Aircraft failure - The Italian incident

In this video I will be telling you a story about a technical problem I had during a turnaround in Italy. It will clearly show how important it is to keep passengers well informed and how crucial it is to always "look the part" as a pilot in order to convey a professional and reassuring picture to the passengers and crew.
Enjoy!
Welcome!
On this channel you can expect video-blogs, technical instructions, flying techniques and much more about the wonderful world of commercial aviation.
I am using my 13 years of experience as an airline pilot, training-captain and TRI/TRE to give you MY view of the airline business and the role of an airline pilot.
All the content is intended to give you a positive and constructive view into the fantastic world of commercial aviation.
Please keep your comments and questions in the same spirit and please INTERACT. The channel becomes much better then and its intended for YOUR benefit.
The content on this channel is for info and entertainment only and is not intended to replace any existing FCOM manuals or SOP's.
I am only talking for myself and do not represent any specific company, airline or entity.

[@vincentkuipers9577]

I see your catchphrase is actually "And this is really important guys," and has been there for at least 6 years.

[@abhisekhkumar4948]

Now I always notice it.. lol 😆

[@BenBowler]

“And this will turn out to be important later on”

[@Jon4270]

@@BenBowler Genius comment.

[@jackkessler1886]

So true lol. Classic Pett

[@IslayNolan]

"Remember that for later." "Pay close attention to this as it will become important later on in the story"

[@wafikiri_]

This reminds me of one time that I was student pilot in an airline, and a cabin crew member asked me for a favour. She told me that most of the passengers were Italian, but the PA tape in Italian for safety instructions had failed, and she had heard that I could speak some Italian. Which was true, but my level of Italian was not very good. So she wanted me to read the Italian text corresponding to the tape, and I complied. It was very embarrasing, and very funny, that three or four times during my PA speech all passengers burst into loud laughter. I could never learn which Italian words I had mispronounced, or what the unexpected sense was that that mispronouncing implied, because I have never had any lesson in Italian language. However, the cabin crew member told me that it had been good enough: for the first time, all passengers had paid attention to safety instructions!

[@polarberri]

What a great story! And very true - by making it so different and entertaining, everyone was hanging on to your every word, which never happens for safety instructions. Good luck on your journey!

[@kenbrownfield6584]

I had a Delta pilot delay my flight because of an instrument problem years ago...I still respect that pilot for putting my safety over the airline's profits.

[@julosx]

That reminds me a trip I made back in 1998 (DC-10, Continental Airlines). We boarded the plane, after hours spent in the lounge waiting for departure, we were getting late and late and late. I was awaited for in Newark so I had to go through several international calls from a phone booth to warn my hosts of what was going on. After like half a day spent there we boarded the DC-10. Another hour passes on the ground and then the captain told us that the APU wasn't working and that he "never saw something like that in my 20 years carrer as a captain".So we had to disembark, go to the closest hotel and the flight eventually took off with a 28 hours delay, the following day.

[@ZombieSazza]

I plan on flying to Sumburgh at some point from my city, Aberdeen, it’s essentially a small shed but takes you to Shetland a LOT quicker than a ferry, which is how I travel to Orkney. After watching all these videos and having never actually flown in a plane (been in plenty on the ground, but never flying), I will not mind if there’s delays due to problems. I’d much rather be late than not arrive at all

[@fluke9]

Remebers me of my flight from Singapore to Europe in a quite new A380. Captain on the PA: "We have some minor technical problems and we will reboot that bird now." -> Wooooosh, only emergency lighting available. Was not the worded wisest as some other pax where quite upset and questioning themselfes if this is running windows now ;-)

[@mcdaniel4130]

I like the fact you call the passengers “my passengers”. That shows you are taking responsibility for us. Very comforting to hear.

[@kefsound]

WTF??

[@atticstattic]

That would have been great, but all I heard was 'the' passengers...

[@aduboi1534]

One of the great things about the pilots is that if we don't make they don't make it. They are not remote controlling the jet, they flying it. I am sure saving their own lives is just as important to them as saving ours. If not then they would have ejection seats and parachutes.

[@andykod77]

You show me a pilot, who don't take responsibility and ill show you a criminal

[@urlocalsam]

@@andykod77 First officer Andreas Lubitz

[@tringalij]

So true about keeping the passengers informed. I'm a Delta Captain, and I've had several passengers, notably million-milers and diamond medallions poke their heads into the cockpit and say that I gave the best information and thanked me for letting them know what was happening. This was in response to days when we are delayed for mechanical issues, or deicing, or weather. Many times, to look the part like he says, I go up to the gate house and talk to them so they can see me and I'm not just a voice from the PA speaker. Although I've certainly seen passengers disappointed or frustrated with delays, I've never had one get out of line and I think it's because they understand what's going on, and why.

[@TheSoftballstar1261]

I LOVE visiting cockpits before and/or after flights!! I LOVE what y'all do as Pilots and I have MAD respect for y'all!!! I have flown with you guys during a Spring Break trip to Florida from the DC Area!! I LOVED flying Delta!! I would LOVE to fly with y'all again! I have been DYING to become a pilot since the fall of 2005! I have some medical things that I think may disqualify me from flying as a pilot. I did an intro flight in 2013 and I LOVED it!!!

[@jamiecheslo]

What a fabulous display of professionalism in what must have been an incredibly stressful day for both passengers and crew. Your ability to empathise with your passengers, in addition to your level of skill in the cockpit, not to mention your bang-on instincts regarding your aircraft, make you the type of pilot I would fly with on any given day. I think your channel is superb, not only do I learn more about aviation safety, but I think your approach to challenges in general, can be applied to any life situation, really. Keep up the outstanding work!

[@handlebarfox2366]

My favorite incident consists of a 737 landing at the local airport at night. They accidentally landed on a smaller private airport runway, 2 or 3 miles away that had virtually the same heading. It wasn't built for 737's, but they managed to stop within a hundred feet of the end of the runway. They had to deplane using emergency procedures, since the private airport had no equipment to handle the doors of a 737 (and almost certainly no airport personnel there in the wee hours). That's one pa I've often wished I could've heard. What do you say? "The good news is we landed fine. The bad news is, we're at the wrong airport."

[@ThePhoenix198]

Would this have been in Northern Ireland? An Eirjet A320 landed at Ballykelly airstrip instead of City of Derry Airport!

[@handlebarfox2366]

lol no... central United States... scary when you realize it happens elsewhere, too!

[@bluesideup007]

I was in Colorado (Steamboat Springs) some years ago when a mid size jet landed at the local airport instead of Yampa (IIRC), and got stuck in the mud at the end of the runway. Passengers applauded, until they realized the near tragic mistake. Runway too short to take off. Not sure how it was resolved, but some of the skiers I met were pleased with the free ski tickets and accommodations!

[@Dowlphin]

Must have been Harrison Ford, haha.

[@V1RT8]

That was also the last landing the pilots made with that airline because they fired both of them.

[@ivanfisher9301]

nice explanation, the only thing I would add is that I was surprised when you stated the engineers departed after the first fault was fixed. Being an engineer myself ( non aviation related) and given the hassle of traffic, time etc , I would not have left the scene until the aircraft had departed . The law of averages would support this as well.....

[@Islacrusez]

Personally, as a passenger, I'm far happier to know what's going on. In one case we were supposed to be minutes from boarding when we were directed to a different gate and informed of a delay. What gives? No announcement told us what was going on, but speaking to staff I was informed that during the walk-around, the crew discovered a loose/missing mounting bracket in one of the landing gear bays. Being BA at Heathrow, it turned out to be faster to prep a new aircraft from storage than it was to repair this one. I was annoyed at the unexplained delay, especially so close to boarding. The explanation was welcome, and resolved any anger I might have had. Essentially went from "WTF!?" to "Good spot, good call."

[@Teverell]

Flying BA from Heathrow... did your luggage make it to the same destination you did at the same time you did, though? Nothing like having your bags end up in LAX while you're in Tokyo...

[@marks2731]

@@Teverell I would not mind arriving in one airport if my luggage arrived in another. I would be happy to have arrived….

[@RidiculousFlightSimmers]

I couldn't agree more....I remember one very hot day, all my passengers were on board and their bags were too....I just finished my weight and balance calculations and saw that we were out of limits and too far aft. I did the math and realized we could either bump bags or move passengers.... my first officer didn't want to go back so I gladly explained to the passengers that for safety I would either need to leave some luggage behind or move 6 people to the front.... they were happy to move to the front especially knowing they could keep their luggage... it worked out great. I've had many different times like this, and being clear and professional with my passengers has always been the best route. Great video!

[@SafariPlum]

I just watched this video, it was nice to see the difference between this and today's newer video episodes, the quality and presentation has gotten much better, the growth and professionalism is brilliant, but this was still nice to watch this golden oldie episode. Thank You Petter, I only started watching and became a subscriber a couple of months ago. Love your work.

[@zsolex63]

Watching this in 2020, slowly going back watching your earlier vids. You improved a lot, in every way :D Keep up the good work :P

[@eaglejoe8]

I'll always respect a pilot who puts the safety of his/her passengers above the airline's bottom line. I'm a new subscriber, and though I'm not a pilot, (I wish!), I enjoy learning anything I can about aviation, airplane procedures, airplane mechanics, etc. Keep up the good work. Looking forward to more videos.

[@florisr9]

eaglejoe8 those safety precautions are standard procedures, it's not like he decided to halt takeoff

[@FoxDren]

except taking care of the passangers is taking care of the company's bottom line. no airline would survive if they didn't take care of their customers

[@benderandownz]

What's stopping you? Go be a pilot do it!!!!!

[@yippdogg9250]

@@benderandownz I'm just guessing, but maybe, just maybe, the cost of training, just a guess, considering its why I am not a pilot despite it being my dream job.

[@benderandownz]

@@yippdogg9250 it is really expensive.

[@aaronmicalowe]

My attitude is that a pilot's #1 responsibility is to get the passengers and everyone aboard to their destination, *alive*. Not even to get them there on time or even to the correct destination, but they must get there alive. I always thank the aircrew and pilot genuinely when departing from a plane even if it's been a bad flight (though this has never happened to me), because I am thanking them for fulfilling their #1 responsibility. As long as I am alive I can cope with delays and other unforeseen circumstances. Very very hard to do that if you're dead.

[@Skywalker8562]

Unfortunately, some U.S. low cost carriers are under incredible company pressure to get down, fill the plane with pax ,turn around, jump off the runway and repeat the process all over again. The company knows it is not making any money the longer the plane is on the ground so they want a quick turnaround to the next destination. That is why you get on filthy airline aircraft, and their was even a youtube video of someone having shit all over the laboratory and it was left there until getting to its home base, if I remember the video correctly and I can't find it again on youtube. I used to have to fly a lot for business and had a platinum frequent flyer card with one airline and a bronze with another. Now, I will not fly anywhere anytime, to any place if I can absolutely help it, and I have avoided flying since 2000. I look for train schedules, or rent a limo, I don't care what the cost to avoid having to sit, even in first class, which has turned into a joke on domestic flights. I remember when flying on the East Coast when a foreign couple tried to take up all the overhead in the overhead with hefty trash can bags full of their clothes, and wanted other pax to move their single cases so they could use up the entire overhead compartment!!!! You've heard of road rage, well imagine the other first class pax, being asked to move their belongings for this couple who were seated in economy. Someone finally got the cabin attendants to get a company rep to make them do a gate check of all this mess. There was a foreign language rage toward the cabin crew. I thought to myself of the days when I first started flying on a plane in the 50's when I was a small child and all the pax wore a suit and tie. Now the airlines have become the new day equivalent of the bus companies, except quite frankly I have seen some of the buses that the elderly take on chartered trips and they are pretty luxurious. Oh, for the days of yesteryear and the good days gone.

[@tensevo]

I somewhat agree, but, them not killing me should be a given in civil society. We all have a responsibilty to each other (social contract) to not harm anyone else through mal practice or negligence. Their "job", (and the job of the aircraft) is to get you there on schedule. It is the passengers job to assess the risks of boarding, as much as it is the pilots job to assess risks whilst flying. In other words, if you were concerned about safety over speed, say, you may be inclined to take train, car or boat, but these methods are also frought with dangers. The issue is that drivers and pilots are goal oriented and sometimes put the goal ahead of everything else, including safety. Both humans and machines are flawed. Machines lack emotion, which can be a good thing, but they also lack wisdom, which can be a very bad thing.

[@bikkies]

Yes, thanking the crew is something I always do. If we have been delayed or messed around - which in my experience has been rare - it is highly unlikely to have been the crew's fault. If I have a beef then I'll take it up with the airline, not with those poor souls that are just trying their hardest to keep me safe and happy.

[@peterwright4224]

If the guy comes forward personally this is always a good thing, flying is with something incredibly complicated if the crew decide better not that's for our safety it takes balls to say safety over profit respect if I had been on board I would have immediately started clapping and saying loud thank you

[@peterwright4224]

Question , if you are a trained pilot for say a jumbo and your aircraft type is scrapped what do they do with you , can a pilot be able to fly different types and the passengers still be safe? The whole brain is programmed for instance for Boeing can you also fly a decent plane ? Do Airbus and Boeing pilots exist who ca simply swap over ?

[@deltaboy767]

As a flight attendant for 26 years, many passengers don't fully understand the stress that the flight crew and cabin crew go through, the airline and flight OPS are constantly pressuring the captain for on time departure, and the flight crew and cabin crew want the safety of the passenger that are in our hands, they put their life's in our hands, I for one will do everything in my power to keep an aircraft from departing if I know something is amiss, as do our captains, there is one Captain at my airline that will tell flight ops to basically go to hell he's not leaving the ground untill the issue is resolved. I have great respect for our captains and First officers, and while the majority of the passengers don't realize what stress we are under from the airline, there are those that do and they genuinely thank the Captain and Flight Attendants because they understand the we take our job and passenger safety very seriously over on time departure. I tell passengers when we are delayed, I'd rather get you there alive and in one piece than have you arrive at your destination in a coffin, that always silences them, and makes them think.

[@cesvlc5211]

Not a pilot (structural analysis lecturer here), but I really find your work very instructive and with very good advices for everybody, not just for pilots. In fact I’ve faced situations that somehow resemble what you described here, and in those situations it’s not about you, but about your students, and about your University (which you represent). Your image is important and something you must take care of (you are NOT an image, but taking care of it is about being conscious of your responsibility and about respecting your students and colleagues).

[@materliliorum]

This is actually what I dread most, loosing the public because of a slumpy image...

[@spammerwhammer5526]

Great story, thanks. Humour also helps. I was on a flight that was on time to land but then had to reduce speed due to slow traffic in front. The FO came on the PA and explained the problem, ending with "God knows why their callsign is Speedbird!". Pretty much all pax were business frequent fliers and knew he was referring to British Airways, laughed out loud, and nobody complained.

[@korvtm]

Reminds me of a time I flew out of Seattle on Southwest Airlines.We were loaded doors closed,getting ready for pushback when pilot came on PA system,and told us that due to some thunderstorms between us and destination he was delaying takeoff to take on some more fuel in case we had to detour of fight strong headwinds.Took off about ten minutes late,got to gate at destination about one minute late.

[@user-pf2hv8qw1s]

As someone who works around an airport, I often hear the reason for a delay before the pilot is briefed on things via the airline’s engineer. Now I understand the reason why the general consensus is to keep my mouth shut and let the captain handle public information. Thanks for letting me see it from the pilots’s point of view.

[@martentrudeau6948]

As captain your response to the technical problems shows you are responsible with positive attitude to resolve all issues with the airliner, good story.

[@gomphrena-beautifulflower-8043]

When flying on a leg from Atlanta to my home airport in Nashville, we had taxied to the gate when the pilot came over the PA and said “All passengers will deplane because this plane is not going ANYWHERE!” I’ve always wondered what had happened, bad enough to ground the plane and for him to make that announcement. I guess I’m glad to have been able to walk off that one.

[@RossND]

As a frequent flyer and as an older person who has been a passenger for many, many hours, I really appreciate this channel. I do have a military pilot in the family and I share these videos with him. Professionalism is a great asset. Leadership is also a big part of this. In my experience a passenger can sense the airlines with good leadership, as it transfers right down to the staff at all levels, even with ground personnel. And yes, most customers are willing to cooperate when they are kept "in the loop" and not treated like cattle. I think a little more discretion could be given to the crews so they might make little gestures at times, like a free snack in times of delays or other extraordinary events. That would go a long way in letting them know the airline appreciates their business.

[@verde1501]

One of the most interesting videos of your entire channel. I'm longing for more, keep the good job!

[@rwnordmark]

Captain, Your professionalism makes me feel safe when I fly on a commercial plane.

[@MentourPilot]

Great to hear! Thank you!

[@TheCynedd]

I have been watching your videos for a while but I have finally subscribed - sorry it took so long. The fact that you addressed your passengers in person speaks to the responsibility of your commitment to your character. This video enforces the video I previously watched about the importance of the Captain of a flight appearing in uniform. Great video.

[@elizabethmaschmeyer6777]

I am addicted to your podcasts and have learned volumes. I fly to CA from Boston on Alaska Air flight 356( I think ) three times a year. Thank you for this comforting broadcast.

[@IDcLuc]

to see how the intro and audio has gotten better since 2015 is incredible

[@adventureairinc7355]

I´ll never forget a PA in Luhue/Hawaii 2009. We were scheduled form LIH to LAX (B757, 5 1/2 hr over water). The captain came to the boarding area, grabbed the microphone and said: "Ladies and Gentlemen, because of a technical issue this aircraft is not safe to fly over the ocean.... But it is safe to go to Honolulu. So we will now first go to Honolulu, get it repaired and then fly to Los Angeles." What he ment to say was that a backup fuel pump which is required for ETOPS was not working. Therefore we were temporarily restricted to 60 minutes to the next suitable airport (going to HNL was 40 Minutes). But we had a hard time to explain that to the people who did not want to board the airplane after that fist "unlucky" PA. Finally we got everyone on board and did as intended.

[@desmondsouthwell3529]

I have been fascinated by aircraft and flying for 75 years, have done a fair amount of light aircraft flying, including 21 hours solo, but I absolutely love to read every one of your wonderfully explained videos. Clear, concise and easily understandable technical explanations. I have been fanatical about aircraft and flying for 75 years, mostly in small aircraft (including 21 hours solo,) but I learn a lot with every one of your videos that I watch. A lot of stuff which I knew nothing or almost nothing about.Thank you so much.

[@jangelbrich7056]

Your are truly a very good captain, in both hard and soft skills. Putting safety as prio 1 above all, and coming with explicit PAs in case of problems the way You do is the ideal, I think not only in aviation. The same happens in many other technical areas when people are involved. This video should be shared as official training material.

[@MentourPilot]

Thank you! It’s nice to hear that you think so.

[@steeltrap3800]

I've been looking at a few of your videos and enjoying them. This one in particular was interesting as it confirmed my own opinions on proper customer (i.e. passenger in this case) handling. Sounds like you did a great job. It surprises me how many intelligent people fail to understand "put yourself in your customers' shoes and then ask yourself what do you want/need to know", but YOU clearly understood it very well. I could share my latest travel disaster which involved the return leg of a trip to Europe (I'm Australian), but that would take too long. The short version is that the carrier (I'll keep their name out of it so as not to put you in a difficult spot) did NONE of the things you emphasised (which is what I told them myself at the time) and left me hanging so I missed my long haul and had to wait 24hrs. Of the 4 aircraft involved in my return trip in July this year (Syd - Singapore - LHR - Amsterdam and return), 3 of them had technical issues. Plus lousy customer interactions. Flew on my own $$, premium economy. No, I will never fly with them again. My own background is in business process improvement, typically involving customer interaction as part of the processes. It might not be something pilots think of too much, but it sure as hell ought to be something the cabin crew think of all the time, yet it amazes me how often I've seen it done poorly. Same goes for the airline staff on the ground. I suspect because airlines are cutting away at all 'costs' and they see staff as the biggest one where savings might be achieved. In my case on the return part we had constantly changing promises as to departure, then the in-flight did nothing about my concerns about my connection, and the service staff once I got to LHR didn't much give a **** either. Not what you want to see when you're being delayed 24hrs and losing your booked seat because the next flight is entirely full. Great videos. Might be interesting to see one on how the flight crew interacts with the cabin crew etc. Sorry for the essay! Cheers

[@steeltrap3800]

***** Yeah, "stuff" happens, as they say. I understand that. Point I was trying to make was your story about how you handled it, and how aware you were of the importance of professionalism in both appearance and communication, showed how poorly the major carrier with which I flew handled it in comparison. It's one thing to have to tell a passenger they're going to miss a connection that's a 24hr flight (LHR to Sydney), it's quite another to appear not to give a [beep], lol.

[@jamesneilsongrahamloveinth1301]

Just come across this remarkable video. I was gripped. What a story-teller! A complex series of events explained in a manner at once accurate and engrossing. No hyperbole, nothing superfluous, no self-aggrandisement. If this is not being used as teaching material for trainee pilots it surely should be. Come to that, it could be instructive, in terms of methodology, for teachers in the classroom and the universities too . . .

[@upsydaysy3042]

I am bingeing all the oldies and goldies! You have gone a long way from the first video, but the content has always been great, I see ☺️

[@biologicalagent]

Non-pilot, non-flight enthusiast here. Love your videos, absolutley fascinating! Great production quality, great format, form, structure and delivery.

[@willamboarman8605]

Watch a number of your podcasts...have enjoyed them...find them be well done and topics well explained. Keep up the good work!

[@justabigbaby]

God Bless you Captain. Your passion and humanity is a legacy I have most always experienced in my personal commercial jet flights. In that more than half century the rapport from the flight crew and personnel is so appropriate, apparent and as you say reassuring. Thank you for forging ahead that tradition.

[@Funkestech]

This is good advice, when you can't deliver, for whatever reason, don't leave people in the dark.

[@jamesnastelli598]

Just want to say that I enjoy your podcasts very much.They are well done and you explain things very nicely. Thank you and please keep them coming!

[@machwillie9523]

It's adorable to see how far you've come, great job friend!!

[@MsHopeify]

Your podcasts are very interesting. Thank you for explaining the details of things we couldn't otherwise understand. Your effort is appreciated.

[@carolynholt1461]

Yay, This is going to be a favorite video for me. This is the first video I have come across where you tell a story from your own experience. I love your stories but I keep wanting you to tell a story about your own experiences but these stories are very rare.

[@EwigesEis]

Excellent video! And a perfect example of how to handle such an incident, having safety as a top priority and how to accurately brief the passengers about it.

[@jenniferlanger3943]

I love your professionalism; I will wait as long as it takes with no complaints whatsoever if it means flying safely!

[@SupraRyu]

Big fan of the channel, great narrative and supportive comments!

[@pauljackson358]

I am not a pilot, just an aviation enthusiast, but I really appreciate your videos. They are very informative and entertaining. Please continue the great work!

[@aslv2009]

Great podcast. Thank you very much for sharing your stories and your experience. Please keep them coming and fly safe.

[@emmylolguin7517]

We've come a long way. Proud of all how your channel has grown and improved so much in the past 6 years

[@raulko4898]

You are a gentleman and a profesional... the kind of pilot anyone would want at the front sit when flying an airliner...

[@Timpaaa2]

Great video, once again. Nice to know about the HYD A being switched off when being pushed back, always nice to hear these things as an aviation enthausiast. I also wanted to say: you are a great story teller. You really kept my attention troughout the video. Well done, and looking forward to the next one!

[@infinitysearcher8858]

Beautifully explained with good sense. Thank you.

[@drewnos]

You acted so professionally! I admire that!

[@Starbucksdrinker]

Dear Capt. Hornsfeldt. I admire your channel and your professionalism has impressed me tremendously. If, in an alternative universe, there was a way for you to be PIC for every flight I and my family were on, I would choose that option every time! I learn from you constantly. I wish you good fortune and prosperity. May you continue to inspire the aviation community as you are doing.

[@green-ista1460]

Thank you for making such a wonderful and detailed analysis of the situation.

[@billreinhold7579]

I saw this video after watching many of your later ones. Even though this was a very good podcast and quite interesting, your presentations have improved a great deal over the years. Keep up the good work!

[@MrCookiem91]

Great video sir! I would love to see more of these experience videos please.

[@johnburgess2084]

Notwithstanding safety, professionalism in behavior AND APPEARANCE is critical. When I first started watching this channel, I saw that you were home, at your own house, and still always dressed the part. And, just as quickly, I realized that it was for the professionalism you want to project. Awesome! On a contrasting note, I once attended a dress rehearsal of a symphony and choir, and the conductor and performers were in their casual "jeans and t-shirts" apparel. The performance was just as good, but it was just so unusual to see them NOT dressed in their formal attire. I love your channel and in-depth discussions of various flying issues. I always wished I could have been more than a private pilot, especially now that I'm 70+, but my vision just wasn't good enough without correction to be acceptable (in the USAF, at least). Thanks much!

[@nworbydnar]

These videos have given me a great deal of respect for the skill and training of pilots. What a difficult profession. Thank you.

[@jroar123]

I was a passenger from LAS to ATL and when passed Birmingham, AL. I was in the window seat and could see a line of thunderstorms port stretching in front of our flight path. The size of the billowing white clouds with dark gray bottoms was impressive. You could see flashes of lightning popping up everywhere. I looked up and I noticed that the fasten seatbelt sign was NOT on. Some people were up and the flight attendants were busy poring drinks. One flight attendant walked by and I grabbed her attention. I told her that we were about to fly into some bad weather. She told me smiling not to worry about it that everything was okay. She went to the back of the plane and the other two passengers next to me what I was talking about. I pointed to the storm growing in size outside the plane. I then tightened my seatbelt as hard as I could make it. The other two people next to me looked at each other and did the same. We hit the storm like a ton of bricks. Our altitude was about 30,000 ft. And not only did we drop, we rolled. People in the walkways were thrown to the sealing of the craft. Men were catching babies floating upwards. Every single piece of literature in the seat back pocket went flying around the cabin. Snacks, drinks, ice, carts, people, were being tossed around as if in a close dryer. I looked outside the window at the tip of the wing to see that it was flexing up and down like a model toy. We finally hit some air and we stabilized for a few seconds and then we did it all over again. This lasted for only a few seconds but long enough to have a plane full of scared and injured people. The two people seated next to me looked at me looking for some reassurance. I told them that I was an engineer and this 737 was built for much more punishment then a barrel roll. We found air again and the pilots started a sharp climbing bank to starboard in a southerly direction. The flight attendant in the back had broken her leg. A few passengers had cuts and bruising. The interior of the craft was a mess with full vomit bags everywhere. We stayed on course and landed in Atlanta. We had fire trucks, ambulances, and paramedics all around us within seconds. We remained seated until the injured could be removed. Nobody said a word after we landed. People were crying and visibly shaken up as they exited the airplane. Funny that the fasten seatbelt sign never came on even while landing. I could see the pilot walking around the craft with a flashlight. I walked up to the new flight crew and pilots telling them what happened. They went outside with flashlights along with several mechanics.

[@kategleason6481]

Yikes!

[@Xanda2260]

Loving your stuff dude. Please keep it up, this is fascinating!

[@pharaohchristo5039]

Great job!! You did it like a true professional. God bless man

[@TexasNightRider]

This is probably the best channel I have subscribed to.

[@BrownEyePinch]

You are first class. Your company is lucky to have you.

[@bencheevers6693]

I want more stories like this, one of your best videos.

[@edwardcameron4149]

Wow, well I watched this older video of yours because you referenced it in your latest video, and it's a really entertaining story :D you are a good story teller!

[@MentourPilot]

Thank you! Glad to hear that you liked it!

[@mapratt]

The difference between how you handled the situation and how a united airlines pilot handled a situation that was a series of human errors that led to being stranded overnight in an airport far from either home or my destination is profound. Your professionalism is much appreciated.

[@alan.macrae]

Petter, always great podcasts. Excellent!

[@grundid44]

Wonderful empathy and consideration for passengers.

[@MargieM10]

I know this is an older video but I just subscribed. Love hearing the personal stories. Very interesting!

[@bosvark4x4adventures]

Your videos have evolved so much over the years, this is one of the oldest ones I’ve come to watch. Great work 👏🏻👏🏻

[@kevinyancey958]

I always respect the flight crew, as they hold my life in their hands. I expect the captain to hold/abort the flight, at any point, for safety.

[@stephenadams835]

I watch almost all of your videos, and I have learned so much from you. I, as you do love learning. I would feel so comfortable flying with you being in the cockpit. Thank you very much. Get a kick out of your dogs too.

[@CacheCanada]

Very interesting. Being professional. Respectful and truthfull. Nice.

[@garysmith6915]

Awesome video and explanation. Tough situation handled in the best manor possible. Love this site. Not a pilot, too old sadly, late 50’s, but am a professional and have always loved flying and aviation and enjoy watching other professionals...always learn something

[@strangemachines_]

Great insight and great video really well explained, I am not a pilot just an occasional passenger but I take a keen interest in what being a pilot is all about and the aircraft. I love the videos. Best of luck.

[@kaseyk98]

Happy to be here! Thanks for everything

[@chewar7537]

You have got to be the best instructor any pilot has ever had, if they have had you teaching them!!! I am terrified of flying, but I am so interested in all you talk about. Hoping someday, (but I doubt it happens), that I may want to fly again. My very first flight there was an issue, we had to sit on the plane for what seemed like an eternity, while they replaced the plate or whatever it is called, that the radar sat on. That was just horrible for me, as I was terrified as it was, and to have to sit there for over an hour while they repaired it, just made it worse. I would have felt so much better if the Captain would have come out to tell us what was going on. You, Sir, are awesome and those passengers were very fortunate to have you as their Captain!

[@williamsass1520]

very interesting. Thanks for your candid explanation in this regard. Just love your podcasts.

[@tomwebster3074]

I agree 110%, I remember a similar incident happening to a flight I was a pax on, many years ago. The captain came out to the gate to speak to everyone queuing up who had a 2 hour delay waiting to get away on holiday, so some unhappy people, but he spoke to everyone to reassure them that... A - it was a minor technical fault which is now fixed. B - He has been flying many years (pointing to his grey hair, which caused a laugh from the pax) and he appologied for the delay but not for putting safety first as he would only fly a plane he was 110% was safe. To this day I remember he looked impeccably smart, sound calm and trusting. I am not a pilot but enjoy some regular 737 sim time, thank you for these videos Tom

[@MickeyMLAMouse]

First off, great channel! I listen to your channel on my long drives. I always wanted to be a pilot and I am a plane spotter so it really all ties together. I think it’s very important as you have said and many videos that by giving proper PA announcements that it eliminates a lot of the emotional anxiety for passengers. I was on a flight in Charleston South Carolina where are the flaps were stating they were not at the position that they physically were in and with the information and for Tom Ness of the cabin crew it made the delay seem less time then it was. Last month I was on a flight to Manila, we received no information and with the hub and spoke method that that airline flu it was high anxiety and emotional distress for those trying to reach their transfer especially during the rainy season.

[@aramirez13303]

Does anyone else feel Mentour Pilot is talking directly to you? Great story teller...inspires confidance.

[@aussiebloke609]

I couldn't agree more. Having been caught with delays from technical issues in the past, from a passenger's perspective it's so much better to have at least some idea of what is happening. Our worst fear is usually fear of the unknown. Once we know, we can start to understand and that reduces the anxiety. :-)

[@plantfuelled8912]

I think you shouldn't be afraid to go into real technical detail, there may be enthusiasts, engineers and other pilots aboard. I don't think it upsets non technically minded passengers so long as they get a rough idea of delay time.

[@Bellabong]

You underestimate the anxiety people feel when they hear an unknown word while anxious.

[@dennymambo]

Yeah I agree with Bellabong. I'm an aviation nerd, so I'd personally love it if they went into excruciating detail of their 'technical problem' with one of the engines, but I can see how to the average person that doesn't care how it works, hearing an explanation that equates to 'bla-bla-bla' would increase their anxiety because they no longer feel like they are 'in the loop' so to speak.

[@marks2731]

Yes, I like details..

[@gavinjenkins899]

@@dennymambo I dunno, I think it's not too hard to understand "The audio system within aircraft (not the radio) has a malfunction. We need to be able to talk to the cabin crew, so we need an engineer to look at this and fix it before we can take off"

[@materliliorum]

Yeah, such speech indicators as 'Now I'm giving some more details for whoever is interested, feel free to listen or to do whatever is allowed on a plane' would be sufficient imo. But I guess Mentour's followers are for a huge majority the rather freaky ones that want to know more, so we aren't really representative of how passengers can react...

[@bjornfriberg3737]

Great video! Allways happy to see your videos and learn more about aviation. The point you are making in this video is great. It highlights a point that I personally belive should be more included when learning to fly whith airliners

[@MarkPurpose]

Always happy to learn an extra little new details about 737 systems :) Thanks.

[@alberthjeff]

I´m a pilots fan. Probably was my dream to become a pilot, but my life was in other direction. I follow all your podcast, very instructive. Thanks for teach all about aviation.

[@tigertiger1699]

Hi, very professional!, this is exactly the kind of calm.. calming & fact based stuff that my Wife learnt about on her “flying without fear” course with Grant Amos here in Auckland.... she is now.. flying without fear and has helped calm many people on or before flights...👍 Lol she now loves taking videos etc when we get lucky enough to fly past thunder storms etc. Good on you mate!, really a great service that you are doing for all aviation👍 cheers

[@tammywebb9316]

Your awesome! I truly enjoy all of your videos.....

[@lakb45]

I personally thank you for putting safety first. I want to believe every pilot does that.

[@1daddyDA]

I'm have been an aviation geek since I was a kid. Took my first flight at age 10 in 1968 from RAF Brize Norton when my Dad (Army officer) was posted to Malta! I love your channel. Can not afford holidays in the Sun now (although my grown up Sons can) but anything to do with flight fascinates me. In days gone by I've been up to the flight deck on the way back from my Honeymoon, pre 9/11) I hope one day to get a ground Taxy ride in Lancaster Just Jane. Oh to hear those four beautiful Merlin engines!

[@MentourPilot]

Great to hear Tony! I am sure you can make that dream a reality. Thank you for supporting the channel!

[@lawrencemiller3829]

Your advice is good in general, when dealing with customers to inform them honestly of delays and changes, and as appropriate the causes.

[@hlim431]

excellent story and resolution...

[@no_handle_required]

It's called "Command Presence" and it's important in any position of authority or trust. Well done.

[@Andrea-wz9sj]

You had a nightmare that day, however, you were the right person in the right place at the right time. Well done captain, really well done.

[@tommacbride3654]

Communicator you are! Wish we all where! Thanks, job well done! Cheers

[@gordonquickstad]

Bravo, in making the best of a bad situation. Well done.

[@mandisaplaylist]

That gives me a question: Why there is no protection against these surges. If you can fry or crash some pretty important systems by just flipping a switch off and on too quickly ...

[@ogundowoadetola1741]

"Hope you enjoyed it?" ans: , nice one Captain... I am really looking forward to your next Podcast on PA communication with the passengers.

[@robhirst7474]

Love your variety video content. I hope you are also doing fantastic!

[@dondash8921]

I agree that looking & acting professional is very important. I have been in a situation where my co-worker was leading an activity during a safety incident (with very minor injuries). The delay added to the anxiety of the passengers & some voiced their feelings. I was called to assist with the incident response. I noticed my colleague was getting frustrated & was shouting things like "We'll get you off when we are ready." I noticed how rough it was becoming so I motioned for him to stop. I spoke in a firm voice but advised the passengers the reason for the delay. I answered all questions. The situation became much calmer.

[@umitkurtuluskarakus]

Great video, thanks.