Boarding Cargo hold Cockpit Automatic guidance Surveillance Surveillance Air marshals Weapons Depressurisation Boarding Cargo hold Cockpit Automatic guidance Surveillance Surveillance Air marshals Weapons Depressurisation
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8: Depressurisation

As a last resort the cabin could be depressurised as a diversionary tactic.

At low altitudes this will be ineffective, and at higher altitudes would be fatal within a short period.

At other heights it may be possible to render attackers breathless and disorientated for a short time - perhaps enough for air marshals to regain the initiative.

When a commercial plane depressurises, oxygen masks should drop down from overhead compartments. Industry experts doubt whether an override system would be desirable or feasible.

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