What is the requirement for oxygen use for pilots flying between 12,500 and 14,000 feet for more than 30 minutes?

What is the requirement for oxygen use for pilots flying between 12,500 and 14,000 feet for more than 30 minutes?

• A. Oxygen is not required
• B. Oxygen must be available but not used
• C. Oxygen must be carried and used
• D. Oxygen must be carried by passengers only

Answer: (C)

Pilots flying at altitudes between 12,500 and 14,000 feet for more than 30 minutes are required to use supplemental oxygen. This regulation is in place because, at these altitudes, the partial pressure of oxygen decreases, potentially leading to hypoxia, a condition where the body doesn't receive enough oxygen. In this altitude range, while oxygen may not be immediately essential for short periods, prolonged exposure beyond 30 minutes increases the risk of impaired physiological function. By mandating that oxygen be not only carried but also actively used, safety is prioritized to ensure that pilots maintain adequate cognitive and physical performance. The other options do not meet the regulatory requirements. For instance, not requiring oxygen could jeopardize safety, merely having it available without use does not protect against hypoxia, and specifying that oxygen is only necessary for passengers misses the critical responsibility of ensuring that crew members are also protected at higher altitudes.

Pilots flying at altitudes between 12,500 and 14,000 feet for more than 30 minutes are required to use supplemental oxygen. This regulation is in place because, at these altitudes, the partial pressure of oxygen decreases, potentially leading to hypoxia, a condition where the body doesn't receive enough oxygen.

In this altitude range, while oxygen may not be immediately essential for short periods, prolonged exposure beyond 30 minutes increases the risk of impaired physiological function. By mandating that oxygen be not only carried but also actively used, safety is prioritized to ensure that pilots maintain adequate cognitive and physical performance.

The other options do not meet the regulatory requirements. For instance, not requiring oxygen could jeopardize safety, merely having it available without use does not protect against hypoxia, and specifying that oxygen is only necessary for passengers misses the critical responsibility of ensuring that crew members are also protected at higher altitudes.