Hal wrote:
How do most pilots go about the 5000 meter height gain in the Sierras?
Somehow getting in a glider on a cold/windy Minden winter day does
not sound like me. During the summer I stumbled across a wave
condition behind Mt Rose but I was not sure about how the O2 system
worked and where/whether the wave window was open so I stopped short
of 18k If I was ready this would have been a perfect opportunity.
Seems difficult to know when these conditions will exist.

There are plenty of workable wave days during the summer, around now is
a particularly good time. The wave window must be requested by
telephone, radio Soar Minden on 123.3 to see if it's already open and/or
request it.

Another question is if you use the M&H O2 and you are staying below
24k do you use the cannula or the face mask? I think I know the legal
answer but it seems that the cannula is actually the preferred option.

When I was young and foolish, I did my Diamond altitude gain on a summer
flight out of Truckee, using an Oxymizer cannula with a continuous flow
system turned full on. I was careful to keep my mouth shut, but I was
feeling definite symptoms of hypoxia (seeing stars, tingling fingertips)
by around 23K. I kept it together for the additional 1500 feet I
needed, then dove down to 18K. I won't try that again. Your mileage
may vary...

Marc