What is the recommended maximum cabin altitude for general aviation aircraft without supplemental oxygen?

The recommended maximum cabin altitude for general aviation aircraft without supplemental oxygen is 14,000 feet. At and above this altitude, pilots and passengers may experience hypoxia, which is a deficiency in the amount of oxygen reaching the body's tissues. The physiological effects of altitude begin to manifest as the cabin altitude rises, making it crucial to limit exposure without supplemental oxygen.

At lower altitudes, namely up to 12,000 feet, most individuals can generally perform without supplemental oxygen for short durations without significant adverse effects. However, as altitude increases beyond this point, the risk of hypoxia becomes more pronounced. By setting the threshold at 14,000 feet, regulations aim to ensure safety by encouraging the use of supplemental oxygen at altitudes where physiological impairments can become problematic. This ensures that pilots maintain alertness and the ability to operate the aircraft safely, thereby lowering the risk of altitude-related accidents.