The best carbon monoxide detector for pilots is one of the best defenses against a common hidden hazard. Carbon monoxide’s presence is often noticed too late because of its colorless, odorless nature.
Because carbon monoxide can be a difficult gas to detect, carbon monoxide detectors are essential accessories in aircraft cabins. In most cases, exhaust system failures are responsible for carbon monoxide in the cabin. The good news is that pilots have many excellent options, with many of the best being portable.
The price is also an important consideration. Although every pilot wants to stay within a reasonable budget, quality also needs to be kept in mind for overall performance.
Table of Contents
The Best Carbon Monoxide Detectors for Pilots Reviewed: Which Are Best?
The best carbon monoxide detector for pilots will be adaptable to different circumstances. Portable carbon monoxide detectors are the safety devices of choice for many pilots.
Any non-installed detector should offer a decent battery life. These detectors should also make it easy to tell when the batteries require replacement.
When choosing a carbon monoxide detector, the quality of the device is an important consideration. The better the quality, the longer the sensor will last.
Best Carbon Monoxide Detector for Pilots: The Top Choices Reviewed
Lunarlipes Handheld Carbon Monoxide Meter
The Lunarlipes Handheld Carbon Monoxide Meter is an excellent option because of its continuous monitoring capabilities. There are four modes that you can easily switch between.
You’ll have better accuracy thanks to the automatic calibration feature. The sensor has a lifespan of up to three years.
The detector is very lightweight and easy to carry in a flight bag that is any size. An automatic shutdown function makes it easier to help conserve power.
GZAIR SA103 Portable Carbon Monoxide Gas CO Detector
The GZAIR SA103 Portable Carbon Monoxide Gas CO Detector uses an electrochemical sensor to provide more accurate detection data. Light, sound, and vibration are all used to alert the user when carbon monoxide is detected.
This compact unit is dust-proof and water-proof. The durability is excellent because this meter has survived being dropped in tests.
The operating temperature range allows the meter to work in extreme highs and lows. If kept in a 24 hr working state, the meter can work continuously for up to two years.
Sensorcon AV8 Inspector AV8-CO-01 Carbon Monoxide Monitor
The Sensorcon AV8 Inspector AV8-CO-01 Carbon Monoxide Monitor is portable and lightweight, with a visual and audio alarm. One of the best features is a user-friendly interface.
FORENSICS DETECTORS Aircraft Carbon Monoxide CO Detector
The Aircraft Carbon Monoxide CO Detector is one of the best options for detecting carbon monoxide in an aviation setting, especially when exhaust leaks are an issue. The alarms work at recommended exposure levels as defined by regulatory agencies.
Alarms on this detector start to work within a minute of exposure. The warnings take the form of buzzers and bright red LED text.
This detector is easy to operate with a single button. Another excellent feature is being able to use the same batteries for up to a year before replacement.
DOEATOOW CO Carbon Monoxide Detector
The DOEATOOW CO Carbon Monoxide Detector features an electrochemical sensor that can last five years. The batteries can also provide continuous power for nine months.
This detector displays the carbon monoxide concentration in real-time. Visual and audio alerts are both available for better notifications.
The detector has a design that keeps vehicles, including aircraft, in mind. Single-button operation provides easier setup and usage.
FAQs
How do you discover carbon monoxide inside a cockpit?
Carbon monoxide detectors can save pilots’ lives by alerting them to dangerous carbon monoxide leaks. Some of the methods that these detectors use to alert pilots to trouble include audio alarms and LED displays.
What are the three carbon monoxide detector types?
Biomimetic, electrochemical, and metal oxide are the three kinds of carbon monoxide detectors most readily available on the market.
Arevco2 and carbon monoxide detectors the same?
No, these are two different types of alarms. Carbon dioxide alarms use infrared sensors to detect carbon dioxide, while carbon monoxide alarms use electrochemical sensors, metal oxide semiconductors, and gel sensors to detect carbon monoxide.
Are there portable carbon monoxide detectors?
Many companies make portable detectors that do not require wiring. These detectors have powerful batteries and are a compact in size, usually no bigger than most cell phones.
How do you know you might have carbon monoxide poisoning on a plane?
If you’ve been exposed to carbon monoxide, you might feel tired, have a headache, and blurry vision, feel dizzy and have weak muscles. Opening air vents and using supplemental oxygen are recommended.
What are the most typical causes of carbon monoxide in cockpits?
Carbon monoxide poisoning causes include aircraft turbine engines exhaust, exhaust from the auxiliary power unit (APU, and internal combustion engines.
Final Thoughts
Carbon monoxide is always a possible threat during flights, but a carbon monoxide detector will help keep you safe. Several models well-suited to aviation use are with keeping in mind.
