Aircraft O2 systems are not cheep. I'm getting ready for the Maule flyin at Valier, Mt. I have to fly over the Rocky's. I have access to medical O2 tanks and I can fill for free. Can it be used? Safely? FAA? I fly a non pressurized Maule. Thanks in advance for your knowledge. Cheers…Rob

The information I recieved from a leading supplier of masks was yes, the use of medical OX is OK. The problem is that FBO's (usually) will not refill them. Contact me for more info.

Well Bob and Rob, if you two start PMing include me in there because I'm kind of in the same situation. Inquiring minds want to know.

Thanks, Bub

I was going to mention that I have both a regular medical ox tank with regular, etc, besides a new aviation OX setup that I have never used...

Skylane wrote:Well Bob and Rob, if you two start PMing include me in there because I'm kind of in the same situation.
Thanks, Bub

I believe it's perfectly legal to use a PORTABLE medical oxygen set-up in a private aircraft. FBO's may not refill them, but you don't want to pay their fees anyway. I have used any set-up that will give the needed O2 for 40 years, and just refilled at the local welding supply. DO NOT EVER TELL ANYONE WHAT YOU ARE REALLY USING THIS BOTTLE FOR!!!!!!

This has been beat to death on various soaring forums and the bottom line is that ALL commercial oxygen is created equal.....if you don't plan to go to the edge of space don't worry about it. The truth is that you are less likely to die from contaminated oxygen in your airplane than in a hospital!

Cheers,

Rocky

I bought the Mountain High Oxygen system and I'm pleased with it. I have seen some of the medical oxygen cylingers, brand new aluminum cylinders, cheap, on eBay. If you buy the different valve set-up you are matched up. You can get across the Rockies at less than 12,000 feet, unless you have some weather issues...also I find it more comfortable to start using oxygen at 10,000. But I'm older than most of this forum. Some pilots use oxygen for night IFR, too.

Rob,
I flew across and never got above 8500'. Nice to have the O2 if you want to fly in a straight line but you see more running the passes . GA O2 is scented with mint, or at least it was 25 years ago, so you could tell it was flowing. Medical O2 isn't "flavored". Big price difference for nice smelling stuff.

I'm sure aviation O2 is spendy, at one of those jet-type FBO's. What about medical oxygen? How's it priced compared to av-ox and welding-ox?
Might almost be easier these days to find a medical-supply place with O2 than a welding supply outfit.

Eric

A possibility is a hose between your aviators breathing cylinder and a 200 or 300 c. ft. welding O2 cylinder for refills. It costs about 30 bucks to refill the welding cylinder and it will re-fill a common aviation bottle 8 or 10 times before it's pressure drops to the point that it's not practical, but you will have plenty of 02 left for your cutting torch etc.

A very good article on the subject: Pelican's Perch #13: Getting High on Welder's Oxygen.

Hi guys, thanks for the info. That article on AV Web Pelican's Perch #13:
Getting High on Welder's Oxygen gave me all the answers to my O2 questions. See y’all at JC and Valier…Rob