Southwest had another depressurization event in Texas. It turns out that they are offering a drop off service between scheduled stops. They open a window and let you out.
Southwest airlines.....
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steveno
Member
I think the FAA is going to have a look at maintenance practices
Southwest flight loses pressure, makes emergency landing
Southwest flight loses pressure, makes emergency landing
DWalt
Member
Back when I was a frequent flyer, I always tried to use SW if possible. Not only did they have a convenient schedule, they also usually had the lowest fares. I don't fly often these days, but the last part is no longer true. I always get better prices from other airlines and haven't flown on SW for a long time. But SW did not charge extra for checked baggage, which was a point in their favor. Maybe they do now, I don't know. Also SW does not provide interline transfers.
THE PILGRIM
Member
An airliner engine blowing up is a rare event. Preliminary report on SW engine says metal fatigue.
Unfortunately the SW exploding engine hit the weakest part of the pressurized fuselage, the window.
This caused an explosive de-compression.
That’s a rapid out flow of compressed air exiting the fuselage, equalizing the air pressure with the outside air.
De-pressizuration is usually caused by window failure or system failure, usually a slower air loss, not explosive.
So usually de-pressizuration does not result in fatalities.
The only thing I understand is why some folks think this is amusing.
Unfortunately the SW exploding engine hit the weakest part of the pressurized fuselage, the window.
This caused an explosive de-compression.
That’s a rapid out flow of compressed air exiting the fuselage, equalizing the air pressure with the outside air.
De-pressizuration is usually caused by window failure or system failure, usually a slower air loss, not explosive.
So usually de-pressizuration does not result in fatalities.
The only thing I understand is why some folks think this is amusing.
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LVSteve
Member
I found this snippet from the article a perfect example of the illusion of control so many cling to.
Here are the things you must remember when a passenger on a plane or a ship:
1) You're not in charge.
2) If 1) is an issue for you, don't board.
3) Until told otherwise by those who ARE in charge, sit still, face front and PAY ATTENTION when it looks like things are going bad.
4) You're still not in charge.
5) Remember points 1 and 4 apply at all times.
Here are the things you must remember when a passenger on a plane or a ship:
1) You're not in charge.
2) If 1) is an issue for you, don't board.
3) Until told otherwise by those who ARE in charge, sit still, face front and PAY ATTENTION when it looks like things are going bad.
4) You're still not in charge.
5) Remember points 1 and 4 apply at all times.
Actually, you ARE in charge... until you decide to board. People boarding airplanes generally don’t like thinking about accidents and failures, but maybe they should?
LVSteve
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At this time I think it's unclear as to weather Southwest is at fault through their maintenance programs or its a Boing problem, Either way I hope they solve it fast!
italiansport
Member
We need to keep something in mind here. These B 737s in many instances are over 20 years old. I personally wouldn't want to go on a cross country trip in a car over 20 years old and I question why there isn't some sort of retirement age for these? I know they use the number of takeoffs and landing as a gauge but i don't believe they use age.
Someone please enlighten us!!
Jim
Someone please enlighten us!!
Jim
Squarebutt
Member
When I was traveling a lot for work I flew Southwest whenever I could. I never felt that the crew wasn't among the best, and they handled those 737s very professionally in all kinds of weather. And best of all, they never booked me on a puddle-jumper.
The recent incident was the first passenger fatality in their history, and the fact that a chunk of the engine housing blew out the window seems almost like a one-in-a-million event.
The recent incident was the first passenger fatality in their history, and the fact that a chunk of the engine housing blew out the window seems almost like a one-in-a-million event.
I've flown Southwest a bunch as well. It has always been a very professional operation. They fly only one plane, the 737. They had never had a fatality until the recent incident with the window damage. In some ways it is more like riding a bus than a plane what with no assigned seating, etc.
I've always felt, though, that their crews are among the best in the business including the pilots. I've never really had a bad experience with them. I remember rather vividly a landing in Midland in a severe crosswind. As we approached the airport I looked out the window, and the plane was oscillating side to side rather violently. It really looked like the right wing was going to hit the runway before the landing gear did.
I truly thought that might be my last plane ride. But - the pilot made the smoothest landing that I have ever experienced in an airliner. I didn't even feel the touchdown. In those days the pilots used to stand by the cockpit while passengers deplaned. I looked at him as I turned to exit and said, "Excellent landing. Thank you." He just nodded as though it was really no big deal.
I've always felt, though, that their crews are among the best in the business including the pilots. I've never really had a bad experience with them. I remember rather vividly a landing in Midland in a severe crosswind. As we approached the airport I looked out the window, and the plane was oscillating side to side rather violently. It really looked like the right wing was going to hit the runway before the landing gear did.
I truly thought that might be my last plane ride. But - the pilot made the smoothest landing that I have ever experienced in an airliner. I didn't even feel the touchdown. In those days the pilots used to stand by the cockpit while passengers deplaned. I looked at him as I turned to exit and said, "Excellent landing. Thank you." He just nodded as though it was really no big deal.
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31FordA
Member
When you consider the number of hours flown per year the number of accidents is remarkably low. Twenty years old is also not really all that old for an airplane. The life of a plane is calculated more by hours than years. As long as the maintenance schedule is followed a plane can serve for many thousands of hours.
The comments about the flight crew not communicating with the passengers reminded me of something my instructor told me when I was learning to fly. In the event of a malfunction, mishap etc he repeatedly emphasized "FLY THE PLANE!", you can communicate once you have the situation under control. If I'm a passenger I don't want the pilot and crew giving me a informative commentary, I want them focusing on the problem.
The comments about the flight crew not communicating with the passengers reminded me of something my instructor told me when I was learning to fly. In the event of a malfunction, mishap etc he repeatedly emphasized "FLY THE PLANE!", you can communicate once you have the situation under control. If I'm a passenger I don't want the pilot and crew giving me a informative commentary, I want them focusing on the problem.
steveno
Member
there seems to be a run on airplanes losing cabin pressure
Airline co-pilot 'sucked halfway' out cockpit window, reports say | Fox News
Airline co-pilot 'sucked halfway' out cockpit window, reports say | Fox News
According to AirFleets <dot> net, Southwest Airlines has 709 737s with an average age of 10.7 years
Fleet age Southwest Airlines | Airfleets aviation
Wiki shows Southwest with 720 737s and 300 more on order
Southwest Airlines - Wikipedia
If you want to see a list of every tail number flown by Southwest and how old each one is, see Planespotters <dot> net.
Please refresh this page
(note: the link does work even though the words look wrong)
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Even though my last few flights on SWA had some hiccups (actually before the flights), I still like flying on the airline.
Like every other airline, their planes are of various ages. As someone else noted, their oldest planes are about 10-11 years old.
All commercial airliners go through different inspections at different intervals. Some get updated, especially updated interiors and things like WiFi.
While I was in Dallas for the NRAAM, I had dinner with a group of friends and acquaintances. One of the latter is an A&P mechanic for a competing airline. We talked a bit about the recent issues that SWA has had. He said that while their maintenance is good, they do outsource some of the more detailed periodic maintenance to outside companies.
Whether or not that has anything to with their recent troubles or not, I don't know.
The detail stripping and rebuilding of the jet engines, as he explained it, is quite amazing.
Flying one type of aircraft, even of different variations, makes maintenance far less complex. When SWA bought AirTran, they got rid of everything not a 737. Which is probably why they are buying more new planes.
Oh, they still allow two checked bags and a carry on per passenger. And, they also are very good with their firearms in checked baggage policy. I've never had a problem or question, nor have my bags been sealed with giant zip ties.
Like every other airline, their planes are of various ages. As someone else noted, their oldest planes are about 10-11 years old.
All commercial airliners go through different inspections at different intervals. Some get updated, especially updated interiors and things like WiFi.
While I was in Dallas for the NRAAM, I had dinner with a group of friends and acquaintances. One of the latter is an A&P mechanic for a competing airline. We talked a bit about the recent issues that SWA has had. He said that while their maintenance is good, they do outsource some of the more detailed periodic maintenance to outside companies.
Whether or not that has anything to with their recent troubles or not, I don't know.
The detail stripping and rebuilding of the jet engines, as he explained it, is quite amazing.
Flying one type of aircraft, even of different variations, makes maintenance far less complex. When SWA bought AirTran, they got rid of everything not a 737. Which is probably why they are buying more new planes.
Oh, they still allow two checked bags and a carry on per passenger. And, they also are very good with their firearms in checked baggage policy. I've never had a problem or question, nor have my bags been sealed with giant zip ties.
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No matter who you fly with it's always the same. Strapped into an aluminium dumpster with 20 tons of meat, hurtling through sub space at 600 mph. Joe
Lee in Quartzsite
Member
Southwest has a flight sale going on now until Friday. Just booked a flight from Vegas to Denver for $350 round trip for 2 people....great deal.
Flew Frontier to Florida 2 weeks ago...worst flight I have ever been on. Nickel and dime you to death...had to pay $230 for 2 checked bags and one Carry-on. Seats were uncomfortable and they do not recline.
Flew Frontier to Florida 2 weeks ago...worst flight I have ever been on. Nickel and dime you to death...had to pay $230 for 2 checked bags and one Carry-on. Seats were uncomfortable and they do not recline.
LVSteve
Member
That shower and Spirit blow chunks.
OP
I don't know what type of plane it was....
...but a Chinese plane's cockpit window blew out mid flight and sucked the co pilot halfway through the window. The pilot couldn't let go of the plane to help him, so he executed emergency maneuvers and brought the plane down safely. The co pilot survived with a hurt back and some other injuries.
I want to know what silicon sealer they use to glue the windows in on planes.
...but a Chinese plane's cockpit window blew out mid flight and sucked the co pilot halfway through the window. The pilot couldn't let go of the plane to help him, so he executed emergency maneuvers and brought the plane down safely. The co pilot survived with a hurt back and some other injuries.
I want to know what silicon sealer they use to glue the windows in on planes.
muddocktor
Member
rw, I read it was an Airbus and not a 737 in the China plane incident.
