SPO.OP.195 Use of supplemental oxygen

(a)The operator shall ensure that task specialists and crew members use supplemental oxygen continuously whenever the cabin altitude exceeds 10 000 ft for a period of more than 30 minutes and whenever the cabin altitude exceeds 13 000 ft, unless otherwise approved by the competent authority and in accordance with SOPs.

(b)Notwithstanding (a) and except for parachute operations, short excursions of a specified duration above 13 000 ft without using supplemental oxygen on other-than complex aeroplanes and helicopters may be undertaken with a prior approval of the competent authority based on the consideration of the following:

(1)the duration of the excursion above 13 000 ft is not more than 10 minutes or, if needed for a longer period, the time strictly necessary to the accomplishment of the specialised task;

(2)the flight is not conducted above 16 000 ft;

(3)the safety briefing in accordance with SPO.OP.135 includes adequate information to crew members and tasks specialists on the effects of hypoxia;

(4)SOPs for the concerned operation reflecting (1), (2) and (3);

(5)the previous experience of the operator in conducting operations above 13 000 ft without using supplemental oxygen;

(6)the individual experience of crew members and task specialists and their physiological adaptation to high altitudes; and

(7)the altitude of the base where the operator is established or the operations are conducted from.