07-01-2015, 07:02 AM
(This post was last modified: 07-01-2015, 01:26 PM by P7_TOM.
Edit Reason: Digital dislexia methinks
)
Things that make you go Hmmm.
The theory of fire/fumes has, at first glance, some merit – until you start to think as a pilot. I can accept that the lithium ion batteries caught fire; I can even accept that the batteries were loaded at the furthest point from a smoke/fire detection unit; I could, at a stretch accept that the ‘system’ in that hold area was unserviceable. But that is about as far as credibility will take me.
Fire, particularly fire/smoke/ fumes detection is an area that no manufacturer can skimp or avoid; the operators, engineers and flight crew would simply not accept a shabby half assed system. Why, because an uncontained fire in a cargo hold is certain death; it is that simple. Fire has, from since almost the first flight, been an acknowledged killer.
Take a look at this publication from Boeing – HERE – from page 13 onward. I can accept, without a seconds hesitation that Mr. Boeing builds a mighty fine aircraft and has not achieved that reputation by designing, building, installing and having certified fire protection systems which fail, when most needed. I may mention the crew oxygen mask systems as well as many hours spent training in the use of all -Boeing -systems.
Meanwhile, without any better evidence I will stick to my favourite answer – ET pinched it. Now, where's my old tin hat?
The theory of fire/fumes has, at first glance, some merit – until you start to think as a pilot. I can accept that the lithium ion batteries caught fire; I can even accept that the batteries were loaded at the furthest point from a smoke/fire detection unit; I could, at a stretch accept that the ‘system’ in that hold area was unserviceable. But that is about as far as credibility will take me.
Fire, particularly fire/smoke/ fumes detection is an area that no manufacturer can skimp or avoid; the operators, engineers and flight crew would simply not accept a shabby half assed system. Why, because an uncontained fire in a cargo hold is certain death; it is that simple. Fire has, from since almost the first flight, been an acknowledged killer.
Take a look at this publication from Boeing – HERE – from page 13 onward. I can accept, without a seconds hesitation that Mr. Boeing builds a mighty fine aircraft and has not achieved that reputation by designing, building, installing and having certified fire protection systems which fail, when most needed. I may mention the crew oxygen mask systems as well as many hours spent training in the use of all -Boeing -systems.
Meanwhile, without any better evidence I will stick to my favourite answer – ET pinched it. Now, where's my old tin hat?