Which system is responsible for maintaining cabin pressure during flight?

The environmental control system is responsible for maintaining cabin pressure during flight. This system regulates the air quality and pressure within the cabin, ensuring that it remains comfortable and safe for passengers and crew at various altitudes.

During flight, as the aircraft ascends, the external air pressure decreases, making it necessary to have a system that can pressurize the cabin to counteract this effect. The environmental control system performs this function by utilizing a combination of air conditioning, heat, and ventilation to maintain an appropriate cabin atmosphere. In the case of light aircraft like the Cessna 172, which generally operates at lower altitudes, the emphasis on cabin pressure management is less pronounced than in larger, pressurized aircraft, but the principle remains the same to ensure comfort.

Other systems, such as the fuel system, hydraulic system, and electrical system, serve distinctly different functions. The fuel system deals with fuel storage and delivery to the engine, hydraulic systems manage flight control surfaces and other mechanical functions, and the electrical system powers various instruments and components within the aircraft. Therefore, the environmental control system is the appropriate choice for managing cabin pressure.