To conduct flights at higher altitudes, an aircraft must either have a pressurized cabin to replicate the pressure at a lower altitude, or its occupants must be given supplemental oxygen. Regardless of the system, basic knowledge of oxygen equipment can be critical whether you are flying a pressurized commercial jet or an unpressurized general aviation aircraft.
In unpressurized aircraft, the oxygen system is primarily intended to provide supplemental oxygen when required by altitude and time of exposure. It can also be used, when required, for protection in the event of smoke, fire, and/or fumes.
