SMOKIN’ ORIGINS

I worked on the aircraft in the main hanger block at LHR for BEA 1961 to 1972 – then, when flying, you could smoke anywhere on the kites – because the smoke recirculated in the air con, anyone who did not smoke had no choice but to join in.. So the seating was split into smoking and non smoking sections and the aircon split accordingly. Two cost benefits emerged, where you were not self insuring, insurance premiums went down, but also the aircon filters at the front non smoking end, did not need changing anywhere near the previous schedule, saving on labour and material costs.

Subsequently as society became more anti smoking, and also the smoking sections on the kites were getting to be a block of fumes, a total smoking ban came into being. By this time the smoke was also affecting seats and cabin fittings, wall and ceiling panels were needing to be removed and chemically cleaned during a major maintenance – so more cost savings appeared and no more frequent aircon filter changes. Then it was realised that the aircon could now run with less heating etc., saving fuel.

This is now a winner. The fire risk is of course less, but as all the fabrics, plastics, etc.. used are non-flammable or flame retardent, it is not seen as a major problem. There is potentially more danger from idiots using mobile phones and laptops during takeoff and landing, screwing up part of the electronics or landing system – if you don’t believe me, check out some of the specialist EMC/EMI journels as to what can happen. You can fire missiles by accident with an errant pulse! – there went the neighbourhood!!

Cheers Brian:D