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Old June 15th 05, 02:53 PM
Shawn
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Bill Daniels wrote:
"soarski" wrote in message
oups.com...

On the other Hand ........I live and take off at 8000 ft. now also
going on OX at 14000 ft, used to fly without, at higher altitudes. The
Rules, 12500 and 14000 ft are a good measure and most likely have some
margin built in.



As near as I can determine, these altitudes were determined during WWII
using very fit 18 year olds. Out of shape geezers should lower them
considerably. Being in the later category, I set the EDS to start O2 flow
at ground level especially with difficult to handle expensive gliders. With
the EDS consumption isn't a problem.

I do have a pulse oximimeter, which I would recomend. For you as peace
of mind. Otherwise one could worry so much about this OX thing that one
gets into hyperventilating. I have seen that on ski slopes! Those
people think they are ox starved and start breathing like crazy and get
sick that way. Also going on ox at 5000 ft, you might be out of it when
you really get up there and need it.



Hyperventilating is a real problem. A "set and forget" system like EDS
helps.

BTW, I have taken the oximeter on high altitude hikes and stuck it on
different older people. There I have seen guys with a 78% readout
happiely hiking along. What I like to know
is, what the low % limit is. When would one pass out?


I've seen pilots at 80% SpO2 who said they felt WONDERFUL. They kept
repeating that over and over but they couldn't fly worth a damn. They would
look at the oximeter and claim they felt better at 80% and ask to turn the
O2 down. Is hypoxia addictive?

There seems to be a consensus that cognitive abilities diminish measurably
in the low 90's. O2 is cheap. Use it.


Well that explains it. My normal saturation is about 96% (in Salida).
If I type too fast my sat's gotta drop below 93. :-)

Shawn