Oxygen for GA

[WhichWaysUp]

Hi again.

So I have read the CARs regarding oxygen

This says
605.31 (1) No person shall operate an unpressurized aircraft unless it is equipped with sufficient oxygen dispensing units and oxygen supply to comply with the requirements set out in the table to this subsection.

But the next CAR says:
605.32 (1) Where an aircraft is operated at cabin-pressure-altitudes above 10,000 feet ASL but not exceeding 13,000 feet ASL, each crew member shall wear an oxygen mask and use supplemental oxygen for any part of the flight at those altitudes that is more than 30 minutes in duration.

(2) Where an aircraft is operated at cabin-pressure-altitudes above 13,000 feet ASL, each person on board the aircraft shall wear an oxygen mask and use supplemental oxygen for the duration of the flight at those altitudes.

(3) The pilot at the flight controls of an aircraft shall use an oxygen mask if

(a) the aircraft is not equipped with quick-donning oxygen masks and is operated at or above flight level 250; or

(b) the aircraft is equipped with quick-donning oxygen masks and is blah blah blah


My question is....

Does Transport Canada not allow use of a cannula? I've used them up to 15k without issue (98% BOL)....but is this considered "legal" then? Any other pilots use them? Thanks!

[khedrei]

Used canula up to 17k. No issues. As far as I know they are certified up to 18k.

I didn't realize the reg said mask.

[digits_]

Oxygen mask has not been defined in the CARs. The 'normal' definition does define it as a mask covering nose and mouth. I think that technically speaking cannulas are not fulfilling that requirement. In reality, for private flying, I think TC will be happy that you're at least using a cannula!

If you want to get really nitpicky, the rules don't say the oxygen mask has to be hooked up to the supplemental oxygen. You can wear one over your cannula to satisfy the regs
But I admit that's a bit of a stretch!

[WhichWaysUp]

Thanks for the replies. I sent a message to TC just out of curiosity. I should hear back in the next 5-6 years

I think any oxygen is better than none. I'm sure as hell not wearing a mask when not needed.

[SeptRepair]

Here is a question I have a hard time coming up with an answer for. We know there is a difference between aviators oxygen and medical oxygen, but where do i find the CAR or anything stating what is to be used. Is there even such a document?

[khedrei]

I have cylinder in my hangar. The guys at praxair told me aviator oxygen and welders oxygen are the same thing. Same with medical oxygen. Oxygen is oxygen. In the medical field moisture is added after the bottle to help your body not get dehydrated. The stuff in the bottle is all the same. There may be a different method for filling them, that guarantees something for aviators oxygen. I'm not sure about that.

[digits_]

I have cylinder in my hangar. The guys at praxair told me aviator oxygen and welders oxygen are the same thing. Same with medical oxygen. Oxygen is oxygen. In the medical field moisture is added after the bottle to help your body not get dehydrated. The stuff in the bottle is all the same. There may be a different method for filling them, that guarantees something for aviators oxygen. I'm not sure about that.

Hmm the oxygen might be the same, but the way the compressors operate to get the required pressure likely isn't. I believe oxygen for human consumption is compressed with dry crompressors, where there's no chance of oil particles getting into the oxygen. For industrial applications, the cheaper wet compressors are used, which could theoretically have a few oil particles in them.


//Update: I might be confusing this with normal air compressors, it's been a while

[tellyourkidstogetarealjob]

The following article is reproduced from Sportys.com:

Aviation Grade Oxygen - The FAA recommended oxygen is 99.5% pure oxygen. In addition, moisture has been removed with the resulting moisture content of less than .01%. The thought here is that moisture can freeze in the lines or in the regulator at colder altitudes. This could be more of a problem for systems located outside the confines of the cockpit, as most cockpit temperatures tend to stay above freezing (pilots would prefer not to be freezing too).

Medical Grade Oxygen - Similar to aviation grade oxygen, medical grade oxygen is 99.5% pure oxygen. However, there isn’t a specific requirement on moisture content. This might not be a huge deal, as moisture is normally removed in the process of compressing oxygen. After all, water in your oxygen tanks is a really bad thing. Hospitals will often add moisture to oxygen as they administer it to their patients.

Industrial Grade Oxygen - Pressurized oxygen is used in many industrial applications. Most commonly, you’ll find pressurized oxygen tanks in welding shops. This is why you’ll often hear industrial grade oxygen referred to as "welder's oxygen." This oxygen is rated to 99.2% pure oxygen as opposed to the 99.5% for aviation and medical. In addition, industrial grade oxygen is not filtered for very small particles and might have a higher percentage of moisture.

[BGH]

I was an industrial first aid attendant in the 80’s & 90’s.We were taught that a welders oxygen tank could be used as the oxygen content was the same - you had to have an adapter to be able to fit the mask hose.
There is no oil in oxygen - they don’t mix well at all & in fact even lipstick & chapstick was to be removed before administrating oxygen to a patient.

Daryl