FAA Ground School Practice Test

What is a common misconception about oxygen use at high altitudes?

1. It's only necessary above 10,000 feet

2. Supplemental oxygen is always required at 15,000 feet

3. It's only for emergencies

4. It is never needed in the daytime

The correct answer is: Supplemental oxygen is always required at 15,000 feet

Supplemental oxygen use at high altitudes is often surrounded by misconceptions, one of which is the belief that it is always required at 15,000 feet. In reality, the requirement for supplemental oxygen varies based on several factors, including the duration of exposure and individual physiological responses to altitude. At altitudes above 12,500 feet, regulations generally dictate that oxygen should be used after a certain period of time if the flight lasts longer than 30 minutes. By 14,000 feet, oxygen is advisable for extended operations, and it becomes mandatory above 15,000 feet for pilots and crew members if they plan to fly longer than a specified amount of time. Therefore, while supplemental oxygen is crucial at this altitude to ensure adequate oxygen levels for both pilots and passengers, it is not an absolute requirement in every situation at that altitude. It’s important to understand the regulations and physiological impacts related to altitude and oxygen to ensure safety during operations in high-altitude environments.