Generic Inflight Emergencies Practice Exam

Rapid decompression is indicated by an abrupt loss of cabin pressure that triggers an automatic response to keep passengers safe. The strongest telltale signs are a sudden drop in cabin pressure, which is the physical change in the environment, combined with passengers and crew noticing difficulty breathing due to the reduced oxygen, and the automatic deployment of passenger oxygen masks to supply oxygen immediately. These elements together show that the air inside the cabin has rushed out and the aircraft is supplying oxygen to maintain safety.

The other signals aren’t as specific to decompression. A computer warning and seat belt sign can appear for various reasons, not just a rapid loss of pressure. Changes in cabin temperature and noise can occur for several causes and aren’t definitive indicators. A gust of wind through doors isn’t a standard, reliable cue inside the pressurized cabin and doesn’t reliably reflect a rapid, aircraft-wide decompression event.