WestJet 700 makes emergency descent after depressurisation

[rotornut]

WestJet plane suffers pressure problem, makes rapid descent | CP24.com (http://www.cp24.com/news/westjet-plane-suffers-pressure-problem-makes-rapid-descent-1.1635340)

[Capt Claret]

There were 38 passengers, two pilots and a flight attendant on board.

Read more: WestJet plane suffers pressure problem, makes rapid descent | CP24.com (http://www.cp24.com/news/westjet-plane-suffers-pressure-problem-makes-rapid-descent-1.1635340#ixzz2qCLwB7Rm)

The story linked above claims one flight attendant on board. Could this be correct in any 737?

[DaveReidUK]

Could this be correct in any 737?In Canada, yes.

[oceancrosser]

In Canada, yes.

Please elaborate, can you operate a B737 in Canada with only one c/c if less than 50 pax? Even a -8/-900?

[DaveReidUK]

While FARs specify, I think, one F/A for every 50 seats (whether occupied or not), in Canada it's expressed as a minimum ratio of F/As per passenger, and it's 1:40.

[604guy]

And here is a quote from other media sources that got the info correct:

When oxygen masks fell from the ceiling Friday night, aspiring musical theatre performer Jade Repeta admits she wasn't sure if the trouble on her flight was real or make believe.

Repeta was flying aboard Flight 1343 from Phoenix to Winnipeg when the plane lost cabin pressure and pilots had to make an emergency landing in Rapid City, S.D.

The plane, carrying 38 passengers, three flight attendants and two pilots, made a rapid descent but landed safety.

[HHI]

In Canada it's 1 per 50. Some airline contracts specify a minimum of 1 per 40.

There is also a minimum per aircraft type (adequate coverage for each exit or pair of exits).

I don't know the Westjet Transport Canada approved minimum crew but suspect it's 3 if the passenger load is 150 or less.

I see there is an updated news report which correctly states there were 3, not 1 cabin crew.

[Tomspur]

What I found quite amuzing and this is probably just my pedantic side coming out, was that the spokesman said that rapid emergency decents were "uncommon" and that the last time Westjet had this issue was 3 or 4 year ago.....
I would imagine that is something they should know and not guess? :ugh:

[DaveReidUK]

Clarification of the regulations relevant to WestJet here:

Transport Canada grants WestJet request regarding flight attendant requirements - Transport Canada (http://www.tc.gc.ca/eng/mediaroom/releases-2013-h054e-7156.html)

[lifeafteraviation]

They had 3 flight attendants. (in CA they count the pilot and copilot)

Maybe Jade Repeta recalls seeing the captain and first officer cleaning the cabin before flight and assumed they were flight attendants too. :E

[bzh]

It's got to be hard to make money with 38pax on board a 737...