A cabin crew initiated evacuation would arise from a situation which either the flightdeck could not see, a completely obvious situation or if the flightdeck were incapacitated at the time.
It is an integral part of SEP training that in the event of certain emergencies the IFD/NO.1 would initiate an evacuation without flightdeck command. The training gives quite strict guidelines as to when this should happen - as stated above in the event of
DITCHING
STRUCTURAL DAMAGE
FIRE
These are CLEARLY CATASTROPHIC events.
It would be quite normal SOP for flightdeck to state a side of the aircraft from which to evacuate. However, if they are unable to do so, (and even if they can) then this is incorporated into the cabin crew evacuation drill.
"Wait until the aircraft has come to a complete stop" - If the aircraft is taxying and smoke begins to fill the cabin through the AC vents, the Emergency in Cabin button is there for such a purpose.
"Check outside for fire/hazards" or similar would be a usual first part to a cabin crew drill after the aircraft has stopped. Therefore, any cabin crew member who opens an exit and has a slide inflate behind a burning tailpipe is NOT following their training.
Training is there to provide a good sound knowledge of SEP procedures and awareness. We all know that not every emergency will occur as per the manual (aircraft floating nicely in a ditching, evacuation into a nice flat piece of ground, gathering pax upwind away from the aircraft) hence adaptation of training and knowledge is required.
I agree that Cabin Crew initiating an evacuation whilst the aircraft is in motion, or into a fire is completely non standard procedure and either the training, or IFD needs to be questioned.
The issue of a tailpipe fire - I assume that the flightdeck should be well aware of this occurring and would initiate an evacuation if necessary stating which side to evacuate from. However if no information or command is passed (when the aircraft is stationary for instance just after pushback) and a tailpipe fire is observed for a prolonged period, does everyone sit and wait for the aircraft to become a pile of burning embers while unbeknown to the crew the captain and f/o are incapacitated or is an evacuation initiated anyway? Smoke starting to fill the cabin at the holding point?
L3 on the B757-200 - this is an exit which may be unmanned with a crewmember sitting at R3 only. Therefore, pax are briefed on its operation. Pax will open that door whatever the situation if they are told to evacuate - even if there is a tailpipe fire on the No.1 engine.
Come on guys - we are all supposed to work together - I feel that too many people clash on this point of CC initiated evacs. If the right people are doing the job, following their training and can sensibly adapt it if necassary then the safer we will all be.
However, don't always blame the crew. Blame the airlines that put an IFD on a flight with 5 other crewmembers all of whom have been recruited on a 6 month contract and have been flying for a month.......even though they are trained, the big picture may not be there.
Cheers,
starship
