Originally Posted By: MostlyHarmless
Originally Posted By: Arney

In the event of sudden, catastrophic decompression at 35,000 feet, you'll have a half minute to one minute of useful conciousness. Plus factor in all the mayhem in the cabin and the stress.


Hmmm... how much of that time would be used just to realize that SOMETHING is happening, come to terms with the situation and decide that the right action is to go get an oxygen mask?

If you pass out - will you simply regain consciousness as soon as conditions have stabilized after the emergency descent? I would think so (and hope so!).

Hopefully you've not been tossed about too bad in the lavatory when the pilots made the dive from high altitude.


The pilots have quick-donning oxygen gear so they should be good. They practice this.

If it's truly sudden, massive decompression (why did this happen?) I think the maneuver is to roll the plane on its side and unload the wings into something like a sideways 0 g condition.
This drops the plane quickly and doesn't build up airspeed like a dive would. It's an acrobatic kind of maneuver because the emergency is very serious. Of course if there's doubt about structural integrity after the decomp then a less radical maneuver is done. So you'll be unconscious longer.

You aren't going to be returning to your seat easily during this maneuver.

Hopefully you didn't fly with a cold because your sinuses would likely be damaged in the event as well.