Decompression

Question 1

What is decompression?

Answer 1

It is defined as the inability of the aircraft’s pressurization to maintain it’s designed pressure schedule.

Question 2

What can decompression be caused by?

Answer 2

• A malfunction in the system itself
• By structural damage to the aircraft

Question 3

What is a result of decompression?

Answer 3

Cabin fog is a result due to the rapid temperature drop and change in relative humidity.

Question 4

How will decompression affect the human body?

Answer 4

Air will escape from the lungs through the nose and mouth because of sudden lower pressure outside of the lungs.

Question 5

What is explosive decompression?

Answer 5

• it is a change in cabin pressure faster than the lungs can decompress
• which results in major lung damage
• likely to occur in small aircrafts

Question 6

What is rapid decompression?

Answer 6

• it is a change in cabin pressure where the lungs are able to decompress faster than the cabin
• lung damage is significantly reduced in this scenario

Question 7

What is gradual or slow decompression?

Answer 7

• it is dangerous because it may not be detected
• automatic visual and aural warning systems generally provide an indication of slow decompression

Question 8

What is the recovery process from decompression?

Answer 8

• the process of recovery from all types of decompression are similar
• oxygen masks should be donned, and a rapid descent should be insisted as soon as possible to avoid hypoxia