NCO.OP.190 Use of supplemental oxygen

DETERMINATION OF SUPPLEMENTAL OXYGEN NEED When determining the need for supplemental oxygen carriage and use, the pilot-in-command should:

(a)in the preflight phase:

(1)be aware of hypoxia conditions and associated risks;

(2)consider the following objective conditions for the intended flight:

(i)altitude;

(ii)duration of the flight; and

(iii)any other relevant operational conditions.

(3)consider individual conditions of flight crew members and passengers in relation to:

(i)altitude of the place of residence;

(ii)smoking;

(iii)experience in flights at high altitudes;

(iv)actual medical conditions and medications;

(v)age

(vi)disabilities; and

(vii)any other relevant factor that may be detected, or reported by the person; and

(4)when relevant, ensure that all flight crew members and passengers are briefed on hypoxia conditions and symptoms, as well as on the usage of supplemental oxygen equipment.

(b)during flight:

(1)monitor for early symptoms of hypoxia conditions; and

(2)if detecting early symptoms of hypoxia conditions:

(i)consider to return to a safe altitude, and

(ii)ensure that supplemental oxygen is used, if available.

GENERAL

(a)The responsibility of the pilot-in-command for safety of all persons on board, as required by NCO.GEN.105(a)(1), includes the determination of need for supplemental oxygen use.

(b)The altitudes above which NCO.OP.190(b) requires oxygen to be available and used are applicable to those cases when the pilot-in-command cannot determine the need for supplemental oxygen. However, if the pilot-in-command is able to make this determination, he/she may elect in the interest of safety to require oxygen also for operations at or below such altitudes.

(c)The pilot-in-command should be aware that flying below altitudes mentioned in NCO.OP.190(b) does not provide absolute protection against hypoxia symptoms, should individual conditions and aptitudes be prevalent.

DETERMINATION OF OXYGEN NEED — BEFORE FLIGHT Detailed information and guidance on hypoxia conditions and symptoms, content of the briefing on hypoxia and assessment of individual conditions may be found in the EASA leaflet ‘Hypoxia’. DETERMINATION OF OXYGEN NEED — IN FLIGHT Several methods for monitoring hypoxia early symptoms may be used and some methods may be aided by personal equipment, such as finger-mounted pulse oximeters. Detailed information and guidance on entering hypoxia conditions, on hypoxia symptoms early detection, and on use of personal equipment such as finger-mounted pulse oximeters or equivalent may be found in the EASA leaflet ‘Hypoxia’.