To what altitude are crew oxygen masks certified for use?

Crew oxygen masks are critically important for maintaining safety and oxygen supply at high altitudes. These masks are certified for use up to 40,000 feet Above Ground Level (AGL). This certification is vital because it ensures that the crew can effectively use the masks in emergencies where cabin pressure loss could occur, thereby allowing them to maintain cognitive function and perform necessary duties to secure the aircraft and manage the situation.

At altitudes above this threshold, the potential for hypoxia – a deficiency in the amount of oxygen reaching the tissues – increases significantly, necessitating reliable and effective oxygen systems. The certification to 40,000 feet AGL ensures that the oxygen masks meet the requirements for performance and reliability under these extreme conditions.