What is the impact of altitude on cabin pressure?

Increased altitude reduces cabin pressure because as an aircraft ascends, the external atmospheric pressure decreases. The cabin is pressurized to maintain a comfortable environment for passengers and crew, but if an aircraft climbs without sufficient pressurization, the available pressure inside the cabin will drop. This drop in cabin pressure can lead to discomfort or potential health risks for individuals on board, such as hypoxia, where the body does not receive enough oxygen.

To manage this, aircraft are equipped with pressurization systems that help maintain a safe and comfortable cabin environment despite the changes in outside atmospheric pressure. The principles of physics dictate that as altitude increases, the ability of the aircraft to maintain cabin pressure becomes more critical. Therefore, understanding this relationship is essential for aircrew operations and safety management during flight.