Detection and Prevention of Carbon Monoxide Exposure

Department of Transportation in the interest of information exchange. The United States Government assumes no liability for the contents or use thereof. The United States Government does not endorse products or manufacturers. Trade or manufacturer's names appear herein solely because they are considered essential to the objective of this report. This document does not constitute FAA Flight Standards or FAA aircraft certification policy. Consult your local FAA Flight Standards and FAA aircraft certification office as to its use. Exposure to carbon monoxide (CO), which is formed by the incomplete combustion of carbon-containing materials such as aviation fuels, is associated with headache, dizziness, fatigue, and at elevated doses, death. Exhaust system failures in general aviation (GA) aircraft can result in CO exposure. When this occurs in an aircraft, the end result could be an accident. This research on detection and prevention of CO exposure in GA aircraft addressed the following objectives: (1) to identify protocols to quickly alert users to the presence of excessive CO in the cabin and (2) to evaluate inspection methods and maintenance practices with respect to CO generation. These objectives were accomplished by review of (1) the National Transportation Safety Board database for CO-related incidents/accidents, (2) current CO detector technology, and (3) industry inspection and maintenance practices, Advisory Circulars, and FAA regulations with respect to GA exhaust systems.