Hand luggage in an emergency evacuation.
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I was on SWA 345 last year when the front landing gear collapsed into the nose of the airplane. Once the plane was stationary and it was obvious we weren't moving, it was several minutes before we were allowed to exit the plane. During that time, we had ample opportunity to gather our thoughts, prayers--and for many, our small bags or a briefcase.
I don't remember anyone trying to take larger luggage out of the overheads, but there was ample time to grab a briefcase from the overhead as we were just standing there, (and there was the smell of smoke in the air.)
With regards to the poster commenting on "I'll just run someone over, I'm a big guy." Was on another flight several years ago where a football sized hole blew into the top of the airplane, immediate decompression and the air bags dropped. Efficient descent to 11,000 feet, (from 35k), and then another 20-25 minute flight to an alternate airport. During those 20-25 minutes, the flight attendant spoke to each of us sitting in an exit row---with directions I'd never seen nor heard before. In case of an emergency exit, at the FA's command, the person sitting behind me was designated to open the door and confirmed that she could handle a 40lb. door. The rest of us were told to turn inward toward the aisle and push back against anyone trying to rush the door---basically impeding her ability to get the door out of the way. In effect, we were playing offensive lineman until the door was open.
Sidenote--after we landed the lady designated to open the door, (and the only female in the two rows), said that we might have wondered about her ability to take the door out. She said she worked in a bakery and handled 50lb. sacks of flour all day. (Not knowing this, I was going to give her one shot at it and then move her out of the way if the crap really hit the fan.)
I don't remember anyone trying to take larger luggage out of the overheads, but there was ample time to grab a briefcase from the overhead as we were just standing there, (and there was the smell of smoke in the air.)
With regards to the poster commenting on "I'll just run someone over, I'm a big guy." Was on another flight several years ago where a football sized hole blew into the top of the airplane, immediate decompression and the air bags dropped. Efficient descent to 11,000 feet, (from 35k), and then another 20-25 minute flight to an alternate airport. During those 20-25 minutes, the flight attendant spoke to each of us sitting in an exit row---with directions I'd never seen nor heard before. In case of an emergency exit, at the FA's command, the person sitting behind me was designated to open the door and confirmed that she could handle a 40lb. door. The rest of us were told to turn inward toward the aisle and push back against anyone trying to rush the door---basically impeding her ability to get the door out of the way. In effect, we were playing offensive lineman until the door was open.
Sidenote--after we landed the lady designated to open the door, (and the only female in the two rows), said that we might have wondered about her ability to take the door out. She said she worked in a bakery and handled 50lb. sacks of flour all day. (Not knowing this, I was going to give her one shot at it and then move her out of the way if the crap really hit the fan.)
Thanks for the interesting post, but really 2 crash experiences ? That's enough for anyone! By chance I was watching 'Fearless' the movie with Jeff Bridges last night, loosely based on the Sioux City crash, even if only a film thought provoking.
SHJ
SHJ
Nemo Me Impune Lacessit
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How about the overhead bins being electronically locked at start of taxi, unlocked with seat belt signs 'off', back on when seat belt sign 'on' and remaining locked until released by a crew member from one of several positions? (possibly manual over ride, known only to crew).
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Given that a great majority of PAX will ignore Safety Briefings and PA announcements (even assuming they understand the languages they're given in - we really are 'World Travellers' these days) isn't it time to up-date the content? Do we really need all that life-jacket stuff? Wouldn't it be more relevant to focus on more likely emergencies and what can realistically be done to cope more effectively with them?
What is the point of 'seat belts loosely fastened except when moving around the aircraft' when airlines are promoting cocktail bars, showers and the like and the 'Elf & Safety' videos encourage you to walk around to stay thrombosis free.
Me - I do keep the belt fastened and minimise my time out of seat. I've seen what clear-air turbulence can do.
But I do think the whole business of safety briefings and PA announcements needs dragging into the 21st Century. Why tell PAX what the local time and weather are if they are both clearly wrong? My watch is reliable. Mobile phones tell the time. I can see if it's raining. Wake up, airlines, and stop regurgitating what was 'exciting' in the dim and distant. Give me useful, relevant, accurate stuff - or shut up. Please
Rant over .....
What is the point of 'seat belts loosely fastened except when moving around the aircraft' when airlines are promoting cocktail bars, showers and the like and the 'Elf & Safety' videos encourage you to walk around to stay thrombosis free.
Me - I do keep the belt fastened and minimise my time out of seat. I've seen what clear-air turbulence can do.
But I do think the whole business of safety briefings and PA announcements needs dragging into the 21st Century. Why tell PAX what the local time and weather are if they are both clearly wrong? My watch is reliable. Mobile phones tell the time. I can see if it's raining. Wake up, airlines, and stop regurgitating what was 'exciting' in the dim and distant. Give me useful, relevant, accurate stuff - or shut up. Please
Rant over .....
Nemo Me Impune Lacessit
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When you crash with the seatbelt signs off?
Hardly likely to be concerned with the contents of the overhead lockers in those circumstances, are you?
but as soon as a/c is shut down for an evacuation all electrical power goes so they would unlock!
If we can land people on the moon I'm sure the boffins can design around that situation, a time lock with it's own accumulator that retains an electrical charge sufficient to actuate the locks twenty minutes after all power is lost and only operates then and not when other sources of power are still available?
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Update the terms and conditions with a section stating that if a passenger fails to pay attention to safety demonstrations and/or comply with safety instructions the airline is no longer responsible for the passenger and that any death, injuries or costs resulting from an incident or accident is the responsibility of the passenger.
There are far too many people being far to keen to claim their "rights" while playing ignorant or helpless when it comes to their responsibilities.
There are far too many people being far to keen to claim their "rights" while playing ignorant or helpless when it comes to their responsibilities.
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That is irrelevant. There is ample opportunity to to become acquainted with the terms and conditions of the product before purchasing and using it. That people choose to not fully understand what product they are buying is their problem.
Ignorance is a choice.
Ignorance is a choice.
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Nemo Me Impune Lacessit
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Err, well I guess this thread wouldn't exist if that was the case.
A crash, (your word), with the seat belt sign off suggests CFIT or similar to me, usually but not always, 100% fatal.
Airline hand luggage
Airlines themselves are to blame a lot for letting pax on with way to much hand luggage ,if they stuck to a size and weight as the RAF did perhaps there would not be such a rush to retrieve it.I see that some places have a metal bin for hand luggage to be gauged ,if it don't fit its too big but rarely see it used!!I wear a cotton waistcoat type with four pockets which holds all I need apart from a good paperback! I to would assist people who were blocking my exit in an emergency to get out of my way ,if they were attempting to retrieve hand luggage.
I am lucky in that in 55 years of flying I have never seen an emergency ,only in the RAF!!!
I am lucky in that in 55 years of flying I have never seen an emergency ,only in the RAF!!!
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