Some modern commercial transport aircraft, such as the Bombardier Global Express XRS, can be safely pressurized (the structures are stronger) on every flight at 4,500 MSL, making them ideal for patient transport.
With due respects to Drnee, there should be no increased pressure exerted on the skull in the cabin. Commercial airliners are routinely pressurized to the equivelant of 8,000 ft above sea level, which decreases the oxygen in the cabin by four percent. This results in a slightly increased rate of breathing. Supplemental oxygen should not be necessary. Most airliners with recent manufacture fleets can have the pressure adjusted to 6,000 ft above sea level, however the airlines are reluctant to do so because the number of pressurization cycles is a factor in aircraft life. If airplanes were routinely pressurized to 6,000 ft above sea level, the fatigue stresses would reduce the airframe life. The new Boeing 787 is designed to be routinely pressurized to 6,000 ft above sea level. This will result in substantially increased passenger comfort. The first thing to do is to contact the airline you intend to fly and see if they have a flight leaving with the capability of 6,000 ft pressurization, and if they would request the flight engineer to provide such pressurization on the flight you are on. If not, 8,000 foot pressurization should not present any special difficulties.
Hi
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There will be some amount of increased pressure exerted on the skull in the air cabin. Post head injury accident victims are air lifted too. So travel after head injury is possible. If your father is now stable and there is no chance of hemorrhage, then he can travel. Talk to his doctors. You will need to inform the airlines. Generally head is kept in reclining position, a seat given in the front where the air pressure is minimum, oxygen mask is given as a precautionary measure and if need be a medical doctor accompanies.
If you get a green signal from your father’s doctors, then only plan the air travel and take their advice too regarding what precautions should be taken because they know his case best. Take care!
Hi, did you get a reply or were able to gather additional information on this topic. My father was in an accident in India and suffered a skull fracture. His physical and mental condition is stable but he wants to return to the US later this month (a little over a month following the accident). Just interested in what you heard on the potential risks.
Thanks