SAE AIR5648B

Current regulations (e.g., Title 14 of the United States Code of Federal Regulations, or 14 CFR) define design requirements for oxygen system provisions for protection of crewmembers and passengers following emergency events such as in-flight decompression. This aerospace information report (AIR) addresses the operational oxygen system requirements for a decompression incident that may occur at any point during a long-range flight, with an emphasis for a decompression at the equal time point (ETP). This AIR identifies fuel and oxygen management contingencies and presents possible solutions for the efficient, safe, and optimum fuel/oxygen flight continuation. Oxygen management is a critical concern for all aircraft, ranging from single-engine types operating above 10000 feet to complex, high-performance aircraft equipped with supplemental oxygen systems. Proper planning ensures compliance with regulations and supports pilot and passenger safety at higher altitudes. This document provides a method which can help guide users in developing an oxygen solution for their aircraft. This document is not intended to change, modify, or alter any existing design or installation procedure and has been mostly developed for flight operations. New technologies such as tablets, personal devices, or electronic flight bags (EFBs) are making it easier to access and manipulate data such that other metrics, aside from quantity (liters or percentage of full) or pressure (psig), can be used to measure aircraft gaseous oxygen systems. This revision explores different metrics to expand the user’s ability to manage and convert traditional metrics into other more usable and understandable metrics for the end user. Fuel and oxygen planning are essential requirements for aircraft conducting long overwater flights utilizing Equal Time Point (ETP) analysis and for those approved under ETOPS operations, as outlined in 14 CFR § 121.646 (Critical Fuel Scenario). Global expansion and the implementation of ETOPS regulations necessitate comprehensive fuel and oxygen planning for all long-range aircraft. These requirements not only enhance safety but also provide opportunities for increased operational efficiency and significant fuel cost savings across the industry. Although this document deals with critical fuel scenarios, any aircraft that flies above 10000 feet and carries supplemental oxygen can benefit from the concepts presented.