What state is the airplane in during unpressurized ground operations?

During unpressurized ground operations, the airplane is in a state where the cabin is not pressurized. This is typical for airplanes during ground handling, taxiing, and during engine runs when the aircraft is on the ground, as there is no need for cabin pressure to be maintained.

When in this condition, atmospheric pressure is equal to the cabin pressure, which allows for normal operation without the need to manage pressurization. The systems that maintain cabin pressure will only be activated during flight when altitude increases and the external atmospheric pressure drops. Hence, the correct understanding is that the airplane is completely unpressurized during these ground operations.