www.CostaRicaTicas.com

All commercial airline companies operate with what is called "a go no go list".

It lists what items might be inoperable and what action is required. The action required can be different depending on the facilities that the airline has at a particular airport. For example something that would have to be repaired, if found at at an airport that the airline had a main maintenance base, before the flight could depart might not have to repaired before the flight departed an airport where the airline had only a line maintenance facility.

The list is promulgated by the aircraft manufacture, the airline and the appropriate governmental agency that is responsible for aviation safety in the country in which the aircraft is flagged.

It might have been perfectly within operational limits for the thrust reverser to be inoperative. What a go no go list does not take into account are things like a runway without proper safety grooves and rain at the time of landing. It would seem to me that the Captain of the flight, knowing he had an inoperative reverser, knowing it was a short runway, knowing it was raining and most likely aware that the grooves had not yet been installed should have made the decision to go to his alternate airport.

Unfortunately, and hind site is 20/20, he made the wrong decision.

_________________
Pura Vida
Only Irish coffee provides in a single glass all four
essential food groups:
alcohol, caffeine, sugar and fat.
Alex Levine

I assumed all airlines have a list like this. But if that airport did not have the proper maintenance equipment/staff, that plane should have been flown (without passengers) to a another airport for repair. But I understand the economic ramifications of that kind of move. And sometimes economics, and not common sense, dictate corporate action.


I think you hit it right on the head, the rain (and lack of proper draining) was the key. As far as I know, airplanes do not have anti-lock braking systems, so without reverse thrust, he had to use the brakes and spoilers only. As far as I know, you can't reverse thrust on one side only (I could be wrong on that). In any case, once he locked the brakes, he began sliding (hydroplaning) down the runway because of the excessive water buildup.

I'm curious to see the final report of who they blame for this, if anybody.

Orange wrote



There would be no reason to have a go no go list under that scenario. There are minor problems that do no compromise safety and therefore absolutely no reason not to fly. Would you cancel a vacation trip with the family because the gas gauge was not operating correctly?

Orange wrote



Anti skid systems (called ABS by car manufacturers) have been installed on commercial jets since the original Comet, Convair, Douglas, Boeing jets were introduced. Without them all the aircraft tires would blow out on landing. And FYI every airline I worked for the anti skid system being inoperative was a no go item period. It always had to be working or you did not go.

_________________
Pura Vida
Only Irish coffee provides in a single glass all four
essential food groups:
alcohol, caffeine, sugar and fat.
Alex Levine

If that is the case perhaps the Captain developed a false sense of security figuring that I made it yesterday with same airplane, same runway, same weather, etc so I can do it today.

Almost positive very person on this board has done something a little bit foolish got away with it and said "hey I can do that I did it before with no problem"

_________________
Pura Vida
Only Irish coffee provides in a single glass all four
essential food groups:
alcohol, caffeine, sugar and fat.
Alex Levine