Page 106 - AA 2018_11

Good kit Gear for Australian aviators

Above – the Garmin D2 Delta PX. PULSE OXIMETERS
Above right – the AERO 455.
The higher we fly, the less dense the “This O2 saturation level is AERO 455 panel-mounted pulse
air is. To that end as pilots we can dependent upon a number of oximeter and carbon monoxide (CO)
easily become hypoxic so there are factors, including your overall health detector, which is a TSO-certified unit
regulatory rules we follow (CAO condition, breathing rate and activity designed especially for use in aircraft.
20.4) to ensure we have sufficient level. Checking with Pulse Ox can help A compact unit that can be mounted
O2 to keep us lucid at the controls. you gain awareness of how well your in an easily-accessible position on the
In an unpressurised aircraft (not body’s oxygen levels are adjusting to panel, the AERO 455 allows the pilot
conducting parachute operations) the the thinner air at higher altitudes.” and crew to measure blood oxygen
requirement is to have a supplemental Garmin also warns that the D2 levels, cabin temperature and cabin
oxygen supply sufficient to complete Delta PX is not a medical device and altitude, and provide highly accurate
all segments of the flight above is not intended for use in the diagnosis CO detection. That information is
10,000ft if you are on flightdeck duty. or monitoring of any medical then presented on an external display
A product that has just come to conditions. such as a PFD or MFD via a serial
market recently that highlights the need A short search on the web unearths connection.
to test O2 levels in the blood periodically several pulse oximeter products The AERO 455 then is an optimal
‘As pilots we on all flights above 10,000ft is the new dedicated to O2 level monitoring, as solution for owners and pilots of high-
Garmin D2 Delta PX.
the requirement for pulse Ox products
performance, unpressurised certified
can easily Delta PX uses light beams at your in the medical industry is quite large. aircraft looking for a tool to help in the
“The Pulse Ox sensor on D2
The most prevalent pulse oximeters
avoidance of hypoxia at altitude along
become wrist to determine the percentage of are small, clip-like devices that attach with protection from the dangers of
to a finger, and prices range from
carbon monoxide.
haemoglobin in your bloodstream and
hypoxic.’ show your body’s oxygen saturation around US$20 to US$200. plus installation.
The AERO 455 sells for US$999
Then there is the Gardian Avionics
level,” Garmin explains on its website.
106 AUSTRALIAN AVIATION