A plane can fly to a very high altitude without oxygen, but the pilots and passengers need supplemental oxygen.
The maximum altitude a plane can reach is determined by its design and the capabilities of its engines. However, human beings require oxygen to survive, and the air at high altitudes becomes too thin to breathe.
Modern airliners are pressurized, meaning the cabin air is kept at a comfortable pressure even at high altitudes. However, this pressurization only works up to a certain altitude. Above that altitude, the cabin pressure will start to decrease, and supplemental oxygen is required.
The minimum altitude for supplemental oxygen is typically around 10,000 feet (3,048 meters), but it can vary depending on the specific aircraft and the regulations in place.
Pilots and cabin crew members wear oxygen masks, and passengers are provided with oxygen masks in case of a depressurization event.
Here are some additional points to consider:
- Aircraft design and engine power: Different planes have different capabilities. Some planes can fly higher than others.
- Regulations: The minimum altitude for supplemental oxygen is regulated by aviation authorities.
- Safety: Supplemental oxygen is essential for the safety of pilots and passengers.
