What to Do When Your Plane Decompresses

Although the rapid decompression of the Qantas Boeing 747 on July 25th was nothing short of bizarre, the pilots executed an emergency landing successfully in time to return to acceptable air pressure leaving passengers, though frightened, unharmed. Although the large gash that caused the decompression is not a common occurrence, the decompression that ensures is, according to experts, survivable.

Once the decompression occurs - typically due to structural strain in the plane's shell, as in the case of the Qantas jet - a dramatic loss of pressure will overtake the passenger compartment, causing ears to pop and most likely eliciting a very intense pain which could result in temporary hearing problems.

Once pilots become aware of the change in pressure, which will simultaneously occur in the cockpit, they will steer the plane to a lower altitude dramatically, which may seem apocalyptic - though it is the quickest remedy for the pressure affliction. Todd Curtis, an engineer for Boeing says "It may seem like the aircraft is going through a radical maneuver, and it is radical compared to normal flying, but this is standard protocol."

While the pilots attempt to reach a lower altitude safely, it is likely that the oxygen masks will drop from the ceiling, which will enable passengers to breathe more comfortably until the plane reaches a point at which the air is breathable for humans. As the tired and often ignored safety instructions demonstrate, it is most important that you put your own mask on before assisting others, because it may only be a matter of seconds before you lose consciousness.

Additionally, it may not be uncommon to see what looks like smoke in the air, but this is merely fog or mist that comes from the sudden change in pressure. The flight will continue and passengers will normally remain calm, as seen in the case of the Qantas flight.