Lets put the whole exit row thingy to rest as there are much bigger issues at hand:
1. SLF Type III exits were 'delegated' to
pax use by proxy for no other reason other than
to facilitate a reduce crew compliment (20:16:3)
2. The exemptions granted to JQ DJ & QF by CASA for their operation rely WHOLLY on the a/c manufacturers' claims that
a) pax can be briefed to operate them and;
b) the a/c can be evac'd within the magic 90 secs.
3. The conditions attached to the exemptions are very clear in respect of a compliant pax briefing HOWEVER - alcohol consumption is not a preclusion unless you are obviously franz list in which case you should not be on the a/c or should not have been served enough booze to get you that way- age, fatness (xtn seatbelt) and disability are.
4. CASA is SUPPOSED to have an active audit program especially in respect of exit row briefing compliance - however......it only happens on the way to other meetings typically....
5. The RENEWAL of exemptions is SUPPOSED to include review of practice and review of operators manual (but it does not - DJ's were renewed 'automatically)
6. IF you're in an exit row and you are
not briefed correctly (ie the PAX has to open the exit as the CC are at opposite ends of the a/c) then ring REPCON and report it. Also inform the Cabin Manager inflight and ask him or her to please inform the Captain accordingly. (he might as well get started on the associated paperwork)
7. If you're in an exit row and you hear the crew using the 'e' word
(or in DJ's simplified language coz Branson-speak always has to be different....) the phrase 'Get out' ..........then check safe to open, open the bloody exit, step onto the wing and get the hell away from the a/c.
As with just about everything else, the regulatory environment is the new frontier for cost cutting and CASA is the lazy old dog asleep on the verandah that doesn't want to bark too loudly.
Back to the serious stuff
AT
