What terrible news today that the co pilot deliberately flew the A320 into the ground.
It has been said that the passengers were not aware of what was happening until close to impact.
Well, I hope so.
But would those sitting in the front rows be aware of the Captain banging on the flight deck door trying to get back in? Another member of the failed FL2 clutch/DMF club, twice.

Absolutely terrible. Do they know why he did it? Suicide? If so, why take 150 others with you? Terrorist? Forced to do it - perhaps family held hostage? It wouldn't surprise me if they knew why by now and are keeping it quiet.

too many people take their own life and the result effects too many others

It is sad times that people wish to do this to people not causing them any grief at all, they are not the ones shooting people in other countries over in the name of anti terrorist action Former Mod/Member, with the most post & Chicken George Arch nemesis

It seems that the captain had left the cockpit and couldn't get back in . The copilot had locked the door.
 Do it now ! Your a long time dead !!

That switch can be overridden from outside the flight deck by using a code.
But there is also a mechanical deadlock lever on the flight deck side of the door.
Once that is pulled to 'lock', it's impossible to open the door from the cabin side. Another member of the failed FL2 clutch/DMF club, twice.

I heard on the radio that whilst in Lock position it cannot be overridden, only in Normal.
However if inside the cockpit the lock only last 5 minutes and then will go to normal, so the co-pilot would have to keep putting it in The lock position to stop the door being opened.

Decho that can't be right re locking the door every 15 mins. The locks only came into operation after 9/11, I think. Do it now ! Your a long time dead !!

Pegleg wrote:

That switch can be overridden from outside the flight deck by using a code.
But there is also a mechanical deadlock lever on the flight deck side of the door.
Once that is pulled to 'lock', it's impossible to open the door from the cabin side.

It is truly awful and a terrible tragedy.

I know they say the passengers weren't aware but let's face it, they have to tread a thin line between the truth in press releases and the families that are affected.

If I was on a flight and the pilot was frantically trying to open the door and couldn't, I think I'd be aware that something dreadful was going to happen.

Part of me wonders if two big airliners going down (this and the Malaysian Airlnes flight) due to pilot sabotage are linked.

There is a set sequence to override the lock, however, during this sequence if the person on the inside re arms the door, as he/ she is alerted of the attempt, the cockpit remains locked for a period of time, this can be from 5 to 20 mins before a second attempt can be made. In the case of an incapacitated person on the inside then once the override is put in place the door will wait for 30 seconds while a sounder is going off in the cockpit, after this 30 second period the door has to be opened within 5 seconds or it will re-arm.
Of course, as stated there are dead bolts on the inside, if these are deployed then no- one is getting in.

A very sad turn of events and we can only be thankful that it was over quickly, may their souls rest in peace.

Steve D wrote:

Pegleg wrote:

That switch can be overridden from outside the flight deck by using a code.
But there is also a mechanical deadlock lever on the flight deck side of the door.
Once that is pulled to 'lock', it's impossible to open the door from the cabin side.

Surely having an override switch outside the cockpit would defeat the security aspect?

Easyjet have just confirmed that they will be having two pilots in the cockpit at all times. Hopefully in time for my flight on 13th April!

From inside the cockpit ...

Click image to enlarge

I fly Ryanair regularly and a member of the cabin crew always goes into the cockpit when the either of the pilots leaves Leave cockpit.

Airlines who voluntary have two pilots on the flight deck at all times is only a short term answer.
If 80% of airlines did it, then on the face of it, the other 20% would appear vulnerable.
It has to be industry wide.
The CAA have already been in touch with all UK based operators and are in discussion with the European Aviation Safety Agency.

The flight deck door will no doubt be the subject of great discussion; it's quite feasible to use finger/retina recognition to gain entry. Then again, should a member of the flight crew become belligerent within the cabin...........

It really is so very very sad. Another member of the failed FL2 clutch/DMF club, twice.