Minimum Equipment
Thread Starter
Joined: Dec 2007
Posts: 140
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From: HK MTR
Minimum Equipment
We need to carry a torch according to OMA however what is this actually for and what constitutes a torch? Does an iPhone's torch function meet the requirement? I'm now carrying more and more to do my job and any little reduction in items required would help.

Joined: Dec 1998
Posts: 223
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I would have thought that two pilots per aircraft would be considered "minimum equipment", something they will have trouble accommodating if the resignation rate keeps going the way it is. Four more FO's that I flew with this past week are leaving. And so it goes...

Joined: Jun 2004
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From: S089
below is taken from AN(HK)O Sch 5 Scale G(iii) for your reference
(iii)
(a) One electric torch for each member of the crew of the aircraft; or
(b)
- (aa) one electric torch for each member of the flight crew of the aircraft; and
- (bb) at least one electric torch affixed adjacent to each floor level exit intended for the disembarkation of passengers whether normally or in an emergency, provided that such torches shall;
-- (aaa) be readily accessible for use by the crew of the aircraft at all times; and
-- (bbb) number in total not less than the minimum number of members of the cabin crew required to be carried with a full passenger complement;
(L.N. 77 of 2008)
(a) One electric torch for each member of the crew of the aircraft; or
(b)
- (aa) one electric torch for each member of the flight crew of the aircraft; and
- (bb) at least one electric torch affixed adjacent to each floor level exit intended for the disembarkation of passengers whether normally or in an emergency, provided that such torches shall;
-- (aaa) be readily accessible for use by the crew of the aircraft at all times; and
-- (bbb) number in total not less than the minimum number of members of the cabin crew required to be carried with a full passenger complement;
(L.N. 77 of 2008)
Eidolon

Joined: May 2001
Posts: 2,244
Likes: 62
From: Some hole
How on earth can you be a pilot asking such questions ? You should always be able to justify yourself to your peers, the regulator, and the public for any decision you make, including calling an iPhone a torch.
if you feel like you can bet you entire licence to earn a living on that, good luck to you.
Joined: Aug 2008
Posts: 0
Likes: 1
From: Polar Route
Bad news first... The airline will definitely have to contract, not to be confused with offering a real contract - no chance of that. I think the Management has already accepted that fact. Upgrades will continue to be pushed right as trainers resign and new aircraft orders are deferred or outright cancelled.
Good news... The bases are safer than ever! CX cannot afford to lose hundreds more experienced pilots, especially cheaper (than HK expat) pilots (and trainers) who might actually be happy here. So based unions, take CX to the cleaners with your newfound leverage. You’re welcome!

Joined: Aug 2002
Posts: 214
Likes: 8
From: 43N
When I started at first 121 carrier (US) it was two D-cell or equivalent.
Now you see guys with everything from stupid little penlites to the tactical torches from PVG markets that could probably blind a person. I still lug around a 3 D-cell Maglite.
Thread Starter
Joined: Dec 2007
Posts: 140
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From: HK MTR
Torches are provided in the aircraft for emergencies and walk arounds. If you use your own TORCH for a work around that is your choice. The ANO states one torch per crew member which is provided so do we actually need to carry our own?
My question is simply what is required to be considered a torch, lumens? Take iPhone out of the discussion it was only used as an example. Get over it
My question is simply what is required to be considered a torch, lumens? Take iPhone out of the discussion it was only used as an example. Get over it
Last edited by Sand Man; 2nd June 2018 at 01:05.

Joined: Aug 2002
Posts: 214
Likes: 8
From: 43N
Torches are provided in the aircraft for emergencies and work arounds. If you use your own TORCH for a work around that is your choice. The ANO states one torch per crew member which is provided so do we actually need to carry our own?
My question is simply what is required to be considered a torch, lumens? Take iPhone out of the discussion it was only used as an example. Get over it
My question is simply what is required to be considered a torch, lumens? Take iPhone out of the discussion it was only used as an example. Get over it
Removing any emergency equipment from an aircraft is an offence.
Back in my commuter days operations at a certain station aircraft cleaners were bussed out to dark planes on the ramp and I found they were using onboard equipment to clean the cabin. Yes, filed an ASAP report. We call them flashlights by the way nobody in the states knows what a torch is other than the flaming ones.

Joined: May 2017
Posts: 87
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From: Hong Kong
Yes, airlines carry both removable, and non-removable (sealed or only emergency purposes) torches. One uses the the removable ones for the walk around.
Yes, a pilot must carry a torch. An iPhone light indeed covers this requirement. However, most professional carry a small, tactical/high lumen torch for this purpose, as usually they are FAR more effective on the walk around than the knackered airplane torch.
Nothing to see here, move along.
Yes, a pilot must carry a torch. An iPhone light indeed covers this requirement. However, most professional carry a small, tactical/high lumen torch for this purpose, as usually they are FAR more effective on the walk around than the knackered airplane torch.
Nothing to see here, move along.

Joined: Mar 2000
Posts: 451
Likes: 6
From: the land of chocolate
Yes, airlines carry both removable, and non-removable (sealed or only emergency purposes) torches. One uses the the removable ones for the walk around.
Yes, a pilot must carry a torch. An iPhone light indeed covers this requirement. However, most professional carry a small, tactical/high lumen torch for this purpose, as usually they are FAR more effective on the walk around than the knackered airplane torch.
Nothing to see here, move along.
Yes, a pilot must carry a torch. An iPhone light indeed covers this requirement. However, most professional carry a small, tactical/high lumen torch for this purpose, as usually they are FAR more effective on the walk around than the knackered airplane torch.
Nothing to see here, move along.
In the first paragraph you state that you can take the flashlight in the cockpit for a walkaround. Then you state that you must have a torch, but that an iphone is not strong enough a torch for the walkaround... what? didn't you just say you can take the flashlight in the cockpit for that purpose?
You missed your calling as a politician.




