Have you seen tonights news?

[Daisy]

Hi, just wondered if you had seen tonights news update on ITV teletext {it may be on the main news channels too}? What is your view on what happened?

In case people are wondering what on earth i am on about, I will type the bulletin. For those of you who may be worried about flying - dont read on....


"BRITONS HOLIDAY JET ORDEAL"

British tourists had to scream protests at their flight's pilot twice before he agreed to abandon a take-off due to aviation fuel spewing out of the wing. Nearly 400 phuket to Gatwick travellers are now believed to be stranded in the United Arab Emirates, many having refused to get on the plane again.

One passenger said ' It was terrifying. Everyone was on their feet shouting and screaming for the plane to stop'.

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Could this have caused a disaster? How can this sort of thing happen. Im a bit worried now :(

[Falcon]

Right deep breath. Remember what we talked about watching disaster programs. This is a news article that is written for entertainment so lets ignore sentences such as "Passengers scream for their lives", and the words hysteria and all that jazz as it is window dressing and look at the facts. As the aircraft taxied out the passengers saw something wrong and drew it to the attention of the crew. Well done, the flight engineer sat in the seat and looked out to see what the problem was and after identifying it something was done. On the second attempt everyone was looking and there was another leak the crew were informed and the flight was cancelled. I read nothing about the aircraft trying to get airborne. Perhaps when people saw fuel they thought petrol. Petrol is extremely volatile. Jet aircraft use a jet fuel that is a close cousin to kerosene. Jet A1 is very difficult to ignite but will give off alot of energy when lit, so it doesn't catch as fast as petrol. I would not worry unduly as the crew seemed to behave in a professional manner from what little is written.

[Unregistered]

I understand what you are saying. I know they use emotive words in these types of situations. I cant help wondering if the Captain might let me have a quick walk round the aircraft first though just to check it out! ;)

[Falcon]

He would have done as standard. Prehaps the problem only manifested itself after they got underway. Full marks to the alert passengers.

[Daisy]

Im wishing I had a window seat now!

[Falcon]

The lesson here is don't spend all flight glued to the windows looking for something but if you do see somthing obviously wrong by all means ask.

[Daisy]

That post made me laugh. Royd, if i see something 'obviously wrong' I wont just be asking.....Id be the one jumping up and down trying to get the cockpit door open! :shocked:

Just kidding - Im British. I would calmly ring the bell and wait for a air hostess to come and merely point out the smoke coming from the engine and politely ask if it was acceptable for the flames to be licking up the side of the aircraft. :coffee:

Just joking - it made me laugh though! :rolling:

Daisy x :lol: