[GOPJ]

The most interesting discussion I have seen so far is whether you could kill the passengers by depressurizing at 45,000 feet without doing yourself in as well. I would think the sudden pressure change might be fatal even if you had oxygen. Also, is the oxygen generator for the passengers something that could be turned off?

I asked a similar question and got an answer from another freeper... I'll find it and be back in a sec...

[GOPJ]

http://www.freerepublic.com/focus/news/3133545/posts?page=162#162

To: GOPJ

Hypoxia (oxygen starvation) will lead first to unconsciousness then without oxygen, cardiac arrest and death is probably 2-3 minutes after the cabin atmosphere equals the 45,000’ pressure.

Essentially it’s a suffocation death. At least ya pass out first. You are trying to breathe, but it’s not doing any good.

Cabin heat is controlled separately from cockpit heat. The flight crew controls it from the flight deck. Same for the cargo hold. Cargo has been ruined and pets killed by crews who forget to maintain pressure and temp in the cargo hold.

Freezing would take a bit longer.

162 posted on Saturday, March 15, 2014 5:21:11 PM by Blueflag