On Friday, 19 May 2017 09:20:36 UTC-6, quietpilot wrote:
Bouncing off a comment from another thread.

a number of we "not in our 40s anymore" pilots are setting the O2 to kick in at 5000 msl.

O2 is cheap. Clarity of mind at altitude - priceless!


Being in the middle of my 40s myself. I recall spending time periodically in various smoke filled rooms when I was younger before the attacks on tobacco set laws in motion. Although I didn't smoke myself, the 2nd hand effects were noticeable even then. Do people who set their O2 to start at 5kmsl think environmental factors were important or just adjusting to the requirements of age in the interest of safety? I start feeling the need about 12kmsl and set it at 10K

O2 cheap? Perhaps in Hobbs, in the midwest all I get are weird looks. I have had an empty tank for years but would like to take the fiberglass stallion somewhere more dynamic eventually and not have to hunt for 02 once there.

Curiously

There are various resources to learn about 2nd hand smoke and your lungs repairing them selves, one is here https://quitday.org/quitting-effects/ I am not a doctor but...

Most FBO's have O2 and the price will vary. You can also use a dive shop, welding shop, or a company like Praxair. Your mileage and costs will vary.

One other thing you can try is to get a Oximeter and measure the amount of saturated O2 while you are flying. They are inexpensive http://www.pulseoximeter.org/ and can provide you a baseline before, during and after flying. During the winter I work Ski Patrol at the local ski area and we use these alot when folks either hurt themselves or exhibit signs of altitude sickness.

Ignore the other folks, use O2 if you are more comfortable