What is the TUC at 30,000 feet?

The Time of Useful Consciousness (TUC) at 30,000 feet is typically around 1 minute. At this altitude, the ambient pressure decreases, resulting in lower oxygen levels available for breathing. This decrease in oxygen can lead to hypoxia, a condition where the body or brain does not receive enough oxygen to function properly. The TUC is a critical concept in aviation and emergency situations, indicating how long a person might remain conscious and able to act after the onset of hypoxia.

Understanding the TUC is essential for pilots and emergency responders, as it emphasizes the importance of supplemental oxygen at high altitudes. Awareness of the TUC duration can help in making timely decisions during an emergency where cabin pressure is lost. Safety protocols often require masks to be deployed as soon as a loss of cabin pressure occurs to prolong survival time and ensure effective responses to such emergencies.