SESKStuff Everyone Should Know
SESK: Stuff Everyone Should Know · sesk.info/comm-carbon-monoxide-heater

You get a headache and drowsiness while using the cabin heater. What should you do first?

Shut off the heater and open the air vents.

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  1. Shut off the heater and open the air vents ✔
  2. Turn the heater up for more warmth
  3. Climb to cooler air and keep the heater on

Why: Carbon monoxide is colorless, odorless and tasteless and comes from exhaust fumes. Most light airplane heaters use exhaust heat, so cracks can leak CO. It cuts the blood's ability to carry oxygen.

Huh, didn't know that: Cracked exhaust manifolds and seals cause carbon monoxide accidents every year.

The dad joke
Meals during a flight are always plane and tasteless.
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References

Answer: Shut off the heater and open the air vents. Carbon monoxide is colorless, odorless and tasteless and comes from exhaust fumes. Most light airplane heaters use exhaust heat, so cracks can leak CO. It cuts the blood's ability to carry oxygen.

  1. AIM chapter 8 section 1, Fitness for Flight www.faa.gov/air_traffic/publications/atpubs/aim_html/chap8_section_1.html
    immediately shut off the heater and open air vents.
    Checked 2026-10-10.
  2. AIM chapter 8 section 1, Fitness for Flight www.faa.gov/air_traffic/publications/atpubs/aim_html/chap8_section_1.html
    Carbon monoxide is a colorless, odorless, and tasteless gas contained in exhaust fumes.
    Checked 2026-10-10.
  3. AIM chapter 8 section 1, Fitness for Flight www.faa.gov/air_traffic/publications/atpubs/aim_html/chap8_section_1.html
    Most heaters in light aircraft work by air flowing over the manifold.
    Checked 2026-10-10.

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