One thing from the AP story that probably needs correcting is the
statement that "you can stay awake longer at 10,000 feet". This comment
was made by an F-16 pilot following the doomed airliner. While I'm sure
he wears O2 at 10,000 feet, most of us can continue to function very
well at 10,000 feet for extended periods of time. Although I carry O2,
I don't usually put it on until 12,000 feet. However, the effect of
altitude happens quickly as you climb. Of course the problem with
extream altitudes like those taht airlines fly at is that the O2 is
"sucked" out of your system by the enourmous pressures. You really only
have seconds to put on your quick dawn masks. It will be interesting to
see if the black box indicates why the pilots were not able to put on
their masks. In the US, pilots are taught to put on the O2 mask ASAP
and then fly the plane second. You can loss conscience pretty fast.
This type of thing has happened to US airliners without serious
outcomes because the pilots put on their masks right away. It will be
interesting to see what made that not happen in this case.
BTW: There are indications that the captain was not in the cabin at the
time. In the US the pilot in the cockpit is required to wear his O2
mask if the other pilot steps out for a potty break.

-Robert, CFI