Commercial Pilot License (CPL) Practice Exam

The correct answer refers to a scenario where the cabin pressure decreases so quickly that the pressure within the lungs does not have enough time to adjust, leading to a significant difference in pressure between the inside of the lungs and the external environment. This condition can result in serious medical incidents, such as barotrauma, where the lungs can rupture due to the inability to equalize pressure swiftly.

In the context of aviation, explosive decompression is particularly concerning because it can happen unexpectedly, often due to structural failure or severe damage to the aircraft’s fuselage. This rapid change can cause oxygen levels to drop suddenly, leading to hypoxia and loss of cabin altitude awareness.

While other forms of decompression, such as slow or controlled decompression, involve a more gradual change in pressure which allows the body time to acclimatize, they do not present the immediate and severe risks associated with explosive decompression. Therefore, recognizing the dangers of explosive decompression is vital for pilots and crew members in ensuring passenger safety and implementing emergency protocols effectively.