View Full Version : Maybe they should install pressure gages on aircraft doors??
After the Miami incident, maybe pressure gages built in to new aircraft exit doors. Any comments?
AIRLIFT
23rd Nov 2000, 18:51
Is'nt there some kind of a door lock mechanism on the door handle when the aircraft is pressurized????? Because I have seen those on many types of aiplane http://www.pprune.org/ubb/NonCGI/confused.gif
exeng
23rd Nov 2000, 19:03
Airlift,
You asked, <Is'nt there some kind of a door lock mechanism on the door handle when the aircraft is pressurized????? >
Indeed there is. It is just plain physics. Multiply the differential pressure by the area of the door and you will see that you would have to wear a suit with a big 'S' on your chest to have any chance of opening a 'plug' type door.
Regards
Exeng
[This message has been edited by exeng (edited 23 November 2000).]
spannersatcx
24th Nov 2000, 01:49
A330/340 and I believe the A300 have indicators on the door to show that there is still pressure in the cabin white is safe red is not
Spanners, true, but no such warning on the A300 door. The offical report is yet to be seen on this tragedy. However, one other thought comes to mind, if opened while "ARMED", the door assist system has the power to pull you out if the handle is held.
N2
F/O Junior
24th Nov 2000, 19:08
Same on the A320 of course.
Iceman49
24th Nov 2000, 21:01
The A320 has a strong powered assist on the door, we normally give a caution during recurrent tng.
IMA Conehead
25th Nov 2000, 06:13
On the A320/321 and I suspect true to Type A330/340 the red light on the door is for Cabin pressurised on the ground > 2.5mb, It is available when the engines are shut down and the door slide is dis-armed and it flashes @ 2Hz rate.
The white light does NOT mean it is safe to open, it indicates that the slide is in fact ARMED and you may get a surprise bigger than you bargained for if you do open the door from inside or out !!
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spannersatcx
26th Nov 2000, 02:22
Just checked the manual the 340 is as previously stated.
Dr. Red
26th Nov 2000, 12:05
Does anyone know for certain that high pressure "fired" the FA from the plane or is it just speculation?
I think the status quo is fine; it was a freak accident.
standby1
26th Nov 2000, 14:40
As exeng said, if it was pressurised you would not be able to get the door open. fact.
Penn Doff
26th Nov 2000, 19:53
Having set off an A340 door/slide (scheduled work task, honest), i was surprised at how little force was used to open the door, it certainly didn't pull the handle from my hand as i had expected.
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