Successful water landing...

[Grant]

This is very interesting... I was wondering how in the world the the
A320 that landed in the Hudson did not break up? They said it with
gear up obviously, to not have would have seem to really cause trouble
but yet I am having trouble understanding why the engines didn't get
torn off immediately. Not too familiar with an A320 but just off the
top of my head, it seems like the engines hang lower than the bottom
of the fuselage thus making them vulnerable. Maybe you can help me out
on this one. Thanks.

[Grant]

Now I am confused, the engines are still intact... built pretty tough
I guess... the engine nacelles do hang below the fuselage, obviously
contacting the water before or about the same time as the
tail...hmmmmm

[Parvaz]

Grant,


Here is a link to a youtube video of a certification test on a jet
engine.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Ek6adm4iV4Y&feature=PlayList&p=83D9C67AAE510B4B&playnext=1&index=17

In this case one of the fan blades is destroyed, and you can see the
resulting vibrations. The attach points of these engines to the wings
are incredibly strong. They have to be because they absorbed the
energy developed by the engines and drag the rest of the jet along for
the ride. The engines are designed to stay attached during such a
failure.

Those USAirways pilots were able to slow the jet down enough and
spread out the deceleration forces long enough following their impact
to maximize the survival chances of the folks in their jet. Yet they
kept the jet flying and did not let it stall and fall out of the air
uncontrollably. As a result they were able to save the lives of
everyone on board. And Airbus builds a strong jet. In this case the
engine attach points were able to absorb the tremendous impact forces
of smacking the water at whatever speed they were flying when they
touched down and remain attached to the wings.

Hope that helps.

Respectfully

[Grant]

Very interesting, thanks for the information.

[pavas]

Dear Parvaz,

A long time ago you asked me about my views on CRM, this Hudson river
incident gives a good example of how the the whole team is important.

The pilots obviously did a great job, I have done the exercise twice
in a Sim so I know that even in theory and with a thorough briefing,
it is demanding.

What all the news people have failed to appreciate, is that the cabin
crew also accomplished a great feat. Their training is programmed to
get all out as soon as possible, in this case into the water, however
the applied their situationl awareness and realized that help was
close at hand. modifying their procedures so that in fact (as I
understand it) only 4 pax were immersed in the freezing water. Thus
only 4 pax were treated for exposure and the rest were able to head
home soon after.

As a 17 year airline pilot I believe that this required just as much
ability and resourcefullness as the Captain's safe ditching.

Unfortunately, the proffessionals (all cabin crew) are too often seen
as pretty dresses dishing out mediocre meals, here we have an
opportunity to see how important their job is.

So to the unsung heroes of of this incident I say WELL DONE.

Regards

Pavas

[Parvaz]

Pavas,

As usual you are spot on with your comments! In addition to what you
said about the cabin crew I would add that the vast majority of them
have such excellent people skills that they are able to diffuse most
potentially troubling situations long before they erupt. All in the
entire team perfumed well, as a result we will be studying this event
as a positive during annual training for years to come.

I am still waiting for you to post your article on European flight
deck CRM as you have experienced it during your career.

It’s been busy; when I get around to it my next post will be on gate
and airport deicing procedures. I was seated in back today when we
were deiced and there seemed to be lots of questions about what was
taking place.

[pavas]

Dear Parvaz,

I beg your indulgence when I say that for me to comment on such a vast
subject as european CRM is beyond my payscale. My opinions are simply
my opinions and I would hate to impose them on an unsuspecting open
forum.

I would point you to the 60 Minute interview posted on youtube to see
how the same incident was experienced differently by various people
and that although part of a team, each member had to act individually.

I can honestly say that I was stunned and have questioned myself many
times, on whether I would have been up to the job.

Most incidents that end in tragedy are beyond the capabilities of an
average person or even the aircraft design and when such a situation
occurs, the pilots are vilified. Far more incidents are or become a
non event and no mention is ever made because of the correct actions
of the crew. As an example, I once landed a 737 with an unsafe landing
gear, shutting down one of the busiest airports in Germany, with full
emergency services and all their fire tenders chasing me and my 135
passengers and crew down the runway. I aged 10 years in the 40 minutes
it took to carry out the approach and landing....... When I changed
employer, and asked for my personal file, there was no mention of it
at all. There were of course all the times I blew my nose in polite
company.

The saddest thing is that pilots like Sully are fast becomming
unemployable as their experience makes them too expensive.

Far cheaper to employ a recently qualified captain on subsistence
wages and furlough the experienced ones.

Next time the public travel on a cheapo ticket, they should ask where
the savings are being made.

Pavas

[Parvaz]

Your humility serves as an excellent example. I suspect you are a
favorite Captain to fly with at your airline. Having been born and
raised in the Middle East, cultural differences are a great interest
to me, especially how they relate to the flight deck. That is what is
driving my interest in the CRM article.

Belated congratulations on the safe conclusion to an unsafe landing
gear incident-well done!

Your example regarding your personal file when you changed employers
was surprising. I suspect mine is full of the same minutia.

I wish the travelling public did “care”, but I am afraid that the
foremost concern in most of their minds is price. As an industry we
are often our own worst enemies. I have watched (with angst for
years) pilots interacting with the other work groups and the
travelling public; many fail to accurately communicate the complexity,
responsibility and rigorous demands of our job. The impression many
of our coworkers and the public is left with is that of us being
overpaid, underworked and spoiled lounging around some exotic
destination all on the company’s money. Your description of having
aged 10 years in 40 minutes perfectly demonstrates the true nature of
this job.

I look forward to your contributions, in any form, anytime.

Respectfully,

Parvaz.