Now it's Virgin Turn!

[Ikara]

Now it's Virgin's turn. No harm in not sharing the pain.

JB

Pilot turns back 'broken' Virgin flight

Posted 1 hour 54 minutes ago
Updated 22 minutes ago



Angry travellers say technical problems have grounded a Virgin Blue flight from Adelaide to Coolangatta.
Passengers say the plane had taxied onto the runway at 8:30am ACST before the pilot turned it back.
They say the pilot told them the aircraft was 'broken' and they should disembark.
It is estimated that about 100 people were delayed at Adelaide Airport waiting for another flight, including traveller Ian Sharp.
"The plane was broken - that's what he [pilot] said," Mr Sharp said.
"Then afterwards he said they had technical difficulties.
"Well I think that it's really, really bad the way that it's all been handled and it should be handled a lot better. Nobody knew what was going and everyone was getting really really annoyed."

 

[Flashback]

I think that just proves that it is a common occurance, and that it is not news.

 

[JohnK]

How can an aircraft be described as broken but still able to fly?

 

[straitman]

How can an aircraft be described as broken but still able to fly?

JohnK,

Very easily. Aircraft like cars can have items that are not working and still be able to be operated safely. Not sure that reasoning on this occasion but it could have been anything from an extensive list called the minimum equipment list (MEL).

The MEL is approved initially by the authority in the country of certification (read FAA in the USA for Boeing a/c) and then signed off by the country of operation (CASA in this case). CASA will often add to, or adjust the original MEL to suit local conditions.

 

[JohnK]

Very easily. Aircraft like cars can have items that are not working and still be able to be operated safely. Not sure that reasoning on this occasion but it could have been anything from an extensive list called the minimum equipment list (MEL).

I understand that the aircraft may require repairs but it is still strange to describe an operational aircraft or car for that matter as 'broken' under those circumstances.

 

[NM]

So would the angry passengers prefer the pilot did not turn back to the terminal but instead commenced the flight to OOL? If the pilot is not happy with the aircraft then neither am I.

 

[ejb]

So would the angry passengers prefer the pilot did not turn back to the terminal but instead commenced the flight to OOL? If the pilot is not happy with the aircraft then neither am I.

Hi all,

This has been my thoughts throughout this stupid over reporting season.

I would rather be delayed days than crash and die. All the people ranting about how late they are and how the airline is ruining their lives by holding them up should think about the alternative-being in a plane crash because the crew ignored safety procedure.

I will always take the delay over the crash.....

ejb

 

[pauly7]

Now it's Virgin's turn. No harm in not sharing the pain.

JB

Pilot turns back 'broken' Virgin flight

Posted 1 hour 54 minutes ago
Updated 22 minutes ago



Angry travellers say technical problems have grounded a Virgin Blue flight from Adelaide to Coolangatta.
Passengers say the plane had taxied onto the runway at 8:30am ACST before the pilot turned it back.
They say the pilot told them the aircraft was 'broken' and they should disembark.
It is estimated that about 100 people were delayed at Adelaide Airport waiting for another flight, including traveller Ian Sharp.
"The plane was broken - that's what he [pilot] said," Mr Sharp said.
"Then afterwards he said they had technical difficulties.
"Well I think that it's really, really bad the way that it's all been handled and it should be handled a lot better. Nobody knew what was going and everyone was getting really really annoyed."

Sounds terrifying.........

Gosh now Virgin is a death trap as well as QF, looks like I'll have to fly a lovely combination of Jetstar and Tiger (shudder)

 

[munitalP]

...including traveller Ian Sharp....

"Well I think that it's really, really bad the way that it's all been handled and it should be handled a lot better. Nobody knew what was going and everyone was getting really really annoyed."

I have a feeling Mr. Sharp is not the sharpest knife in the draw......



Really...



Mr!

 

[straitman]

If you think safety is expensive then try having an accident :!:

 

[thegurio]

If you think safety is expensive then try having an accident :!:

And far too much paper work!