Lancair ES-P, Pilot Operating Handbook

Page: 96 / 122

ALTITUDE REGULATIONS
FAR, 61.31 “(f) Additional training required for
operating high-performance airplane:
(1) Except as provided in paragraph (g)(3) of
this section, no person may act as pilot in
command of a pressurized aircraft (an aircraft
that has a service ceiling or maximum operating
altitude, whichever is lower, above 25,000 feet
MSL), unless that person has received and logged
ground training from an authorized instructor
and obtained an endorsement in the person's
logbook or training record from an authorized
instructor who certifies the person has
satisfactorily accomplished the ground
training.”
Since this aircraft’s recommended service ceiling is 25,000 ft. (FL250),
it does not fall within the requirements of Far 61.31 (f) above. FAR
91.211 details the oxygen requirements for flight at and above 12,500
feet for any aircraft, and for Pressurized aircraft above Flight Level
250. In the short version, we need supplemental oxygen from 12,500'
to 14,000' if we stay there more than 30 minutes. If we go higher than
14,000' for any length of time, oxygen is required. And of course we
must provide passengers with supplemental oxygen above 15,000 feet.
If the aircraft is pressurized and operates above FL250 then a further
requirement, of at least 10 minutes supplemental oxygen per person, is
imposed to give the aircraft sufficient time to descend below 12,500
feet in case of loss of cabin pressurization. A study of the following
chart will emphasize the need for supplemental oxygen.
FEET ALTITUDE REACTION
5,000 Use of supplemental oxygen at and above 5,000 feet for
night flying will benefit pilot, particularly towards end
of flight. Smoking reduces visual acuity and service
altitude of the individual.
8,000 Over prolonged flights, there are measurable changes in
blood pressure and respiration. Mild hypoxia can result.
It is generally assumed that the normal, healthy
individual is unlikely to need supplementary oxygen at
and below this altitude.