Smoke Detection — Page 292, Lesson 365

All right, let's move into the smoke detection section. We've covered the principles of detection, and now we're applying them to specific areas of the aircraft. First, cargo smoke detection. The detectors in the cargo bays operate on the same principle we've already discussed, but on modern aircraft, they do something more. They don't just give a warning; they give a flight deck warning of FIRE, and a suitable fire protection system is installed to deal with it. So the detection is tied directly to a suppression response. Now, let's talk about smoke hoods. This is a fairly recent addition to emergency equipment. Because of the training required to use one, they are only worn by flight and cabin crews—not passengers. The basic unit protects against all forms of smoke generated in a ground or flight emergency. It has a rubber neck seal that ensures complete insulation for the wearer. Oxygen is supplied via a self-contained system, and the duration is a minimum of 15 minutes. You'll know the oxygen is running out because you'll feel resistance to breathing. These hoods are stowed at flight crew stations and at cabin crew positions. There are two types in airline use. The first is the Cabox. It's stowed at the appropriate crew station in a sealed container, and it has a chemical oxygen generator installed. Before you use it, you must check that the quickstart cord is intact. The second type is the Drager. Like the Cabox, it's stowed in a sealed container, but no preflight check is required. It has a self-generating oxygen system actuated by a start cord. So, to summarize the key points: cargo detectors give a FIRE warning on the flight deck, and smoke hoods are crew-only, providing a minimum of 15 minutes of oxygen. The Cabox needs a quickstart cord check; the Drager does not.