Stealth Pilot wrote:
> On Sun, 27 Jul 2008 12:08:51 +1000, "John Ewing" wrote:
>
>> "GB"
kickindanuts.threefiddy.com> wrote in message
>> news:009bb099$0$17918$c3e8da3@news.astraweb.com...>>>> There have been a few 'professionals' amongst the posters here
>>>> in the past! But unfortunately, despite their best efforts
>>>> to provide accurate and up-to-date information to those interested,
>>>> they were often howled down by the wannabes and so called
>>>> 'guardians' of the newsgroup!
>>> I'm uncomfortable with the idea of allowing a statement so
>>> inaccurate as this to enter the annals unchallenged. While it
>>> is correct to say that shouting matches break out amongst the
>>> proletariat from time to time, it is an error to claim that
>>> this is the reason for the departure of a number of specific
>>> contributors.
>>>
>>> Some properly retired, some were drawn away by the increasing
>>> demands of promotion to Captaincy on new aircraft types, and
>>> many are still here, participating regularly.
>>>
>>> A personal discomfort with the ways of usenet should not, in
>>> my view, be ascribed to all and sundry without some direct
>>> evidence that said ascription is appropriate.
>>>
>>>
>>> GB
>> My thoughts also GB. I enjoyed JB's contributions but I suspect his leaving
>> this group was not due to sinister elements, but rather because of his other
>> commitments.
>>
>> He did on occasions become a target from trolls - only because of his
>> undeniably extensive experience and knowledge.
>>
>> I am sure we would all welcome - even if it is a once only contribution - a
>> personal account of the incident.
>>
>> Failing that I guess there's still the possibility of a 60 Minutes
>> interview, a film or a Air Disaster episode! :)
>>
>> Cheers,
>> John
>>
>
> I always thought he was close to or at retirement age. the bugger is a
> year younger than me.
>
> I love the hysteria around the incident.
>
> the reality is that a depressurisation warning popped off in the
> cockpit so they went into action with a standard response, then
> diverted to the nearest suitable runway.
>
> the pax were scared shitless but the pilots didnt know any of this.
>
> it was only later that the pilots were aware of the majority of the
> details.
>
> I suppose he should just do the "discretion is the better part of
> valour" bit and say nothing while enjoying the publicity ride.
>
> I'm betting that the smiles you see in the photo are from the bonk of
> his life on getting home. we can all see it as the man's confident
> expertise shining through though :-)
>
> good grief. you'd thing aviation was magic.
>
> Stealth Pilot
>
>
Yeah, just a pressurization warning after a bloody great bang.
Someone else reckons a few other things happened:
"You might not recall that my husband was ex-RAN A4. He now flies
747-400. He had the explosive decompression yesterday.
Fun day!
I can give your readers some facts that are solid:
No engines were shut down.
Aeroplane’s controls were unaffected.
Some computer functions and electrics were affected - all 3 ILS shut
down and the Capt’s FMC. Antiskid warning came on.
The R2 door alarm activated.
Capt inititated controlled descent from 29K to 10K, which took about 4
mins. Mayday was called (John never ever thought he would have to
declare a mayday in his entire career!)
After levelling off, fuel dump of 50 tons was commenced, and plane
landed afterwards normally, but used all available runway. Engine #3 was
shut down first, then 3 others after and plane was towed to terminal.
Passengers disembarked normally via aerobridge.
John praised crew and passengers, who all rose to the occasion."
