Low cost oximeter

Thomas Knauff wrote:
At the risk of being being slammed for being "commercial," we have the new
low cost, CheckMate oximeters too.

I surely hope not for promotion of safety equipment, even if it's
initiated by the dealer.

Several years ago, it was suggested I should try one of these on a flight in
Texas. Only 8,500 MSL, I discovered my O2 level went down significantly.

As your O2 level decreases, I am told the first thing that goes is you
judgment, and it is not necessarily noticeable.
All pilots, and especially those of us in advancing years should at least
borrow one of these devices and check your levels yourself. Once you do, you
will probably turn the oxygen system on much earlier.

I think there are a lot of us that took chamber rides years ago, did
well in them, and still think we are the in-shape 30 year old guys we
were then. If you haven't had a chamber ride, or it's been "a while", I
think Tom's advice is great.

It's not just age, but technique: maybe you are using a cannula, but
breathing through your mouth some of the time (especially a problem at
higher altitudes, the reason the FAA requires a mask above 18,000').
Also, your oxygen system may not be operating correctly. The oximeter
gives you the result of all this in a number that matters.


A soaring club could buy one of these new low-cost devices and pass it
around for the members to test themselves.

--
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Eric Greenwell
Washington State
USA