What is the maximum altitude for passenger O2 masks?

What is the maximum altitude for passenger O2 masks?

• A. 15,000'
• B. 25,000'
• C. 35,000'
• D. 45,000'

Answer: (B)

Passenger oxygen systems are designed to keep occupants oxygenated during a depressurization, but this capability is limited by the system’s capacity. In many aircraft used for private charters, the passenger O2 masks are specified to support occupants up to about 25,000 feet. Beyond that altitude, the oxygen delivery available to all passengers isn’t designed to sustain them safely for the duration needed, so pilots rely on crew oxygen and pursue an immediate descent to a breathable altitude. This is why 25,000 feet is the practical maximum for passenger O2 masks. Lower altitudes aren’t where the system is tested for deployment duration, and higher altitudes exceed the typical design limits of passenger oxygen provisions.

Passenger oxygen systems are designed to keep occupants oxygenated during a depressurization, but this capability is limited by the system’s capacity. In many aircraft used for private charters, the passenger O2 masks are specified to support occupants up to about 25,000 feet. Beyond that altitude, the oxygen delivery available to all passengers isn’t designed to sustain them safely for the duration needed, so pilots rely on crew oxygen and pursue an immediate descent to a breathable altitude. This is why 25,000 feet is the practical maximum for passenger O2 masks. Lower altitudes aren’t where the system is tested for deployment duration, and higher altitudes exceed the typical design limits of passenger oxygen provisions.