How many minutes of oxygen will the passenger oxygen generator provide?

• A. 8 minutes
• B. 10 minutes
• C. 12 minutes
• D. 13 minutes

Answer: (D)

Passenger oxygen systems are designed to provide a finite amount of oxygen after a depressurization so passengers can safely descend to a breathable cabin altitude. The oxygen you get from the passenger generators is produced by chemical oxygen generators that activate when the masks are deployed, delivering oxygen for a fixed duration. That duration is typically around 13 minutes in standard configurations, which is enough time for the aircraft to descend to a safer altitude and for everyone to stabilize while oxygen is still available.

The other durations listed are shorter than the design the question is testing for. Eight or ten minutes would generally be insufficient to cover the descent and recovery period, and twelve minutes is close but not the rating used in this scenario. Therefore, thirteen minutes is the best answer because it reflects the intended, safe supply duration built into the passenger oxygen system.