Originally Posted by
Fleet Warp
There is a sock. I know because I've changed them. It is an older design of environmental system like the A319/20.
The smell is not just oil, it is also mold, probably black mold because wet gym socks is what Black mold smells like. I know cause I've seen that too. There is always moldiness on and around the sock area, because it's always damp and it should be changed weekly but it is not required to be changed by regulations, so it doesn't happen.
I’m not doubting there is mold in there that may smell that way but when the airline acknowledges that the oil has that same smell when they have every motivation to deny it I’m going to believe them. Now if I’m stuck in a metal tube that’s pumping suspect air at me I’m going to do my best to remove it and if not possible divert. Best case it’s mold as you say (still not good), and worse case it’s toxic oil fumes that can damage your brain permanently. They smell the same. I hope I’m not on your flight while you decide to roll that dice.