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Red Horse Aviation

Oxygen Requirements





When getting oxygen (O2), the oxygen cylinders must be green and have the words "Aviators Oxygen" stenciled on the cylinder. The containers must meet or exceed SAE AS8010 Aviator’s Breathing Oxygen Purity Standard. Aviators breathing oxygen and medical oxygen are both 100% pure.


The difference between aviators breathing oxygen and medical breathing oxygen is that medical oxygen has moisture in it, which can freeze the regulator at high altitude.

In aviation there are three different altitudes the FAA requires for the use of oxygen.

  • Above 12,500 feet MSL and up to and including 14,000 feet MSL (measured sea level), pilots must be on supplemental oxygen, if the flight is above that altitude for more than 30 minutes.

If the pilot was flying for 15 minutes at 11,000 feet, oxygen is not required. But if the pilot was flying at 11,000 feet for 40 minutes, then supplemental oxygen is required.

  • Above 14,000 feet MSL all pilots and crew must be on supplemental oxygen during the entire flight time.

  • Above 15,000 feet MSL all pilots and crew must be on supplemental oxygen. At this altitude supplemental oxygen must be supplied to all passengers. Passengers are not required to use oxygen, but again it is supplied to them.

When using oxygen, pilots need to be aware of the dangers, such as fire. Do not use any oils or greases, which may ignite if exposed to oxygen. Any oils or greases are not to be used to seal fittings or valves.

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