A surprisingly well written, factual article that clarifies the decision process and answers my previous question.
In summary for those lacking the time to read through:
- The filed alternate was LCA
- 5 mins after takeoff a cockpit window heat failed. Ops authorised continuation of flight, with repair to be done in BEY before next flight.
- When the BEY events unfolded, AMM was chosen to divert because of the availabiity of tech support (to fix the window heat) and also to take care of pax (CAI was also considered, but was beyond range)
- The flight did not have Syrian overflight permits, while the matter was negotiated fuel was used up and there was no option left but to land in DAM
- Subsequently the a/c performed two more legs (DAM-LCA and LCA-BEY) with the fault.
Seems to be a case of a well intended but ill informed and not quite thought through decision leading to an unexpected and potentially disasterous outcome. AF ops should have been aware that crossing Syrian airspace requires flight specific permits.
Last edited by andrasz; 29th Aug 2012 at 16:18.