It is mandatory that every member of a heavy combat crew be highly
trained in oxygen discipline. It is urged that oxygen "drill" be
practiced by ALL crew members for at least 15 minutes on routine
training flights before altitude missions are ever undertaken. Practice
using and re-filling the walk-around bottle at various stations.
Practice changing masks (page 12) and become expert at using oxygen from
emergency sources (page 27). Practice reviving some crewmate who has
supposedly passed out from oxygen lack. Practice going to your escape
hatch on a walk-around bottle with parachute in place. Practice all
emergencies that may arise some day in combat and when they arise they
won't be emergencies.
The following responsibilities will fall upon every member of a
combat crew. The airplane commander should satisfy himself that the
following points are observed or provided for:
(1) Fitting of the crew with masks, (page 9). Periodical check of
masks and mask fit.
(2) All crew members are familiar with hazards of oxygen-lack at
altitude. (page 1).
(3) See that all crew members are drilled in "precautions with the
demand system." (page 19).
(4) Be sure that ALL crew members realize the danger of mixing oil and
oxygen. (page 50).
(5) Be able to compute oxygen duration in different systems on ship
(pages 39 & 46).
(6) PRE-FLIGHT CHECK OF OXYGEN EQUIPMENT.
(a) Pressure in different systems.
(b) Be able to charge oxygen system if necessary. (page 47).
(c) Check regulators for proper setting (auto-mix), properly
working diaphragm, hose-regulator connection, emergency
valve OFF.
(d) Check EACH station for possible oxygen deficiency at altitude,
(page 3).
(e) Check portable oxygen equipment, regulator diaphragm, and
oxygen supply in bottles, see that regulators are working
properly.
(f) Check all recharger hose valves for sluggish or sticking valves
(page 20).
(7) Know how to re-distribute crew members to stations where oxygen
is available if part of supply is lost. (pages 41 & 45).
(8) Someone to be able to find and repair a leak in oxygen lines.
(page 49).
(9) Frequently check condition of crew members during flight. See
that one crew member checks on a fellow crewmate when
practicable. Check every 10-15 minutes above 20,000 feet.
Co-Pilot can help in this regard.
(10) All crew members understand principles of reviving a crew member
unconscious from oxygen lack. (page 51).
(11) Report to crew chief and personal equipment officer _on landing_
any and all faulty oxygen equipment. Make sure repairs to such
equipment have been made before next flight.