Originally Posted by
ILS27LEFT
Thanks Alexb757, your input is always really appreciated.
Also check my post #354 when you have a second. It is on page 18.
I have seen many times in serious "fire" incidents that cockpit-based info alone is rarely sufficient to assess the outside situation hence a 3rd pilot can make a huge difference as in this case. Each second saved to initiate an evacuation means saving lives.
A note on cameras and airplanes:
even the new buses and trains in London nowadays have multiple cameras installed to cover the entire cabin sections but also external areas, including double deck buses as an example, I still do not understand why Boeing and Airbus do not install multiple cameras pointing at fuselage, wings, engines, tyres, etc, cost is minimal compared to a few years ago. In case of warning/fault on any of the most critical aircraft parts the applicable camera could be quickly watched to see what is happening outside.
The A380 does have a number of external cameras which, on some airlines, are also available as part of the passenger entertainment package.