What is the function of the cabin altitude warning system?

The cabin altitude warning system is specifically designed to alert the flight crew when the cabin pressure exceeds safe limits, which is crucial for the safety and well-being of passengers and crew. Maintaining appropriate cabin pressure is essential for preventing hypoxia, as oxygen levels can become dangerously low at high altitudes without sufficient pressure.

This system continuously monitors the pressure in the cabin and is programmed to trigger an alert if it detects that the cabin altitude is rising above a pre-defined threshold, typically around 10,000 feet for many aircraft, indicating that the cabin is not adequately pressurized. Such warnings allow the crew to take prompt corrective actions, such as descending to a lower altitude or addressing any malfunction in the pressurization system.

The other options involve functions that are unrelated to cabin altitude safety. Monitoring engine performance, providing navigational guidance, and tracking aircraft weight and balance are all essential aspects of aircraft operation, but they do not pertain to the monitoring of cabin pressure and safety, which is the primary role of the cabin altitude warning system.