SECTION IV

OXYGEN EQUIPMENT


1. Constant Flow Type

a.
Equipment
NOTE: Airplanes with serial Nos. AF43-5478 and up are equipped with the demand oxygen system. Those below the above mentioned number have the constant flow type equipment.
1
The pilot's oxygen mask hose has a rubber bayonet connector to attach the mask hose to the oxygen regulator. Be sure that the mask hose connection will fit the regulator output connection before starting the airplane's engine.
2
The two low-pressure oxygen cylinders are located as follows: One cylinder, with 500-cubic inch capacity, is secured in a support assembly above the fuselage fuel tank on the airplane center line. The other cylinder, with 1,000-cubic inch capacity, is cradled in a support assembly aft of the fuselage access door just above the bottom of the fuselage on the center line.
3
The oxygen cylinders may be filled without removing them from the airplane by attaching a master cylinder to the filler valve located just inside the lower aft corner of the fuselage access door. Be sure that the oxygen cylinders have been filled before each flight.
4
The two oxygen cylinders incorporated in this system will supply oxygen to one man f or approximately 3 hours and 20 minutes at 25,000 feet altitude with the type A- 9A regulator.
b.
Preflight Check
1
General. - Before using this equipment, be sure you are familiar with the complete oxygen system. Consult your oxygen officer and refer to the applicable Technical Orders, the Lithograph Instruction Charts and Training Films on oxygen equipment. Thoroughly understand the operation, use, and purpose of each instrument and item. Give each part the care and consideration it requires for its proper functioning.
2
Mask
a
The mask must be properly fitted. Check all parts of the mask to see if it is in good shape and ready for instant use. Particular attention should be paid to the condition of the bag, The mask must be clean and free of all foreign matter.
b
Be sure that the component parts of the mask are securely held together with wire or tape. Be sure that the plug at the bottom of the bag and the sponge rubber valves are properly in position.
c
If flight is under freezing conditions, have the plastic connector between face piece and bag sticking up inside the face piece above the lower surface so that moisture will not readily drain into the connector and bag. Protective shields, for the sponge rubber valves, should be used.
d
Be sure that the bayonet fitting at the end of the mask hose has its rubber gasket and that proper connection can be made with the outlet fitting on the regulator.
3
Regulator
a
Check the cylinder or system pressure as shown on the regulator gage. It must be at least 400 pounds per square inch.
b
Turn the needle valve knob on and see that there is no restriction to flow. This adjustment knob should not be too loose. If it is, tighten the gland packing which is on the same shaft.
c
Check the regulator for proper flow with the ground flow check meter, Specification No. 40400.
c
In Flight
1
Oxygen will always be used when operating above 12,000 feet altitude.
2
Be sure to set the regulator to the proper altitude.
3
Manipulate the mask to free it of ice at regular intervals when temperature is low enough to cause ice formation in the mask.
4
Be sure that your mask hose does not become kinked or twisted.
5
Be sure that your mask retains its proper fit.
6
Check the oxygen pressure gage on the regulator frequently.
7
Above 30,000 feet the bag should never be completely collapsed during inhalation. If it is, the adjustment knob on the regulator should be opened further, no matter what the flow indicator setting is.
8
When activity is required, the flow should be also increased so that the bag does not completely collapse.
d
After Flight
1
Be sure that the regulator adjustment knob is tightly closed so that there is no leakage.
2
Be sure all the oxygen equipment is in proper condition before leaving the airplane. If any difficulties developed during flight take necessary steps to have these corrected.
3
Wash the mask with mild soap and water, dry thoroughly and leave in a clean, airy place out of the sunlight.
4
At all times, be sure the mask is in good condition and properly fitted for instant use.

2. Demand Type System

a.
Preflight Check NOTE. This system is used on airplanes with serial Nos. AF43-5478 and up.
1
General . - Before using this equipment be sure you are familiar with the complete oxygen demand system. Consult your oxygen officer and refer to the applicable Technical Orders, the Lithograph Instruction Charts and Training Films on oxygen equipment. Thoroughly understand the operation, use, and purpose of each instrument and item. Give each part the care and consideration it requires for its proper functioning
2
Mask
a
The mask must be properly fitted and checked for leakage by the oxygen officer. Flights over 30,000 feet must not be made when the mask leak is greater than 5 percent.
b
Check all parts of the mask to see if it is in good shape and ready for instant use. The mask must be clean and free of all foreign matter.
c
Try the mask on in the airplane and check for leaks by holding the thumb over the corrugated hose fitting and inhaling normally.
3
Quick Disconnect Fitting. - Insert the male fitting (see that the gasket is in place) of the mask into the female end of the tubing from the regulator. Be sure the fit is snug and that a pull of at least 10 pounds is required to separate the two.
4
Mask-Regulator Tubing
a
Inspect the mask-regulator tubing for any damages such as tears, holes, and kinks. Be sure all clamps are firmly in place.
b
Attach the tubing, by means of the spring clip on the female fitting, to the clothing or parachute harness high up on the chest. It may be desirable to sew on a tab of fabric or webbing to the clothing to accommodate the clip. Be sure that the attachment is high enough so that there is free movement of the head without kinking of the mask hose. Be sure that the mask hose does not become kinked or twisted in flight.
5
Regulator and Indicating Instruments.
a
Be sure that the knurled collar at the outlet end of the regulator is tight. Examine the top diaphragm to see that it is not ruptured or distorted.
b
Turn on the "Emergency" valve and see that you get a large flow. Observe the pressure gage. There should be no perceptible pressure drop. Turn off the "Emergency" valve tightly, be sure it does not leak. Leave it in this position.
c
Turn the "Auto- Mix" to the "OFF" position. Notice that on inhalation the top diaphragm goes down and that you get nearly 100 percent oxygen which will be indicated on the flow indicator. Turn the "AutoMix" to the "ON" position. Notice that on inhalation you get almost pure air and that there is little or no indication of oxygen flow on the flow indicator. Leave it in this position.
d
Check the pressure of the system. It must not be less than 400 pounds per square inch
b.
In Flight
1
Manipulate the mask to free it of ice at regular intervals when temperature is low enough to cause ice formation in the mask.
2
Be sure that your mask hose does not become kinked or twisted
3
Be sure that your mask does not lose its leakproof characteristics
4
If for any reason you feel you are suffering from lack of oxygen, if your mask should suddenly leak, if the demand mechanism fails, if no oxygen flow is indicated by the flow indicator, immediately turn on the "Emergency" control on the regulator.
5
Check the oxygen pressure gage frequently
6
Check the flow indicator frequently.
7
In any flights over 30,000 feet pay particular attention to your oxygen equipment. Be sure all items and instruments are functioning perfectly before attempting flight to these extreme altitudes. Any failure of the equipment may be fatal.
c
After Flight
1
Be sure all the oxygen equipment is in proper condition before leaving the airplane. If any difficulties developed during flight, take necessary steps to have these corrected.
2
If your pressure is less than 100 pounds per square inch, observe that the supply warning light is on. occasionally, at the end of a flight, when the pressure is slightly above 100 pounds per square inch, bleed the oxygen out of the system by opening the "Emergency" on the regulator and see that the supply warning light goes on at about 100 pounds per square inch. Then turn the "Emergency" off.