Flight Crew Air Transport Pilot (ATP); Flight Crew Instrument; Flight Crew Multiengine
Confusion
Deviation / Discrepancy - Procedural Published Material / Policy; Deviation / Discrepancy - Procedural FAR
Procedure; Company Policy; Environment - Non Weather Related; Human Factors
Face masks may be used during flight as a preventative measure against the spread of COVID-19. This poses significant safety compromises.The over/continued use of face masks has been linked to unconsciousness due to insufficient oxygen intake/excessive carbon dioxide intake.Masks also cause communications barriers in already noisy fight decks. Should an explosive decompression occur; time of useful consciousness at typical flight levels is approximately 15-30 seconds. Time is critical. Modern airliners utilize quick-don pilot oxygen masks for a reason. Has the FAA conducted extensive testing verifying face masks will not interfere with oxygen mask use? If not; face masks must be removed before oxygen mask use. A process that will take critical time at a critical time. Should the face mask be pulled down below the chin or should it be remove above the head? How will a tied face mask be quickly untied?  Pilots have received zero training in these tasks. These questions pose serious risks until they are analyzed.Because of the extreme risks to flight safety should oxygen masks be immediately required; the FAA must immediately intervene and prohibit face mask use during flight until they have specifically tested various face mask types and determine which; if any; are safe for use in flight.
Air carrier Captain reported significant safety compromises with wearing face masks during the COVID-19 pandemic and associated problems with oxygen masks.