What must be monitored to ensure cabin pressurization is maintained?

Maintaining cabin pressurization is crucial for the safety and comfort of aircraft occupants during flight. The correct answer involves monitoring outflow rates and cabin altitude because these factors directly influence the cabin pressure inside the aircraft.

Outflow rates refer to the amount of air being expelled from the cabin, which is managed by the aircraft's pressurization system. If the outflow rate is too high, the cabin pressure will drop and could lead to hypoxia or discomfort for passengers and crew. Conversely, if the outflow rate is too low, it can lead to over-pressurization, which may cause structural issues in the aircraft.

Cabin altitude is the equivalent altitude at which the cabin pressure is maintained. It is vital to monitor this to ensure that the cabin pressure is within acceptable limits for passenger safety. If the cabin altitude rises too high, it could indicate a loss of pressurization, which is critical to address promptly.

Together, monitoring these two factors ensures that the cabin environment remains safe and comfortable for all aboard the aircraft.