What altitude marks the transition to needing supplemental oxygen for prolonged flight?

The altitude at which supplemental oxygen is typically required for prolonged flight is above 15,000 feet. At this elevation, the atmospheric pressure decreases significantly, leading to a reduction in the amount of oxygen available for breathing. This can cause hypoxia, a condition where the body does not receive enough oxygen to function properly.

For pilots and passengers, the effects of hypoxia can start to manifest at around 12,000 feet, but for sustained or prolonged flights at altitudes above 15,000 feet, the use of supplemental oxygen becomes essential to ensure adequate oxygen saturation in the blood. This guideline is established based on general safety practices in aviation, emphasizing the importance of maintaining cognitive function and physical ability during flight at higher elevations.

Understanding this transition point is critical for flight safety and the well-being of everyone on board an aircraft.