If a plane is pressurized on takeoff, why do your ears still pop, since the pressure is constant in the plane?

Answer 1

The answers so far are correct but I'll just explain it a little bit differently. As the airplane flies up to 31,000' the CABIN of the airplane is "climbing" to about 8,000 feet. It's THIS change in pressure that you're feeling.

As stated previously, if you tried to maintain sea level pressure up to high altitudes the fuselage wouldn't be able to withstand the relatively high interior pressure and would "pop". THEN your ears would REALLY pop!!!

Answer 2

The cabin pressure doesn't stay constant. As the plane gains altitude, the cabin pressure decreases. This can be done manually by the co-pilot...if he has time...But normally its set to climb with the aircraft but at a much slower rate. The aircraft structure is not strong enough to maintain 29.92 all the way to 450FL

Answer 3

the aircraft is pressurized but it does not stay at the pressure at the surface .as you climb there is a diferential in pressure between the inside and the outside of the plane however it will not remain at no aircraft made to date can maintain 15 psi differential that would maintain the pressure at the surface all the way to altitude.typically it would be at 8 to 9 psi so ther will be some pressure drop that you feel at take off.in some cases the out flow valves that maintain the pressure in a plane dont work as smooth as others you can feel this in your ears as well kinnd of a bump feeling

Answer 4

I know how you feel. I have the same problems - especially when I sit in the back of the plane. My dad always tells me to pinch my nose, hold my breath and blow out until you pop your ears except I can't do it. All I can tell you is to try that and if that doesn't work grab someones wrist and get ready for some ear popping. Sorry I wasn't that much help!

Answer 5

They don't set a constant pressure they set a constant differential pressure. The difference between the outside and inside remains the same as adjusted in the cockpit.

Answer 6

actually the pressure isn't constant, as the plane gains altitude, they increase the cabin pressure, as it loses altitude, the lower the pressure. That's why you ears "pop" during the flight.

Answer 7

The reference to an 8,000 foot cabin at 31,000 feet is not universal. Modern private jets can maintain a 5,000 to 7,000 foot cabin above 40,000 feet and 2,000 to 3000 feet at 31,000 feet. Incidentally, I flew to Aspen recently (elevation 7800 feet). We had to climb the cabin for landing and we had to descend it as we climbed, so don't overlook the role of airport elevation.

Answer 8

They don't keep the cabin pressure at field elevation or sea level pressure.