On Thu, 17 Jul 2008 09:15:34 -0700, "Dimitri" >
wrote:

>As you might have imagined over my, well many years, I have flown quite a
>bit. I started flying at the ripe age of 7 about 1950 in the TWA
>Constellation.
>
>I have had many experiences and stories here is one I though I would share
>so we all can lighten our day.
>
>I was taking a red-eye from LAX to Boston for a 2:00 PM appointment with an
>important customer. This flight was routed through the NEW DFW on A/A. We
>left LAX with no problem and got into DFW easily & I boarded the 767 I think
>for a 7:00 AM departure.
>
>Problem. Something was wrong with the computers they told us.
>
>It was hot and the flight attendants had the back door open for some air to
>circulate. So I was standing there chatting with the flight attendant just
>to pass the time. I asked her what was the worst thing that ever happened
>to her on a flight.
>
>She asked if I remembered the AA flight 191 the DC 10 (the 3:00 PM flight
>from Chicago to LA) which lost an engine and wend down? I said of course I
>used to take that flight all the time. She explained their normal procedure
>for AA is to change the time and flight number and the time for the next
>day. For some reason AA forget to do this.
>
>http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/America...nes_Flight_191
>
>She explained then very next day she was part of flight 191 form ORD to LAX
>and they had a brand new attendant right out of training in Dallas.
>
>They departed with a Bang (funny noise). A few minutes later to pilot got
>on the horn and explained they had lose the hydraulic pressure to the nose
>gear steering. The FAA procedure is they would leave the gear down - go out
>over Lake Michigan dump most of their fuel and come back in to a runway with
>all kinds of crash equipment at the ready. He went on to explain the gear
>would stay straight and at landing speeds they steer with the tail (vertical
>stabilizer anyway).
>
>Now I don't know about you but I always keep one eye on the crew. If they
>start breaking out the Champaign and drinking it themselves and start
>playing grabass you know you're in trouble.
>
>As it happens while they were out over the lake dumping fuel and the crash
>equipment was getting in place the brand new flight attendant LOST IT!
>
>SHE RAN UP AND DOWN THE AISLES SCREAMING HYSTERICALLY, "WE'RE ALL GOING TO
>DIE"
>
>I said, "my god is this true? What was the reaction of the passengers?"
>She assured me this was true, they had to physically restrain the new flight
>attendant and the passengers, well the passengers simply ignored the
>hysterical flight attendant and went about their business as if nothing had
>happened. She said it was a deafening silence.
>
>They fixed the computer and off we went to Logan 2 hours late none the worse
>for ware.
>
>
>I am sure you have some stories - care to share?

Wow, that would be irritating! Good story.

My Dad, long dead, flew often in the 50's. His favorite story that
has stuck with me, was on a long trip on Pan Am. The pilot could not
budge the brakes. The first class passengers were asked to either
pull up or push down the brakes-sorry I don't remember. So they
rolled up their sleeves and bent down to the opening in the floor
where the brakes were located and they fixed the problem. My Dad said
it was fun. He did have his small pilot's license.

I fly enough and I too always keep a close eye on the flight
attendants, especially if I hear a weird noise. Figure they're a good
gauge.

OT: Going to the Netherlands in a few weeks and although I leave here
(Hawaii) at 8 pm, it takes 2 days to get to Amsterdam. Pretty much
flying straight through. Just time zones, mainly and I can't wait!

aloha,
beans
roast beans to kona to email
farmers of Pure Kona