Aircraft Systems - 09 - Enviromental System

Summary

The video explains how the environmental system of an airplane ensures cabin comfort by regulating air and heat. Pilots control cabin heat and airflow based on external temperatures, with a cabin heat valve used to warm the air during winter. In summer, outside air is vented to cool the cabin. General aviation planes usually lack air conditioning, but climbing to higher altitudes where the air is cooler can provide relief. The system is designed to maintain comfort despite varying temperatures during flight, making adjustments for seasonal changes.

Takeaways

• 😀 The airplane's environmental system provides fresh air and heat to the cabin.
• 😀 Pilots can control the air flow and temperature entering the cabin to ensure comfort.
• 😀 There are typically two controls in General Aviation airplanes: cabin heat and cabin air.
• 😀 In winter, the pilot can turn on the cabin heat to warm the cabin when outside temperatures are cold.
• 😀 The cabin heat valve allows outside air to pass over the exhaust muffler, which heats the air before it enters the cabin.
• 😀 During summer, the pilot can cool the cabin by opening the cabin air control to let in outside air.
• 😀 Outside air is scooped into the airplane and vented into the cabin through the same vents as the heater.
• 😀 Some airplanes may have additional vents for bringing in cooler outside air.
• 😀 Many General Aviation aircraft lack air conditioning, so climbing to higher altitudes can provide cooler air.
• 😀 The pilot must adjust the cabin environment to maintain comfort based on the varying external temperatures.

Q & A

What is the primary function of the environmental system in an airplane?

The environmental system in an airplane provides fresh air and heat to the cabin to ensure comfort for passengers and crew.

Why does the pilot need to control the airflow and heat entering the cabin?

The pilot must control the airflow and heat entering the cabin because airplanes operate in various temperatures depending on their location, and it's important to maintain a comfortable environment inside the cabin.

What are the two main controls for cabin temperature in General Aviation airplanes?

In General Aviation airplanes, the two main controls for cabin temperature are the cabin heat control and the cabin air control.

How does the cabin heating system work in colder months?

In colder months, the pilot can turn on the cabin heat. The cabin heat valve allows outside air to pass over the exhaust muffler shroud, which heats the air. This heated air is then ducted into the cabin.

What happens when the outside temperature is warmer than desired?

When the outside temperature is warmer than desired, the pilot can cool the cabin by venting outside air in through the cabin air control.

How is outside air vented into the cabin to cool it down?

Outside air is scooped into the airplane and vented into the cabin through the same vents used for heating, and additional vents may also be available to bring in cooler outside air.

Do most General Aviation airplanes have air conditioning?

Most General Aviation airplanes are not equipped with air conditioning.

What is the solution for cooling the cabin if there is no air conditioning?

If there is no air conditioning, the cabin can be cooled by simply climbing to a higher altitude, where the air is cooler.

What is the role of the cabin heat valve?

The cabin heat valve allows outside air to pass over the exhaust muffler shroud, heating the air, which is then ducted into the cabin.

Why is controlling the cabin environment particularly important in aviation?

Controlling the cabin environment is important to ensure that passengers and crew remain comfortable despite the varying temperatures encountered at different altitudes and geographic locations.