The Clarinet BBoard

The Clarinet BBoard The C4 standard

New Topic | Go to Top | Go to Topic | Search | Help/Rules | Smileys/Notes | Log In

Previous Message | Next Message

Re: clarinets underneath plane

Author: Hank Lehrer
Date: 2004-06-04 16:21

Hi DS,

Glad to provide some info on air carrier's cargo holds. It is not often that one gets to offer aeronautical advice on a clarinet BB.

You are correct about the pressure vessel extending to the cargo hold. However, one thing that people may not know is that the cabin (and the hold) climb to about 6,000 to 7,000 feet when the airplane is at cruise altitude. Manintaing the vessel at what is called maximum differential is about all that can be expected of the pressurization system while at FL 360 and above. Animals seem OK on this as well as all of us in the cabin.

A small experiment is to have one of those blowup neck pillows and inflate in almost full; at cruise, your pillow will be very firm since the air pressure in the pillow is greater than the cabin. For landing, the pilot will usually set the pressurization to 50 feet less than field elevation on the descent and the cabin will slowly descend. This operation prevents a big pop on landing since there is often what is called a squat switch on one of the landing gears that "dumps" the cabin pressurization on landing.

For the temperature issue, the flight deck crew has active temperature indications for the hold to prevent too cold or too hot (perhaps a fire). Remember the outside air tempurature goes very quickly to -30 degree Celsius at altitude and becomes what is called cold-soaked after a period of time. If a bag is against the skin or a rib while in the hold, conduction will cool the bag.

The only real restriction that I know of that one needs to be concerned about that is not very common is the use of dry ice. If a pet is close to that container, oxygen will be depleted. The loading crew are usually aware of those packages since they are consider hazardous material and are required to be well marked.

I think that's about enough of this stuff.

Hank Lehrer, ATP, CFII, CE500

PS I would not put anything of value in the hold or let it out of my sight at any time. I'd go so far as to check and see what an extra piece of carry-on will cost you. Explain to the airlines what you require.

Post Edited (2004-06-07 00:23)

Reply To Message | Avail. Forums | Flat View

Newer Topic | Older Topic

Topics

Author

Date

clarinets underneath plane new

Aussie Nick

2004-06-04 13:51