SESKStuff Everyone Should Know
SESK: Stuff Everyone Should Know · sesk.info/pilot-co-heater-shut-off

You smell exhaust and get a headache while the cabin heater is on. What should you do right away?

Shut off the heater and open the air vents immediately.

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  1. Turn the heater up to stay alert
  2. Shut off the heater and open air vents ✔
  3. Climb higher to find cleaner air

Why: Most light airplane heaters warm air over the exhaust manifold, so a crack can leak carbon monoxide into the cabin. Cut the source and bring in fresh air. Climbing only makes the oxygen problem worse.

Huh, didn't know that: Carbon monoxide grabs onto your blood about 200 times more easily than oxygen does.

The dad joke
Why did the pilot open the vents? The cabin heater was getting a little too exhausting.
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References

Answer: Shut off the heater and open air vents. Most light airplane heaters warm air over the exhaust manifold, so a crack can leak carbon monoxide into the cabin. Cut the source and bring in fresh air. Climbing only makes the oxygen problem worse.

  1. AIM Chapter 8 Section 1, Fitness for Flight www.faa.gov/air_traffic/publications/atpubs/aim_html/chap8_section_1.html
    should suspect carbon monoxide poisoning, and immediately shut off the heater and open air vents
    Checked 2026-10-09.

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Test yourself in the game

Flying & DronesCarbon monoxide from a leaky cabin heater causes which type of hypoxia?Flying & DronesWhich type of hypoxia comes from the lower pressure of oxygen at high altitude?Flying & DronesAlcohol and certain drugs can cause which type of hypoxia?

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