Living the emergency drill
AFAIK, BA 747s have a ring main oxygen system rather than chemical generators.
If that's the case, a few pax pulling their masks shouldn't significantly deplete the supply.
If that's the case, a few pax pulling their masks shouldn't significantly deplete the supply.
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I have a crazy idea for a fun thing.
I would pay money (say, 20-30 Euros) to be able to do some or all of the following, inside the hull of a plane on the ground:
- have an oxygen mask drop down, so I can see how hard I have to pull
- brace for impact and have the plane given a good shake (or put on a seat belt and experience "proper" turbulence)
- see what the illuminated floor path markings look like, ideally in the presence of simulated smoke
- put on a lifejacket, inflate it, blow in the little tube, etc
- remove the overwing doors
- jump out down the emergency inflatable ramp
In short, to experience everything that the safety briefing talks about.
I have been told that some of these items are included in "fear of flying" courses that companies send nervous executives on. But I imagine it being marketed as a family fun thing, which would also leave people better informed in case they ever do have to survive an emergency. There could be a 20-minute video that also explained things like "why we dim the cabin lights for take off and landing at night" (I know why this is, but most people don't).
I appreciate that deploying the inflatable ramp is an expensive option, but presumably something static could be organised.
Is any of this possible today? What would be impossible about it?
I would pay money (say, 20-30 Euros) to be able to do some or all of the following, inside the hull of a plane on the ground:
- have an oxygen mask drop down, so I can see how hard I have to pull
- brace for impact and have the plane given a good shake (or put on a seat belt and experience "proper" turbulence)
- see what the illuminated floor path markings look like, ideally in the presence of simulated smoke
- put on a lifejacket, inflate it, blow in the little tube, etc
- remove the overwing doors
- jump out down the emergency inflatable ramp
In short, to experience everything that the safety briefing talks about.
I have been told that some of these items are included in "fear of flying" courses that companies send nervous executives on. But I imagine it being marketed as a family fun thing, which would also leave people better informed in case they ever do have to survive an emergency. There could be a 20-minute video that also explained things like "why we dim the cabin lights for take off and landing at night" (I know why this is, but most people don't).
I appreciate that deploying the inflatable ramp is an expensive option, but presumably something static could be organised.
Is any of this possible today? What would be impossible about it?
To my certain knowledge this sort of thing is already happening as regards maritime matters. Here's my account of what happened a few years ago in Saint Nazaire, France at the huge museum about ocean liners - the museum itself is located in the the old WW2 submarine pens and site of the brilliant and brave attack by HMS Campbelltown, both fascinating.
Anyway, the museum is very interesting and user-friendly , all about the ocean liners built at St. Nazaire and the people of all classes who travelled in them. All beautifully presented. The difference between first-class and steeerage was very illuminating. At the end of the museum tour vistiors assembled every two-hours in the re-created theatre of an ocean liner to view some fine old voyage films. Very interesting and a fitting end to an interesting visit, we thought.
Suddenly, without warning, wisps of smoke entered the auditorium and alarms sounded. Staff dressed as crew appeared carrying life jackets and it was announced that there was an emergency and the ship had to be evacuated. There were about 200 of us in the theatre and we were each issued with life-jackets and ushered towards the (re-created) boat deck where we we boarded big life-boats which were lowered down into the water of the submarine pens. A very dramatic end to the visit and the only time in my life that I have ever been in a lifeboat. It certainly gave a very graphic idea of what a life-boat evacuation would be like. Unforgettable!
So, yes, I think there should be an opportunity for the public to familiarisr themselves with real-time aviation safety procedures. It can only do good.
I would add that at Saint Nazaire you can also visit the very active ship-building complex and the nearby Airbus factory. All in all a very good tourist destination, and right next door to beautiful La Baule and its magnificent beach.
Son of Slot
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Thank you Mr Oleo Strut. Sounds like one for the notebook. This needs to be suggested to an air museum that has good space - Duxford have the space and, probably, the numbers of visitors for the investment.
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Thanks, SoS. I think Duxford would be a great location for an exhibit demonstrating air safety and security arrangements. A good subject for national lottery funding.
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Cranfield asked for volunteers years ago when they were studying evacuation, they all queued nicelay and went out one after the other... no panic, so they then offered £10 to the first XYZ out of the plane... that worked a treat.
