AIR5648A Fuel Versus Oxygen: Evaluations and Considerations

Specific federal aviation regulations (Titled 14 of the United States Code of Federal Regulations, or 14 CFR) define oxygen system requirements for an in-flight decompression incident. This AIR addresses the operational oxygen system requirements for a decompression incident that may occur at any point during a long-range flight, with an emphasis for a decompression at the equal time point (ETP). This AIR identifies fuel and oxygen management contingencies, and presents possible solutions for the efficient, safe, and optimum fuel/oxygen flight continuation. Oxygen management is a concern to all aircraft, such as single engine types that fly above 10 000 feet and use supplemental oxygen. This document provides a method which can help guide users in developing an oxygen solution for their aircraft.