PLT188: Cabin Pressurization Control
What code PLT188 covers, why the FAA tests it, and how to study Cabin Pressurization Control before your checkride.
Recall cabin atmosphere control
What this means for your checkride
Pressurization maintains a comfortable and safe cabin environment when flying at high altitudes where the outside air is too thin to sustain normal breathing. Air is supplied to the cabin and an outflow valve regulates how much escapes, which sets the cabin altitude and rate of change. This lets the cabin stay at a lower effective altitude than the aircraft is actually flying.
Pilots of pressurized aircraft must understand how the system keeps cabin altitude in a safe range and what happens if it fails.
Where to study it
A code on your test report is an area of deficiency. An authorized instructor must review it with you and endorse that review before you take the practical test, and the examiner may revisit it during the oral. Study it until you can explain it out loud, not just recognize the answer.