New Study into Fumes on Passenger, Cargo Aircraft
Researchers are set to fly on a variety of cargo and passenger-carrying aircraft to establish if the fumes produced by these aircrafts’ engines have ill effects on those travelling in them.
The move comes after pilots and protestors alike highlighted how engine fumes were getting into aircraft cabins.
The British government is funding the study, which is being undertaken by Cranfield University.
According to the government, a need exists to ensure the health of those travelling on aircraft.
Pressurised Air
On the majority of aircraft, the engines feed pressurised air into the cabin. However, since this air travels through the engines, some are concerned that substances like oil may be added to what, ultimately, is inhaled by those on board.
Fume Events
Data produced by the CAA (Civil Aviation Authority) intimates 0.05 per cent of flights experience/report “fume events”. Complicating this statistic, however, is the fact that these events can be rapid, as well as hard to identify.
Frequently, the sole evidence of one having taken place is when pilots/ passengers report of having smelt something unusual.
Concerns over Boeing 757, BAE 146 Fumes
In terms of particular aircraft types, two modern commercial/cargo aircraft have sparked concern above all others – the Boeing 757 and the BAE 146.
Consequently, the Cranfield research team will fly in the cockpits of both aircraft.
Organophosphates
The research will closely assess whether the pressurised air is absorbing oil fumes on its journey, especially whether passengers/ crew members could potentially be breathing in damaging organophosphates.
Head researcher Helen Muir commented: "It's going to be difficult, and that is why we are using the latest equipment to do it. We do know we are looking for volatile organic chemicals to a very, very high level of accuracy.
"This sort of thing doesn't happen often in aviation."
Some research has already taken place. During a trial flight designed to put the equipment to test, the pilot told the researchers that he could smell something peculiar.
Takeoff Angle
A factor observed by Muir during this flight was the steep angle achieved after takeoff, prompting her to consider whether the pilot’s inputs could have led to the fumes entering the cabin on this occasion. As a result, she requested analysis be performed on the aircraft’s flight data recorder, and then for this to be studied with the report.
Prior to this new study, similar research was undertaken in 2007. The resulting report, produced by the Committee on Toxicity, suggested that no link could be found, but added that additional, follow-up research was required.
Contrarily, a number of longstanding protestors think that the fumes issue constitutes a significant problem, and one which passenger/ cargo carriers have been veiling away from the public.
Ultimately, the team’s research and findings could impact on the airline/ cargo sectors at large.
Source – Airport International’s Aviation Correspondent
