Commercial Pilot License (CPL) 2025 – 400 Free Practice Questions to Pass the Exam

The correct answer identifies the two recognized types of decompression. Rapid decompression occurs when there is a sudden loss of cabin pressure, which can happen due to a structural failure or a rapid ascent in altitude. This type of decompression can lead to immediate physiological effects on the occupants, including hypoxia and barotrauma, as the body has little time to acclimate to the changes in pressure.

Explosive decompression is an even more severe form where the pressure differential is exceptionally high, resulting in a near-instantaneous equalization of pressure. This can often cause physical destruction of the aircraft structure and a violent release of air from the cabin, posing significant threats to safety.

Recognizing these types is crucial for pilots and crew as it impacts emergency procedures and crew resource management. It emphasizes the importance of rapid recognition and response to ensure passenger safety and maintain control of the aircraft. The other options, while attempting to categorize decompression, do not accurately encompass the definitions and implications of decompression events as they are understood in aviation safety contexts.