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Scavenging a crashed 777: for a book

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Scavenging a crashed 777: for a book

Old 13th Jul 2020, 13:46
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You can distill water with a solar still made from plastic sheet etc, see

https://www.google.com/search?source...w=1280&bih=910


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Old 15th Jul 2020, 18:46
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re: watch with PLB
Didn't have any idea they could squeeze a 121Mhz beacon into something that small!

re: solar still
I think with 250 people to get 1/2G of water per day (minimum for drinking), I have to come up with something larger scale than a solar still. That's why I'm thinking of "industrializing" using the boiler to more aggressively produce steam from salt-water that is then condensed. I realize there are issues with removing the brine from the boiler, but I think if a pinhole is pulling the brine out the bottom while fresh seawater goes in the top, it will work.
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Old 6th Sep 2020, 16:54
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I was hoping there is something on the 777 that could be easily used as a simple personal "shield". For example, if there was a removable seat cushion that had some padding/thickness that could absorb a hit with a club. The shield doesn't have to be that effective, just better than nothing. My research suggests that the seat cushions are not useable for this purpose (they don't just pop off). For my story, I'm looking for something quick to use, not something that takes a while to manufacture/assemble, but I probably could use both options in my story - a "quick" better than nothing shield, and a "if you took the time to do this" shield.

thanks!
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Old 7th Sep 2020, 12:34
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I've never worked the cabin of a 777 but speaking in general about the economy class seats used in most commercial aircraft.

The seat base cushions are normally only held in place by a couple of strips of velcro so these can be pulled off the seat relatively easily.
The seat backs are a different matter, often requiring removal of the seat back cover before being able to remove the foam.
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Old 7th Sep 2020, 13:06
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Originally Posted by Webby737
I've never worked the cabin of a 777 but speaking in general about the economy class seats used in most commercial aircraft.

The seat base cushions are normally only held in place by a couple of strips of velcro so these can be pulled off the seat relatively easily.
The seat backs are a different matter, often requiring removal of the seat back cover before being able to remove the foam.
Perfect! That matches my description well of using the seat base cushions. Thanks so much!
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Old 19th Sep 2020, 11:59
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Does a 777 carry any form of stretcher? My research suggests that it doesn't.

Can you imagine how you'd scavenge a 777 to make a few stretchers? Are there some long "rods" that could be easily removed? It could be a flat panel about 6' long that 4 people could carry. Basic tools are available (what you'd expect to find in a flight technician's tool bag/bog). It has to be relatively straightforward to do, it can't require all day to do it. There are trees a few miles away from the crash site, so it might be easiest to cut branches and fashion something.
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Old 19th Sep 2020, 16:20
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Originally Posted by kenpimentel
Does a 777 carry any form of stretcher? My research suggests that it doesn't.

Can you imagine how you'd scavenge a 777 to make a few stretchers? Are there some long "rods" that could be easily removed? It could be a flat panel about 6' long that 4 people could carry. Basic tools are available (what you'd expect to find in a flight technician's tool bag/bog). It has to be relatively straightforward to do, it can't require all day to do it. There are trees a few miles away from the crash site, so it might be easiest to cut branches and fashion something.

Cargo bay nets?
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Old 19th Sep 2020, 19:06
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Of course! I have to remember those cargo nets. They could be used lots of different ways.

Thanks!
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Old 12th Oct 2020, 16:40
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Originally Posted by kenpimentel
I was hoping there is something on the 777 that could be easily used as a simple personal "shield". For example, if there was a removable seat cushion that had some padding/thickness that could absorb a hit with a club. The shield doesn't have to be that effective, just better than nothing. My research suggests that the seat cushions are not useable for this purpose (they don't just pop off). For my story, I'm looking for something quick to use, not something that takes a while to manufacture/assemble, but I probably could use both options in my story - a "quick" better than nothing shield, and a "if you took the time to do this" shield.

thanks!
For both shields and stretchers don't forget the overhead luggage bin doors. I believe they are relatively light weight yet able to absorb/deflect blows. Minor effort to remove them given the right tools. I am not an AME so no direct experience other than occasionaly whacking my head on partially opened ones,

Lavatory and cockpit doors might also be stretcher material.

The seat bottom pans and backs might be useful for shields, they certainly seem hard enough on a cross country trip in economy given the 'unuseable' cushions you mentioned.

Some other items you may already have in mind:

Consider using the innermost window element to create face shields, some heat will probably allow it to be formed.
Make sure they save all the seat belts, need something to attach shields and obviously other uses as well.

The seat tracks might be removable to yield relatively long chunks of metal. Good 'erector set' element for building things. Possibly similar but larger elements in cargo hold.

Lots of copper, both in wiring and motor/generator windings.

The magnetron in the microwaves have a couple of powerful donut shaped magnets useful for quick release attachments. The empty microwave makes a good small everything proof storage locker.

The floor panels may be removable, source of strong flat surfaces, no idea what size they are. Easier than cutting fuselage for raw metal.

One time O2 source for "enhanced combustion" will be the passenger O2 generators, about 15 minutes as I recall, no idea on raw flow rate.

Not sure vintage of weather radar, if older it may have a parabolic reflector and motorized gimbals for scanning, cover it with tinfoil to create solar oven.


















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Old 13th Oct 2020, 18:30
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Those are really good suggestions, you should see some of them in the book!
thanks
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Old 13th Oct 2020, 18:33
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Copyright 2020, Ken Pimentel

I thought I'd share the first few scenes on the 777:Part One: New World

Chapter One

A stutter of light pierces the cabin, fracturing the composure of all 260 passengers onboard American Airlines Flight 67 bound for San Juan, Puerto Rico. For an instant, reality is jagged and discontinuous, like an old film played back at the wrong frame rate.

Then it’s gone. The seamless flow of time reasserts itself. Conversations resume amidst puzzled looks. But nothing will be the same.

On the flight deck, Sam Wells sits wide-eyed and blinking, trying to clear fragmented after-images. A buzzer startles him. The Flight Management Computer (FMC) displays “GPS Data Lost”. A half-second later, the autopilot disconnects. Reflexively, he hooks it back up.

Worried it was a lightning strike from the storm they thought they left behind, he scans the myriad dials and displays for other surprises. In all his years flying 777s he’s never seen the GPS fail. Still, losing it is an inconvenience - they can safely navigate with the plane’s inertial guidance system.

Glancing at the radar display, he frowns. A look out the flight deck window confirms the radar. He presses the PA button, “First Officer Kang, please return to the flight deck.” He wants someone to validate what he’s seeing – and his sanity.

#

When the flicker of light and disorientation hits, Linda Kang is standing in front of the first class lavatory mirror washing her hands. Feeling faint, she steadies herself. “What was that?”

Sam’s announcement surprises her. Touching the brim of her American Airlines cap, she lowers it a fraction. Her long, glossy-black hair, neatly curled in a bun, is secured by her cap, but strands escape to frame her oval face. She frowns, her mirror-twin sharing her concern. Pulling open the door, she heads back to the flight deck.

Moving forwards, she nods to Nicky Gonzalez, the senior flight attendant, who removes the protective barricade that blocks other passengers from using the lavatory. Ever since 9/11, a pilot can only leave the flight deck to use the bathroom – and even then, the door has to be protected from entry by a barricade.

Before she passes into the flight deck, Nicky hands Linda a cup of black coffee from Sam’s special stock. Without continual refreshes, he gets a little cranky.

Nicky asks, “Did you see that flash? Did we get hit by lightning? I’ve never seen anything like it.”

Linda can see Nicky’s concern. Given her 33 years with American, triple Linda’s, she’s had opportunity to pretty much see everything. Nicky’s known as “Mom” to the crew because of her indefatigable efforts to monitor their well being and enforce sleep schedules. Having lost her own mother as a teenager, Linda accepts the substitute.

“I don’t know what it was, but Sam will. I wouldn’t worry, I’m sure we’re OK.” Holding Sam’s coffee, Linda steps into the flight deck and locks the door behind her.

As she squeezes into her seat and hands Sam his coffee, he nods towards the flight deck window and asks in his Texas drawl, “Notice anything missing?”

“What am I looking for?” She searches the skies.

He’s silent.

“Where’s the storm? Are we still flying southeast?” She glances at the instruments and answers her own question, “Guess so. OK, what’s going on?”

He shrugs. “Damned if I know. First, there was a flash, then the GPS stopped working. After that, the radar wasn’t showing the storm, so I looked outside. The storm’s just gone. I know that makes me sound nuttier than a pecan pie. Decided I wanted a second opinion.”

Linda scans the skies again, wondering how a massive storm could evaporate so quickly. She shakes her head. “Any other problems?”

“Other than GPS, everything seems fine. Maybe it was lightning, so might see other issues. Why don’t you check with Bermuda Air Traffic Control? They’re closest to us, maybe they know something.”

She keys in the frequency. “Bermuda, this is American 6-7, over?” She waits a moment and then repeats herself. Sibilant static fills the flight deck.

Sam verifies her frequency and radio settings, “That’s odd. Didn’t we just talk to them fifteen minutes ago? Try some other ATCs.”

She looks up frequencies and repeats the process - nothing but static. “Maybe the transmitter’s broken?”

“Seems unlikely.” Sam visualizes all the communication systems carried on the 777. “Since the satellite phone won’t work without GPS, try sending a message using the data link to let Bermuda ATC know our situation.”

“Sure, just a sec…” She turns to the data link display, types her message and presses, “send”. When nothing happens, she studies the display and notices an error code. She looks up the code. “Odd, it says we’re not in range of a satellite. I thought this worked world-wide?”

“We lost the data link too? Let me try. Christ, can’t believe this …” he trails off, playing with the gear. The data link stubbornly insists there aren’t any satellites. “Let’s check all the VHF radios. Maybe we can’t transmit, but we should hear someone. Also try the programmed channels, maybe there’s a HAM operator out there.”

As Linda reaches for the VHF panel, Sam asks, “By the way, did you try Long Distance Operations Control?”

She nods, checking the frequencies, listening for any man-made sound. Within minutes, she turns to him and shakes her head.

“How is it all the VHF radios aren’t working? That’s going to make the landing a lot more complicated.” Remembering procedures he adds, “Squawk 7600 to let everyone know we’ve got comm issues.”

Reaching down to the transponder control panel on the pedestal next to her she sends the 7600 code. Now, anyone receiving their transponder signal will know their communications have failed. Both pilots and traffic controllers have detailed processes to follow in such cases.

Sipping his coffee, Sam summarizes their situation, “OK, we’re two hours out of Newark. In a couple hours we’ll land at San Juan and an aircraft technician can figure out what’s wrong. We’re not the first to get hit by lightning and we won’t be the last.”

Linda takes her cues from Sam. With twenty-five years’ experience, he’s well known and liked within the tight community working the San Juan route. If he isn’t panicking, there isn’t any reason for her. Still, there’s no telling what other problems are lurking to disrupt the complicated process of landing the big plane.

Realizing there isn’t much more he can do for the next hour, Sam reaches up and stretches his six-foot-three frame. There’s barely room for the effort in the cramped cockpit. Patting his rounded belly he says to Linda, “I blame you! You’d better stop bringing jelly doughnuts or I’m gonna spread out like a cold supper.” At seventeen, Sam had been a 250-pound linebacker at Texas A&M, but now at 52, he’s long since lost all his hair and most of his conditioning – the weight, well, he’d kept that.

Linda smiles, focusing on the view out the window. She enjoys flying with Sam, he reminds her of her dad in a way. She adjusts her seat higher – she’s only a little over five feet tall and always has trouble getting the seat the way she likes it. She wishes she could adjust her rounded shape as easily. After trying every imaginable diet, she’s decided she’ll have to wait for the right guy, one who can love a chunky Korean princess. It’s been a long wait so far.

After another fruitless test of the radios, Linda asks, “Hey, how’s Kathy doing?”

Years ago, when Sam started the San Juan route, it led to a chance meeting in Newark with a slender, dark-haired woman waiting for coffee. When Kathy accidentally dropped her portfolio of architecture designs, he naturally helped pick them up. That chance meeting turned into a march down the aisle and eventually a daughter, Kristen.

It had all been so perfect for so long, but when Kathy contracted Lyme disease, things started unraveling. Now he and Kristen deal with the complications on a daily basis – when he’s home.

“She’s having another flare-up, I tried to find someone else to fly for me, but you know how it is on short notice. Luckily, I’ll be back tomorrow and have a few days off.”

“Are you going to take the early retirement offer?”

“The girls want me to, but here I am – flying again. Kathy used to manage all the finance and household crap. But now it’s too much for her and I guess I need to step up. Kristen’s pretty upset, there were tears when I left. Might be asking too much from her, she’s only just turned eighteen. But they don’t understand, flying’s all I ever wanted to do.”

Linda shares the same compulsion; she can’t imagine not ever flying again. “Your doctor prescribes a margarita, let’s grab one at the hotel. I know I’m going to need one - this might even be a two-margarita flight.”

On cue, the plane shakes hard for an instant before continuing peacefully.
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Old 25th Oct 2020, 12:01
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Question: I am setting fire to the tail of the 777 (row 40 aft) for plot purposes. This part has separated from the main body. Is there anything obvious that would have enough explosion to knock someone down about 20' from the tail? It could be some pressurized cylinder, it doesn't necessarily have to be explosive in nature. As long as I can get some fragments whizzing outwards to injure someone, that is fine. AFAIK, there isn't anything quite like this in the tail section?
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Old 25th Oct 2020, 12:56
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non T7 rated:

The pressure cylinders installed that propel the aspirator for the inflatable emergency slide. For a work of fiction, as in the real life those are certified for crash conditions. Whether or not for overheat in a blaze I dare not to speculate.

Alternatively, a tyre burst will kill and even down a plane, that is unfortunately proven. Perhaps a separated MLG wheel lies beneath the torn-off tail? Sounds plausible to me. https://images.app.goo.gl/y3M6CJRVjyKdqUdW7 Extended gears are engineered to break away in heavy cash they say.
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Old 25th Oct 2020, 13:06
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Thanks, I'll investigate those ideas some more.
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Old 25th Oct 2020, 13:32
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I found that some 777 have optional O2 tanks for supplying PAX masks. If I mix that with some spilled fuel from the APU feed, maybe that combo would go "boom" enough. I know that the fuel on the plane is more like kerosene - but mix it with some O2 and I would guess it gets a bit more violent. I found a "Flammables" document on 777 for emergency responders - good document to show where interesting things are.
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Old 31st Oct 2020, 04:03
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I've just found this thread

Oxygen cylinders approximately 13-16 [depending on seating configuration] all located in the rear freight bay right hand side wall. One crew oxygen cylinder located in the left hand crawl-way under the floor at the front on the aircraft.

With regards to the transponders and such like. Only the selector panels for these and communications are in the flight deck. All the actual transmitters/transceivers are located remotely below the floor in the MEC [MainElectronics Centre] so all the wiring would need to be intact between the head end [selector units] and the actual transceivers for them to work

With regards to making stretchers. Most Boeing 777s I've worked on have crew rest areas for flight crew and sometimes also cabin crew located up a staircase in the upper part of the fuselage. The flight crew rest area tends to have at least two beds, while the cabin crew rest area has about eight beds. All of which could be re-purposed into stretchers.

Economy [Coach] class seat squabs [the seat base] are all normally easily removable, they are only held down to the seat with velcro fastening. Only seats in Business/First tend to have seat cushions that are harder to remove.

Modern aircraft beverage makers only have very small boilers [typically enough to make a couple of pots of coffee/tea] before they need to refill/reboil.

Last edited by MAC 40612; 5th Nov 2020 at 17:20. Reason: spelling!
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Old 31st Oct 2020, 07:49
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How about an item of passenger hand luggage with a big rechargeable battery. I saw a film clip last week of explosions in a recycling plant and a couple of the explosions would get a person moving, perhaps not by force from the explosion.
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Old 31st Oct 2020, 10:52
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Originally Posted by N707ZS
How about an item of passenger hand luggage with a big rechargeable battery. I saw a film clip last week of explosions in a recycling plant and a couple of the explosions would get a person moving, perhaps not by force from the explosion.
That's a good idea! I can certainly use it as an accelerant.

MAC 40612 Thanks for the locations of O2 tank and other suggestions.
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Old 11th Nov 2020, 16:55
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When you get an error code on the Data Link, where do you look up the code? Or, does the Data Link give you a more verbose error code?
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Old 11th Nov 2020, 20:58
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Are you talking about a SATCOM datalink? If so then you normally just get messages like "Datalink lost" or "No SATCOM" as that is all the pilots need to know. Specific reasons for SATCOM data failure are only normally gleaned by looking at the MAT [Maintenance Access Terminal] which is located on the rear right-hand side of the flight deck [behind where the co-pilot sits] This is the access point that a ground engineer uses to look for any fault history, existing faults, present leg faults or carry out system tests, to see if a fault is present of has been cleared after maintenance. It runs on Windows XP
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