Where's The Brakes?
By skysuccess
@skysuccess (8857)
Singapore
June 18, 2010 5:08am CST
Well, that's the first question flight attendant asked her Captain when she assume the position of First Officer or co-pilot of American Airlines Flight AA1612 to help land the aircraft at Chicago's O'Hare airport.
I just do not know how to react with this news as the airlines - American Airlines certainly have some explaining to do for letting an unfit or rather sick co-pilot onboard for cockpit duty.
I am not overreacting but if he can be declared by his Captain to be unfit to assist in the landing, then this co-pilot's condition is indeed serious and should not be on duty at all.
Fortunately, this flight hostess was equal to the task and helped the Captain land the Boeing 767 jet with 267 passengers onboard safely and without any incident.
There are already enough air disasters and having an unfit co-pilot is the last thing to expect here.
What do you think? Is American Airlines in the wrong here, for not ensuring that their crew to be healthy and fit for duty?
Read more:
http://www.chicagobreakingnews.com/2010/06/flight-attendant-co-pilot-ohare-attendant-helps-lands-plane.html
2 responses
@owlwings (43897)
• Cambridge, England
18 Jun 10
It sounds as if the First Officer became ill some time into the flight and that the Captain made a wise decision to choose someone from the crew who was level headed and able to perform simple tasks. I'm quite sure that "Where are the brakes?" was meant as a joke. The lady had flown planes before and that question is an old chestnut (just as "Where is the Any key?" is a well-known joke amongst computer trainers).
I don't think American Airlines acted improperly, though I am sure that they will investigate the incident. In fact, the story gives me much confidence in the professionalism of American Airlines aircrew. The plane was landed safely, calmly and professionally. That is what counts.
1 person likes this
@debsgw (256)
•
18 Jun 10
Have to agree with the points you made here owlwings, there are times when we are taken ill quite suddenly without enough prior warning to be able to make the kind of decision about fitness to work in time and as you say the important issue here was that AA had a member of staff who was perfectly competent to replace the co-pilot when necessary in order to ensure the smooth landing of the aircraft and the safety of the passengers.
its' a shame that the media so often feels it is only newsworthy to report the negative side of an event and so scare people with their interpretations. I blame the media for a lot of misunderstandings and misplaced anger these days. I believe in the freedom of the press and free speech etc but think it's going too far when newsworthy means scary or something that turns out so well is presented in a negative light in order to capture more people's attention.
1 person likes this
@skysuccess (8857)
• Singapore
19 Jun 10
owlwings and debsgw,
I am really not that bothered about the fact that American Airlines here has come off this incident unscathed and most of all with every one safe.
However, as much as I would like to give the airlines the benefit of doubt but I think we cannot ignore the fact that pilots from every airlines are overworked. So, I really hoped that this is just one of those odd occurrence.
I just do not find the media trying to over exaggerate and make this incident news worthy.
@hofferp (4734)
• United States
19 Jun 10
I don't think it was a "stupid" question. A Boeing 767 does have brakes...and the flight attendant with hundreds of hours flying (even though they were back in the 70s) knew that. I would have asked the same question and what else the captain wanted me to do... Sounds like the captain made the best decision he could under the circumstances and the flight attendant, the captain and the crew did an outstanding job landing the plane safely in crowded airspace. (I read the Dallas paper...it was congratulatory rather than negative...)
1 person likes this
@skysuccess (8857)
• Singapore
19 Jun 10
hofferp,
In all honesty, I am actually supportive of the Captain of the flight and even more for this plucky flight attendant.
My concern is actually with American Airlines which could be responsible for overworking their crew especially their pilots there.
I am really glad that the outcome had not turn out to be tragic and hope that this is one of those unforeseen condition than some intentional oversight.
Thanks for your response here.
