During rapid descent, how does the A320 manage pressurization?

• A. The system automatically reduces cabin altitude through the outflow valves; pilots monitor and adjust as required; oxygen for crew.
• B. The crew must manually adjust the outflow valves to lower cabin altitude.
• C. Cabin altitude is held constant during descent.
• D. Outflow valves close to prevent any cabin altitude change.

Answer: (A)

During rapid descent, the A320’s pressurization system uses the outflow valves under automatic control to lower the cabin altitude. This venting of cabin air allows the inside pressure to follow the decreasing outside pressure, while the system keeps the differential pressure within safe limits. The flight crew monitors the pressure readings and can intervene if needed, and oxygen for the crew is available if a decompression or abnormal situation occurs. This approach differs from manually adjusting valves, keeping cabin altitude constant, or closing the valves to prevent change, which would not align with how the system safely manages pressurization during descent.