Why are airplane cabins pressurized to 8000 feet?

The Cabin Altitude of a pressurised aircraft is normally maintained at and altitude of 8,000 ft or less as a compromise between the physiological needs of the crew and passengers and the structural limitations of the aircraft. At 8,000 ft the use of supplemental oxygen is not required.



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The primary problem is low oxygen, says Professor Frances Ashcroft, a physiologist at Oxford University. Low pressure would cause little more than discomfort in the ears and eyes, but the associated drop in oxygen levels makes people pass out if they do not put their oxygen masks on within about 15 seconds.

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This valve controls the cabin pressure and also acts as a safety relief valve, in addition to other safety relief valves. If the automatic pressure controllers fail, the pilot can manually control the cabin pressure valve, according to the backup emergency procedure checklist.

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If the plane is somehow kept pressurized, the cabin pressure is usually equivalent of 6000–8000 ft, which is lower pressure than the outside at sea level. Which means as soon as you unlock the door, it will swing inwards with a lot of force, as air from outside rushes in to re-pressurize the cabin.

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after the flight. Even if you are flying a pressurized aircraft, altitude DCS can occur as a result of sudden loss of cabin pressure (inflight rapid decompression).

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How high can you fly without a pressurized cabin? Most planes flying today use a cabin pressure control system that ensures safe and normal breathing for everyone onboard during flight. The general rule is that planes should have cabin pressurization when they go above 10,000 to 14,000 feet.

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Aerodynamic altitude: If a commercial airliner flies too high, it will encounter less dense air passing over the wings to create lift. This can cause the plane to stall and fall out of control. Depending on the weather conditions and aircraft weight, this can occur anywhere between 40,000 and 45,000 feet.

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Use the Valsalva maneuver during ascent and descent. Gently blow, as if blowing your nose, while pinching your nostrils and keeping your mouth closed. Repeat several times, especially during descent, to equalize the pressure between your ears and the airplane cabin.

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Some business jets can soar up to 15,000 meters, while most military aircraft can fly at this altitude or even a little higher. However, these aircraft tend to stay below 15,000 feet for safety reasons, as the air can become too thin and make it impossible to burn aviation fuel continuously.

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Why do the flight attendants touch the overhead compartment so often? Flight attendants don't just touch the ceiling for fun when they walk; the bottom of the overhead compartment has a scalloped area that provides a better grip when walking down a moving airplane.

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