The Latest Air Filters for Post-COVID Flights
It’s no secret that COVID-19 changed the way we travel, forever. Airplane powerhouses are more aware than ever of the need for more advanced cabin air filtration, seeing as hundreds of people are breathing the same, recycled oxygen for hours on end. With serious concerns about the coronavirus spreading throughout cabin air, the European Aviation Safety Association (EASA) recently published a safety guidance bulletin. Here are three suggestions every mechanic needs to know:
#1: Industrial-Grade HEPA Filters
High-Efficiency Particulate Air (HEPA) filters can be installed in aircrafts, but recirculation fans should “never be stopped”. These circulate cabin air in its entirety in about 2-4 minutes, capturing a minimum of 99.7% of airborne pathogens.
#2: Avoiding Blocked Vents
This is crucial when it comes to maximizing air flow and preventing the spread of contamination. It’s recommended that recirculation and fresh air systems be operated to exchange the entire cabin’s air volume ahead of time before passengers board.
#3: Ending Recirculation Entirely
While it sounds extreme, if a plane’s re-circulation system doesn’t contribute towards critical functionality in-flight, then the potential to keep SARS-Cov-2 particles stagnant will prevent them from being captured by the aircraft’s filtration system.
Catching a flight is clearly no longer as simple as, well, catching a flight. Aircraft mechanics have their work cut out for them more than ever before. If you’re one of them, don’t make another move without our short-sleeve coverall. With comfort and breathability guaranteed, you can get the job done with confidence.
