Oxygen Questions

Joseph E. (Jeb) Burnside

Wednesday, July 22, 2020 at 10:47 AM ET

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Key Takeaways:

Industrial oxygen often has higher purity requirements than aviator's breathing oxygen (ABO) or medical oxygen, though all types originate from similar sources.
Portable oxygen concentrators (POCs) can effectively increase blood oxygen levels at moderate altitudes (e.g., under 12,500 ft), but their oxygen purity decreases with altitude and they have limitations regarding power draw, heat generation, and FAA requirements.
Descent to a Minimum Safe Altitude (MSA) is generally permissible when cleared for an RNAV (GPS) approach and within the Terminal Arrival Area (TAA); for ground-based ILS approaches, MSAs are primarily for emergency use.

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In June’s article, “Restoring Performance,” Mike Hart writes, “There is no practical difference between aviator’s breathing oxygen and oxygen used for medicine or welding.” While he does explain the difference now in regards to medical oxygen as compared to the 1950s, I’ve read that industrial oxygen, should not be used due to the impurities in it. Is industrial oxygen purer now than before?

As always, I enjoy reading Aviation Safety. Keep those articles coming!