"121 Cockpit, Schmockpit" Double Standards
08-25-2010, 07:56 PM
#32
Moderate Moderator
Joined APC: Mar 2008
Position: Curator at Static Display
Posts: 5,681
Delta-P Makes my Blood Boil
1. Fighters are usually in the 5 psi differential range (at least, the ones I've flown/flown in).
2. Boiling blood occurs at or above about FL500. (ie, water boils at about 98 degrees at a pressure of 75 mb).
3. Rapid Decompression can cause Nitrogen narcosis at lower altitudes, and you can be incapacitated even if you are on 100% oxygen for the entire event (if the bubbles end up in your noggin).
2. Boiling blood occurs at or above about FL500. (ie, water boils at about 98 degrees at a pressure of 75 mb).
3. Rapid Decompression can cause Nitrogen narcosis at lower altitudes, and you can be incapacitated even if you are on 100% oxygen for the entire event (if the bubbles end up in your noggin).
08-26-2010, 05:28 AM
#33
Super Moderator
Joined APC: Dec 2007
Position: DAL 330
Posts: 6,870
Originally Posted by jagbn
Ziggy . . . I must be a zombie then. I have managed to survive two explosive decompressions (both in the low 20's) and one intentional rapid decompression due to smoke in the cockpit, cabin alt going from 12000 ft to FL400 in less than 10 seconds. Yep, 40,000 feet.
You are absolutely correct that the air in your lungs expands rapidly, which feels weird, causes an involuntary cough/exhalation, but is otherwise not fatal. Sorry, no blood boiling, no blown capillaries, no bleeding, no pain, and no death.
Getting your mask on is in fact your primary goal. At those high altitudes, loss of consciousness can occur in just a few seconds. All my events were in a military aircraft, so I already had the mask on.
You are absolutely correct that the air in your lungs expands rapidly, which feels weird, causes an involuntary cough/exhalation, but is otherwise not fatal. Sorry, no blood boiling, no blown capillaries, no bleeding, no pain, and no death.
Getting your mask on is in fact your primary goal. At those high altitudes, loss of consciousness can occur in just a few seconds. All my events were in a military aircraft, so I already had the mask on.
The fact is different people respond to the this differently. Apparently Jagbn has a good tolerance in this area (now if we can only get him to work on his O2 system pre-flights
). While one person may easily pass out quickly in a rapid "D" situation at 35K another may have a few more seconds of useful consciousness.Also a rapid "D" at 20K is a lot different situation then a Rapid "D" at 35K.
Scoop
08-28-2010, 04:55 AM
#34
Gets Weekends Off
Joined APC: Dec 2008
Position: RJ driver
Posts: 320
Originally Posted by Zapata
I have seen many posts, i.e. "250 hour wonders have no business in a 121 cockpit" et al. Fine, I agree. My point; Why make a distinction between a 135 and 121 cockpit?
08-28-2010, 06:48 AM
#35
Day puke
Joined APC: Feb 2006
Position: Out.
Posts: 3,865
Originally Posted by Jake Wheeler
The number of passengers who are killed in an accident. 30 or less is a bad day. 31 or more is a tragedy. Sad, but true.
