I might need O2

[gsxrpilot]

Much to my surprise, I might actually find myself in an O2 required situation in my little M20C.  I'd have never thought an O2 bottle could ever be needed in a C, but on the return from OSH this year, I spent some time at 13,500 and even saw 14K briefly.  Even for my carbureted 180 hp, the efficiency is amazing at that altitude.

 

Where is the best (cheapest) place to get a little O2 bottle?  Is the little Aerox bottle from Aircraft Spruce the way to go?  Does it have to be "certified"?  I've read the discussions where it's much cheaper to fill the bottle at a welding shop than at the airport.  I'm wondering if there's a cheaper place to buy the bottle than from a pilot shop where everything is triple the price just because it's for aviation.

 

Thanks,

[carusoam]

Paul,

There is a wide variety of info available.

From cylinders to regulators to trans-filling devices. eBay seems to be a common source.. There is also a recommendation for what to avoid when buying somebody else's tank. Some are marked with a corporate owners name.

Try to do a search... You will answer some of your own questions quickly. Then move up to the next level.

Don't forget to get a pulse-ox. It sux to be anoxic while flying....

Also search to find the safety issues regarding system failure/running out of O2. High flammability challenges are also a need to know (O2 makes ordinary things become highly flammable)

Best regards,

-a-

[DonMuncy]

Check garage sales and Craigs List for small medical tanks. There are tons of them floating around at near give away prices.

[Hank]

For God's sake, keep all grease and Teflon tape away from your oxygen fittings! Ask the welding shop folks about that when you're filling up the first time.

[DrBill]

Start with OXISAVER cannula. They use 1/4 the O2 of standard cannula or masks. I got mine here:  http://aerox.com/product-category/masks-cannulas-and-kits/

Here is a good site to compare aluminum tanks: http://www.mhoxygen.com/cylinders

I got my transfil equipment from AEROX.   I have a big O2 tank at the hangar with a CGA540 transfill hose. Works great and I got the tank from Craigslist for $25.  I exchange it at the local welding supply for $15 for a full one.

I got my portable tank from the classifieds in the MAPA magazine.

I'll be glad to answer any questions.

BILL

 

Edited 9/16....cylinder reference was incorrect.

[Tom]

Check garage sales and Craigs List for small medical tanks. There are tons of them floating around at near give away prices.

 

I would assume that may of these tanks at give-away prices on Craigslist are timed-out and are due for hydrotesting. If your tank it due for testing then getting it refilled will be a problem. 

 

I see no reason to get anything smaller than an E cylinder.  I wouldn't go smaller as refills generally cost the same regardless of cylinder size.  Also, if you go E and are able to work with a local medical supplies, swapping E tanks is easy.

For new E tanks for around $70-80 (instead of the $200+ that MH charges), check out:

http://www.americanairworks.com/oxygenrefilling2.html ($77 for one, $63 each for 2-5 at current prices)

[ArtVandelay]

I see no reason to get anything smaller than an E cylinder.  I wouldn't go smaller as refills generally cost the same regardless of cylinder size.  Also, if you go E and are able to work with a local medical supplies, swapping E tanks is easy.

For new E tanks for around $70-80 (instead of the $200+ that MH charges), check out:

http://www.americanairworks.com/oxygenrefilling2.html ($77 for one, $63 each for 2-5 at current prices)

 

good info, can someone explain the difference between the CGA and the O2 Chrome valves?? Is there a preference for aviation use?

[Bob_Belville]

I bought a 15 ft3 aluminum cyl SkyOX system with 2 cannulas/1 mask through Sporty's. I paid more than DrBill but still not very expensive. Straight forward equipment, easy to use. My friendly A&P fills my tank gratis.

http://www.sportys.com/Pilotshop/product/13019

 

A pulse/oximeter which you can buy anywhere is very revealing.  http://www.sportys.com/PilotShop/product/13010

 

We now use O2 even @ 8000 feet on longer flights. Arrive fresh.

[FloridaMan]

Aerox is the way to go. I bought the 22cf "2M" kit so I don't have to refill it often and it was at the point just before diminishing returns on price. It's a big tank to carry, doesn't weigh much and is stocky so it stands up on its base easily. 

 

Also, add it to your cart from the Spruce website. It's a lot cheaper than the price listed on the page. 

 

http://www.aircraftspruce.com/catalog/pspages/aeroxsys.php

[Marauder]

Aerox is the way to go. I bought the 22cf "2M" kit so I don't have to refill it often and it was at the point just before diminishing returns on price. It's a big tank to carry, doesn't weigh much and is stocky so it stands up on its base easily.

Also, add it to your cart from the Spruce website. It's a lot cheaper than the price listed on the page.

http://www.aircraftspruce.com/catalog/pspages/aeroxsys.php

I have the Aerox M size cylinder as well. Just bought the hardware to do transfilling.

[fantom]

Anyone needing an as new, recently hydrotested complete 22 cubic foot four position cylinder, regulator, case, canulas....etc, drop me a message. It's full and ready to go.

[Tom]

Can someone explain the difference between the CGA and the O2 Chrome valves?? Is there a preference for aviation use?

In general terms, the CGA 870 (brass or chrome) are garden-variety mobile medical oxygen valves.

 

There are countless threads and webpages on the subject of preference for aviation use.  For a pilot who needs an O2 system for his/herself only,  and who has easy access to free or inexpensive oxygen, I wouldn't spend more than $100 for a new oxygen setup ($75 on a cylinder, $25 on a simple regulator) plus $10 for several disposable nasal cannulas.  I'd then spend $140 on a wrist oximeter and be done with it.  $250 all up with an continuous oximeter setup with a hypoxia alarm that you might be able to hear.  To operate the O2, just turn the regulator valve up enough to keep the O2 over 90%.

 

If you need to refill your own:

Welding 02 tank (rented vs purchased, check your local prices)

Fill adapter Ebay <$100 (search "Oxygen Transfill Adaptor CGA540 CGA870 Aviation Veterinary Medical")

 

Then you're in business.

 

 

[CCowboy]

I would suggest using oxygen anytime over 10,000' [5,000' at night].  Although regs are more liberal, you will feel better, your vision is better and your cognitive processes will be sharper.  With a pulse demand or oxysaver cannual, you will not need to fill the tank often.  Also, fly with a pulse oximeter.  Can get one for about $50, it is cheap insurance.  I use an Aerox system and a very happy with it. They have good support as well.