Aero Medical Aspects of Cabin Pressurization for Military and Commercial Aircraft

Abstract

Whenever aircraft fly at high altitudes for long periods of time and over long distances, the foremost design requirement for aircrew efficiency and passenger comfort is cabin pressurization. In military aircraft, cabin pressurization is used to eliminate completely the need for continuous use of oxygen, to prevent aeroembolism only, or simply to reduce the cabin to a level where use of pressure breathing is not required. In commercial aircraft, the health, comfort, and safety of the passengers are of prime consideration. In military aircraft, a significant hazard introduced by cabin pressurization is explosive decompression caused by structural failure of the cabin when under enemy gunfire. Criteria are presented by which safe operating differentials may be chosen to minimize this hazard. The advantages of isobaric cabin altitudes below the now conventional 8,000-ft. level for military aircraft are reviewed as they apply to passengers of commercial aircraft. Finally, emergency procedures necessary for crew and passenger safety in case of failure of the cabin-pressurization system are discussed.