REFLECTOR: Flying High

[steven-oakley at comcast.net]

Hi,

> He emphasized that those of us who are over 40 have a greater need for
> supplemental oxygen than younger pilots, especially at night.  Also, the FAA
> regs regarding the use of oxygen are really pushing the limits - Lynn
> recommended supplemental oxygen at lower altitudes than the regs require -
> 5000 ft at night and 7500 during daylight.

Although I like to err on the side of caution this recomendation has to also have the pilots exposure to living above sea level taken into consideration. My home airport elevation is 5017MSL, so to apply the above, any night flight would require O2. However living at 5000MSL the body adapts to the altitude, this means that pilots who live at 5000MSL are probably safe upto 7500(night) and 10,000(day). 

In fact apart from landing all my flying is above 7500, frequently upto 10,000 MSL without suplimental O2.

Steve.