ssonixx
Pre-takeoff checklist
I am planning a cross-country flight next month headed west and thought I'd take some oxygen along for the ride. I may have gotten a bit ahead of myself though as I went ahead and bought a 9 cu medical cyl with a "CGA-870" valve.
I am learning through this process though that there are several types of valves, the most common one is the CGA-540 which as I understand is most widely adopted and generally used in most industrial gas applications like welding and such. The CGA-870 valve, on the other hand, is a "newer" (relatively speaking) valve and is most closely associated with medical use oxygen cylinder applications.
Currently, I can fill with the FBO and they charge an arm and a leg for O2.
My preference is to find another source (welding, dive shops, fire house, medical supply, etc.) that will fill my 870-valved cylinder. Benefit is cost is roughly 15%-20% that of filling it through the FBOs.
The problem I run into is that 1) if it is a welding supply company, they don't have the equipment to interface to an 870 valve or 2) if it is a medical company, I apparently need a prescription (as they consider this a medical cylinder), or some first aid use emergency certification.
I called up my AME's office and asked how I should go about getting a prescription for oxygen so I could have my oxy bottles filled from a medical supplier. I didn't get a chance to talk to the AME directly, but the nurse responded that they have never had this request before in the last 20 years they have been working with pilots.
Apparently, she suggests I schedule an appointment with my AME for appropriate testing to verify the need for oxygen in order for the doctor to prescribe as requested. 
I have called up just about anyone in the Dallas area that I can Google and I'm about out of options. If anyone has any ideas or thoughts here, I'd welcome the input.
Thank you!
I am learning through this process though that there are several types of valves, the most common one is the CGA-540 which as I understand is most widely adopted and generally used in most industrial gas applications like welding and such. The CGA-870 valve, on the other hand, is a "newer" (relatively speaking) valve and is most closely associated with medical use oxygen cylinder applications.
Currently, I can fill with the FBO and they charge an arm and a leg for O2.
My preference is to find another source (welding, dive shops, fire house, medical supply, etc.) that will fill my 870-valved cylinder. Benefit is cost is roughly 15%-20% that of filling it through the FBOs.
The problem I run into is that 1) if it is a welding supply company, they don't have the equipment to interface to an 870 valve or 2) if it is a medical company, I apparently need a prescription (as they consider this a medical cylinder), or some first aid use emergency certification.
I called up my AME's office and asked how I should go about getting a prescription for oxygen so I could have my oxy bottles filled from a medical supplier. I didn't get a chance to talk to the AME directly, but the nurse responded that they have never had this request before in the last 20 years they have been working with pilots.
Apparently, she suggests I schedule an appointment with my AME for appropriate testing to verify the need for oxygen in order for the doctor to prescribe as requested. I have called up just about anyone in the Dallas area that I can Google and I'm about out of options. If anyone has any ideas or thoughts here, I'd welcome the input.
Thank you!
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