Posted for "Joe Rodriguez" <joe@goldenchoice.com>:

In response to the loss of pressurization at 17,000 feet.  In an effort not
to scare everyone, I don't see why a mayday was declared.  Actually a loss
of pressurization is really no big deal especially if one has back-up O2.  I
lost pressurization at 25,000 in IMC over Arizona.  ( Aileron pushrod seal
blew out).  Called center, changed destination airport and flew the approach
into Grand Canyon.  No emergency descent, no shock cooling, simply a
controlled descent without speed brakes.  Even without O2 at this altitude,
one can make a safe descent.

Joe Rodriguez