I made a post over in Spirit’s forum asking for comment here.

 

Yes, it's certainly possible (even probable?). "Fume Events" most often occur when the HP valve opens and they only last for a few seconds. A leaky APU or engine seal allows oil to collect in the bleed ducts. Then when the HP valve opens, that oil is pyrolyzed in the conditioned air ducting and the resultant "wet sock" smell is blasted into the cabin/cockpit depending on bleed system architecture. That "wet sock" smell is actually quite harmful. You may want to consider going to the hospital following an event like that. You should be checked for carbon monoxide exposure as soon as possible. Some of the symptoms of exposure are headaches, blurred vision, impaired cognition, etc...

Definitely watch the video; Eric Tellmann is well versed on the subject. Also, airlines and engine manufacturers are quick to discredit the real dangers due to their liability. Imagine the class action lawsuits coming their direction as this subject continues to gain traction? These companies have known for a very long time of the dangers their systems present to the airline crews and traveling public...it doesn't bode well for their collective futures.
As far as I know, the only airliner that isn't susceptible to fume events is the 787 due to it's pressurization/ air conditioning design (not part of the engine bleed air system).

 

AeroToxic Association | Supporting those affected by Aerotoxic Syndrome ? The Aerotoxic Association was founded in 2007 by Captain John Hoyte

Looks like the site has been re-worked. They used to have a "What your doctor needs to know" link. I'd have to dig around on the new site, but this is something you must bookmark, IMO.

 

From Spirit forum.

https://www.alliedpilots.org/Committ...ated-Cabin-Air

 

From 10:21 until 11:15 into the video presentation, there is discussion of an Airbus document that acknowledges engine oil will leak into the aircraft bleed air system and cause a musty smell. The end of the video has a listing of the References Cited for this Presentation, and the Airbus document information is repeated there as well. The In Service Information (ISI) reference that exists for the narrow body Airbus fleet relating to this issue is:

ISI Ref: 21.00.00018
A/C Type: A318 A319 A320 A321
Topic:
First Issue Date: 07-NOV-2013
Part Number:
Last Publication Date: 08-NOV-2013

 

Sounds similar to issues the Air Force and Navy/Marines have been having in their tactical and training jets since they ditched LOX for OBOGS based O2 delivery.

 

I can see the crazy lawsuits that would ensue, and the major risk to the profession if word of this gets out, resulting in decreased air travel, but airplane manufacturers really need to get on the ball and start designing their systems to prevent this from happening. I hope that Boeing’s new 797 is similar to the 787 in this respect, as it would be good to start phasing out those antiquated bleed systems, especially with the clean sheet designs (there is no excuse, putting those obviously faulty systems in new designs). I feel that Airbus is falling behind on this one and I’m not sure about Bombardiers’ system on the C Series but I for one, as a pilot and passenger would elect to fly on planes less likely to poison my brain, seat width be damned...

 

I don't think it's the same issue as the military problem with OBOGS/MSOGS. I have 1000+ hours in OBOGS/MSOGS aircraft without a single incident, and then there was a huge increase after I quit flying those. So I think the military had *something* change in the system that is causing the problem, and they just can't figure out why the system goes from being just fine to being really bad across multiple fleets. My personal bet is that a supplier (or multiple suppliers) changed and there are parts in use that makes it not work right anymore even though they technically test OK on the bench. But that's just my guess.

 

I always thought it was CQ making me wacky.

 

In the 880's when they wacked the turbo's and went to ram air, they called it "Perfumed Esther."