How does the Longitude 700 handle cabin altitude in case of pressurization failure?

• A. Increase cabin pressure to prevent decompression
• B. Ignore cabin altitude and continue normally
• C. Secure the crew, but continue flight at current altitude
• D. Initiate rapid descent to a safe altitude, don oxygen for crew and passengers, and follow QRH procedures

Answer: (D)

When cabin pressurization fails, the immediate danger is hypoxia from rising cabin altitude. The safest response is to get the airplane down to a breathable altitude as quickly as possible, while arming and using the aircraft’s oxygen system for everyone on board and following the prescribed emergency procedures in the QRH. Descending lowers the outside pressure the occupants would otherwise be exposed to, restoring adequate oxygen levels. Donning oxygen masks ensures a continuous supply regardless of how fast the descent occurs, and following the QRH ensures the system is isolated or commanded to safe modes and the situation is managed systematically. The other options won’t address the core risk—unbreathable cabin air—and could leave passengers and crew in danger, whereas rapid descent with oxygen and QRH compliance directly mitigates the hypoxia risk.