Oxygen use - tips and safety advice?

[flyboy1963]

I've read quite a few threads on where to buy O2, build & buy a system, etc.

Where is a good source fo info on training on operational use of it?......short of the military?
It sounds like most guys just plug it in and go, but I'd kind of like not to run out halfway into my flight over the rockies, or use too little and nod off at 15,500'. ( same end result tho'?)

Obviously going up with a safety pilot the first few times would be advisable, but that sounds like a lot of tankage to have one guy on 100%, and playing around with the other flow until pilot #2 gets happy... or passes out!

Is there a source of info on flow rates per pound of pilot, and similarly for passengers, children, pets?....or are individuals so different in absorption that we need a little monitor clipped to our finger?

thanks for any advice or operational tips.

[Ron Lee]

Put system on (eg cannula)

Have O2 tank on. I have another on/off flow rate device.

At chosen altitude start using supplemental O2. I use 12,500' but live at 6800'. Flatlanders may decide on an altitude in the 8000-10,000' region.

If uncertain of flow rate, monitor the tank level periodically.

If uncertain about effectiveness, consider the pulse oxymeter or equivalent.

Increase/decrease flow rate as required for changing cruise altitudes.

Turn off system upon reaching selected lower altitude.

Probably frowned upon to smoke while using O2. Sunscreen may be an issue but uncertain about this.

I recently completed a flight at 17,500' and used O2 for perhaps 2.75 - 3 hours. Consumed about 350 psi.

[DCat22]

Originally Posted by Ron Lee

If uncertain about effectiveness, consider the pulse oxymeter or equivalent.

What is the number you want to stay above?

[randyintejas]

you want to stay above 90

[Ron Lee]

I ask myself if I am doing ok. If I respond affirmatively, I continue.

I was recently told about affordable oximeters and intend to get one soon.

http://tinyurl.com/695mwyp

I just ordered it. Now I will have an actual number to assess the usefulness of my O2 setup.

[DCat22]

Originally Posted by Ron Lee

I ask myself if I am doing ok. If I respond affirmatively, I continue.

I was recently told about affordable oxymeters and intend to get one soon.

http://tinyurl.com/695mwyp

I bought a similar one last year (http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B002ED99BM) ...although haven't been flying high enough to play with it yet. $40...

I did try it on my better half when she was in the hospital and it pretty much read the same thing as the $$$ medical machine.

[David Paule]

I use one of the small oxymeters every time I fly high. Wouldn't be without it.

My O2 system lets each user adjust for their own needs. And yes, keep the oxymeter reading above 90%.

If your bottle is at all reasonable sized, you'll get several trips out of it. Mine, a large portable bottle, lasts all summer.

[Caveman]

Originally Posted by flyboy1963

I've read quite a few threads on where to buy O2, build & buy a system, etc.

Where is a good source fo info on training on operational use of it?......short of the military?
It sounds like most guys just plug it in and go, but I'd kind of like not to run out halfway into my flight over the rockies, or use too little and nod off at 15,500'. ( same end result tho'?)

Obviously going up with a safety pilot the first few times would be advisable, but that sounds like a lot of tankage to have one guy on 100%, and playing around with the other flow until pilot #2 gets happy... or passes out!

Is there a source of info on flow rates per pound of pilot, and similarly for passengers, children, pets?....or are individuals so different in absorption that we need a little monitor clipped to our finger?

thanks for any advice or operational tips.

Perry,

Here is a starting point:

http://preciseflight.com/v_res/preci..._Final_FAA.pdf

Joe

[Chris Hill]

Originally Posted by Ron Lee

I ask myself if I am doing ok. If I respond affirmatively, I continue.

Affirmative response might be your last response. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qLQMupV3DLk

Keep in mind, these guys in the video are 25k+ in the altitude chamber

Typical symptoms: cyanosis (fingernails turn bluish), tingling in your extremeties (fingers/toes), euphoria (thinking that life is great)

one more good video http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=AwwrhvssbXU&NR=1

[Greg Arehart]

I'm not totally convinced that "90%" is the right number. I think there is variation between these oxymeters. Mine, for example, reads about 91-92% at home sitting around, when "saturation" should be closer to 95-96%. Even with plenty of oxygen, I can only get the oxymeter to get up to maybe 94%. I think that my oxymeter generally reads low, so I generally just compare to "normal" for me and my situation. I don't worry if my reading is in the high 80s.

YMMV (your meter may vary).

greg