Aircraft OXYGEN systems, how do they work?

[@traqnsavov822]

"You will be stupid but you will not know it" that's me all the time :)

[@MentourPilot]

Hahaha!

[@Jac-Jay]

Traqn Savov I thought the same about myself as soon as he said it

[@ercanyesiltas]

well it sounds like you know it already :)

[@jmihalich1]

I laughed at that one too

[@totojejedinecnynick]

this applies to all FLs...

[@dennypollard8004]

I am an FAA Designated Mechanic Examiner (DME) and math is very important for all mechanics as well. Math is on all FAA mechanic tests and something we use everyday same as pilots.

[@wkdravenna]

Denny Pollard math is an excuse to promote racism. Because math isn't taught very well in certain areas specially to promote syestemic raceism.

[@dennypollard8004]

Math is a pure science that only has one true answer. Pilots and mechanics both depend on math to perform our jobs of flying from point A to point B and for us mechanics we use math to determine limits of aircraft design and wear. Sorry to tell you but if you cannot do the math you should not be in aviation as people lives depend on our math ability and it has nothing to do with racism. Shame on you for bringing racism into a serious discussion on aviation travel.

[@wkdravenna]

In the US its Systematic to have poor education in area's where there are minority's. Its to keep them from being able to be in industries and have jobs like you do. Its wrong. But at least mentour is fighting that with programs such as he has mentioned to allow people to defeat that hate with education. don't get mad at me for pointing out racism when I see it. I wont i refuse. Sorry you don't like it, but we have to stand up to it.

[@dennypollard8004]

Sadly you are seriously misinformed about education in the U.S. it’s not race based. In aviation race does not matter, but your skill level does. In the U.S. you can become a pilot or aircraft mechanic if you want to by gaining the required skill. I teach aircraft mechanics and test applicants to be an FAA certified mechanics as a designee. Currently about half of my applicants are from one minority group or another and about 10% are female. If you have data to back up your claim you should present it. I work in the industry and I do not see the race issue you do maybe because I am color blind.

[@wkdravenna]

You are showing your hate, failure to admit it. You are the reason we have an orange dictator !

[@briankirkbright8060]

Please carry on with these informative type videos, they are really interesting and the way you are presenting them makes for very easy listening, thank you.

[@maverick279]

I like how you explain everything, slowly and clearly. Excellent.👌

[@MentourPilot]

Thank you! I’m glad you liked it.

[@kidinthedark1]

I can't believe, that a plane crashed, because the pilots didn't look, what the gauges said, and they thought it was the takeoff config alert - helios 512

[@srdjanmi]

I know that I repeat myself, but every one of your videos is perfect and very well explained as this one. I really love all of your videos with which I've learned a lot. 😀✈

[@MentourPilot]

Thank you! I do my best. 😊

[@robertkitundu525]

thank you for your explanation, it's so helpful and indeed you are so brave at this. God bless you so much

[@HalospeedGT5]

Your channel is highly addictive, learn something everytime, appreciate these video during even more when internet is full or garbage. I value your effort and time to make these video interesting and understand this industry a bit better. Thank you

[@bjs2022]

Good report, thanks. And, thank you for the good, proper, body microphone sound, unlike about 95% of the KZbin vloggers who do not.

[@linascekatauskas2790]

Very nice video. Got so much information from it. BIG THANK YOU! MENTOUR! For doing these videos, keep going, you are awesome guy!

[@wilsonestevez6644]

Excellent explanation Captain ! Thank you !

[@miscellaneous.7127]

I recently subscribed and now this is one of my favourite channels. And mentour is so nice he seems too good to be true.

[@MentourPilot]

And yet, HERE I AM 😂 I’m glad you like it!

[@miscellaneous.7127]

Even though I want to go into military as oppose to civil aviation I find your advice and general attitude to be of great help.

[@bwagenberg]

Beautifully explained. You forgot to mention the cabin crew's portable tanks and the occasional passenger surviving riding in the wheel well.

[@garydunken7934]

Very useful and informative. And, I just realised you have reached 200k subs in a very short time compared to your first 100k! Congratulations!

[@petemac7969]

Good video. I couldn't believe the photos from the SW incident with all the passengers wearing the Oxygen masks the wrong way. Fortunate the crew was able to get the plane below 10,000' as quickly as they did. Mentour's mention about paying attention to the safety briefing is well advised, even for people that travel a lot.

[@7.3ididiesel36]

Hope you are doing absolutely fantastic, congratulations on 200K subscribers! I've been here since 60K.

[@johanchristofferroempke4834]

l0l 60k I was here before it was cool dude

[@avatarda95]

wow what an amazing explanation Captain ! thanks for spending time for us :)

[@MentourPilot]

Great! I’m happy you liked it!

[@diegoarpino2080]

"You will be stupid but not know it." The funniest thing that I have ever heard him say.

[@nyceyes]

I mentioned this elsewhere, but again these are great videos! I really enjoy the technical detail and the what, where, why, how and when information in them. Thank you for these videos. 😊

[@pauldietrich8994]

This is a great video Peter. It was sad that so many people were so oblivious to being able to put on there O2 mask the proper way. Also for the people who ask about O2 for emergencies, don't the see the first aid kits and O2 tanks onboard? I guess they where to self involved.

[@mathewmclean9128]

Very informative! Thank you for another great video! I was always wondering how the flight crew members would access an oxygen mask in a hurry, but you definitely explained it well with each oxygen unit having an extra mask in each row. Keep up these very interesting informative and awesome videos.

[@shivamagarwal4459]

I'm a B737 fo from India . U have some amazing informative videos . After some of your videos I hit the fcom and stuff gets a whole lot easier ! Thank you so much for that . Hope u have a fantastic day !

[@MentourPilot]

Great to hear! That’s what I’m hoping for!

[@shivamagarwal4459]

Hopefully I was wondering if u could make a video bout descend planning and how u deal and know the needed track miles when u get a shortcut while on approach ? Thank you .

[@shivamagarwal4459]

Mentour Pilot captain , any good books on 737 for performance (like cockpit companion for technical ) ?

[@edwinfabro5111]

Aloha and Mahalo for your educational segments. Keep up the great work! Edwin

[@Brissles]

Your videos are, dare I say, absolutely fantastic.

[@MentourPilot]

Thank you! 😂😉

[@abeash9529]

Very informative since I'm on 2 Southwest flights this week!!

[@avcafe]

as far as i remember from the human performance lecture, we use %100 oxygen under pressure above 40 000 ft because Just %100 percent oxygen without pressure won't be enough to compensate the effects of hypoxia. Thank you so so soooo much for your effort and work on teaching all of the aviation fans or pilots around the world. We love you

[@MiguelAngel-oj3pr]

very interesting episode as always in the next one would you be able to talk about the pack system aswell as the bleed air please

[@NetAndyCz]

I really think that with all the time you have to spend on the airport as a passenger it would be nice if there was an option and perhaps even encouraged one to practice using oxygen masks, life jackets, or exiting the plane on inflated slope:D Anyway I would love to have some fun on the airport and learn something potentionally useful at the same time.

[@MentourPilot]

Not a bad idea, as always it’s about man-power and money.

[@mikaeltr005]

Indeed I "know" flying is safe, but the back of my brain is not convinced. So I am generally lightly drunk to relax my fear of flying. But if i saw people practicing emergency i would need to be absolutely drunk to even board a plane..

[@NetAndyCz]

Yeah I just would love to "try" some things. I have no ideea what force is required to inflatee a vest or pull the oxygen mask to trigger the proper action, I think I would knoww what to do in emergency situation but I cannot know for sure without trying.

[@galefeynman9796]

It wouldn’t be a bad idea to offer to people with frequent flyer status as an optional add on to ticket price.

[@ConnanTheCivilized]

Also, the lawyers running everything would worry about causing a scare. To be fair, they should worry, especially with all the clickbait media out there.

[@lilieshifts7391]

My brother is messing with me because I'm going on a flight soon. Your videos have helped ease my anxiety. Thank you

[@j.obrador4682]

Very well explained as always Peter

[@MentourPilot]

Thank you!

[@BryanDorr]

Excellent video for both pilots and passengers.

[@MentourPilot]

Thank you!

[@IamSpartacus1984]

I`d like to bet that a rapid decent like that ( in an emergency decompression) would cause real problems for your ears. I`m a frequent flyer and sometimes i have problems with earache and ear popping after some flights. Sometimes for a few days after. I love flying and aviation in general but the ear pressure/ popping thing is definitely the worst part of flying for me. Thankyou for all your vids Mentour. They are simply brilliant and i never miss a single one!

[@MentourPilot]

Yes, especially since the aircraft is normally unpressurized and that meant that the cabin will descent at the same rate as the aircraft. Quite uncomfortable to say the least.

[@shauryambasu4211]

Very detailed information provided . Thanks Mentour !

[@MentourPilot]

Thank you for watching!

[@shauryambasu4211]

Mentour Pilot Your videos are worth watching . The topics which you take for your podcast are just so interesting too.Things which would have been difficult for an aircraft enthusiast to learn , can be easily learnt through your videos . Thanks for uploading them and making people love the world of Aviation . Waiting for your upcoming videos and would request you to do a video on wing dihedral . Thanks captain 🤗

[@stenic2]

As usual very well done very clear exlanation...

[@khazh17]

Just did my CPL tech exam 4 days ago... I was wishing you release this video sooner...

[@MentourPilot]

I hope it went fine my friend!

[@khazh17]

I got 76 and passed, not so bad but It would be better if someone explained more for me about oxygen systems. I got two question wrong about it. LOL Do you remember when you released a video about "How do flaps work on an aircraft?" in last year ? Well, that was when I just did my PPL tech exam a week ago, passed but with a lot of luck. So if you are intending to make a video on Human Factors or Air law, I think now is the good time to do it :) Anyway, thank you so much. Your video help our studying a lot. The knowledge is very basic and it help us to have a bigger picture about everything, not just the A/C only. Can't do it with out you.

[@khazh17]

Well, knowledge is there, but sometime I can't connect them all. Need some one to show me the way.

[@spiros7376]

Another great video cpt. Do more technical videos about 738 systems. Thank you.

[@MentourPilot]

More on the way.

[@fivemilesup]

Perfect timing Mentour Pilot. I am due for examination in AGK next week. Maybe you could do a video on the pneumatics of the 737?

[@MentourPilot]

Well, I’m not sure if my videos are ATPL exam worthy my friend. They tend to need a bit more details.

[@fivemilesup]

I agree. My thought was not to use it for studying for my finals, but rather for great content. I just think that pneumatics are interesting. People might find it interesting to know that the air they are beathing are coming from the engines fx.

[@miltongg5026]

The pilots masks where much more advanced than I first thought, and good video by the way.

[@MentourPilot]

Thank you!

[@paveldruto3829]

Great and clear video for all people who are stupid but don't know it! Thanks again

[@brllntccdnt6442]

Great video as always Mentour! What exactly does the pass oxy switch on the aft overhead panel do?

[@ЕвгенийБезбах]

It forces oxygen masks to free fall out of their compartments so passengers and the cabin crew could use them.

[@PlaneCrazy1999]

Also: the masks will deploy automatically, but it's part of the relevant emergency checklist to flip that switch just to make sure they really are down.

[@69mxu]

You just made my day much safer. Happy flights for everyone.

[@coolams4343]

congratulations on 200K subscribers! love all ur videos

[@12Deathcon]

Mentour Pilot, love your videos. You did a fairly good job at explaining Hypoxia. There is a great example of the effects of Hypoxia which was done by Destin from Smarter everyday, where he goes through pressure chamber testing to demonstrate the effects.

[@tomwebster3074]

Absolutely fantastic video once again! Love to see one about procedures for tyre bursts sometime? Many thanks Tom

[@giacomo3223]

I really understood all your explanations!!! Thank you so much for this and for the great videos you make!!

[@vikingpilot4558]

Very nice and well explained as always, thank you.

[@annemargaret5562]

Flying today very excited, with your airline I think :-) it just reminded me that back in the late 90's I was a super nervous flyer, but I was lucky enough to be invited into the cockpit where the pilots were fantastic and explained all sorts of things to me during the flight. I left feeling much happier and I really thank those pilots! Also many thanks to this channel too for explaining so much, now I feel really safe and absolutely love flying :-)

[@shreyasjoshi5487]

Fantastic video, lots of information 👍👍👍

[@Xlastsuspectx]

Hey! Thats the video I suggested a few weeks back! Awesome Petter! God helg mann! :D

[@MentourPilot]

The ones who asks shall receive! Trevlig helg!

[@samuelyousef6117]

Really very valuable information, thank you Mentour Pilot

[@MentourPilot]

Great to hear that you liked it!!

[@samuelyousef6117]

I used to travel to my home country in yearly basis taking 3 plans in each trip , and good to know in detail how every single detail works, i found it absolutely fantastic :-) , waiting for next video

[@Violent2aShadow]

Are you sure our lungs are designed to work at ground level? Because I know plenty of people who act stupid and don't even recognize it.

[@MentourPilot]

Well, the design was for that. 😂

[@mysock351C]

If you where a Mt. Everest Shilpa you probably would act a lot less stupid since you'd be acclimated to breathing at high altitude. For them, mask is optional. For the rest of us, stupidity is mandated at altitude.

[@davidmarquardt2445]

Actually even at 30,000 feet you have the same proportion of oxygen and nitrogen as you do at sea level, 21% oxygen and 78% nitrogen with about 1% argon for the remainder. But the partial pressure is much lower at that height and our lungs are adapted to function at sea level which is about 14.7 psi. So in this case going to 100% oxygen helps bring the partial pressure up to a level close to what we are used to at sea level. But pure oxygen at high pressure can become toxic over a period of time. In hyperbaric chambers in hospitals they may go up 2 atmospheres (about 35 psi) to purge patients suffering from carbon monoxide poisoning, but they also include short periods where they breathe 21/78 mix to prevent oxygen toxicity, which can result in blacking out and convulsions. This can also work in reverse. Very deep divers will use a gas mix with little to no nitrogen, helium and maybe as low as 5% oxygen. But at the depth they are operating at, this gives the same partial pressure of oxygen as at 1 atmosphere ( sea level ).

[@deeanna8448]

I came here to say the same thing!

[@Therongunner]

Why would anyone dislike this very well explained and simplified video?

[@joshuauriarte452]

Helios Airways Flight 522 was caused by a maintenance worker no setting the pressurized switch back. it was in manual not auto due to some test needing to be done on the plane that morning. Also love your vids. keep it up. I have learned some good stuff that i didn't know about. Hope you make a video soon on the pressurized cabin and comparing it from The De havilland comet and today's aircraft.

[@spot1401]

Fun times back in med school when we sent our buddy Carsten up on Mt. Everest while doing math in his head. We also used him later for electroshocks (which was called nerve speed tests) :)

[@gomphrena-beautifulflower-8043]

S Pot • Wait. What?

[@spot1401]

there was an experiment in physiology class where a student put a mask on and the partial pressure of oxygen was reduced until it resembled Mt. Everest (for a short period of time). Meanwhile the student had to do simple arrithmetics, like subtraction of 13 from 1000 over and over and also had to write his name. Carsten did not suffer permanent damage and is now a kickass orthopedic surgeon :) the electro shock experiment was placing an electrode spike in your elbow and time the jitter in the finger. I am gettin all nostalgic!

[@nyc.bt.9512]

Mentour pilot you are the best I really likes and enjoy your very clear and professional videos very kool

[@richhoule3462]

I've learned so much from your videos. Thank you!

[@Ksmuve37]

Maybe this is insignificant,but I'm starting to realize that there are some people that are infatuated with the "thumbs down", all of the clips that I've watched were entertaining and informative. I mean what's wrong with it? I love this guy....thumbs down?!? Get a life!!

[@MentourPilot]

There will always be people with different opinions. Not a problem for me. I’m glad you liked it!

[@tgm9991]

Thumbs down actually helps push the video higher in searches anyway as KZbin just looks at how many people are interacting with the video and they don't care if it's negative or positive, so it's no real problem.

[@CalvinsWorldNews]

There was a seconds from disaster (or some similar documentry) a few years ago where the takeaway was that the masks had fallen but the pilots were knocked out and the plane didn't descend to an appropriate height. Lesson being if you're in a masks scenario and the plane is remaining steady, check on the pilots.

[@airfoxtrot2006]

Very nice informative video Mentour! I enjoyed watching it, have a good weekend.

[@MentourPilot]

You to!

[@thedevilcomes2011]

Nice video! and good work on the intros' audio level - much better :) outro still could come down a tad {rip headphones} thanks for listening to my previous comment though!!!

[@JoaoGuilherme-uu4co]

Great Video! Seened Helios Disaster Investigation!

[@Steebow]

Excellent recommendation to the flying public to LISTEN to the pre-flight safety instructions.

[@abdelazizkoraichi7362]

Thanks for the information

[@aaryamanberiwala2004]

Sir congratulations for 200K subs

[@sydyidanton5873]

Hey there, Great video as always. I really enjoy all of your presentations. You would make an awesome trainer if you are not already. I just wanted to share with you something perhaps you are already aware of regarding the PSU oxygen systems. The system you are describing is a chemical generator system. On other aircraft B777 and B747 for example the system is gaseous just like the flight deck. There is an entire bank of cylinders in the outboard fuselage of the forward hold. When you pull down on the masks to activate, a pin is released from a spring-loaded Puritan-Bennett valve enabling oxygen to flow. The system is capable of being switched off by having the cabin crew flip up the valve lever and replace the pin in each of the activated PSUs. The B787 has a very unique and bizarre system; when the masks are released they unroll from a reel inside the PSU housing, there is no 'pull to activate' system, they have a pressure sensor disc inside the mask so as one breathes oxygen is only released on inhalation called PulseOx. They also do not have a concentrating reservoir bags like the usual Scott/Zodiac AviOx types. Anyhow, I just thought you might be interested. I love the B737, it's my favourite short-haul airliner. I have crewed the B737-100s, -200ADV, -300, -400 and -800. Loved them all for their various personalities. Wishing you always safe and enjoyable flying :)

[@MentourPilot]

I am indeed. Both a Typerating Instructor, Examiner and Linetraining captain. Thank you for your kind feedback!

[@AgnostosGnostos]

The Helios accident which is mentioned at the end of the video is very mysterious. Acording to F-16 fighter pilots of the Greek Air Force there were conscious people who were moving inside the airplane. Also the period of the Helios accident wasn't many years after the 2001. Anyway the aviation industry is huge and very important to the economies of many powerful countries with influence. I won't be surprised if something is concealed. The only quite safe way of transport is the train and I prefer it whenever I can. It is also very romantic. Airplanes are inherently dangerous and the normal change of the pressure inside the cabin reduces the oxygen. I don't mean rapid accidental depressurization. The typical lower lever of oxygen make passengers dehydrated, tired and sometimes creates headaches and pain in the ears. Some expensive private airplanes like the Embraer doesn't change the pressure inside the cabin because the passengers there are very rich and demand a comfortable flight.

[@William93ITA]

Can't wait for a proper explanation of the pressurization! Great as always!!

[@MentourPilot]

On the way.

[@kimberlyperrotis8962]

I had hypoxia when a case of pneumonia turned deadly. Apparently, I was constantly talking silly and laughing all the way to the hospital and after arriving there. When the off-duty pulmonologist arrived (he came in during the night, bless him) he immediately intubated me. I was in respiratory failure and he saved my life. Two weeks later after they removed the tube and I regained consciousness, I didn’t remember anything of the previous 3-4 weeks. I still don’t, years later.

[@phantom-ow4uf]

Knowing is heaven and not knowing is hell, thanks so much for teaching and letting us know.

[@linneaastrom5672]

Blir alltid lika glad när du lägger upp en ny video🙌🏻

[@CarlosLaraLife]

Your videos are amazing!!

[@MentourPilot]

Thank you!

[@jeevessagoo]

Amazing video!

[@heverj.rebelesquinteros9898]

Really enjoyed your video, thanks!

[@gyes99]

"You will be stupid, but you will not know it." I need that stuff.

[@MentourPilot]

Hahaha!

[@pondicherryalumini1464]

Great Explanation

[@MentourPilot]

Thank you!

[@sajidalisayed3337]

Thank you. It was very informative.

[@abudabidibibudi]

I'm a pilot from MONTENEGRO respect !!!

[@ahmadz251]

I was hoping you'd mention Helios Airways Flight 522 to emphasize how important this topic is... just saying... great video as always Captain!

[@MentourPilot]

And I did!

[@ahmadz251]

Oops somehow I missed that bit Gotta watch it again 😂😂

[@NICOCRAFTAviation737]

wow Great you solved my Question Thanks Mentour you are the Best :)

[@johancronisk3405]

I love all your videos. So thorough. :)

[@reservaify]

Very informative thanks

[@alessandromonterosso94]

Thank you this really helped me understand hypoxia better, as I hope to be cabin crew in the future ✈️😃

[@thomassilone7920]

You’re very right in almost all of this; the face mask will NOT SEAL HERMETICALLY if you have a beard, as you do in this video. I repaired oxygen masks for a regional airline here in the US. Otherwise; fantastic teaching tool and I appreciate the slowed down approach. It helps to see what others are doing to teach this so that I can learn and grow to be a better instructor.

[@conned]

This is very important lesson..hypoxia n oxygen deprivation to brain is irreparable. One can get hypoxia even on ground due hystotoxic..hypemic hypoxia. So ya..please pay good attention to safety demo. Good stuff Capt Mentour!

[@MentourPilot]

Thank you!

[@hiddenidentity8291]

Spot on video, to add more detail Generally, you will experience confusion, anxiety and shortness of breath first signs after that you will eventually lose conscious and slip into a coma if you are not given oxygen and or medical treatment within adequate time this is unfortunately followed by death (brain death) and ultimate organ failure. **It's called hypoxia**. There are various other systems however shortness of breath, confusion and anxiety are among some of the most common.

[@MentourPilot]

True!

[@gomphrena-beautifulflower-8043]

Hidden Identity • I've always been interested in that last fateful flight of pro golfer Payne Stewart. Would've liked to have seen a recording from an onboard camera from takeoff to crash, if one had existed.

[@davew5383]

This video is very interesting. I don't fly very often but I always listen to the safety instructions. I have always wondered about the proper way to use the passenger oxygen mask. I always watch the demonstration of it and from my understanding of it, I have thought that you just pull the mask down towards you and put it on. I haven't fully understood that you need to tug on it to get the oxygen flowing, I have always thought that it was already happening automatically. Thank You very much for making this video👍🙂

[@barbaraferri9886]

I always fly with my dog (pet in cabin) and I wonder if one of the oxygen masks could be used for her in case of emergency

[@MentourPilot]

Probably.

[@deeanna8448]

It's better than nothing, but real pet oxygen masks are cone shaped to fit over the snout. The challenge would be getting her to hold her face in it. They usually resist. If that were to happen, you'd have to put it on her once she passed out. Then, it would work.

[@benjaminschille7653]

Always the best teacher of the times kkkkkk nice video ,my inspiration

[@MentourPilot]

Great to hear that you liked it!

[@tomhsia4354]

Noice informative video! A few questions: How often does cabin decompression happen? Also, how often do the passenger oxygen generators need to be replaced? Lastly, is there an automated system which drops the passenger masks once cabin pressure drops too low, or is it solely released on pilot discretion?

[@MentourPilot]

It happens VERY rarely. Yes, it’s an automatic system that drops the masks when the. Avon reaches 14000 feet. We can also drop the masks manually from The cockpit.

[@tomhsia4354]

Thank you, absolutely love this channel!

[@shenqiao8204]

Exactly, I always listen to the cabin crew 👩‍✈️

[@zeshanmunir5673]

Plzz make an video on parking breaks. ..

[@kvkk1977]

Superb! Such an important information that you must know when you are flying! Thank you very much captain! :-)

[@einarbolstad8150]

Good video as always (although it's a safety demo/brief, not security demo/brief).

[@mansnot-hot5317]

Thanks for the great video!!! (as always :))

[@MentourPilot]

Thank YOU for supporting!

[@mansnot-hot5317]

Captain Marsman Hi

[@erikwalfridsson8790]

Thanks for a very interresting video. One question: What chimicals are used in the oxygen generators? with or without a catalyst, and if the case is the former, what catalyst? Thanks in advance.

[@grahama1]

Could you do more failure management videos.. they’re really interesting

[@mathewmclean9128]

Getting quicker from point A to B while using less fuel.... That sounds like a Toyota Prius owner that I know who drives like Mario Andretti on the freeway! :D

[@MentourPilot]

Hahaha

[@azkamil]

Have I told you that your intro is dope?

[@jmihalich1]

So here's a question for you. When a depressurization event happens, how do you balance trying to identify the problem (and/or adjusting the switches appropriately via the checklists) versus getting the emergency descent going down to 10K feet? Obviously both have to get started very fast.

[@MentourPilot]

The emergency descend takes precedence over most other things.

[@jasonwilliams5164]

Is there an alarm the crew can activate for the cabin? My thinking behind this question is on red eye flights where many people are sleeping, it would be near impossible for the flight attendants to wake everyone up in less than 2 minutes, and having an alarm to wake everyone and give commands to put on the masks would be helpful. Also, do the flight attendants have portable masks that enable them to walk through the cabin to check on all the passengers or does the rapid descend necessitate them being strapped into their jump seats?

[@galefeynman9796]

Also, seeing as rapid depressurization is pretty painful on its own, I would think most people would be woken up just from their ears popping painfully.

[@sydyidanton5873]

Hey there, I have only just discovered this video. I can answer your question if you are still interested. When the cabin altitude reaches 14,000 feet the following systems occur automatically: - Passenger Service Units (PSU) Masks drop door when the electromagnetic door releases - Cabin lights go to full bright - Automatic Prerecorded Passenger Address (PA) plays instructing passengers to fit their oxygen masks - Seat Belt Sign Illuminates (normally this would also activate the Return to Seat light in the washroom) - The return to seat sign in washroom does NOT illuminate as there are two masks in there (in case parent is changing baby's diaper not 2 adults!!) The rationale being that you should remain where you are get straight on to oxygen an not move until the aircraft has leveled out at its emergency descent altitude and the use of oxygen is no longer required. I hope this explanation answers your question.

[@wiktoriaheinz9244]

Great episode. Im a med doc (svensk läkare alltså) and i think its very important to first, as you did, emphasize on the short time available in a loss of cabin oxygen. But I also would have appreciated if you said something about the difference between loss of oxygen pressure and “strangulation” (ie build up of high levels of CO2). The first case, (loss of O2 and normal or lower levels of CO2) can be pretty much un-noticed (in med school we train both situations) and in the first scenario you can even feel a bit “high” and as you point out, you loose mental capacity, without really being aware of it. Basically a pilot incapacitation, until your blood is restored to its “at sea level” again. But, and this is important. Lack of oxygen does NOT give you the strong sensation of anxiety (or even panic) that accumulation of CO2 (carbon-dioxide) in the blood give. Although of course being very unpleasant, it’s actually beneficial, because it alerts you that something is is going terribly wrong, while as just a drop in cabin O2 - may go pretty much unnoticed until you pass out. I would appreciate if you address this in one of or your excellent podcasts that you do. Especially since a pod done by a air plane pilot is much more likely to be viewed than a if a regular doctor does it, unless the doctor is a very good looking one, with a stethoscope hanging around his neck making him looking very professional. 😝 . Thank you and please keep up the the good job in educating us casual travelers 👍

[@rickvia8435]

Great stuff.