altitude and hypoxia

[justin.schoeman]

I doubt that anyone who passes the CAA medical tests (esp lung function - volume and flow) will suffer any debilitating effects of hypoxia at the legal limit (12,000' for two hours). Every day, 100s, if not 1000s of people drive cars at around this altitude through mountain passes in Lesotho and the Eastern Cape (well, the Cape ones top out at around 10,000') without any issues.

One other issue to look at is the aircraft limitations. It would be a good idea to verify the service ceiling in the POH. Just because the aircraft can reach 10,000' does not mean it is safe to fly there (remember - some aerodynamic effects depend on TAS, which is 25% higher than IAS at 12,000').

[Blue Max]

Op een van my Numbie trips het ek vir n lannggg tyd op 11000 vt gevlieg.
My trike het baie petrol gebruik en anders trikers wat laer gevlieg het het my agter gelaat.

[Turbo]

those are awesome pics -- thanks!

Do you have any other interesting stories or pics for us?