I'm confused -- and I can't breathe

[Fly320s]

I did a quick search for info about living at high altitude. One article I read said that roughly 22,000 feet is the limit for humans to live long term without supplemental oxygen. The article cited a study where a number of people lived at 22,000 feet without supplemental O2 for a period of two years.

So, I guesstimate that an average person can live for 10 minutes at 35,000+ feet.  I couldn't find any info on how long a person can be expected to live at that high an altitude.

[sanglant]

we're just going to have to do some testing. anyone have access to an pressure tank? while we're there i've been wanting to try something anyway. i'll go first.

[KD5NRH]

I'm no medical expert, but I don't think 10 minutes exposure to the pressure at 35,000 feet is enough time to deprive someone of oxygen to the extent that brain damage will occur. My best guess is that a person will pass out, which will cause a lower respiration and heart rate. I believe that this lower rate will allow a person to survive "a long time" without supplemental O2.

So what's the effect of sudden, unexpected decompression on someone with a serious heart condition?  What about asthma?

[Fly320s]

So what's the effect of sudden, unexpected decompression on someone with a serious heart condition?  What about asthma?

Explosive decompression is beneficial!  It helps get things unstuck.

I don't know; I'm not a human mechanic.

[230RN]

Explosive decompression is beneficial!  It helps get things unstuck.

Yeah, like all the nitrogen gets unstuck from solution in the blood.

I'm not clear on what the "vulnerabiltiy" was.  

[Fly320s]

Access is through the door that pops open to allow the mask to drop. The oxygen starts when the mask is pulled taught.

The canisters get pretty hot, so maybe that is useful to terrorists.

Thankfully, DHS and FAA is keeping that info from the airlines. Obviously, we can't be trusted with that info. 

[Hawkmoon]

Thankfully, DHS and FAA is keeping that info from the airlines. Obviously, we can't be trusted with that info. 

Yeah. God forbid the PILOT should know how the plane works.

[Fly320s]

Yeah. God forbid the PILOT should know how the plane works.

I meant that the FAA won't tell us why they issued an emergency Airworthiness Directive to all airlines telling them to remove the oxygen equipment from the lavs. I do know how the plane works... mostly.    Actually, I just finished my three-day recurrent training. Legal for another year!

[RocketMan]

I meant that the FAA won't tell us why they issued an emergency Airworthiness Directive to all airlines telling them to remove the oxygen equipment from the lavs. I do know how the plane works... mostly.    Actually, I just finished my three-day recurrent training. Legal for another year!

So, they trust you enough to fiddle with the thing that makes the plane go up and down, but don't trust you enough to tell you why the O₂ generator was removed from the potty room.  What the heck is that about?

[dogmush]

Need to know?

[230RN]

^ Oh.  I guess I'm supposed to stay "unclear on what the 'vulnerabiltiy' was."

Ooookaaay.

Terry, 230RN

[dogmush]

I didn't say it was a good reason, but it makes sense from a OPSEC standpoint.  If I was in charge of the DHS, and I wouldn't necessarily tell the pilot every little way to make an IED and bring down a plane.  It adds nothing to security and adds another person to leak tactics.

[Tallpine]

I didn't say it was a good reason, but it makes sense from a OPSEC standpoint.  If I was in charge of the DHS, and I wouldn't necessarily tell the pilot every little way to make an IED and bring down a plane.  It adds nothing to security and adds another person to leak tactics.

An airplane restroom is definitely a good place for leaks 

[230RN]

It adds nothing to security and adds another person to leak tactics.

Mmmmm.... agreed.  Not being a security person, I hadn't thought of that.

I learn somethin' every day, don't I?
 
TNX.

Terry, 230RN