O 2 Hb Sat = 87% 7

 Altitude  Rate of ascent  Duration of exposure  Environmental Pressure  Physical fitness  Individual tolerance  Physical activity  Psychological  Medication and drugs 8

 Euphoria  Lightheadedness  Apprehension  Headache  Dizziness  Fatigue  Nausea  Hot/cold flashes  Blurred vision  Tunnel vision  Tingling  Numbness  Anger  Belligerence 9

 Increase in rate and/or depth of breathing  Cyanosis  Mental confusion  Poor judgment  Loss of muscle coordination  Euphoria  Belligerence  Unconsciousness 10

 The abnormal increase in the rate and depth of breathing  Caused by an abnormally low level of carbon dioxide in the blood 11

 Anxiety  Emotions  Fear  Apprehension  Pain  Pressure breathing  Hypoxia 12

 Do not panic  Control your rate and depth of breathing  Check your oxygen equipment – it may be hypoxia 13

14 FAR At cabin pressure altitudes above 12,500 feet (MSL) up to and including 14,000 feet (MSL) unless the required minimum flight crew is provided with and uses supplemental oxygen for that part of the flight at those altitudes that is of more than 30 minutes duration; At cabin pressure altitudes above 14,000 feet (MSL) unless the required minimum flight crew is provided with and uses supplemental oxygen during the entire flight time at those altitudes; and (3) At cabin pressure altitudes above 15,000 feet (MSL) unless each occupant of the aircraft is provided with supplemental oxygen.

The amount of time an individual is able to perform flying duties efficiently in an environment with inadequate oxygen supply. 15

FL180……..20 – 30 minutes FL220………8 – 10 minutes FL250………..3 – 5 minutes FL280…… – 3 minutes FL300………..1 – 2 minutes FL350……..30 – 60 seconds FL400……..15 – 20 seconds FL430………9 – 12 seconds FL500………9 – 12 seconds 16

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 Don oxygen masks/mic switches  Assure oxygen flow  Initiate rapid descent to 10,000 ft.  Advise ATC as soon as practicable  Check on crew and passengers 19

20  Caused by upper respiratory infections  Usually occurs on descent  Can occur on ascent  Severe, sudden pain

21  Stop descent/ascent  Valsalva  Cough against pressure  Reverse direction of the pressure change Vasoconstrictors (on descent only) See Flight Surgeon

Tympanic Membrane Normal Inner ear Exposure to External Pressure

23 DECOMPRESSION SICKNESS TINY BUBBLES = BIG TROUBLE

24  Gastrointestinal Gas Expansion is the most common symptom experienced with a rapid decompression. Not serious at low or intermediate altitudes Above FL250 enough distention may occur to produce severe pain which can result in unconsciousness

25  10,000 feet 1.5 liters  FL liters  FL liters  FL liters  FL liters  FL liters 1 liter of gas at ground level expands to:

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27 CHECK OXYGEN PRESSURE JULY psiJANUARY psi When volume is constant, the pressure of a gas increases or decreases proportionally to an increase or decrease in its temperature.

At 1800 PSI and 32F = 80% Usable Capacity

 2 Pilots + 2 Passengers = 6 using oxygen  Assuming a 50(cu ft) O2 tank  52 minutes corrected for 80% = 42 minutes 02

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An adequate P.R.I.C.E. Check before, during, and after your flight should ensure your emergency equipment will work when you depend on it to save your life. 31

32 Pressure Regulator Indicator Connections EMERGENCY P R I C E

33 ressure P ressure Check for adequate pressure readings on BOTH the refiller port site and the instrument panel. The readings should match.

34 egulator R egulator Check for oxygen flow in BOTH the Normal and 100% settings.

35 ndicator I ndicator Ensure the indicator shows you are getting oxygen flow.

36 onnections C onnections Check connections to make sure all are tightly connected. Check by pushing further together rather than trying to pull apart.

37  Explosive − Total cabin pressure loss in less than 1 second  Rapid Decompression − Total cabin pressure loss in less than 1 – 10 seconds − Danger from pressure differential  Slow Decompression − Total cabin pressure loss in greater than 10 seconds − Danger from insidiousness

38 Disadvantages of Pressurization PRIMARY AND MOST CRITICAL

39 KING AIR 200 TWO PILOT CREW CRUSING AT FL270 WINDSHIELD SHATTERED PILOTS DUMPED CABIN NO OXYGEN MASKS DONNED AIRCRAFT ENTERED TERMINAL VELOCITY Regained Comsciousness at 13,000 MSL Regained Control at 7,000 MSL Radar indicated they lost 20,000 feet in 90 seconds

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