About two weeks ago the European Union started requiring European-based airline carriers to compensate passengers whose flights were delayed. Three days after this new rule went into effect a British Airways jetliner lifted off at Los Angeles International Airport and the pilot quickly discovered that one of the plane's four engines was not functioning. He decided against making an emergency landing and to fly the entire non-stop route to London on three engines. He wound up landing in Manchester, England because he burned more fuel than anticipated due to headwinds and other environmental factors.
A British Airways spokesperson said the decision to "carry on" had nothing to do with the new requirement. Yeah, right. A former TWA pilot said, "It's not impossible for him to make it, but he'd be a fool to try it. That decision just doesn't make any sense." A former United Airlines pilot said, "I think he really stretched his luck to try to make the whole trip on three engines."
A fool, indeed. What if another engine would have malfunctioned while over the Atlantic Ocean?
Soon we'll find out that British Airways pilots receive bonuses based on their on-time arrivals and departures. I have no doubt about it.
3 comments:
Holy Shit.. THAT is scary. I hate flying anyway, and will be using BA to fly home next.. DAMN I wish I hand't read that.. lol
it is not unusual for pilots to do this, it is known as 'get-there-itis' http://www.sptimes.com/News/72099/Worldandnation/_Get_there_itis__can_.shtml
Ed Morrisey has a close-second-hand report:
http://www.captainsquartersblog.com/mt/archives/003965.php
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