CUE INFOMERCIAL: I’m here today to tell you about a miraculous substance that will significantly increase your cognitive function, clear your head and improve your night vision. It is absolutely legal with proven safety and reliability, and you will see immediate improvement in your physical, mental and visual performance. You are probably asking, what is this miracle substance? The answer is supplemental oxygen, and you can buy it at an FBO near you.
Shortly after I splurged on my first aircraft, my dad excitedly offered to buy me an aviation accessory. Was there anything I could use to improve my safety, but likely wouldn’t buy for myself? I looked at my shopping list and suggested supplemental oxygen equipment. At the time, it seemed like a luxury I could delay, but it turned out to be one of the most valuable aviation accessories I own. It demonstrated its value right away. With it, I had the ability to leisurely cruise-climb up and over mountain passes. On cross-country flights, I climbed to where I could pick up 30-to-60-knot tailwinds. In winter, when intermittent cloud tops are often around 11-14,000 feet, I could avoid them by getting on top. As a simple GA pilot, supplemental oxygen was a game changer.
