Just watched "Airport" on TV, what is the procedure for an explosion in a restroom during flight?

Question

What is the procedure for an explosion in the restroom (aft starbord or portside), that while keeps the AC flying, you still must land. And soon! lets assume its an AC with all four engines on the wings.
Yes it is an overseas flight, (full fuel, less 1.5 hours out of you departure field). what to do??? Landing config. etc.

Answer 1

I'm not sure there'd be a set procedure for a rest-room explosion - however onboard explosions would be covered.

In this case, taking stock of the situation as you've described it, from a pilot's view, I'd say the first thing would be to ensure the blast has been contained and fire controlled - pilots would almost certainly don oxygen masks and possibly release cabin masks due to the risks from smoke.

If the explosion depressurised the plane - an emergency descent would be commenced IMMEDIATELY - in this case, masks would drop automatically. Assuming the explosion hasn't severed the hydraulic lines or cut power to engines - the plane is still under full control.

Air Traffic Control (ATC) would be advised and the radar transponder would be set to code 7700 - international distress signal. ATC would probably advise of a suitable alternate airfield - a return wouldn't be made to the departure unless it was closest.

Alternate airfields depend on runway length, emergency services, etc - for a normal landing they'd depend on passenger facilities, fuel, etc - but in this case - runway length and emergency services would be the only concerns - the plane would be evacuted by slides.

Full fuel? In that case...the plane would weigh more than it's maximum landing weight (MLW) - so a request would be made to "dump" fuel - that is, pipe it overboard, usually above 6000 feet and over the ocean, to lower the weight for landing. However if a fire was still burning onboard, dumping might be skipped (it takes time) in preference of a quicker, yet overweight, landing - the fire poses more threat to safety than overweight landings (although they are less than totally safe too...)

The captain would decide on the diversion field from those factors above - then the flight crew would enter this field into the flight management computers (FMCs) - and use them to calculate fuel required (so they don't dump too much!)

Cabin crew chiefs (purser, chief steward/ess) would be called to the flight deck most likely and briefed on the situation - they'd then be able to talk to the passengers and calm them - and the pilots would most likely make a PA announcement of the diversion - where to, how long, etc.

The landing would be treated as a normal one IF the plane is under full control - that is, standard landing configuration for speed, flaps.

However, more flap may be used if the field is shorter than normal - or in an overweight landing situation to reduce the load on the gear. If the approach is over water, it's quite likely passengers would be told to put on lifejackets - just in case.

Cabin crew would ensure doors are armed - that is, when they're opened, that the slides will deploy.

After landing, it's likely the crew will NOT taxi the plane off the runway but pull up as quickly as possible then order the evacuation - from all doors down the slides and then to assemble away from the plane.

This mightn't be in order but it's a rough guide to the steps of countering an in flight emergency - especially an unusual one like that! Hope it helps! :-)

Answer 2

I dont think there is a "procedure" for that. Personally I would make an emergency landing at the closest place that I could put the airplane down. Hopefully that would be a lot closer that 1.5 hours

Answer 3

if you're a crack pilot like Joe Patroni you can work the rudder and the flaps to help get the plane unstuck from the mud. or if you're not a pilot, the next time your car is stuck in the mud work the turn signals and horn and roll the windows up and down to help get your car unstuck, because that's about as effective.

if you've never read the book, that's one of the biggest bloopers i've ever seen. goes to show what happens when the writer is too lazy to do research

Answer 4

you have needless to say never been on a plane, or had intercourse for that remember. The restrooms are too small to pee in never techniques the rest till the intercourse you're making plans on having is with your self.

Answer 5

Run like a buzzard !

Answer 6

put your head between your legs and kiss your a$$ goodbye!