Posted on 03/11/2007 12:27:20 PM PDT by Huber
This report was posted in mid-February, and has received no media coverage whatsoever. Jacobsen confirmed that the incident did occur, with an American Airlines spokesperson.
This is not meant to scare, but it probably will. Consider yourself informed and warned that the threat is real. This crew reported that they were not prepared that something of this nature could be happening to them.
Flt 62, Paris to MIA [Miami], a few weeks ago. 2 maybe 4 mid-eastern types causing minor disturbance from the get-go. Nothing that the FAs [flight attendants] couldnt deal with, but, in hindsight, they seemed to be pushing the envelope. Cross-cabin activity, hanging out in the forward galley, complaining about everything, etc. Mid-Atlantic, the FO [First Officer, or Co-Pilot] called to return to the cockpit after his crew-rest break. One of the perps [perpetrators] was in the forward galley, was instructed by a FA to go aft, but didnt. As the cockpit door opened, another perp suddenly appeared from around the galley, dropped his shoulder into FO while the first one got in the way of the FOs attempt to block the other...here Im not certain...so....wait for the movie.
FO (one of our first FFDOs [Federal Flight Deck Officers*]) was about to pull his flashlight to use as a weapon in a counter attack, but thought better of it not knowing how many more perps he might have to fight, called lockdown to the FB [secondary B First Officer], inside the cockpit, who slammed the door. As soon as the perps heard the word lockdown, they retreated to their seats.
Im not doing justice to the story, but, if not an attempt on the cockpit, this was a serious probe.
Crew considered divert, but since the threat diminished and seemed to be contained, they pressed on towards MIA. Flight was met in MIA by FBI, FAMS [Federal Air Marshal Service] (none aboard, by the way), AA [American Airlines] Security suits, etc. During the de-brief, which lasted several hours, the FAMs told the pilots that they would have dropped both of the perps with the first shove near the cockpit door. Perps claimed to not understand English, were detained for 4 days and deported, back to Paris, when they are free to attend Sunday school, tell their buddies of their Adventure and plan their next move.
Enjoying the story so far? Its good we cant carry guns on Intl [International] trips, eh?
Upsetting is that we all have to learn of this, by happenstance. Why didnt you and your last crew know of this? We took a delay yesterday while this FB detailed the entire event to my crew. Believe me, there were no disbelievers that the terrorist threat is real in my crew by the time we boarded.
Im more than upset that this is still a secret! The FB is a man Ive flown with often, trust completely and attended FFDO (Federal Flight Deck Officer) training with a year ago January. I hope Ive presented his story accurately, but am certain that the basic details are very close.
BTTT
Could you paraphrase the question?
I now live in Oklahoma....Although my pop had a CC in the town of Placentia, CA. back in the late 70's early-mid 80's...He knew the Chief of Police...and therefore was able to get a CC.
It won't change my mind about it though....I've no need to be on any list of CC carriers, number one. Number two, I don't need one.
FRegards,
You missed the countdown!
Do you have high speed?
Go back to #34 when you have access to high speed internet.
Why do you and so many here not see that posting this information puts flight crews in danger? Not everyone knows things like this.
Fortunately, some airlines have realized this and have taken further precautions so that the safety measures implemented for individual flights come directly from the cockpit before boarding passengers.
Regardless, sharing information like this over the internet is bad.
"Why do you and so many here not see that posting this information puts flight crews in danger? Not everyone knows things like this. "
Are you joking or just a nutjob? Millions of people fly everyday and see what goes on. This is done in plain view of the passengers. When an airline does it the right way, we should give them kudos. When an airline does something the wrong way, we should speak up and tell them they need to shape up.
I'll grant you that some won't be successful, but think Richard Reid before "shoe-bombers" were envisioned.
Was there an air Marshall on board? Of course our pilots who can carry weapons can't carry them to other countries.
This was the first I've heard of this incident. As saganite says, the crew probably didn't follow proper procecures. It could be, now, the Airline and the Feds are handling it without publicity so as not to give other hijackers more ideas.
Re 19...
Older links:
http://www.freerepublic.com/focus/f-news/973160/posts
http://www.freerepublic.com/focus/f-news/968195/posts
I just read a rundown of this on an aviation website and it looks like this journalist is suspect and has been known to make up terrorist related stories. Proceed with caution!
"Are you joking or just a nutjob?"
I can see that you are someone who can't take criticism very well given your immediate reaction of resorting to name calling.
Actually sir, I am neither of the two. I happen to be married to the commercial airline industry as well as the USMC. Both of these careers afford me the deepest understanding of "loose lips sink ships." It is most unfortunate that you have lowered your morals akin to the driveby media's -- using the excuse that "everyone knows anyway." Just reading a few comments here and there are comments apparently indicating otherwise.
We are *all* protectors of this nation and our security, and in my opinion FRiend, you are failing to do your part.
Maybe if you spend time educating yourself instead of implying I'm some kind of traitor to my country I wouldn't have to dress you down the way I did. You started this with your bad attitude and your dumb crap about accusing me of helping terrorists, so I suggest you think before posting in the future.
The point is that what I posted is announced before takeoff on every overseas flight I've taken with Delta. It is therefore known by the passengers ahead of time that the carts are a sign that the forward galley is off limits due to a crew change taking place. Since when is it not allowed to publicly discuss safety information that is already known by the flying public? That is like me telling someone they can't carry liquids on board a flight and your getting excited that it is helping terrorists. What a load of crap! I was posting information that is told to the passengers prior to takeoff on international flights by Delta. Someone here wondered if what AA did was standard procedure in the airline industry and I posted this information to let them know it is not.
Lol! There you go again. Your attitude and reaction towards others is not my fault. Take some ownership of your actions, and please don't blame them on me or anyone else. Jeez, Louise. And why are you putting words into my mouth?
That said, I will say again that people ought to watch what they are posting. We have scores of personal friends sitting and working in cockpits of commercial airliners and they as well as myself keep this subject close to our hearts.
It's the same as imbedded reporters with our military...there are just some things that the public should not have access to.
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