Originally published at: FAA Proposes Relaxed Pilot Oxygen Mask Rules
Part 91 pilots with quick-donning masks could operate at any certificated altitude without continuously wearing one.
This is a bad proposal. Many corporate aircraft are certified at FL410 and above where TUC is measured in seconds. It is customary for many corporate flight crews to exit the flight deck to visit the cabin for any number of reasons. Thus, safety of flight is compromised under this proposal.
I disagree with MoMule. This would just adjust the FAR’s to what most crews already do now. It is well known that the O2 rules are the most violated rule of all the FAR’s. In my 18 years of flying pressurized aircraft, I can think of only one crewmember who actually followed the current FAR’s for O2 use. One jet I flew combined smoke goggles with the quick donning O2 masks into one unit, which made it difficult to see out when wearing. What I think is really nuts is certifying civilian aircraft to FL510, when the military requires their pilots to be in a full pressure suit for flights above FL500.
I recall that the B767 had a better type of quick-donning mask, protected by a lid that popped open on demand or command.
I agree this rule is frequently violated in part 121 operations. When I participated in that flying our (unwritten) procedure was to pull the mask out and have it in your lap so it was ready to go instead of putting it on. Dumb rule and considering the potential transfer of germs probably causes lost work days as well.
I wasn’t operating during COVID but a real consideration…
This was a rumor at least 10 years ago that they would change the mask requirement.
Yes, change this rule! When was the last time there was a rapid decompression at altitude? (Rapid D vs insidious onset hypoxia). And why are part 121 rules different than part 135? Current rules seem whimsical. Consistent rules will reinforce the intent/rationale.
Some years ago, I noticed that the Scott Eros masks which we had in all our aircraft, were not cierified to the altitudes we operated normally at. I think, from memory, they were certified to something like 350, but our planes all flew are 450 and above. I had asked manufacturers about this and was met with no response. So I decided not to push it.
Im retired now, so I don’t know if this issues was ever addressed. Fling with a mask on is a pain. I know, I’ve done it in the sim. I can’t imagine having to do a long f\ight wearing a mask. However, I do have to agree that at altitude, you don’t have much time in the event of an explosive decompression. That said, the likelihood of an event is pretty rare too.
Most of the recent events, have happened at relatively low altitudes. Is this risk acceptable? I don’t know.
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