On Wednesday, June 4, 2008, Walt Smiles, CEO of Aircraft Industries, Inc. (d.b.a Sky Ox Limited) spoke to the local Kalamazoo, Michigan Chapter of EAA (Experimental Aviation Association) on the use of oxygen while flying in an aircraft.

Mr. Smiles opened the presentation with questions to the 30+ members in attendance, “Does anyone here fly above 5000 feet?  Does anyone here fly at night?”  With all members in the audience raising their hands, Mr. Smiles confirmed for them that they were all good candidates for aircraft oxygen use.

Mr. Smiles went on to explain that Hypoxia is a condition caused by a decrease in available oxygen at higher altitudes. “This condition can affect individuals differently, and some people may experience symptoms at various altitudes.  These symptoms include a pilot’s night vision becoming slightly impaired, pilots and passengers can experience drowsiness, fatigue, headache, and impaired judgment, and several other symptoms, depending on the flight altitude. Symptoms are generally undetectable during flights of less than one hour. However, on longer flights (especially four hours or more), symptoms can become progressively more noticeable and dangerous.”

Mr. Smiles spoke for a little more than an hour and fielded various questions from the group.  Questions ranged from what types of masks or cannulas were available, flow rates necessary at various altitudes, and how to use the oxygen systems themselves.

For more information or to ask Mr. Smiles a question related to aircraft oxygen and it’s proper usage, contact:

Walter SmilesEmail: sales@skyox.com
Aircraft Industries, Inc.(d.b.a. Sky Ox Limited)
P.O. Box 549, Edwardsburg, MI 49112 USA 
Toll Free: 800.253.0800
Phone: 269.663.8544
Fax: (269) 663-2579