BA 777 on fire at LAS

[dajop]

not to mention that if the safety brief is occurring then they are probably taxiing, with the window shades down.

It is not a requirement in some jurisdictions (most notably US) to have window shades up during take-off, landing and taxiing, unlike in many parts of the world/

 

[mjgriffo]

I've brought that up before. Window shades aren't a safety thing in USA and Canada.

It is not a requirement in some jurisdictions (most notably US) to have window shades up during take-off, landing and taxiing, unlike in many parts of the world/

I obviously need to do more international flying!

 

[SeatBackForward]

It is not a requirement in some jurisdictions (most notably US) to have window shades up during take-off, landing and taxiing, unlike in many parts of the world/

Was it JB on the ask a pilot thread, who mentioned this is so that your eyes are already adjusted to ambient light in the event an evac is required?

 

[MEL_Traveller]

Was it JB on the ask a pilot thread, who mentioned this is so that your eyes are already adjusted to ambient light in the event an evac is required?

That is indeed the theory behind it.

It makes sense, but obviously the FAA doesn't think it's essential.

 

[TheRealTMA]

Was it JB on the ask a pilot thread, who mentioned this is so that your eyes are already adjusted to ambient light in the event an evac is required?

I thought the theory was that in an emergency everyone could see if there were flames outside and thus to take another evacuation route? The difference in light intensity is not that different and the eye adapts quite quickly.

 

[opusman]

I thought the theory was that in an emergency everyone could see if there were flames outside and thus to take another evacuation route? The difference in light intensity is not that different and the eye adapts quite quickly.

No it's actually so you can make sure your Louis Vitton carry-on won't be at risk of smoke or fire damage.

 

[DC3]

It is not a requirement in some jurisdictions (most notably US) to have window shades up during take-off, landing and taxiing, unlike in many parts of the world/

O/T, I know, but on arrival into DFW while waiting (for ages) for a gate to be free, all passengers were informed to close the window shades due to the heat outside. Not on take-off, but on arrival in this case.

 

[MEL_Traveller]

I thought the theory was that in an emergency everyone could see if there were flames outside and thus to take another evacuation route? The difference in light intensity is not that different and the eye adapts quite quickly.

I suppose it's a bit of both - but again the FAA doesn't see the need to mandate it.

The light intensity is an issue... switching on a light in a dark room takes you a second or two to adapt. And similarly the reverse. Which is why a combination of dimming the cabin lights for take-off and landing, and having shades open, theoretically better prepares you in an emergency.

 

[Deleted member 29185]

I found this incident to be somewhat comforting. I never wish to use a slide, but the professionalism shone though in this event. The pilot, the crew, the ATC, the fire fighters and the pax (well, most).

As a frequent flyer, I did find comfort in the reality that if an incident does happen one day to an aircraft I'm on, hopefully a similar level of professionalism and level headed actions of many will mean a favourable outcome..........hopefully! :-| (not so sure about PNG though)

 

[Sprucegoose]

Well done to the crew member who DID NOT open left 2.

And food for thought for those who never listen to the safety brief.

And take their shoes off before cruise

 

[TheRealTMA]

No it's actually so you can make sure your Louis Vitton carry-on won't be at risk of smoke or fire damage.

Possibly in whY. Otherwise it's an insurance claim for a better, newer bag!

 

[JessicaTam]

I have moved the grammar discussion to the grammar thread.

 

[TheRealTMA]

I have moved the grammar discussion to the grammar thread.

Lol.......

 

[JohnPhelan]

Was it JB on the ask a pilot thread, who mentioned this is so that your eyes are already adjusted to ambient light in the event an evac is required?

And also so you can see what's happening outside, e.g. if there's a fire, where it is, so you don't open a door right into it!

 

[moa999]

Which I guess is why the viewer on the door doesn't have a blind

 

[jb747]

To be honest, I've never heard a definitive reason for it...probably just the same myths that you do. I have problems with the idea that it's so that you can get used to the dark, but I expect it has a lot to do with allowing rescue personnel to look inside.

 

[jb747]

Classic fuel fed fire if ever I saw one

Doesn't look too bad. I'll get my bag out of the locker.

 

[Deleted member 29185]

I expect it has a lot to do with allowing rescue personnel to look inside.

This was always my understanding. To allow people to see in rather than those in, seeing out. I guess the reality is that there are many good reasons to have the blinds open in case of emergency.

 

[MEL_Traveller]

Which I guess is why the viewer on the door doesn't have a blind

while some aircraft don't (like the 737) - many others do... the 747, 777, a330 etc

To be honest, I've never heard a definitive reason for it...probably just the same myths that you do. I have problems with the idea that it's so that you can get used to the dark, but I expect it has a lot to do with allowing rescue personnel to look inside.

This was always my understanding. To allow people to see in rather than those in, seeing out. I guess the reality is that there are many good reasons to have the blinds open in case of emergency.

I hadn't thought about 'outside looking in' but isn't it generally pretty hard to see anything inside a plane... especially if you're on the ground trying to look up into a window? And if your plane is covered in water/foam?

Edited: trying to find any regualtions concerning this is hard. The FAA and CAA don't seem to have any rules readily accessible, although a particular airline's rules in the states, if approved by the FAA, would then become mandatory (ie pax must follow crew member instructions).

Business Insider (Australia) asked CASA the reason behind the practice:

We decided to ask Civil Aviation Safety Authority (CASA) corporate communications manager Peter Gibson to explain the real reason behind it.

“The simple answer is, for safety reasons,” Gibson told Business Insider Australia. “In case of an emergency, cabin crew need to decide which side of the aircraft is safest to disembark from. Leaving the window shade up allows them to make a quick call.”

Gibson said the measures are part of commercial airline safety procedures in Australia and are applicable to all large commercial aircraft.

... which seems to imply there is some sort of requirement, but I haven't found it yet. Link to article: http://www.businessinsider.com.au/h...window-shade-for-take-off-and-landing-2014-10

 

[maninblack]

Doesn't look too bad. I'll get my bag out of the locker.

It's hard to imagine after seeing that photo that your thoughts would be anywhere other than listening for instructions and getting yourself and loved ones off the aircraft asap. To be thinking about luggage seems a bizarre response to me. But in Vegas who knows what might be in that carry on bag, perhaps millions in cash!