Cabin Temperature (Sec 323)

Impact of temperature on aircraft cabins

The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) needs to assess the impacts of unusually high and low aircraft cabin air temperatures, and related ambient conditions such as humidity levels, on the health and safety of the passengers and cabin crew of commercial airlines. This study was directed in Section 323 of the 2024 FAA Reauthorization Act, with the study commencing not later than 120 days after the date of enactment of the Act. SEC. 323. STUDY ON IMPACTS OF TEMPERATURE IN AIRCRAFT CABINS. (a) STUDY.— (1) IN GENERAL.—Not later than 2 years after the date of enactment of this Act, the Secretary shall seek to enter into appropriate arrangements with the National Academies of Sciences, Engineering, and Medicine under which the National Academies shall conduct a 1-year study on the health and safety impacts of unsafe cabin temperature with respect to passengers and crewmembers during each season in which the study is conducted. (2) CONSIDERATIONS.—In conducting the study required under paragraph (1), the National Academies shall review existing standards produced by recognized industry organizations on safe air temperatures and humidity levels in enclosed environments, including onboard aircraft, and evaluate the validity of such standards as it relates to aircraft cabin temperatures. (3) CONSULTATION.—In conducting the study required under paragraph (1), the National Academies shall consult with the Civil Aerospace Medical Institute of the FAA, air carriers operating under part 121 of title 14, Code of Federal Regulations, relevant Federal agencies, and any applicable aviation labor organizations. (b) REPORTS.— (1) REPORT TO SECRETARY.—Not later than 180 days after the date on which the study under subsection (a) is completed, the National Academies shall submit to the Secretary a report on the results of such study, including any recommendations determined appropriate by the National Academies. (2) REPORT TO CONGRESS.—Not later than 60 days after the date on which the National Academies submits the report under paragraph (1), the Secretary shall submit to the appropriate committees of Congress a report describing the results of the study required under subsection (a), including any recommendations for further action determined appropriate by the Secretary.

Language

• English

Project

• Status: Active
• Funding: $521,700.00
• Contract Numbers:

  N/A

• Sponsor Organizations:

  Federal Aviation Administration

  800 Independence Avenue, SW
  Washington, DC  United States  20591
• Managing Organizations:

  Federal Aviation Administration

  800 Independence Avenue, SW
  Washington, DC  United States  20591
• Performing Organizations:

  Federal Aviation Administration

  Aerospace Medical Research and Safety Assurance Division
  6500 S. MacArthur Blvd
  Oklahoma City, OK  United States  73169
• Principal Investigators:

  Tvaryanas, Anthony

• Start Date: 20250710
• Expected Completion Date: 20260710
• Actual Completion Date: 0
• USDOT Program: Aeromedical Research
• Subprogram: aviation safety
• Source Data: N/A

Subject/Index Terms

• TRT Terms: Aircraft cabins; Aviation safety; Health; Passengers; Temperature measurement
• Subject Areas: Aviation; Passenger Transportation; Safety and Human Factors; Vehicles and Equipment;

Filing Info

• Accession Number: 01962516
• Record Type: Research project
• Source Agency: Federal Aviation Administration
• Contract Numbers: N/A
• Files: RIP, USDOT
• Created Date: Aug 5 2025 6:03PM