Decompression Procedures

071-02-06Pablo Asensio Martínez2026-04-011 min

Types of Decompression

  • Explosive: Very fast (< 1 sec). Lungs can be damaged due to expanding air. Fog in cabin (adiabatic cooling).
  • Rapid: Fast but lungs can vent.
  • Slow: Gradual loss. Dangerous because it may go unnoticed (insiduous hypoxia).

Immediate Actions (Memory Items)

Passenger oxygen mask

  1. Oxygen Masks: ON and 100% (Emergency).
  2. Communications: Establish between flight crew.
  3. Descent: Initiate Emergency Descent if cabin altitude exceeds 10,000 ft (or structural damage suspected).
    • Turn off airway (usually 30-45 degrees).
    • Speed Brakes: Extend.
    • Thrust: Idle.
    • Target Altitude: 10,000 ft or MSA (whichever is higher).

Post-Descent

  • Check for structural damage.
  • Assess fuel endurance (higher consumption at low altitude).
  • Check passengers for hypoxia/injuries.