Things I always wanted to know as a PILOT
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'Cos I've seen the content (which doesn't change) 100 times before
on a 737-800?
Airbus A320?
Airbus A321?
If you can't answer those question, I don't want to have to climb over to you from 6F if the **** does hit the fan. I've flown more than 500 times, I can't answer those questions, and I always pay attention. Sometimes I even read the safety card too.
Please pay attention, it's not done simply for insurance purposes and it is aircraft specific. The life you save might not just be your own, it might be mine.
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Try quoting the whole sentence:
Sitting at my desk - no idea (approximately, 6 is about mid way, from memory the overwings are around row 14, and fronts row 1 (obviously) in pretty much all those aircraft). By the time I'm strapped into seat 6E I would know. I also pay attention to the door operation (do you?) and if I can spot it, where the portable oxygen is (just in case).
Anyway, the 'safety brief' doesn't tell me what you ask. What it does tell me, at least on those aircraft is that: there are 2 exits at the front, 2 overwing, and 2 at the back, how to use the oxygen mask (pull down sharply), where to find the lifejacket (under the seat), the brace position, to remove my high heels before using the exit slide, wear my safety belt at all times, follow the strip lighting on the floor, listen to the cabin crew instructions, turn off my mobile phone, and any other electronic equipment as it may interfere with the aircraft navigation systems, usually the names of the cabin crew, captain and first officer. Did I miss anything? Oh yes, there's a whistle and a light on the lifejacket, I pull the tags to inflate (NOT inside the aircraft), and blow into the mouthpiece to top up.
I guess my point is that just because I don't hang on every word of the show, doesn't mean I'm not thinking about it - I'm well aware that those with a plan tend to be the ones that live.
'Cos I've seen the content (which doesn't change) 100 times before. In my case, I already looked on the way in where the exits were, and had a quick think where I'm going if, and usually count seat backs to the exit. I don't need to be told how to put on a lifejacket, or use the oxygen mask (again).
Anyway, the 'safety brief' doesn't tell me what you ask. What it does tell me, at least on those aircraft is that: there are 2 exits at the front, 2 overwing, and 2 at the back, how to use the oxygen mask (pull down sharply), where to find the lifejacket (under the seat), the brace position, to remove my high heels before using the exit slide, wear my safety belt at all times, follow the strip lighting on the floor, listen to the cabin crew instructions, turn off my mobile phone, and any other electronic equipment as it may interfere with the aircraft navigation systems, usually the names of the cabin crew, captain and first officer. Did I miss anything? Oh yes, there's a whistle and a light on the lifejacket, I pull the tags to inflate (NOT inside the aircraft), and blow into the mouthpiece to top up.
I guess my point is that just because I don't hang on every word of the show, doesn't mean I'm not thinking about it - I'm well aware that those with a plan tend to be the ones that live.
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Tightslot,
I know about the evacuation in 90 seconds and so on. But, me memeory serves me very well. Several years ago, before EZY et.al., airlines like BA did NOT have a row of seats over the wing exits at all. Due, I guess to increased cost pressures, seats were added in, and so now there are rows of seats at over wing exits on most airlines.
In fact, the history was, I think like this, the British airtours Manchester runway disaster highlighted the difficulties of escape from wing exits, and this then lead to overwing exit rows being removed completely. Following on from this over several years, airlines gradually decided those rows should really still be there (for financial reasons), and put them back in, with a marginally bigger gap between the rows.
Nobody will ever convince me that putting a row of seats adjacent to an overwing exit is a good idea.
Until it changes, i will be re-assured to know that pax safety is NOT the main concern of any airline. Making a profit is.
I know about the evacuation in 90 seconds and so on. But, me memeory serves me very well. Several years ago, before EZY et.al., airlines like BA did NOT have a row of seats over the wing exits at all. Due, I guess to increased cost pressures, seats were added in, and so now there are rows of seats at over wing exits on most airlines.
In fact, the history was, I think like this, the British airtours Manchester runway disaster highlighted the difficulties of escape from wing exits, and this then lead to overwing exit rows being removed completely. Following on from this over several years, airlines gradually decided those rows should really still be there (for financial reasons), and put them back in, with a marginally bigger gap between the rows.
Nobody will ever convince me that putting a row of seats adjacent to an overwing exit is a good idea.
Until it changes, i will be re-assured to know that pax safety is NOT the main concern of any airline. Making a profit is.
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10SS
The Cranfield (and other) research found that evac flow rate at the overwing exits was actually speeded up in some cases when seats were present in the exit row, as opposed to when removed partially or fully - I know, this sounds bizarre.
The Cabin Layout is approved by the CAA - airlines don't have an option to just insert seats anywhere at will
Safety is in my opinion the primary concern of airlines because a failure to operate safely will put you out of business (and possibly in court on charges of corp. manslaughter) faster than you can imagine.
I'm quite happy that we should agree to disagree on these points if you prefer. I don't wish to make a case that airlines are the white knights of ethical business practices - clearly they are not angels in any sense. However, I do feel that in this instance, your lack of trust is mis-placed. It is quite possible thaat my appreciation of the Cranfield results is faulty, in which case I'm sure that somebody will advise.
The Cranfield (and other) research found that evac flow rate at the overwing exits was actually speeded up in some cases when seats were present in the exit row, as opposed to when removed partially or fully - I know, this sounds bizarre.
The Cabin Layout is approved by the CAA - airlines don't have an option to just insert seats anywhere at will
Safety is in my opinion the primary concern of airlines because a failure to operate safely will put you out of business (and possibly in court on charges of corp. manslaughter) faster than you can imagine.
I'm quite happy that we should agree to disagree on these points if you prefer. I don't wish to make a case that airlines are the white knights of ethical business practices - clearly they are not angels in any sense. However, I do feel that in this instance, your lack of trust is mis-placed. It is quite possible thaat my appreciation of the Cranfield results is faulty, in which case I'm sure that somebody will advise.
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Tightslot
It seems counter-intuitive but a similar effect is seen in corridors and door ways. Placing an obstacle upstream of the opening or some railings along the middle of the corridor speeds up the flow, something to do with reducing the tendency of people to jam themselves together.
As for the briefing, experience has shown me two advantages.
1, Airline equipment differs, e.g does the life jacket have one red toggle or two. tapes to tie or a Fastex buckle?
2, Cabin crew remember you taking notice of their briefing when you need to ask a favour later in the flight.
Question for frequent fliers: What has changed in BA's briefing recently?
It seems counter-intuitive but a similar effect is seen in corridors and door ways. Placing an obstacle upstream of the opening or some railings along the middle of the corridor speeds up the flow, something to do with reducing the tendency of people to jam themselves together.
As for the briefing, experience has shown me two advantages.
1, Airline equipment differs, e.g does the life jacket have one red toggle or two. tapes to tie or a Fastex buckle?
2, Cabin crew remember you taking notice of their briefing when you need to ask a favour later in the flight.
Question for frequent fliers: What has changed in BA's briefing recently?
1. They can't figure out the lock?
2. Lots of reasons, mostly already covered. I can well believe that some people have enough problems flying without listening intently to "what to do when we crash". Since starting to read Pprune I've started paying more attention - as a courtesy to the crew, mostly. And in the hope that it will encourage others to do likewise.
3. Cos we would pay 10% more to have 10% more legroom?
4. "Do cheap airfares override survival instincts?" Even an airline with a bad safety record is probably still safer than driving to the airport.
5. "Why the rush to disembark?" Beats me. I stand up when the people in the aisle nearby start moving.
9. Greasers - some people really do think that you "slam it down" because you want to.
2. Lots of reasons, mostly already covered. I can well believe that some people have enough problems flying without listening intently to "what to do when we crash". Since starting to read Pprune I've started paying more attention - as a courtesy to the crew, mostly. And in the hope that it will encourage others to do likewise.
3. Cos we would pay 10% more to have 10% more legroom?
4. "Do cheap airfares override survival instincts?" Even an airline with a bad safety record is probably still safer than driving to the airport.
5. "Why the rush to disembark?" Beats me. I stand up when the people in the aisle nearby start moving.
9. Greasers - some people really do think that you "slam it down" because you want to.
Paxing All Over The World
Don't forget that, whilst some pax blame the FC for 'slamming it down just for fun'. If it is a greaser - they presume that auto-land did it. 
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Thanks for your answers so far - Im learnin a lot!
I'll respond in detail to your replys soon. I did think though
that pax were more savvyer with regards to flyin with
highly-publicised dangerus outfits.
PS Reds to answer your question the airboos sucks!
I'll respond in detail to your replys soon. I did think though
that pax were more savvyer with regards to flyin with
highly-publicised dangerus outfits.
PS Reds to answer your question the airboos sucks!
)
Nemo Me Impune Lacessit
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10SecondSurvey - When and which aircraft did BA NOT have a row of seats by the emergency exit?
I ask as I often flew as a pax on the 707, VC10, Trident and Vanguard and I'm fairly sure they all had seats in the emergency exit rows, on the Standard VC10 it was something like row 9.
I ask as I often flew as a pax on the 707, VC10, Trident and Vanguard and I'm fairly sure they all had seats in the emergency exit rows, on the Standard VC10 it was something like row 9.
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Parabellum
I can't remember which airline (and it would have been any, some or all of BA, AF, AZ, KL, LH probably), but I do recall when I started paxing in the late 70s that the overwing exits didn't have seats next to them.
But its a long time ago
I can't remember which airline (and it would have been any, some or all of BA, AF, AZ, KL, LH probably), but I do recall when I started paxing in the late 70s that the overwing exits didn't have seats next to them.
But its a long time ago
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Thousands of miles but I still pull out the briefing card and listen to the brief...................I live in fear that the CC might tell me off for not paying attention 
Always lock the toilet door.............but have been on flights where people didn't even know how to get in let alone lock it and get out again when finished!!!
I try and fly with the 'legacy' carriers - because I trust their maintenance - I assume that the majority of pilots they have employed are able to fly the aircraft!
I have no idea why the rush to disembark - and I have in fact told people standing before the aircraft has reached the gate to "sit down" in no uncertain terms-they affect my safety if they are standing beside me
I don't care what sort of landing it is - as long as I get on the ground safely!
Re the late boarding passengers - could be totally eliminated if the gate was closed prior to boarding - any body coming later.............tough, unless it is from a delayed flight from the same carrier.
Always lock the toilet door.............but have been on flights where people didn't even know how to get in let alone lock it and get out again when finished!!!
I try and fly with the 'legacy' carriers - because I trust their maintenance - I assume that the majority of pilots they have employed are able to fly the aircraft!
I have no idea why the rush to disembark - and I have in fact told people standing before the aircraft has reached the gate to "sit down" in no uncertain terms-they affect my safety if they are standing beside me
I don't care what sort of landing it is - as long as I get on the ground safely!
Re the late boarding passengers - could be totally eliminated if the gate was closed prior to boarding - any body coming later.............tough, unless it is from a delayed flight from the same carrier.
The BA safety briefing said (last time I flew a month or so ago) that 'The captain and crew are here for your safety'. Now I always thought that the Captain's job was mainly to fly (or when the PF is the F/O, do the second pilot's job) the aircraft. After all, if the aircraft doesn't leave the gate, it's much less likely that there will be any safety problems.....
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My similar question:- why can't people walk on the plane, shove their luggage in the locker and sit down, allowing the plane to board and be off in 10 mins flat? - instead of parading their asses around and sizing everyone else up, until finally, in a deft coup de grace when everybody's sitting down at last, get up again to steal a march on the competition with some final rummaging in the briefcase for the umpteenth time. Eventually it will be only the A1 alpha male left standing, he who will lead us into the New Age of Enlightenment onboard the plane for the course of the 90 mins of the flight ... until the seatbelt signs go off and The Pack makes a rush for the toilets ... 
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LOL!
...until the seatbelt signs go off and The Pack makes a rush for the toilets...
Another thing. Arriving at the gate 15 minutes late only having to further delay departure because there are still people showing up at the last minute, usually with two duty free bags plus the odd coffee/big mac in their hands is usually quite annoying. I has always amazed me that in the case of a delayed inbound aircraft, still the odd passenger on the next flight almost manages (and often does manage) to miss it, even though you would expect them to be standing ready to board at once by that time...
Q2. I'm with Mark1234 on this - do my own cks on way in. But always look at the CC while they do their thing - it's a courtesy thing and I know how I would feel talking to a load of tops of heads.
Q9. Can't remember the last time I did a greaser, but then I fly freight and the parcels neither care nor complain.
Q9. Can't remember the last time I did a greaser, but then I fly freight and the parcels neither care nor complain.
I remember a BAC 1-11 in the seventies which had a backwards-facing row of seats at the over-wing exit(s), so there was a clear access. These seats were very popular with families as it allowed parents and kids to sit facing each other.
Paxing All Over The World
I recall travelling on a Trident LHR~HAM in December 1975 that had an experiment with a few rows of rear facing seats at the front of the Y cabin. At check-in, I was asked if I would sit there and fill in the questionnaire. Naturally I did and it was all very comfortable.
My guess as to why they have never made them standard around the world is that, they would have to tell folks that it is safer that way in an emergency stop or incident. THEN they would have to explain to folks why they had not reversed the seating years ago!
My guess as to why they have never made them standard around the world is that, they would have to tell folks that it is safer that way in an emergency stop or incident. THEN they would have to explain to folks why they had not reversed the seating years ago!
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I'm sure that I remember taking a charter flight in (I think) a 1-11, in the late '70's. The front half of the cabin had rear facing seats, the back half frontward facing. Not sure if this was a common configuration though, it was incredibly cramped, so I suppose it could have been just for the charter market.
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Me too, I think Dan Air may have had the rear-facing 1-11 seats.
Also I am sure I didn't dream it, but the meal was locked inside the seat in a little integral 'larder' just above the tray table. Dread to think what Health and Safety would make of that today. Or maybe it was a dream.
Paxboy, the Trident at MAN viewing park has this config if you want t nosey. Gorgeous restoration. Sorry for thread drift.
Also I am sure I didn't dream it, but the meal was locked inside the seat in a little integral 'larder' just above the tray table. Dread to think what Health and Safety would make of that today. Or maybe it was a dream.
Paxboy, the Trident at MAN viewing park has this config if you want t nosey. Gorgeous restoration. Sorry for thread drift.