I’ve just booked a trip to Peru and Rio for later in the year and ended up making my decision for the return flight based on AF447! It seems ridiculous, even to me, but I couldn’t bring myself to book my return to MAN (via CDG) on the days when AF are operating the service with an A330, so have booked for a day when it is a 744 flight.
I don’t know whether anyone else would feel like this? Air travel and air safety doesn’t normally bother me (obviously), and whilst it may seem morbid, I have numerous books etc in my collection related to air accidents and safety because the causes and effects intrigue me. But because the cause is not yet known and the possible oversights at AF which may or may not (speculative according to the press, not me!) have played a part just mean I cannot do it. I have crossed the Atlantic on A330s before with no issues, but just couldn’t do it on AF447!
Go on, tell me I’m being crazy! 😮
By: Schorsch - 27th July 2009 at 13:03
Not crazy, just human.
I am taking a SIA A330 from Singapore to Brisbane at Christmas, and it crossed my mind that I’m taking the same aircraft type as AF447 across a stormy over-water equatorial region while no-one knows what caused the loss of AF447 in those circumstances.
As an aviation enthusiast and a very rational person, I was a little angry with myself; but I thought it just the same!
I think it is totally human to be somehow reluctant, but as aviation insider one should force oneself to take the flight irregardless of such considerations. There are other considerations that are totally valid: I for example recommend anyone not to use Turkish registered airlines as I see their miserable safety record and the common causes in all of the accidents.
For a time I would also have declined to use MD-11, as I regard them as not-so-good aircraft. However, the passenger version is operated safely by the two remaining operators.
By: Ship 741 - 27th July 2009 at 12:28
Irrational or not, many passengers do not want to fly on a flight that uses the same number as one that previously crashed. Thus, it is very common for airlines to discontinue the use of flight numbers after crashes.
From Wiki:
Retirement of flight numbers
“It is common for an airline to cease using the flight number after a fatal crash.[13] This is not always the case; see, for example, Japan Airlines 123, American Airlines Flight 587, Aeroflot Flight 593, Aero Flight 311, Iran Air Flight 655, United Airlines Flights numbered 608, 624, and 823, and Aer Lingus Flight 712.”
By: Arabella-Cox - 27th July 2009 at 12:15
Go on, tell me I’m being crazy! 😮
Not crazy, just human.
I am taking a SIA A330 from Singapore to Brisbane at Christmas, and it crossed my mind that I’m taking the same aircraft type as AF447 across a stormy over-water equatorial region while no-one knows what caused the loss of AF447 in those circumstances.
As an aviation enthusiast and a very rational person, I was a little angry with myself; but I thought it just the same!
By: wl745 - 27th July 2009 at 07:35
A 330
Irrational,perhaps!Late June I flew in a A 330 both ways,never even thought off the the Air france crash .Air travel its only a means to an end!More chance of being hit by a car or being in a traffic accident than an air crash,especially here in Egypt where I am working.I risk my life each day!!!On the roads I mean!
By: Schorsch - 27th July 2009 at 07:22
Has there ever been two accidents to the same flight number? Or for that matter, has there ever been two accidents to the same type on the same route?
Statistically, maybe you’re safer on AF447?
The same safety you get from taking a bomb on board: the chance for two bombs being smuggled on board (independently of each other) is so small, when you take one, there will not be another and your safe (as you have the trigger).
But in the end, statistics don’t matter and the chance to crash with the A330-200 or the B747-400 are basically the same.
The chances are much reduced as the awareness at flight crews and airline for such type of operation has increased dramatically. Same applies when an airline suffered a landing accident or incident, the time after the pilots are much more aware and concentrated.
It is sad but true: a crash from time to time keeps safety alive.
By: Schorsch - 27th July 2009 at 07:04
I’ve just booked a trip to Peru and Rio for later in the year and ended up making my decision for the return flight based on AF447! It seems ridiculous, even to me, but I couldn’t bring myself to book my return to MAN (via CDG) on the days when AF are operating the service with an A330, so have booked for a day when it is a 744 flight.
I don’t know whether anyone else would feel like this? Air travel and air safety doesn’t normally bother me (obviously), and whilst it may seem morbid, I have numerous books etc in my collection related to air accidents and safety because the causes and effects intrigue me. But because the cause is not yet known and the possible oversights at AF which may or may not (speculative according to the press, not me!) have played a part just mean I cannot do it. I have crossed the Atlantic on A330s before with no issues, but just couldn’t do it on AF447!
Go on, tell me I’m being crazy! 😮
Yes, that is a crazy and irrational decision.
By: J Boyle - 27th July 2009 at 01:38
Would there be flight crew willing to take the same flight? YES (they aren’t crazy)
Would there be cabin crew willing to take the same flight? YES (they aren’t crazy either).
I’m not taking sides here..but allow me top point out a flaw in your argument:
the cabin & flight crews are professionals, getting paid to make the flights.
Unless they want to start a new career…they really don’t have much choice.
By: bazv - 26th July 2009 at 22:21
I had to smile when I saw this thread.
When I used to do a fair bit of trans atlantic flying I always booked on a 747,sometimes having to call the travel agent whilst trying to book online… because they were telling me ‘I can get you a cheaper flight’ and me saying yes but it aint got 4 engines !!:D
To paraphrase an old company test pilot Q.”why book on 4 engined a/c”… A. ”Cos they dont make one with 5 ”!! LOL
I am not in any way a nervous flyer but was always a little uneasy about oceanic twin/etops etc
regards BV
By: steve rowell - 24th July 2009 at 02:45
Go on live life to the full. Forget the mumbo jumbo.
It’s not the “mumbo jumbo” he’s worried about it’s the AF jumbo
Fear and apprehension are human foibles…anyone who says they wouldn’t be slightly apprehensive is kidding themselves…no you’re not being crazy
By: LukeSW - 23rd July 2009 at 21:05
Go on, tell me I’m being crazy! 😮
Rationally, yes you’re being crazy. But humans just aren’t completely rational things and I think it’s a completely normal, non-crazy ’emotional’ response! It would probably put me off too even though I know it doesn’t make sense. But then again I’m afraid of (big) spiders which doesn’t make sense either!
By: Grey Area - 23rd July 2009 at 18:31
Go on, tell me I’m being crazy! 😮
You’re being crazy.
By: Skymonster - 23rd July 2009 at 13:45
“Am I being absolutely ridiculous?”
What’s the point in asking now? :confused: By your own admission, you’ve booked the flights and you’re not going on the A330.
What I do find ridiculous is that you claim you have concerns over “the possible oversights at AF which may or may not have played a part” and yet you’re still flying on AF, albeit not on an A330. If you were really concerned, you’d have flown on a different airline.
Andy
PS: If Ryanair ever have a serious fatal on their 737-800s, you’re going to have a serious problem getting around Europe! 😉
By: nJayM - 23rd July 2009 at 13:44
I’ve just booked a trip to Peru and Rio for later in the year and ended up making my decision for the return flight based on AF447! It seems ridiculous, even to me, but I couldn’t bring myself to book my return to MAN (via CDG) on the days when AF are operating the service with an A330, so have booked for a day when it is a 744 flight.
I don’t know whether anyone else would feel like this? Air travel and air safety doesn’t normally bother me (obviously), and whilst it may seem morbid, I have numerous books etc in my collection related to air accidents and safety because the causes and effects intrigue me. But because the cause is not yet known and the possible oversights at AF which may or may not (speculative according to the press, not me!) have played a part just mean I cannot do it. I have crossed the Atlantic on A330s before with no issues, but just couldn’t do it on AF447!
Go on, tell me I’m being crazy! 😮
Would there be flight crew willing to take the same flight? YES (they aren’t crazy)
Would there be cabin crew willing to take the same flight? YES (they aren’t crazy either)
Are there passengers willing to take the same flight? YES (they aren’t crazy either)
If you are so superstitious then you are placing severe limitations in enjoying your life.
Go on live life to the full. Forget the mumbo jumbo.
By: DavidS - 23rd July 2009 at 13:13
Has there ever been two accidents to the same flight number? Or for that matter, has there ever been two accidents to the same type on the same route?
Statistically, maybe you’re safer on AF447?
By: rdc1000 - 23rd July 2009 at 12:48
I would not say your crazy, but you are one or two fries short of a happy meal. :diablo:
LOL, well I don’t think that has ever really been in doubt!
I’d have booked it if it was my ONLY option. I think they have renamed them for the winter anyway, I just realised I am on AF443, and the later evening service (some days) seems to be AF445.
By: tenthije - 23rd July 2009 at 12:10
Go on, tell me I’m being crazy! 😮
I would not say your crazy, but you are one or two fries short of a happy meal. :diablo:
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July 23, 2009 at 11:17 am