📘14 CFR §91.211 – Supplemental Oxygen

🚩 Overview

As altitude increases, the availability of oxygen decreases, which can impair pilot judgment and physiological function. FAA regulations mandate specific supplemental oxygen use based on altitude and duration of flight exposure.

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✅ Key Operational Requirements

⛰️ 1. Altitude Requirements for Flight Crew:

• Above 12,500 feet up to 14,000 feet MSL:

  • Flight crew must use supplemental oxygen if at these altitudes for more than 30 minutes.

• Above 14,000 feet up to 15,000 feet MSL:

  • Flight crew must continuously use supplemental oxygen.

• Above 15,000 feet MSL:

  • Flight crew must continuously use supplemental oxygen.

  • Passengers must be provided supplemental oxygen (though they're not required to use it).

🛩️ 2. Cabin Pressure Considerations:

• In pressurized aircraft:

  • Flight crew must have immediate access to supplemental oxygen in case of pressurization failure.

  • Additional detailed requirements apply to pressurized aircraft operating above 25,000 feet MSL.

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🛩️ Example Scenario

You're planning a flight at 13,000 feet MSL for a duration of 45 minutes. According to regulations, the crew must use supplemental oxygen after exceeding 30 minutes at that altitude. If you climb higher to 14,500 feet MSL, supplemental oxygen use becomes mandatory immediately and continuously for the flight crew.

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📌 CFI Pro Tips

• Physiological Awareness: Teach students the importance of understanding hypoxia and other altitude-related physiological effects and reinforce compliance with these oxygen requirements.

• Planning and Preparation: Incorporate oxygen usage rules into cross-country planning lessons, highlighting scenarios that require supplemental oxygen.

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📚 Further Reading and Official References

• 14 CFR §91.211 (Full FAA Regulation): https://www.ecfr.gov/current/title-14/chapter-I/subchapter-F/part-91/subpart-C/section-91.211

• FAA Aeronautical Information Manual (AIM) – Oxygen Requirements: https://www.faa.gov/air_traffic/publications/atpubs/aim_html/chap8_section_1.html

• FAA Pilot’s Handbook of Aeronautical Knowledge – Aeromedical Factors: https://www.faa.gov/regulations_policies/handbooks_manuals/aviation/phak