Hi can anyone tell me any good info on aircraft oxygen systems, e.g drop down mask, continuous flow, gaseous?

They can be manually activated or they will activate automatically if the cabin pressure decreases beyond a specific point. They are not in-demand regulator type but rather, constant flow. Some air from the cabin gets mixed in and this makes them ineffective at protecting you from smoke in the cabin - the single leading cause of death aboard airplanes.





Pilots have in-demand regulator type masks and goggles. They can switch them to 100% oxyge so that no cabin air gets into them. A separate oxygen line provides slight positive pressure on the goggles to clear them of smoke and keep them clear.





The only thing the cabin oxygen system will do is protect you from a decrease in pressure. They will not protect you against smoke or fumes.





One thing that the airlines could do (but don't), is provide you with an EPOS hood. An EPOS hood completely covers your head and has its own oxygen generating system. This would protect you against smoke or fumes, and would drastically increase your chances of survival.





If you have any other specific questions about O2 systems then feel free to e-mail me. Take care.Hi can anyone tell me any good info on aircraft oxygen systems, e.g drop down mask, continuous flow, gaseous?
For military heavy aircraft you operate your own oxygen system.





You have 3 switches. One turns the oxygen on, one changes it from normal air to 100% oxygen, and the other adjusts how much air you need. (Normal, which is no pressure, emergency, which forces the air, and test mask, which is used for testing the seal of the mask.)Hi can anyone tell me any good info on aircraft oxygen systems, e.g drop down mask, continuous flow, gaseous?
Previous answer correct, how ever there are two types or oxygen systems available on aircraft. The drop down system supplies air from a oxygen bottle connected to a common manifold. On Douglas and newer generation aircraft, an oxygen generator is used( a burning candle whose byproduct of combustion is oxygen).
Drop down masks use a high pressure oxygen bottle in the belly of the plane. When you pull the mask down, a pin is pulled and starts the oxygen flow, but it is mixed with air. This is a continuous flow system.





Newer drop down masks use an oxygen generator. When you pull the mask, a pin is pulled and activates the oxygen generator which is continuous flow (until it stops).





Dilluter demand uses a mask and oxygen bottle, but only supplies oxygen when you breathe in and mixes it with air, although you can choose to have 100% oxygen.





Pressure demand forces oxygen under pressure into your lung and is required for very high altitudes. You have to exert force to breathe out with this system.