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MD11forever
22nd Jul 2009, 08:37
Ok, I was thinking about this for a night and I'am stuck, maybe anybody can help on the subject.
The A330 FCOM says regarding Max Cabin Altitude:
- Max norm cabin ALT for flights shorter than 2.5 hours = 8000ft.
8000ft (752hPa/11PSI)-41000ft (179hPa/2.6PSI)=573hPa/8.4PSI

- Max norm cabin ALT for flights longer than 2.5 hours = 7350ft.
7350ft (772hPa/11.1PSI)-41000ft (179hPa/2.6PSI)=593hPa/8.5PSI

So my question is: Why is the greater differential pressure allowed on flights longer than 2.5 hours. My first thougt was as the structure gets stressed with higher Δp this should only be on short flights, but this is obviously wrong.
Any hints/clues? Thanks in advance for your help.

http://i32.tinypic.com/33mv145.png

Meikleour
22nd Jul 2009, 17:35
Shorter flights therefore more Pressurisation/Depressurisation CYCLES ergo more fatigue caused!
I was on the A330 when that option became available and as far as I recall that was the rationale.

MD11forever
23rd Jul 2009, 09:55
Meikleour, I see.
I was thinking on the correct topic, but not in cycles.
Shorthaul (less stress) x many
Longhaul (more stress) x less
Thank you for your answer.