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Free PSTAR practice Aeromedical

Damage to the ear drum in flight is most likely to occur

  1. Aduring a climb.
  2. Bduring a descent.Correct answer
  3. Cwhen using supplementary oxygen.
  4. Dafter SCUBA diving.

Why this is the answer

Per TC AIM-AIR (Middle Ear and Sinus Discomfort or Pain), ear-drum damage is most likely on descent: rising ambient pressure can force the Eustachian tube shut, trapping low pressure behind the drum and pushing it inward (barotrauma). On the climb, air escapes easily.

Reference

TC AIM-AIR – Middle Ear and Sinus Discomfort or Pain

Question reproduced verbatim from Transport Canada’s PSTAR Study and Reference Guide (TP 11919E). The answer key is Transport Canada’s; the explanation is ours.

A study aid — not a substitute for the official guide, the CARs, or your instructor.

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