Pilot Oxygen Mask

A pilot oxygen mask is an essential component of the equipment that is used by pilots while flying their planes. This is even more applicable to pilots who fly fighter aircraft. The mask is made of rubber or silicone and it covers the nose and the mouth of the person who wears it, and provides him with a steady supply of oxygen.

The supply of oxygen is necessary because, at high altitudes the air pressure is extremely low, and this makes it very difficult, and close to impossible, for the person to breathe a pure and unadulterated supply of oxygen. Without such supply of oxygen, the pilot will asphyxiate to death, and this can be avoided with the use of an effective flying oxygen mask.

Types of Oxygen Masks

There are different varieties and types of oxygen masks that can be used by pilots, and these depend on the speed at which the airplane will be traveling and the altitude at which it will be traveling as well. The faster the speed and the higher the altitude, the sturdier will be the oxygen mask. Here is the common classification of the pilot oxygen masks.

• Continuous flow masks: These are the most common plastic masks that you will see. They steadily give a flow of oxygen, and are most commonly used for hospitalized patients. These are the most commonly found oxygen masks on airplanes that passengers can use.
• Pressure-demand masks: Pilots of medium level fighter planes and almost all commercial planes use this mask. The steady flow of oxygen is dependent on the pressure conditions outside, so the pilot needs to be trained in some specialized breathing techniques before using this particular oxygen mask. These aviation oxygen masks can be used up to an altitude of 34,000 feet or less.
• Diluter-demand masks: These are the masks worn by pilots of the most elite fighter airplanes. The altitudes at which they can be used go up to about 40,000 feet, and these require highly intense training before they can be used. The oxygen only flows through when the wearer inhales, so they make excellent pilot oxygen masks.

For pilots, these masks come with an apparatus to attach the entire mask on one's face while flying and this prevents it from falling off. These masks also come attached with radio equipment and other electronic gadgets, so that the fighter pilot can maintain contact with his commander and his peers at all times during the flight. These masks also have a helmet on which they are attached, so that the pilots face can be protected from various particles, burns and injuries. Additionally, these masks are attached to the chairs of the pilots, so that they can be used even when the pilot sets the ejection mechanism into place.

One of the most popular pilot oxygen masks around the world today is the KM-32. This mask was produced first in around 1960, and it has been adopted in almost all countries around the world. The exact origins of this mask are unknown, and today they are available in many different varieties, with significant upgrades in them. These are the airplane oxygen masks of choice of the air force squadrons of all major countries today.

Without the presence of these pilot oxygen masks, the pilots will not receive enough oxygen to breathe properly. Hence, their importance is one of vital proportions, and no pilot can or will fly without a proper oxygen mask.