Sender: <marv@lancaironline.net> (Marvin Kaye)
To: lml
Date: Tue, 20 May 2003 15:18:20 -0400
Message-ID: <redirect-2356540@logan.com>
From: "IIP" <IIP@hawaii.rr.com>
Subject: O2 masks
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I, too, have been concerned about this. We have a IV turbine, with all
the O2 tubing run. For the rear seats and as an alternate for the front,
we have four mask connections in the overhead console. But we also ran a
line up to the front seat bottom face. If you have two batteries in the
usual location, there is room to build in a nice box in the center to
hold at least one mask. We have a tube terminating to that box. It is
going to be permanently connected to a mask, but shut off with a
non-electric switch mounted in the box down low. The mask will be rigged
with a rubber band so that when you pull it out, it activates the switch
(basically a toggle switch, available from Mountain High).

All that having been said, it is still problematic as to what to do with
the mask in an emergency. At least you have it quickly in your face with
O2 flowing. From there, I think you could get it on properly. For comm.,
I am assuming you would be descending rapidly and not doing much
talking. My plan is to lift the mask slightly and either insert the mike
under it for a moment, or to have the mike just under the bottom of the
mask and lift it slightly to speak. None of this sounds like the ideal
solution, but I think in a simple depressurization it would work ok. If
there are other things going on at the same time, it could get real
complicated. I have wondered if a nasal canula might be better (at least
for the pilot), since you could talk easily and they take up less room.

Any other ideas/solutions would be appreciated.

Brian Barbata
N104PT