OSTIV Prize awarded to Patrick L. McLaughlin

OSTIV Prize awarded to:

Patrick L. McLaughlin

for his contribution to the safety of gliding by creating the  Mountain High Equipment EDS pulse-demand oxygen system

Citation

Awarded to the creator of the leading gliding oxygen system. Patrick's EDS system provides safe levels of oxygen for glider pilots while reducing oxygen consumption, thereby reducing required storage volume and weight.

Patrick founded Mountain High Equipment & Supply Company in 1985, best known for the EDS pulse demand oxygen system now used in most 02-equipped gliders worldwide.

Patrick used his in-depth knowledge of physiology and electronics to create and bring to our community the innovative EDS system, and has continued to refine and support the EDS system for decades. Patrick's EDS system has substantially improved the availability and safety of oxygen delivery to glider pilots with its on-demand delivery reducing the required volume of onboard 02 cylinders.  Its low cost and easy installation provides widespread access throughout our community. More than 25,000 EDS systems are now in use. Under Patrick's leadership Mountain High also designs and produces TSO'd oxygen systems for powered aircraft including general aviation, military, and larger commercial aircraft.

Patrick is an active glider pilot, sometimes competing in his Ventus 2bx. Patrick is also a member of the Perlan project, advising on 02 delivery and physiology as required for Perlan's high-altitude mission. In addition, Patrick contributed to the oxygen requirements of the Solar Impulse that circumnavigated the earth on solar power.

A couple decades ago, Greg Cole of Windaward Performance created the Sparrow Hawk SL to be an all electric self-launch motor-glider (based on his 11 meter Sparrowhawk glider). Patrick McLaughlin designed and built a prototype electric motor controller and retracting pylon system with an integrated single-lever pilot control.

One of JoeBen Bevert’s motors was used in the static electric demonstrator while the actual test flight program was completed using a W3 engine derated to emulate the performance of the intended electric motor & battery. Patrick McLaugjlin was chosen to be the test pilot performing the necessary flight tasks that included inflight deployment and retraction of the plylon.

Patrick also designed, built, and ran a completely self-contained (no external power or connections) electronic magneto drop-in replacement for general aviation engines. Hopefully Patrick will find time between oxygen projects to commercialize this great innovation so we could use it in our tow planes.