Flight without pressure cabin in 6200 meters altitude

Question

Dear experts,
I am 30 years old, suffer from CF and will go on holiday next summer to Alaska. There I would like to do a scenic flight to Mount Denali. The flight duration is about 2.5 hours and is done in a plane without pressure cabin. One flighs at altitudes of 6200 meters, however one is wearing for about 30 minutes an oxygen mask. Furthermore, there is the possibility of landing on a glacier of about 30 minutes, however here I do not know at with altitude this takes place.
Are there any concerns because of my CF? Is there an altitude limit for me for the landing?
I have a stable FEV1 of 70% and do running 5 times a week.
Many thanks for an answer,
Regards,
V.

Answer

Hello,
a scenic flight aroung the Mout Denali is for sure a wonderful thing, I myself was already there with my skis (however not on the top, yet). Impressive glaciers, wonderful landscape!
With an FEV1 of 70%, the flight should not be a problem, as there is also oxygen on board. In general, altitudes of 4500 meters are tolerated without problems for a short time, even if the oxygen saturation is going to be low then. If you would be very safe, buy a pulsoxymeter and measure your values during the flight. As long as the oxygen saturation is above 75%, there is no acute danger. If it is below, ask for oxygen or breathe more.
The landing on the glacier is expectedly in lower altitude, the planes are landing only in the area of the lower glacier, in general below 3000 meters.
In order to be very sure, a hypoxia test would be possible, we offer it in Munich/Germany, but I do not know, if something like this is availble where you live. With that we can simulate altitudes of 6000 meters and measure, how much of oxygen loss is tolerated.
I wish you much joy,
Best regards,
R. Fischer

03.04.2017