Two points. Even the Aviation systems can have trouble. A constant flow system, Aerox or Mountain High can be fine for the east, but EVEN AVIATION SYSTEMS CAN HAVE PROBLEMS.

Anyone flying what the original Aerox thin flow meter THROW IT AWAY. Mine broke in half in wave over MT Mitchel in NC, at 23,000 still going up. The original system should NOT be sold to glider pilots. The material is thin and DOES NOT TOLERATE COLD. When I called the company and told them their equipment almost killed me, they told me they also have a thicker, different material that is tested to -50. That is the one you want, not the thin original.

Also, about Bobs point in the altitude chamber, with the chamber ride you have been breathing 100% oxygen for 30 minutes before they take you up. You have roughly 2.5 liters of reserve volume in your lungs, plus hyper oxygenated tissue at this point. It takes a little while to get symptoms.

In the wave, about 2 hours into the flight when my system broke, on the first breath I WAS IN DEEP TROUBLE. In the wave, you have no reserve in your lungs or your tissue, and you immediately have problems.

After that experience I bought a Mountain High, and will NEVER fly wave again without at least a small, (10-15 minute) reserve bottle.

Kevin R. Anderson
92, formerly 192