Originally Posted By: Hanscom
At cruise altitude if there is a rapid decompression of the cockpit the flight crew would have less than ten seconds of useful consciousness.


Hanscom,

A pilot experiencing explosive decompression at altitudes around 35,000 feet would have from 30 seconds to several minutes of useful conciousness - and it takes only a few seconds to have an oxygen mask on. It is more likely that they were occupied and did not think to communicate (the old pilots addage is aviate, navigate, communicate - in that order). If they were busy flying the aircraft, they might not have thought to radio in.

Respectfully,

Jerry