High Altitude Ops: Oxygen Systems & Pressurization Explained

High Altitude Ops: Oxygen Systems & Pressurization Explained

Author: Seth Lake July 26, 2025 Duration: 1:22:27

In this episode of the VSL Aviation Podcast, Seth takes a deep dive into high altitude operations, breaking down FAA requirements, oxygen systems, and cabin pressurization from both a technical and checkride prep perspective. Whether you're a Commercial, CFI, or ATP applicant, you'll gain practical insight on:

• The types of oxygen systems you'll encounter in GA aircraft
• How to calculate oxygen requirements for your flight
• FAA Part 91.211 rules and what "if installed" really means on a checkride
• Physiological risks of flying without oxygen above 10,000 feet
• Best practices for maintaining and using onboard oxygen systems
• Real-world stories, Q&A, and prep tips for earning your high altitude endorsement

Plus, Seth outlines how to use AC 61-107B as a ready-made lesson plan and shares additional resources including the FAA's O2 brochure, SkyOx system specs, and pressurization system maintenance best practices.
💬 Join the conversation in the Discord companion thread, ask questions live, and get featured on the next show.

Show Links:

High Altitude Operations:
https://www.faa.gov/sites/faa.gov/files/other_visit/aviation_industry/airline_operators/training/Appendix_3-E_HighAltOperations.pdf

Airline Upset Recovery:
https://www.faa.gov/sites/faa.gov/files/other_visit/aviation_industry/airline_operators/training/AP_UpsetRecovery_Supplement.pdf

AC 61-107B:
https://www.faa.gov/documentLibrary/media/Advisory_Circular/AC_61-107B_CHG_1_FAA.pdf

High Altitude Endorsement:
https://www.ecfr.gov/current/title-14/part-61/section-61.31#p-61.31(g)

FAA Oxygen Equipment Info:
https://www.faa.gov/pilots/safety/pilotsafetybrochures/media/oxygen_equipment.pdf

Aerox Pamphlet:
https://www.aerox.com/content/2022%20Use%20and%20care%20-%20Sky-ox.pdf

Reddit Question:
https://www.reddit.com/r/flying/s/yQOTAo3yNd

Oxygen in General Aviation Paper:
https://www.faa.gov/sites/faa.gov/files/data_research/research/med_humanfacs/oamtechreports/AM66-28.pdf

Discord Server Link:
https://discord.gg/46zt3N8ckx

Chapters:

00:00 Introduction to High Altitude Operations

02:47 Understanding Oxygen Systems

06:08 Pressurization Systems Explained

09:02 Training and Resources for High Altitude Operations

11:57 Physiological Effects of High Altitude Flight

14:47 Flight Planning for High Altitude Operations

17:53 Oxygen Delivery Systems in Aviation

20:38 Calculating Oxygen Requirements

24:02 Human Physiology at High Altitude

42:30 Understanding Altitude and Physiology

44:55 Hypoxia: Causes and Effects

52:16 Monitoring and Managing Hypoxia

01:01:48 Oxygen Systems and Maintenance

01:09:30 Emergency Procedures and Best Practices


Seth Lake hosts The VSL Aviation Podcast, a conversation that feels like hanging around the hangar after a flight. It digs into the practical realities and pure joy of General Aviation, moving beyond textbook definitions to the lived experience. You’ll hear discussions about aircraft ownership, maintenance tips, navigating weather, and the stories that emerge from a life spent in the sky. The tone is approachable, whether you’re a student pilot, a seasoned aviator, or simply someone fascinated by flight. This podcast sits at a great intersection-it’s a leisure listen that feels like catching up with friends, yet consistently offers educational nuggets that stick with you. Episodes might explore a specific cross-country adventure, break down a common regulatory question, or feature a conversation with another pilot sharing their unique perspective. The result is a well-rounded look at the aviation community, delivered with genuine enthusiasm. Tuning in provides a regular dose of that flying mindset, the one that combines meticulous planning with the freedom of exploration. It’s the kind of show that makes you want to head to the airport, even if just to watch the traffic pattern. For anyone who finds magic in the hum of an engine and the view from above, this podcast feels like coming home.
Author: Language: English Episodes: 56

The VSL Aviation Podcast
Podcast Episodes
Commercial Pilot ACS Review - Part 2 [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 49:25
Join me as I continue the Commercial Pilot ACS Series. The commercial pilot checkride is just like any other FAA practical test and uses the Airman Certification Standards. This test evaluates your knowledge and skills a…
Commercial Pilot ACS Review - Part 1 [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 41:09
Join me as I start the Commercial Pilot ACS Series. The commercial pilot checkride is just like any other FAA practical test and uses the Airman Certification Standards. This test evaluates your knowledge and skills as a…
GPS/WAAS/RNAV/RNP - An Introduction [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 28:14
Join me as I discuss the alphabet soup of terminology surrounding the world of GPS/RNAV. I know these terms can cause more than a little confusion for the new instrument pilot. I'm hoping that this short explainer helps…
TERPS – Obstacle Departure Procedures (Instrument Checkride Prep) [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 26:11
Join me as I discuss non-standard takeoff minimums, ODPs, and TERPS. It's also a topic that might come up in your instrument checkride, and being prepared to answer questions on non-standard takeoff minimums and ODPs is…
ForeFlight and your Instrument Checkride [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 37:07
Join me in this episode, where I discuss how you can use ForeFlight to help you be successful during your Instrument Checkride! Did you know the FAA doesn't produce the FAR/AIM? Did you know that ForeFlight has a cloud-b…
Instrument Pilot ACS Review - Part 3 [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 1:32:23
This is part 3 of a 3 part series on the Instrument Pilot ACS. Join me as I take a deep dive into the ACS from an examiner's perspective and discuss how I use this document to conduct an instrument checkride. If you plan…
Instrument Pilot ACS Review - Part 2 [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 45:07
This is part 2 of a 3 part series on the Instrument Pilot ACS. Join me as I take a deep dive into the ACS from an examiner's perspective and discuss how I use this document to conduct an instrument checkride. If you plan…
Instrument Pilot ACS Review - Part 1 [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 45:27
This is part 1 of at least a 3 part series on the Instrument Pilot ACS. Join me as I take a deep dive into the ACS from an examiner's perspective and discuss how I use this document to conduct an instrument checkride. If…
2 Planes in 1 Day - King Air and Cessna 210 ride-along [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 40:33
In this episode, the VSL team brings you along in the cockpit of a King Air 200 and a Cessna 210. Our full day of flying includes discussions on two different aircraft types, how to use flight service, and some in-flight…
Navlog for your checkride – What you should know [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 42:03
In this episode of the VSL Aviation podcast, I detail what you should know for the navigation tasks you will have to perform during your private pilot checkride. Most applicants I see don't fully understand that pilotage…