Cabin altitude

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Definition of “Cabin Altitude

Cabin altitude refers to the air pressure inside an aircraft cabin in relation to the equivalent altitude above sea level. It is essentially the altitude of the location where the air pressure is the same as that found in the cabin of the aircraft.

Maintaining a lower cabin altitude is important in ensuring the comfort and safety of passengers and crew during flight. High altitudes can lead to a variety of health concerns, including hypoxia, altitude sickness, and even death.

Cabin altitude is controlled through the use of aircraft pressurization systems, which maintain a relatively constant pressure within the cabin as the aircraft ascends and descends. These systems are designed to effectively balance the pressure outside the aircraft with the pressure inside, ensuring that passengers and crew members can breathe comfortably and safely.

It is important to note that cabin altitude is not the same as actual altitude, which refers to the height of the aircraft above sea level. While cabin altitude may be significantly lower than actual altitude (depending on the aircraft and flight conditions), it is still an important factor to consider in air travel.

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