Originally Posted by
dusterpilot
I've flown high altitudes in all sorts of aircraft and have been through USAF altitude chambers multiple times. The controlled hypoxia experience can be a life-saver. I believe it should be a requirement for everyone who flies at high altitudes.
An important note on the "time of useful consciousness"....those times are for healthy, physically fit pilots. Prescription meds, fatigue, smoking, and other things will greatly reduce those times and may cut them in half or more.
The penalty for declaring an emergency?....NONE!!!! If in doubt, even the slightest doubt, declare an emergency and take immediate positive action...whether flying a Malibu up high or a Piper Cub down low. If ATC isn't giving you what you need, do it anyway and tell them you're doing it. Yes, you may have to write a statement explaining your actions, but you'll be alive to write it. Only the pilot in command can determine whether you're in an emergency situation. No one else will second guess you, either during your emergency actions or afterwards.
Pilots are typically reluctant to declare an emergency. You're paying for ATC services and airport emergency services. The aircraft rescue and firefighting forces (ARFF) are standing by, probably bored, and eager to exercise their equipment and skills. Use them! Minor aircraft malfunctions can compound quickly into serious mechanical problems. Physiological emergencies can result from hypoxia or simply from the burger you ate for lunch. If you don't feel right, get it down and on the ground quickly. You might burp and feel better or it might be the big one. You've earned the title of pilot-in-command; act like one and take positive action.