Flybe Q400 Flapless Landing at EGHI Yesterday

[regor]

Checklist

Why two discontinued approaches & then a notification that we will be landing a bit faster

The reason for two discontinued approaches was exactly as Ollie Onion described. This was how it played out:

The Captain announced that an amber warning indicating a problem with the flaps had illuminated and that we would be entering a holding pattern while they worked through their checklist. (Presumably the QRH covers this scenario).

A short time later he announced they had resolved the problem and we began our second approach. Landing gear came down briefly, but the flaps didn't move so the landing gear was retracted and another announcement was made that the problem had recurred and we were entering the hold again.

Presumably the reset didn't work and the Captain announced that we would landing without the desired amount of flap but reassured us that it wasn't a problem, we would just be landing a bit faster than normal. With that, the cabin crew came through the cabin to ensure everyone's seat belt was nice and tight!

As I said previously, the crew were informative and professional, and although some of the more nervous flyers were looking a bit pale, I personally didn't have any concerns.

I believe the return flight with this aircraft was cancelled, but it returned to service the next day. I find it reassuring that the crews are well trained and it certainly doesn't change my attitude to flying. My frustration is aimed at Flybe and this aircraft type which is frequently going 'tech'. Whilst not quite a monopoly, there aren't many options for flying with anyone else from Southampton, but I'm beginning to wonder if its worth choosing my local airport over Heathrow when I can't be sure if a flight will actually go ahead due to frequently recurring technical issues.