Originally Posted by
vitira
I mean … there are 54 peaks in Colorado >14k ft which people climb without oxygen. Useful consciousness there can be forever, depending on the person.
Yes, but you don't go from 8k to 14k in a couple of seconds. Also people who climb up peaks like that are likely a bit fitter then your average passenger. Thirdly there is an FAR on O2. Simply stated -As a pilot you have to use supplemental oxygen if you fly more than 30 minutes at
cabin pressure altitudes of 12,500 feet or higher. And that at cabin altitudes above 14,000 feet pilots must use oxygen at all times. And that above 15,000 feet each occupant of the aircraft must be provided supplemental oxygen. All of this is spelled out in Federal Aviation Regulations Part 91.211.