CO (Carbon Monoxide poisoning) at altitude

[Kilted]

If anyone knows anything about CO poisoning in flight, I'd be grateful if they got in touch

Many thanks. .Kilted

[dirkdj]

Kilted,

I suppose you are talking about piston engines here.

CO is a by-product of the combustion process. If there are more fuel molecules than air molecules (exact proportion needed for perfect combustion = stoichiometric mixture), then CO is present in the chemical process. Very harmful if exhaust gasses leak into the cabin, occupants could get headache, faint or worse.

Best defense against CO: well maintained exhaust and heating system, flying lean of peak.

During lean of peak operations, NO CO is formed.

[Kilted]

Many thanks for the reply Krida

I understand what you are saying, but need to find out if anyone has experience of CO poisoning in aviation medicine to answer a simple query about a possible situation (unfortunately, I can't post it here!)

I appreciate your taking the time to respond. .Kilted

[gingernut]

Oh go on, don't just give us half a story, we won't tell anyone, honest ! No personal experience, but could find out the boring medical facts if required.