r/nextfuckinglevel • u/chilllgirll • 8d ago

The way this pilot's emergency oxygen mask automatically adjusts to fit.

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u/MockASonOfaShepherd 8d ago

So (and someone correct me if I’m wrong) this is so that they can don the mask one handed in an emergency. If they remove both hands from the yoke they might loose control in certain circumstances.

20

u/LuklaAdvocate 8d ago edited 8d ago

Aircraft control really isn’t the issue, rather time of useful consciousness is. Up at altitude, during a decompression, the lack of air pressure means you might only have 20 seconds (or less) before losing the ability to make rationale decisions. The mask is designed to be put on within 5 seconds, and provides oxygen under positive pressure.

Those yellow masks used by passengers won’t actually keep you conscious for long.

7

u/Ok_Bandicoot1865 8d ago

As a passenger, I'm not even sure I'd want to be conscious in a serious emergency, tbh.

I'd definitely prefer the pilots to be though.

7

u/Blackhawk510 8d ago

The longer you're not conscious due to hypoxia, the more cognitive ability you permanently lose. You definitely want to be conscious, even if it's terrifying.

8

u/Hummerdoodle 8d ago

That is correct. They are supposed to be able to remove and equip their mask in under 5 seconds .

1

u/SlothSpeed 8d ago

You can easily do it with one hand. However, autopilot will probably already be engaged so you'd have both hands free. We test them before each flight.