What's that alarm? (plus BD581 go-around)
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What's that alarm? (plus BD581 go-around)
I frequently fly with bmi on the MAN-LHR route. I've often noticed that a bell rings 3 times in quick succession on the approach (I'd guess somewhere between 200 and 500ft AGL). The bell is clearly audible from the first few rows, but I presume it's on the flight deck. What is it?
Whilst I'm here, yesterday morning (Oct 3rd) I was on BD581, and we did a go-around. Anyone know any more details of the circumstances?
Whilst I'm here, yesterday morning (Oct 3rd) I was on BD581, and we did a go-around. Anyone know any more details of the circumstances?
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wrt your second question - obviously no idea of your flight, but missed approaches ("go-arounds) are not uncommon and certainly not dangerous. Don't forget that the crew have the benefit of being able to see what's in front of them! Common missed approaches are due to the a/c in front not clearing the runway after landing before your plane reaches it's "decision height" - or he may have experienced unexpected winds, which would have made the landing tricky .. or ...
Often, the captain will explain why he he is climbing again - some seem not bothered about how the pax feel!
Often, the captain will explain why he he is climbing again - some seem not bothered about how the pax feel!
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The three "dings" are a message from the Pilots to the Cabin Crew to inform them that they are cleared for either take off or landing and they had better sit down quickly!
As for your go around, it could be for any number of reasons, such as runway not vacated, not lined up correctly, or perhaps a horse on the runway.
As for your go around, it could be for any number of reasons, such as runway not vacated, not lined up correctly, or perhaps a horse on the runway.
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Baz/Frigate. Thanks for the replies. The dings aren't the message to tell the cabin crew to take their seats - that happens quite a while earlier (and is clearly audible throughout the cabin, fairly obviously). The alarm I'm referring to is only audible at the front, and is then pretty quiet, so I'm sure it's not for the benefit of those in the cabin. Autopilot disconnect warning is a possibility. (I should have mentioned that this is on A320s. It may also occur on the 737-500s; I'm not certain).
Regarding the GA, to be fair, the captain did make an announcement saying the runway wasn't clear, and apologised for the delay. I was just wondering exactly what the cause was.
Regarding the GA, to be fair, the captain did make an announcement saying the runway wasn't clear, and apologised for the delay. I was just wondering exactly what the cause was.
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Exact cause cannot be certain unless the captain decides to tell you! I have been on flights where they have explained fully (though not sure whether that always puts most pax at ease - jury's out!).
Most common cause in your case would be that the landing plane he was following did not (or was not likely to) make the turnout before your plane was too low (decision height).
Less likely is that an a/c on takeoff has entered the runway without being cleared (known as an incursion). Your captain will be on the lookout for this, too - even though it may be the fault of the other a/c, the pilot of your plane also has a responsibility to "see and avoid". Hope this helps (somewhat!)
[ 06 October 2001: Message edited by: sanjosebaz ]
Most common cause in your case would be that the landing plane he was following did not (or was not likely to) make the turnout before your plane was too low (decision height).
Less likely is that an a/c on takeoff has entered the runway without being cleared (known as an incursion). Your captain will be on the lookout for this, too - even though it may be the fault of the other a/c, the pilot of your plane also has a responsibility to "see and avoid". Hope this helps (somewhat!)
[ 06 October 2001: Message edited by: sanjosebaz ]
