Aborted Take-offs?

[Timtammi]

Last night I was on QF29 MEL-HKG. The flight boarded as usual and we taxied out for take off as usual. After what seemed like forever (sometimes it feels like we are driving there!) we had lined up for take-off. The pilot gunned the engines and off we went down the run way. Pretty soon into the initial acceleration the brakes went on pretty hard and straight away I figured there was a problem. Sure enough Captain announces some sort of pressurisation problem and that we have to return to gate to have it looked at and fixed.

Of course my heart sank (it was already late and I was tired!) but they had us back on our way again in about an hour. During this time they served more pre-flight drinks (in J anyway where I was) and some sort silent funny show on the video system ( head sets had not been handed out throughout the plane as yet), I guess to keep the natives from getting restless.

As far as I can remember this is the first time I have ever been on a plane that started take-off and then aborted. Is this a common occurrence to get that close to taking off before you realise there is a problem that needs attention?

I'm not a nervous flyer by any means but it did make me feel a little uneasy...
However by the time we actually did take off I was so tired and sleepy (the extra champer helped ) I really didnt care anymore!

Flight after than uneventful, just made my connection to Taipei, although my bags didn't. Delivered to hotel about 6 hours later.

Cheers

 

[markis10]

Aborted take offs are not that rare and exist for a reason, having a pressurization problem is a big thing so it was good that the flight was aborted. I would not be too worried at all.

 

[Andyzx]

Hope it doesnt happen when i am on QF29 in a months or so time. it would take a little more than a couple of champs to clam my nerves

I usually have problems with landing, no wheels or small planes sitting on the runway.

 

[Sprucegoose]

All part of people doing what they are trained to do. Be thankful.

 

[Nutcase]

I've had 2 memorable ones.

QF108 LAX to SYD a couple of years back - we were well into take off and the pilot decided to bail. Brakes on and lots of noise then a long silence. The "door open" light came on in the coughpit apparently. He made a valid point about not wanting the door to fly open during take off (duh)

Tyres were blown and the brakes overheated so gently back to the gate and eventually off the plane and into an Hotel for the night then back to LAX then we almost missed our opportunity to leave again - we would have passed curfew I guess. Eventually arrived back in SYD around 12 hours late. That effort made the press and would have cost Qantas a mint. Still no upgrade though!

And 1000 years ago an Ansett flight from MEL to SYD. We ended up going off the runway after the take off was aborted - no real explanation and lots of white knuckles. I do remember the engines being given a workout by the pilot (much like revving the engine of a car) and then having another go at taking off

Thats really only 2 in my 25 years of business flying and hundreds of flights so all in all - not a bad effort.

I did have an unexpected landing in Newman one evening on a flight from DRW to PER - Apparently we could have run out of fuel so it was "unscheduled" but I do remember it happened quickly. Thats a one horse town.

 

[mannej]

I do remember QF having one publicised at LAX (QF12~March 08ish). The thing that made it stand out was the fact that it was Wunala Dreaming.

If you have time Youtube is a good source for clips from both inside and outside of a jet during aborted landings.

 

[straitman]

All part of people doing what they are trained to do. Be thankful.

Absolutely.

Remember the pilot is actually looking after himself in these situations as he does not want to get hurt. If he is OK then you are OK :!:

I can assure you that he does not do it for the excitement. :shock:

 

[Foreigner]

My aborted takeoff experience happened in LAS on AA and I think aircraft was MD80. I thought it was close to V1 when the pilot applied brakes very, very hard. It truly was unexpected and terrifying. Back to parking bay and mayhem. Passengers were furious when advised of delay of 6 or more hours until another aircraft could be ready but then mysteriously we were on another aircraft in an hour. Luggage did connect to Sydney flight from LAX.