Plane news: Flight fear? Don't read – THIS is how many minutes worth your oxygen mask has
PLANE journeys are a source of fear for many, but some may be reassured by the availability of oxygen masks in cabins. However, in reality the masks provide a surprisingly low amount of oxygen, according to one expert.
Plane companies have a legal requirement to install oxygen masks on aircrafts, in case an emergency supply is needed.
This would be the case if the cabin pressure changes, leaving passengers unable to breathe.
While a fear of flying is common, many nervous passengers are reassured by the pressure of safety measures such as the masks.
In the terrifying event of an aircraft malfunction, the masks will drop down from the plane ceiling.
Cabin crew take care to explain how to use an oxygen mask during their safety demonstration at the start of the flight.
Masks should be placed over your face, and then secured using the adjustable elastic straps attached.
However, what is less common knowledge is how long these masks actually last for before they run out of oxygen.
A number of sources – including evidence from the deadly Helios Airways Flight 522 crash – have found this figure to be around 12 to 15 minutes.
If cabin pressure falls below a certain threshold, the masks will deploy from the ceiling, exposing everybody to the so-called 'rubber jungle’
Captain Patrick Smith, an airline pilot and author, has confirmed the figure would only be around “several minutes”.
"If cabin pressure falls below a certain threshold, the masks will deploy from the ceiling, exposing everybody to the so-called 'rubber jungle’.
"Should you be confronted by this spectacle, strap your mask on and try to relax.
The plane will be at a safe altitude shortly, and there are several minutes of backup oxygen for everybody."
Concerned passenger shows aeroplane window coming LOOSE
The flying hazard which scares pilots most was recently revealed – and it wasn’t turbulence.
In fact, it was another aviation phenomenon know as updrafts.
An updraft is where warm, moist airs moves upwards during a thunderstorm, and it can come in contact with the plane.
Updrafts have the potential to compromise the safety of an aircraft, through pushing it up towards the sky.