During a decompression, what audible cue confirms that the pilots are aware of the situation?

• A. The PA 'Emergency Descent' is heard three times
• B. The flight deck lights up the cabin announcement system
• C. Passengers start moving to exit doors
• D. The autopilot initiates a descent automatically

Answer: (A)

During a decompression, the key is to have a clear, audible signal that the flight crew has recognized the emergency and is taking immediate action. Hearing the flight deck announce “Emergency Descent” over the cabin PA, and having that announcement repeated several times, provides a decisive, audible cue that the crew is aware and initiating the procedure. This repetition helps ensure everyone in the cabin, even with noise or distractions, understands that rapid descent is being commanded and that cabin crews should prepare and secure passengers.

Other options don’t provide the same confirmation. A visual cue from the flight deck through the cabin lighting isn’t audible, so it doesn’t serve as a clear audible notice. Passengers moving toward exits describes a reaction rather than a confirmation heard by the crew. Relying on the autopilot to descend automatically may occur as part of the procedure, but it doesn’t by itself confirm that the pilots have acknowledged the situation and signaled everyone to respond.