N1 ) S Y
PIPER AIRCRAFT CORPORATION
LOCK HAVEN, PENNSYLVANIA, USk
PIPER AIRCRAFT CORPORATION
LOCK HAVEN, PENNSYLYANIA, USA
Additional copies of this manual may be purchased
by writing to the SERVICE SPARES DEPARTMENT,
PIPER AIRCRAFT CORPORATION, Lock Haven,
Pennsylvania 17745, U.S.A,
Published by
PUBLICATIONS DEPARTMENT
Piper Aircraft Carporation
753 742
Issued: November 1966
Revised: November 1968
TABLE OF CONTENTS
INTRODUCTION Page
ANewEma . . . . . . . . . . e i
What Every Pilot Should Know About Oxygen
by Arthur E, Miller, Director of Research, Scott
Aviation Corporation . . . . . . . . . . ii
Chart: Man's Supplemental Oxygen Requirements vs
Altitude . . . . . . . . . . .. .. ix
SECTION !
Description . . . e e 4 e e e e e e e 1
Piper Oxygen Systems ¢ e e e e e e e 1
Standard Systems . .. . . . . . . . . 1
Masks . . e e e e e e e e e 2
OxygenCapacity . . . . . ¢« « . « « + 2
Oxygen Duration . . . . . . . . . . 3
Duration Formula v e e e 3
Pressure vs, Usable Oxygen .. . 3
Duration In Hours (Standard Systems) 4
Earlier Systems . . . . . . e e . 4
Duration In Hours (2.5 LPM Masks) 4
SECTION 1l
Operation .
Check List e e e e e e e e . S
After Use . . . . . e . . . . . b
SECTION IlI
Setvicing . . . e e e e e e e e T
Oxygen System Servncmg c e e e e e . T
SECTION |V
Optional Equipment . . .o 8
INTRODUCTION
A NEW ERA
Piper’s fleet of turbocharged models have opened a new era
of utility for their owners. Now it is possible to cruise above
most weather where the air is smoother and greater speeds are
attainable,
For owners to achieve maximum utility from their turbo-
charged aircraft, Piper recommends that they be equipped with
oxygen systems. Oxygen systems are also available for non-
turbocharged, high performance Piper aircraflt.
This booklet contains information on the use of supple-
mental oxygen, duration tables and formulas for computing dura-
tion, check lists, operating and service procedures and optional
equipment,
This manual will help obtain maximum utility from the
oxygen system and high performance airplane.
661101 i
OXYGEN INTRODUCTION
WHAT EVERY PILOT SHOULD KNOW ABOUT OXYGEN
by Arthur E. Miller
Director of Research
Scott Aviation Corporation
WHAT IS AIR?
The air surrounding us is a mixture of gases consisting of
78% nitrogen and 21% oxygen. The remaining 1% is made up of
minute traces of other rare gases.
WHAT IS OXYGEN?
Under normal conditions, pure oxygen is a colorless, taste-
less, ordotless, non-combustible gas. It is the most important
single element in our univegse.
WHY 1S OXYGEN SO IMPORTANT?
Although it will nat burn alone, oxygen suppotts combustion;
in fact, without oxygen there can be no fire, Oxygen, therefore,
is not only necessury for the burning of combustible materials,
but it is absolutely essential to support the process of ‘‘vitel
combustion’” which maintains human life. Although men can live
for weeks without food or for days without water, he dies in min-
utes if deprived of oxygen.
The human body is essentially a converter which consumes
fuel and produces heat and energy. It is like a furnace which
utilizes the oxygen in air to burn coal, producing heat and power.
The human body must have oxygen to convert fuel (the carbohy-
drates, [ats, and proteins in our diet) into heat, energy, and life,
The conversion of body fuels into life is similar to the process
of combustion; fuel and oxygen are consumed, while heat and
energy are generated. This process is known as ‘‘metabolism”.
661101 i
INTRODUCTION OXYGEN
WHERE AND HOW DO WE NORMALLY OBTAIN OUR OXYGEN?
At each breath we fill our lungs with air containing 21%
onygen. Millions of tiny air sacs (known as ‘‘alveoli’’) in our
lungs inflate like tiny balloons. In the minutely thin walls en-
closing each sac are microscopic capillaries, through which blood
is constantly transporting, from the lungs to every cell in the
body, the oxygen extracted from the air in the lungs. Because the
body has no way to store oxygen, it leads a breath-to-breath
exjistence.
HOW MUCH OXYGEN DOES THE HUMAN BODY NEED?
The rate of metabolism, which determines the need for and
consumption of oxygen,depends onthe degree of physical activity
or mental stress of the individual, A man walking at a brisk pace
will consume about four times as much oxygen as he would when
sitting quietly. Under severe exertion or stress, he could be con-
suming eight times as much oxygen as when resting.
WHAT HAPPENS IF THE BODY DOES NOT RECEIVE ENOUGH
OXYGEN?
When the body is deprived of an adequate oxygen supply,
even for a short period, vatious orgeans and processes in the body
begin to suffer impairment from oxygen deficiency. This condition
is known as ‘‘hypoxia’’. Hypoxia affects every cell in the body
but espectally the brain and the body’s nervous system. This
makes hypoxia extremely insidious, difficult to recognize, and,
therefore, a serious hazard, especially to fight personnel.
WHAT ARE THE EFFECTS OF HYPOXIA?
Hypoxia causes impairment of vision (especially at night),
lassitude, drowsiness, fatigue, headache, euphoria (a false sense
of exhilaration), and temporary psychological disturbance. These
effects do not necessarily occur in the same sequence nor to the
same extent to all individuals, but are typical in average persons
when affected by hypoxia.
iii 661101
OXYGEN INTRODUCTION
WHEN AND WHY MUST WE USE EXTRA OXYGEN?
Supplementary oxygen must be used to enrich the air we
breathe to compensate for either a deficiency on the part of the
individual or a deficiency of the atmosphere which we are
breathing,
A person may have a respiratory or circulatory impairment
which reduces the ability of his body to utilize the 21% oxygen
“in the air around him. For such a person, supplementary oxygen
must be administered by oxygen tent or by oxygen mask to enrich
the inhaled air by adding oxygen to it. The tctal volume of oxygen
in each inhalation is then so much greater than normal that it
compensates for the individual’s own physical inability to utilize
normal atmospheric oxygen.
When we ascend in altitude, a dxfferent condition is encoun-
tered, a condition in which the individual may be perfectly nor-
mal, but in which there is an oxygen deficiency in the atmosphere
and supplementary oxygen must be used,
DOES THE PERCENTAGEfi OF OXYGEN IN THE AIR CHANGE
WITH ALTITUDE?
No; the ratio of oxygen to nitrogen in the composition of air
does not change. The 21% of oxygen in eir remains constant at
altitudes up to several hundred thousand feet.
WHY MUST WE USE EXTRA OXYGEN WHEN WE ASCEND IN
ALTITUDE?
The blanket of air, several hundred miles thick, which su-
rounds out planetis compressible and has weight. The air closest
to the earth is supporting the weight of the air above it and,
therefore, is more dense; its molecules are packed closet together,
As we ascend in altitude, for example, at 10,000 feet, the atmos-
pheric pressure is only two-thirds that at ground level. Conse-
quently, the air is less dense, and each lungful of air contains
only two-thirds as many molecules of oxygen as it did at ground
level. At 18,000 feet the atmospheric pressure is only one-half
that at ground level. Although the petcentage of oxygen is still
the same as at ground level, the number of molecules of oxygen
661101 iv
INTRODUCTION OXYGEN
in each lungful is reduced by one-half.
As we ascend, there is a progressive reduction in the amount
of oxygen taken into the lungs with each breath, and, therefore,
there is a decrease in the amount of oxygen available for the
bloodstream to pick up and transport to every cell in the bady, To
compensate for this progressive oxygen deficiency, we must add
pure oxygen to the air we breathe in order to maintain in the in-
spired air enough oxygen moleculesto supply the metabolic needs
of the body.
AT WHAT ALTITUDES SHOULD OXYGEN BE USED?
In general, it can be assumed that the normal, healthy indi-
vidual is unlikely to need supplementary oxygen at altitudes
below 8,000 feet, One exception is night flying; because the
retina of the eye is affected by even extremely mild hypoxia, de-
terioration of night vision becomes significant above 5,000 feet.
Betwcen 8,000 and 12,000 feet, hypoxia may cause the first
signs of (atigue, drowsiness, sluggishness, headache, and slower
reaction time, At 15,000 feet,the hypoxic effect becomes increas-
ingly apparent in terms of impaited efficiency, increased drowsi-
ness, errors in judgment, difficulty with simple tesks reguiring
mental alertness or muscular coordination. These symptons be-
come more intensified with progressively higher ascent or with
prolonged exposure. At 20,000 feet, a pilot may scarcely be able
to see -- much less read -- his instruments. His hearing, percep-
tion, judgment, comptehension, and general mental and physical
faculties are practically useless. He may be on the verge of
complete collapse,
Therefore, the availability and use of oxygen from the ground
up on night flights where altitudes above 5,000 feet are contem-
plated, and at altitudes above 8,000 feet on daytime flights, is
recommended.
HOW CAN YOU TELL WHEN YOU NEED OXYGEN?
You can’t; therefore, oxygen should be used before it is
needed. The most dangerous aspect of hypoxia is the insidious,
“*sneaky” nature of its onset. Because the effects of hypaoxia are
v 661101
OXYGEN INTRODUCTION
primarily on the brain and nervous system,there is a gradual loss
of mental faculties, impairment of judgment, coordination, and
skill; but these changes are so slow that they ate completely
unnoticed by the individual who is being effected. Actually, a
person suffering from mild or moderate hypoxia is apt to feel a
sense of exhilaration or security; he may be quite proud of his
proficiency and performance although he may be on the verge of
complete incompetence.
Because hypoxia acts upon the brain and nervous system,
its effects ate very much like those of alcohol ot of other drugs
which produce a false sense of well-being. There is a complete
loss of ability for self-criticism or self-analysis; some people
believe that an individual can detect liis need for oxygen by noting
the increase in his breathing rate, his accelerated heartbeat, and
the slight bluish discoloraticn (cyanosis)of the fingernails, How-
ever, by the time these symptoms develop, the individual is more
likely to be mentally incapable of recognizing these signs; he
may decide that he has slways wanted blue fingernails! Even
while ‘‘spiraling’’ out of control, he may be convinced (if he is
conscious at all) that he is doing this deliberately and enjoying
it immensely.
ARE ALL INDIVIDUALS EQUALLY AFFECTED BY HYPOXIA?
No, they are not. Just as there is a varialion among indi-
viduals in their ability to tolerate heat, cold, or alcohol, so can
some people tolerate without appatent effect a degree of hypoxia
which would have noticeable effects on othesrs who are more sus-
ceptible to oxygen lack. There is no way to measure and predict
hypoxia tolerance, because it can be affected by physicel con-
dition, fatigue, emotion, tobacco, alcohol, drugs, diet, and other
factors.
The individual who has flown at 14,000, 16,000, or 18,000
feet without oxygen and survived has no idea how close he may
have been to disaster, Ile may believe that all this talk about
oxygen need, if true at all, does not apply to himself. Such a
belief may some day be fatal.
661101 vi
INTRODUCTION OXYGEN
IS IT TRUE THAT OXYGEN IS TOXIC OR HARMFUL?
Oxygen is often used for prolonged periods in hospitals and
homes for oxygen therapy with no harmful, and with definitely
beneficial, effects. It is most generally agreed that a 60% oxygen
concentration on the ground, which is equivalent to a 100% oxy-
gen concentration at approximately 12,000 feet, will not cause
any harmful effects,
WHY NOT USE OXYGEN INTERMITTENTLY FOR SHORT
PERIODS?
If one is at an altitude where there is an oxygen deficiency,
intermittent use of oxygen would oaly temporarily alleviate the
hypoxia effects during the period in which oxygen is being used,
Because of the insidious nature of hypoxia, a person already
mildly hypoxic is very unlikely to even think of using his oxygen
equipment, either intermittently or otherwise.
It is true that occasional use of oxygen for five or ten min-
utes (even at altitudes below 8,000 feet)can act as a “‘refresher”’
to relieve the effects of mild hypoxia, of cigarette smoke, of ap-
prehension, or other factors. Also, the use of oxygen for five or
ten minutes before termination of a flight (even though the entire
flight may have been at less than 8,000 feet) can be an excellent
tonic to put the pilot in his best mental and physical condition
for the approach procedures and landing maneuvers,
HOW WILL OXYGEN EQUIPMENT IMPROVE THE UTILITY OF
THE AIRPLANE?
With oxygen equipment aboard, the pilot can choose the
higher altitudes which give the smoothest flight, the mast favor-
able winds, the best performance from the Omni and other radio
navigation equipment, the highest speed, the longest range, and
the bestengine performance. The pilotcan have these advantages
safely with oxygen, because his own performance will not be
affected by hypoxia, he will be just as efficient and capable as
at lower altitudes or even on the ground. With oxygen egquipment
in use, pilot and passengets will arrive at their destination fresh
and fit, without the headache, lassitude and fatigue which often
vii 661101
OXYGEN INTRODUCT
ION
result from prolonged exposure to even mild hypoxia,
661101 vii
OXYGEN
MAN’S SUPPLEMENTAL OXYGEN REQUIREMENTS V$, ALTITUDE
Individuals are not all equally affected by hypoxia,
Just as thete is a variation among individuals in their
35,000 ability to tolerate heat, cold or alcohol, so can some
people tolerste without apparent effect a degree of hypoxia 33,000
which would have noticeable effects on others who are
more susceptible to lack of oxygen. There is no way to
measure and predict hypoxia tolerance, because it can be
30,000 affected by physical condition, fatigue, emotion, tobacco,
alcohol, drugs, diet and other factors.
Generally the following conditions and reactions will
prevail:
25,000
25,000
20,000
20,000
18,000
15,000 i
10,000
10,000
8,000
5,000
5,000
661101
INTRODUCTION
FEET REACTION
35,000 Pressurized oxygen system required regardless of oxygen flow.
35,000 33,000 Pute oxygen barely adequate. 15 seconds of clear consciousness
without supplemental oxygen.
30,000 Unconsciousness in two minutes without supplemental oxygen.
28,000 Immediate 100 percent loss ol coordination without supplemental
oxygen,
25,000 lNypoxia rate increases rapidly. Usually less than five minutes con-
sciousness without supplemental oxygen.
20,000 Unconsciousness can occur in as little as five to seven minutes at
20,000 feet without supplemental oxygen.
18,000 This is the half-way poinl in the earth’s atmosphere and pressure is
reduced to 7.34 PSI and oxygen saturation in the body is only 75%.
Without supplemental oxygen, hypoxia is almost immediately apparent
and efficiency deteriorates quickly and drastically. Unconsciousness
can occur if supplemental oxygen is not used.
10,000 Fatigue, drowsiness and sharp headaches can occur with increasing
quickness if flights are made without supplemental oxygen at this and
higher altitudes.
8,000 Over prolonged flights there are measurable changes in blood pressure
and respiration. Mild hypoxia can resull. It is generally assumed that
the normal, healthy individual is unlikely to need supplementary
oxygen at and below this altitude.
5,000 No supplemental oxygen required below 5,000 feet. Oxygen saturation
at this altitude is 95%. Use of supplemental okygen at and above 5,000
feet for night flying will benefit pilot, particularly towards end of [ight.
Smoking reduces visual acuity and service altitude ol the individual,
ix/x
OXYGEN SECTION |
SECTION |
DESCRIPTION
PIPER OXYGEN SYSTEMS
Piper provides factory or field installed oxygen systems for
turbocharged and high performance model aircraft.
This equipment is manufactured under Pipet’s name and is
engineered for simplicily of operation, maximum efficicncy and
minimum maintenance.
Piper Oxygen Systems are continuous flow and flow rate is
governed by the size of orifice installed in cach mask. The flow
rate is automatically regulated toremain constant. Masks having a
2 liter per minute flow provide a 5,000 foot altitude equivalent
of oxygen at 20,000 feet: Masks with a 1.5 liter per minute
flow provide a 10,000 foot altitude equivalent of oxygen at
20,000 feet.
The systems are not designed for use above 30,000 feet.
When masks are oot in use they should be disconnected.
Oxygen will continue to flow through the mask whether it is worn
or not as long as it is connected to the outlet and the system is
““On”’.
Smoking is prohibited while oxygen is in use and for several
minutes after the system is turned ‘‘QOff"’.
STANDARD SYSTEMS
The standard system for the Comanche series includes four
outlets, one 2.0 LPM mask for pilot and three 1.5 LPM masks for
passengers. A conversion kit is availeble for six outlets and
additional masks.
681101 1
SECTION | OXYGEN
The Aztec standard system consists of six outlets, one 2.0
LPM mask for pilot and five 1.5 LPM masks for passengers.
The Navajo system consists of eight outlets, one 2.0 LPM
mask for pilot and seven 1.5 LPM masks for passengers.
MASKS
Three different face masks and three connectars with diffcr-
ent flow rates are available with Piper Oxygen Systems.
The natural rubber BLB Nasal and Oronasal Microphone
Masks are of the constant flow type. They are proven by years
of military and civilian use.
Semi-disposable mask assemblies are made of molded, pli-
able polyetheylene plastic, easily cleaned for re-use.
All masks come with adjustable elastic head band, flow
indicator and connector,
Oxygen flow is measured in liters per minute, Connectors to
wall outlet are color coded to indicate flow rates.
Liters Pet Liters Per
Masks Minute Hour Marking
Oronasal Microphone Mask 2.0 120 Red Band
BLB Nasal Mask 2.0 120 Red Bend
Semi-Disposable 2.0 120 Red Band
Semi-Disposable 1.5 90 Gold Band
Therapeutic 7.5 450 Therapeutic
OXYGEN CAPACITY
Two sizes of oxygen cylinder are used in Piper Oxygen
Systems.
When full, both cylinders will indicate 1,850 PSIL.
The Navajo and Aztec systems use a 115 cubic foot capacity
cylinder of which 3,092 liters or 95 percent of the 3,255 liter
2 681101
OXYGEN SECTION |
capacity is usable.
The Comanche and Twin Comanche systems use a 63 cubic
foot capacity cylinder of which 1,692 liters or 95 percent of the
1,792 liter capacity is usable,
Because extremely low pressures can make regulation erratic,
the last five percent of oxygen in the cylinder is considered un-
usable. This is a safety factor built into all oxygen systems.
OXYGEN DURATION
Oxygen duration is dependent upon liter flow and number of
masks in use during flight.
DURATION FORMULA
To figure duration, divide total liter flow per hour of all
masks in use into usable oxygen.
PRESSURE VS. USABLE OXYGEN*
Navajo/Aztec Comanche/Twin Comanche
PSI Usable Liters Usable Lilers
1850 3092 1692
1600 2670 1470
1400 2340 1280
1200 2010 1100
1000 1670 920
800 1330 730
600 1010 550
400 670 370
200 335 185
*Calculated using CAR 4b-21 Oxygen Flow Chart; 70°F., 95%
Cylinder Volume. Below 150 PSI flow is unreliable.
661101 3
SECTION | OXYGEN
DURATION [N HOURS* (Standard Systems, Pilot 2.0 LPM,
Passengers, 1.5 LPM)
Persons Navajo Comanche
Using Aztec Twin Comanche
1 25.76 14.10
2 14.72 8.05
3 10.30 5.64
9 7.93 4,33
5 6.44 3.52
6 5.42 2.96
7 (Navajo) 4.68
8 (Navajo) 4.12
EARLIER SYSTEMS
Some earlier Piper oxygen systems installed in production or
sold in kit form have a 2.5 liter flow per minute. The anly differ-
ence in the systems is in the orifice in the wall connectot which
is not color coded. These 2.5 LLPM orifices may be replaced with
the 2.0 LPM or 1.5 LPM orifices to obtain the greater duration.
DURATION IN HOURS* (2.5 L.LPM, All Masks)
Persons Comanche
Using Aztec Twin Comanche
1 2061 11.28
2 10.30 5.64
3 6.87 3.76
4 5.15 2.82
5 4.12
6 343
*Calculeted using CAR 4b-21 Oxygen Flow Chart; 70°F., 95%
Cylinder Volume.
4 661101
OXYGEN SECTION 11
SECTION Il
OPERATION
Piper Oxygen systems are turned ‘‘On-Off’’ by means of a
Push/Pull knob,
When the system is ““On”’, each passenger gets oxygen by
plugging his individual connector into the wall outlet next to the
seat, This outlet has a check valve-and oxygen will not flow
through it unless the connector is inserted.
Oxygen will flow through the mask at the full breathing rate
as long as the system is ‘‘On’’ and the mask is connected to the
wall outlet regardless of whether or not it is worn.
%
CHECK .LIST
Cylinder should be checked for sufficient oxygen before all
flights, Gauge will read 1850 PSI in all Piper systems when full.
1. Insure that there are no kinks in hose between mask and
wall outlet,
2. Check mesk for proper attachment to hose.
3. Oxygen ON. Pull knob full out gently.
4, Check mask for proper fit, It should be comfortable, You
can breathe normally through Piper masks when oxygen is not on.
5. Insert connector into wall outlet, Push in firmly, turn
clockwise approximately 90° ageinst the internal stop.
6. Check flow indicator. Flow indicator is located on hose
approximately 12" below mask. Red indicator sleeve will dis-
appear into housing when oaxygen is flowing. If indicator does not
move, check hose for kinks, connector-for proper positioning and
if oxygen system is ON.
661101 5
SECTION i OXYGEN
CAUTION
NO SMOKING WHEN USING OXYGEN
AFTER USE
1. Oxygen OFF. Knob full in.
2. Remove mask and disconnect by turning connector 9(°
counterclockwise.
3. Coil mask tubing in approximately 4" loops end slore in
container.
6 661101
OXYGEN SECTION llI
SECTION HI
SERVICING
OXYGEN SYSTEM SERVICING
The cylinder is serviced through a filler valve located in a
convenient place in each aircraft, There is no need to remove
the cylinder from the aircraft for refillidg,
Whenever possible, use only aviators breathing oxygen.
IMPORTANT
0il, grease or any lubsicant in contact with oxygen
creates a serious fire hazard. Such contact must
be avoided.
Only a thread compound approved under MIL-T-5542 can be
used safely on oxygen systems. Apply only to the first three
threads of male fittings to prevent thread seizure.
While oxygen is non-flammable in its pure state, mixed with
other gases or hydrocarbons, it becomes extremely inflammable.
Permit no smoking aboard the aircraft when using oxygen
and for a few minutes after the flow has been shut off.
Oil, grease and other fatty materials constitute a fire hazard
when in contact with oxygen. Be sure that hands and clothing
are free of these when handling oxygen equipment, particularly
connecting plugs.
661101 7
OXYGEN SECTION IV
SECTION 1V
OPTIONAL EQUIPMENT
Six-place Conversion for The Comanche and Twin Coman-
Comanche, Twin Comanche che standard systems are four-
place, Six-placemay be specified
for production installation. A
conversion kit is available to
increase present four-place to
six-place.
Therapeutic Mask Molded, pliable polyetheylene
plastic, easily cleaned for re-
use, Delivers 7.5 liters per min-
ute from any wall outlet without
extra regulatory adjustment. Ideal
for passengers with asthma or
known cardiac condition.
Semi-Disposable Masks Molded, pliable polyetheylene
plastic, eeasily cleaned for re-
use, Delivers either 2.0 LPM or
1.5 LPM. Complete with con-
nectors, flow indicator, tubing.
Oronasal Microphone Mask Proven by years of military ana
civilian use, finest type con-
stant flow mask available. Nat-
ural rubber face piece. Delivers
2.0 LPM. Complete with con-
nectors, flow indicator, tubing,
RS-8 Microphone with ‘‘Push To
Talk’” Switch in cable.
661101
SECTION 1V OXYGEN
BLB Nasal Mask Finest natural rubber, proven by
years of service, Delivers either
2.0 LPM or 1.5 LPM. Complete
with connectors, flow indicator,
tubing.
661101
