Rapid Decompression

[BigJetDriver]

Under your scenario, why would the pilots NOT descend to a lower level EVEN if no landing area is possible? If a rapid decompression occurs, you're assuming that the Pilots would insist to fly at altitude and all passengers keep their O2 masks on? Kinda risky.

Perhaps, bigjet would comment on whether or not pilots do or don't descend after a rapid decompression.

The passenger oxygen in modern jets is supplied by chemical production units, otherwise known as "oxygen candles". Once activated, they have a useful production time of thirty (30) minutes.

We have a lot longer, given the size of our oxygen supply. We will NOT remain at altitude for any length of time, however. We will begin descent procedures immediately, because we want you and yours to be OK, and not resemble human popsicles!

The ETOPS plans all call for the aircraft to descend to 10,000 ft first, and then fly to the alternate destination, so fuel planning is based on that.

At altitude, if one pilot leaves the cockpit to go to the head, the other pilot puts on the mask. If there are two pilots in the seat, it is not required. We have quick donning masks next to our seats.

 

[DiveGolfSki]

We have a lot longer, given the size of our oxygen supply. We will NOT remain at altitude for any length of time, however. We will begin descent procedures immediately, because we want you and yours to be OK, and not resemble human popsicles!

The ETOPS plans all call for the aircraft to descend to 10,000 ft first, and then fly to the alternate destination, so fuel planning is based on that.

Thanks BigJet, so I guess ArticDiver that while DCS from Rapid Decompression is POSSIBLE but it is not PROBABLE given that the pilots will descend quickly irrespective of whether or not landing is possible.

 

[Dr Deco]

A commercial airliner would always descend if there was a decompression problem. [A military flight might be a different story.]

 

[ArcticDiver]

The passenger oxygen in modern jets is supplied by chemical production units, otherwise known as "oxygen candles". Once activated, they have a useful production time of thirty (30) minutes.

We have a lot longer, given the size of our oxygen supply. We will NOT remain at altitude for any length of time, however. We will begin descent procedures immediately, because we want you and yours to be OK, and not resemble human popsicles!

The ETOPS plans all call for the aircraft to descend to 10,000 ft first, and then fly to the alternate destination, so fuel planning is based on that.

At altitude, if one pilot leaves the cockpit to go to the head, the other pilot puts on the mask. If there are two pilots in the seat, it is not required. We have quick donning masks next to our seats.

Thanks for the technology and procedures update. It is amazing what technology has done for safety and comfort. It hasn't been that long ago that in some areas airplanes would be stuck at altitude because they just couldn't carry enough fuel to make the trip at low altitudes.

This whole discussion, by the way, is in a civilian context. Military are just as subject to hyperbaric effects, well maybe not quite as much since they are supposed to be in better phycical condition than the general population, but their mission may compromise their ability to descend immediately.

 

[Dr Deco]

Hello readers:

The admonition against moving around in the cabin applied to the decompression scenario. Most likely, individuals would remain seated so that they could have access to the oxygen masks.

When the cabin is not experiencing an emergency decompression – this is most of the time - movement is good, since it promotes blood flow. It should help to mitigate deep vein thrombosis.

Dr Deco :doctor:

 

[BigJetDriver]

Hello readers:

The admonition against moving around in the cabin applied to the decompression scenario. Most likely, individuals would remain seated so that they could have access to the oxygen masks.

Dr Deco :doctor:

Actually, Doc, they might well move around, but it's okay, it will only be for 30 seconds or so!

Rob