When is an outflow valve not an outflow valve?
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False Alarms
I've been called out to umpteen aircraft before departure, to check reports from non-engineering staff (from toileteers to flight-deck). For the vast majority of times they are "red herrings", but now and again they've highlighted a significant defect which required attention before flight. Even when it's a un important event I still thank the reporter as they might not bother next time!
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Be grateful for people that watch after each other. As an A320 driver maybe he should have known that it was an outflow valve he was looking at, but you can't expect everyone to know all the details of all aircraft.
It reminds me of this piece of great communication and problem solving at JFK when a Lufthansa A340 was taxiing with an open fuel panel. That didn't take an hour.
It reminds me of this piece of great communication and problem solving at JFK when a Lufthansa A340 was taxiing with an open fuel panel. That didn't take an hour.
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Brilliant! 
I'd love to know how he got out as that ladder in the nose is a pig to unlatch.
I'd love to know how he got out as that ladder in the nose is a pig to unlatch.
Only half a speed-brake
The LH340 recording was presented to me (audio only) on an ICAO ELP test. Afterwards, I must say it seems like a truly professional choice of material for the exam. To a mid-European.
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It's not advisable to use Ditch Push-button, You will actually close both outflow valves, but aircraft's conditioning air, w/o exit, will pressurize the plane on ground and will be out of control afterward, since controoler will not control the valves anymore. Help me some one, but I believe that after using the Ditching p/b, reset may be performed only on ground, engines off.
Aside. I had some kind of similar experience w a MD83 (exhaust valve dimensions relationship to fuselaje diameter is bigger), but the person w the question was a Ramper and he, ISO stop a/c, asked a mechanic about....
Aside. I had some kind of similar experience w a MD83 (exhaust valve dimensions relationship to fuselaje diameter is bigger), but the person w the question was a Ramper and he, ISO stop a/c, asked a mechanic about....
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Switching the Bleed off or Packs off before hitting the ditch switch would be sensible. Assuming the A330 has a ditch switch. I can't remember seeing one.
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Maybe That's Whay it is Marked in Red?
Hilarious! Is that why it is marked in red? How many times has somewone worried about this 'loose, flapping thing' on the belly? Work on or around airplanes: know them. And yes, if you see something that is obviously not right - not marked in RED as normal, speak up. Ground staff too need some functional brain power - and proper training. (Best example is that 'little bump.' Grounders are NOT supposed to bump birds, but it happens. For the sake of 3 or 300+ souls, when - not if - that 'Little Bump' happens, tell someone. Please.
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Happened to me once as I taxied past the control tower in Ajaccio for departure,
"XXX ooold position,you have a little door open"
After a brief conversation with my French friend,we resolved it was the outflow valve.Nice to think he was looking out for me and it could have been something that had been missed/faulty.
Safe than sorry and all that.
"XXX ooold position,you have a little door open"
After a brief conversation with my French friend,we resolved it was the outflow valve.Nice to think he was looking out for me and it could have been something that had been missed/faulty.
Safe than sorry and all that.
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767? I think.
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Fortunately (for my company) I do not work for the airline in question I do not know how far they will push it.
I hope they don't. We're all capable of making cock-ups and one day you might be glad that the crew in the "orange Airbus" spots something you've missed. Two other pilots have independently seen something, probably discussed it a bit, and been concerned enough to raise it.
Makes me wonder what the atmosphere is like in your flight deck when a new guy spots your mistake but is apprehensive about speaking up about it.
So it cost a bit of time and fuel. Who cares?
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Makes me wonder what the atmosphere is like in your flight deck when a new guy spots your mistake but is apprehensive about speaking up about it.
Please do not judge me. I have witnessed too many arrogant captains who belittle their own crew. I despise that attitude.
It would have been more productive if the original captain had just spoken to the engineers/mechanics and get them to do a visual inspection and confirm the a/c was serviceable. But no. Pontificating for nearly an hour until it was too late was the order of the day.
Last edited by TURIN; 11th Nov 2014 at 11:19.
